After Saitama explained things clearly and vouched for Bruce Banner's character, the others finally accepted him as a fugitive but also as Saitama's friend.
"Dr. Banner? I didn't expect you to have such deep expertise in biological genetics. That Hulk Saitama mentioned… could you transform for us to see?"
Child Emperor's eyes gleamed with curiosity.
For someone that even Saitama called "strong," he wanted to see it for himself.
"Uh… right now I haven't figured out a way to control my mind when I transform."
Bruce wiped the cold sweat from his back. Without anger, he was just a weak scientist.
Being bound earlier by Tatsumaki's psychic powers had terrified him, but he didn't hold it against her or Child Emperor. After all, he was here seeking refuge—he couldn't afford to offend Saitama's allies.
Besides—
From what Child Emperor explained, that trembling little girl, Tatsumaki… despite looking like a loli, was ranked S-Class No. 2, one of the top heroes!
And even that boyish Child Emperor was ranked S-Class No. 5!
Then, when Bruce learned that Saitama had only recently risen from C-Class Rank 233 to S-Class, his respect and awe for the One Punch World grew even stronger.
After some more explanation, both Tatsumaki and Child Emperor accepted the fact—
This time, Saitama had indeed brought back a living person.
"Not bad, Saitama! That loli Tatsumaki, when she grows up, will definitely be a beauty!"
On the way home, Bruce gave Saitama a sly, "man-to-man" smile, winking knowingly.
"Oh, Tatsumaki's temper is explosive. Her little sister's a lot better."
Saitama replied casually.
"She has a sister?"
"Yeah. Blizzard of Hell, Fubuki. She lives at my place. They're sisters."
"Hiss—"
Bruce's gaze toward Saitama shifted completely. The doctor smirked mischievously. "A pair of sisters, huh? Not bad, doesn't sound like you're losing out."
Between men, women were always the hottest topic.
Though… maybe not for the salted-fish king, Saitama.
Just as they were chatting idly on the way back to the residential district, Saitama's communicator suddenly buzzed.
Child Emperor had just given it to him—an exclusive communicator for S-Class heroes, supposedly to make coordination easier.
"Respected Saitama-sama, a major disaster has struck City C! A suspected demon-level monster has appeared. S-Class hero Genos, A-Class hero Stinger, A-Class hero Snake, and several others have already rushed to the scene! Please proceed immediately to provide support!"
On the screen appeared the face of a bespectacled office lady, her cute features tight with anxiety.
"Oh, looks like I've got work to do. Bruce, want to come along?"
Saitama stopped walking and asked.
Bruce Banner was in high spirits.
Along the way, he'd seen plenty of strange people—some with horns on their heads, others towering as tall as buildings, many wearing bizarre outfits.
But the civilians nearby didn't panic at all. In fact, they looked at those strange figures with respect.
As Saitama explained—
Those were professional heroes of the Hero Association!
"So that's why you called yourself a professional hero. This One Punch World really is amazing… the human structure seems different from Earth's… huh?"
Lost in thought, Bruce was caught off guard by Saitama's question. His face flashed with excitement, but also hesitation.
"I just read through your association handbook. It looks like… only licensed professional heroes can fight monsters? Shouldn't I take the test first?"
The same problem Saitama had faced once before—without a license, acting as a hero could get you branded as a monster and hunted down.
"Right now, just come with me and take a look. This time it's a demon-level monster—they're pretty rare." Saitama said.
"Demon-level?"
Bruce froze. That was enough to destroy an entire city!
"I'll go! I'll go!"
But instead of fear, excitement shone in his eyes. He wanted to see just how strong a so-called demon-level monster really was.
Once they decided, everything moved quickly.
With Saitama agreeing to take part, the girl on the other end of the communicator flushed with joy, fumbling as she hurried to transmit the coordinates.
All that was left now was to head over and finish the fight.
Better hurry—otherwise Genos might deal with it first.
—City Center—
Normally bustling with crowds and traffic.
Now, completely paralyzed.
Wrecked cars littered the streets, civilians screamed as they fled in terror.
Behind them—towering, grotesque figures nearly five or six meters tall.
Each one was hideous, sprouting sea-creature-like tentacles, mottled skin, and monstrous faces.
They were rampaging wildly through the city.
(End of Chapter)
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