"That… that's Saitama?!"
Among the crowd, someone suddenly shouted.
"Saitama?"
"Who's that?"
"Wait, you mean that guy… the one who cheated his way to S-Class Rank 2?"
"Yeah! The weakest S-Class in history, without a doubt!"
"We're finished! Of all people, it had to be him. The disgrace of the Hero Association who climbed up using women and backdoor favors!"
"Not only that, he loves stealing other heroes' credit too! Always taking glory for things others did!"
"Hurry and get the real S-Class heroes here! This guy won't save us!"
The crowd, which had briefly cheered, quickly deflated after realizing it was Saitama. Trolls and critics stirred up the panic, spitting venom and insults.
Ever since Saitama had been promoted to S-Class Rank 2 from C-Class, the decision had been met with widespread disbelief. Rumors spread like wildfire—claiming he climbed through nepotism, stole points, or even that he became Tatsumaki's fiancé to move up.
As for his strength? Most thought it was a joke.
What good was a C-Class man with an S-Class badge?
Even the Hero Association had its share of people who advanced through connections.
"Saitama?! You should call for Genos or Tatsumaki! You alone can't handle this monster!"
Not far away, A-Class hero Snake called out, glaring. He still hadn't forgotten the humiliation of being floored by Saitama back when he tried to "educate" the newcomer.
To this day, he convinced himself that he had lost only because of trickery. If it had been a fair fight, his Snake Fist would have taken Saitama down in two moves!
Other A and B-Class heroes also advised caution, clearly lacking confidence in Saitama's ability to stand against the Deep Sea King.
"Saitama…"
Bruce Banner clenched his fists, feeling bitter. If it were him, he'd already be raging at these fools, maybe even beating them senseless.
But Saitama? His face was calm as ever—no anger, no frustration. He simply turned to the civilians and said flatly:
"Step back. This monster's mine."
Bruce's heart shook. This guy… what kind of broad-mindedness is this? Compared to him, I really do feel small.
"Yours? Done talking, weakling human?"
The Deep Sea King, who had been enjoying the spectacle, finally grinned cruelly.
His fist came crashing down.
Fast—lightning fast!
Boom—!
The stadium floor erupted, dust and rubble exploding everywhere.
But his fist didn't land on Saitama.
Nor did it land on Bruce.
"You're safe, Sensei! I made it just in time!"
It was Genos!
The handsome cyborg—no, now enhanced with a bionic exosuit—looked nearly human again, but his power was far greater than before.
He caught the Deep Sea King's punch head-on. The force pushed him back several meters, shattering the ground beneath his feet.
"Genos! It's Genos!"
"S-Class Rank 6, Genos! So cool!"
"I love you, Genos!!"
"Genos, have my babies!!"
"As expected of a real S-Class hero—he blocked a demon-level monster's punch!"
"Way better than that fraud S-Class…"
The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting his name with admiration.
"Sensei? He's… your student?"
Bruce gawked in disbelief. This young man had just stopped an attack that would've obliterated most. His mind reeled.
Was everyone in this world some kind of monster?!
"Hello, I'm Genos, disciple of Saitama-sensei. And you are?" Genos greeted politely.
"Bruce Banner, Saitama's friend. Nice to meet you." Bruce nodded quickly.
"Now's not the time for introductions. Sensei, Bruce—be careful. This one's dangerous."
Genos slid to the side, his palms glowing as energy surged.
"Incinerate—Particle Cannon!!"
BOOM—!
A blinding beam tore forward, blasting the Deep Sea King. The impact shook the stadium, carving a crater over twenty meters wide and a bottomless trench behind it.
The monster was blown clean away.
"So strong! Genos!"
"As expected of S-Class!"
"Amazing!!"
The crowd roared. Bruce's blood boiled with excitement. This world… it's like it was made for me!
Thud!
A blur shot forward.
The Deep Sea King reappeared instantly, scorch marks still burning across his chest. He slammed a fist into Genos, hurling him through the air, then pounced, raining blows down mercilessly.
The ground cracked, exploding with each strike.
"He's too strong!"
Bruce clenched his fists tighter, his blood surging. "Saitama! Let me try! If I lose control, it'll be up to you!"
Before Saitama could reply, Bruce—still in his white lab coat—charged out, trembling with anticipation.
(End of Chapter)
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