Having discovered a gem, the Z-City Hero Association branch began operating as efficiently as a well-oiled machine. Johnson and Bang returne
Having discovered a gem, the Z-City Hero Association branch began operating as efficiently as a well-oiled machine. Johnson and Bang returned to the locker room to change, and Lanie invited them for tea in the reception room.
At this time, the Hero Association had not yet established its future written exam — completing the physical tests alone was considered sufficient.
According to Lanie, the Hero Association currently had three ranks: A, B, and C. Rank assessment was based on four equally weighted aspects: Monster elimination records, combat ability, social contribution, and public popularity. Each aspect counted for 25% of the score, which was calculated weekly to determine hero ranks and standings.
In other words, being strong doesn't automatically make you A-rank.
As new recruits, Johnson and Bang's tremendous personal strength would earn them initial ranking bonuses. However, their ongoing hero activities, fan popularity, and other factors would determine their standing among fellow heroes.
"Rankings aren't important. This old man isn't here to compete with youngsters."
"I feel the same way, though feel free to contact me if you encounter Monsters you can't handle."
"Alright..." Though discouraged by their lack of interest in rankings, Lanie quickly regained her spirit, "This morning's test results have been sent to headquarters. The association will deliberate and decide your hero ranks. You should hear back within three days."
"So we're done? My poor back can finally rest." Bang rubbed his back and stretched his shoulder blades, feigning exhaustion, "It's about lunchtime too — shall we go somewhere for a drink?"
What a crafty old man, who's he trying to fool!
Watching the old man's skilled performance, Johnson considered for a moment and nodded, "Why not come to my place? I'll cook something and let the master taste my 'It's not much, but it's honest work' homemade meal."
"Oh? Young Johnson, you can cook too? This old man must have a proper taste then. But what's this 'honest work' meal?"
"Just a silly meme~"
"Is that so..."
Lanie: "..."
As they spoke, the two new heroes had already walked out of the reception room, leaving her no chance to interject. Clearly, they had no intention of staying longer.
Maintaining her professional demeanor, Lanie hurried after them, escorting the two gentlemen to the facility entrance and handing them her business cards.
"Please contact me anytime for anything. Here's my number."
"Will do."
"Certainly."
After handing them her business cards, she watched as the old and young figures ambled away and disappeared around the street corner. She took a deep breath.
Under the gaze of the rough men around her, the blonde beauty's warm enthusiasm transformed into icy coldness. She elegantly adjusted her wine-red glasses and strode briskly toward the branch building.
She needed to process Johnson and Bang's ranking assessments promptly.
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On their way back, Johnson took the old man to a convenience store.
Watching him expertly select ingredients and fruits, the old man remarked, "These days, few young people have the patience to cook for themselves. Johnson, you're quite talented."
"It's mainly because my work isn't demanding, and I have supernatural abilities. Those corporate workers are already exhausted from their jobs — how could they have energy left for cooking?"
As they left the convenience store, Johnson transformed all the shopping bags into cards, his hands suddenly empty.
Bang: "..."
Watching the items vanish into thin air, his mouth twitched.
"...I must say, your supernatural power is quite convenient."
Johnson nodded emphatically, "Yes, I think so too."
As they chatted pleasantly, two dark figures suddenly darted through a nearby alley. Shouts echoed during the chase.
"Stop! Don't run!"
Johnson raised an eyebrow, his powerful perception instantly identifying the pursuer.
A black-haired man, about 175cm tall, wearing a worn blue tracksuit — it was Saitama.
The person he was chasing appeared humanoid and wore a green jacket, but its blue skin and the strange aura it emitted clearly marked it as something other than human.
Bang, whose senses were equally keen, also noticed something amiss, "Johnson, those two who just passed..."
They exchanged glances and quickly reached the same conclusion.
"Let's follow them!" x2
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Dead end.
"You think you can escape?"
A cold voice echoed from above. The blue-skinned Monster, Frog Man, sweat beading on his forehead, pointed shakily at the shadowy figure silhouetted against the sun, "Why are you so persistent? Who are you?"
"Me?" Saitama stood on the fourth-floor rooftop railing, looking down as he answered, "I'm someone who became a hero for fun."
Sunlight streamed from behind him, casting his silhouette in a magnificent glow, though his face remained hidden in shadow.
As he spoke, he bent his knees and leaped down!
After months of training, though he still hadn't fully adapted to his self-imposed brutal regimen, his physique had grown significantly stronger. A mere four stories was nothing...
Rip!
A sharp tearing sound pierced the air as Saitama landed steadily, immediately feeling a rush of cold air below.
Looking down, he saw his already patch-covered tracksuit had snagged on something, tearing from the rear downward and revealing pink boxer briefs — the garment now reduced to mere strips of cloth.
No wonder he felt cold.
Uh... Saitama instinctively covered his backside, his dramatic entrance suddenly turning rather awkward.
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Smack! x2
On a higher rooftop, two men who witnessed this scene simultaneously covered their faces.
Johnson had originally been eager to introduce Saitama to Bang, but now...
"Johnson, do you know that guy down there?"
"Don't ask me, I definitely don't know him!"
"..."
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"Hahaha!" Seeing Saitama's embarrassing state, the previously nervous Frog Man burst into laughter, "You look ridiculous, and you call yourself a hero! I thought you were someone impressive after chasing me for three blocks... uh... eh?"
His mockery died in his throat as he met Saitama's serious gaze, his heart inexplicably trembling!
"..."
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Ahhh... help! Please spare me, sir..."
After a merciless beating, the stolen video discs scattered from Frog Man's pockets, now covered in green Monster fluid.
"Well, they're useless now in this state." Standing over the unconscious Monster, Saitama shook the slime from his hands with disgust, his face twisted in a frown.
Suddenly, his brows furrowed as he calmly looked toward a specific spot.
"Who's there?"
"Nice fighting, young man. Interested in learning about martial arts?"
"Nice to see you again, Saitama. Your jump down was really cool, but the landing was totally lame."
Saitama: "..."