Chapter Text
Very rarely was Saitama summoned for a private meeting at Hero Association HQ. Since he was always available and could solve problems instantly, there was no point in bringing him here for a solo conference. A quick phone call here, a home visit there, and so on. Really, the only time Saitama needed to come in was when something complicated was happening or several things required his involvement. And well, the events of yesterday fit both of those parameters.
"I hope you can forgive us, One Punch Man," Sitch said, bowing his head respectfully. "You must be exhausted from the fight and from the party City J threw you. We hoped to wait until later today, or even tomorrow, before bringing you in. But as you can imagine, there's a LOT we need to discuss..." He told him.
"Nah, you're fine, Sitch. Don't worry about it," Saitama assured him with a dismissive wave. "As for the exhaustion part, believe it or not, I feel great. City J and the Seafolk know how to treat a guy. They made me a LOT of good food and gave me the best room in the best hotel with the best bed. I slept better than a dead guy," He shared. "Also, I'm guessing you guys helped to keep the press and anyone else at bay?" He assumed.
"Absolutely. We immediately imposed a strict ban on non-City J residents from flocking to the city to hassle you. Sweet Mask helped with that, using his popularity with the public to sway them. Unfortunately, that has left us with MANY outlets and individuals wanting to get their turn with you. Even for our organization, it's too much to handle." Sitch replied, now sitting straight.
"I bet. I'm grateful you guys kept the tidal wave from crashing into me for as long as you could," Saitama told him. "On that note, how are we going to handle it?" He asked.
"Sweet Mask would like to have a separate conversation with you about it after we're done here. I hope that's alright," Sitch answered.
"Yeah, no problem. Should've known the PR wizard would already be working his magic," Saitama responded. "So, what are you and I talking about, then?" He inquired.
"A few things..." Sitch began as he pulled out the same device the S-Class heroes used for communication and other useful applications. "First, there's the moon. I want to put your mind at ease right away and say that no one's mad about the damage you caused. Honestly, it's a miracle we even still HAVE a moon. Metal Knight thinks we could turn it into a brand new lunar research facility, especially with the alien technology we gained from the invaders. He's also confident that he can restore its original position without your assistance, but that will have to come after he's through attempting to repair it.
Second, the invaders. They have completely surrendered to us and are being contained at the House of Evolution. Zombieman is there alongside Child Emperor. The main reason for their presence is security, though Child Emperor is working with Doctor Genus to upgrade his facility and begin researching the aliens individually. Like with their surrender, the aliens have been fully cooperative and transparent. They continue to emphasize that only a suicidal moron would cause problems when someone like you is around.
Third, the giant dinosaur. So, we've actually known about that for a while. We haven't brought it to your attention, as the creature appears to be dead inside the ice. While your impact destroyed the mountain, the ice is perfectly intact, though it has started to melt. We're working on some ideas for what we can do next, but if things go badly, we'd appreciate it if you could go there and handle the issue.
Fourth, Puri Puri Prisoner. Plain and simple, the man broke out of prison to go and see you. He still needs to serve his sentence, though we'd like to hear your opinion on the matter and any other comments you have.
Fifth, Speed-O-Sound Sonic. Puri Puri Prisoner informed us about his attempt to assassinate you and how you detained him. Sadly, he escaped during the commotion caused by Metal Knight arriving at the island with his drone to tell you about the invaders. He even managed to destroy Metal Knight's drone as he fled. We don't know where he is, but he's undoubtedly going to come after you again. We'd just like to know whether there's anything you'd like us to do.
Finally, the last thing on the agenda is City Z. No further damage was done, no civilians were harmed, and the restoration effort has resumed. Even amidst all that's going on and how many people want to talk to you, everyone within the Association, including Sweet Mask, believes you should return home. It'd be a great thing for the morale and emotional well-being of City Z's populace. On top of that, it'll be the most comfortable place for you to deal with everything else and will give you the chance to talk to the other heroes. Of course, it's up to you if you just want to pop in and check on everything or stay there." He stated.
Saitama closed his eyes and folded his arms. Then, he tilted his head a little. Soon after, he started tapping his right index finger against his bicep. There was a lot for the ol' thinker to think about, so he needed a few minutes, which Sitch understood.
"I was planning to go back home, so that's no big deal. I agree that Puri should serve his sentence, but he NEEDS to be relocated to a new prison. If he weren't superhuman, he might've died in the first week of being there. Sonic is not a problem for me. I get it, I'm super important and everything, but we ALL know that I cannot be harmed. My fight with Boros should put any potential doubts or worries to rest for good. So, if he wants to keep trying to kill me, let him. I'll deal with him, and if he doesn't slip away, I'll be sure to hand him over to the Association. As for the dino, it'd be a shame if I had to kill it, so I'll try and slap it or something, maybe bop it on the head like I did Pochi." Saitama stated.
"Understood..." Sitch replied, taking notes of what he was told. "Well, that should cover it. Would you like to wait here for Sweet Mask or go somewhere else for that meeting?" He asked.
"Here, please," Saitama answered.
With that, Sitch gave the top hero a nod of confirmation before standing and leaving. Unlike the big gatherings, this one was in a far more casual room within the building where guests or executives would relax. A perfect place to have a conversation, even if it was about business. Before long, Sweet Mask arrived, and another exchange of words was underway.
Meanwhile, At The House Of Evolution
"Hey, how's it going?" Zombieman asked, speaking to one of Doctor Genus's clones.
"Everything's fine," The clone answered, turning to face the undead hero. "Atomic Samurai and Tanktop Master remain unconscious, but they're fully recovered. Flashy Flash is also back to normal, but we don't know where he is. After he was treated yesterday, he vanished." He explained.
While the S-Class heroes were fighting Lord Boros, Doctor Genus summoned his clones to City Z. They've been carrying out their regular duties after they assisted with the treatment and accommodation of the citizens on the day of the disaster. So, when Sweet Mask, Child Emperor, and Watchdog Man returned with the injured heroes, those who were entirely biological were taken to the House of Evolution IMMEDIATELY. After all, the good doctor's technology and scientific innovations hadn't yet been made available to the public, so there was truly no better medical institution on the planet than here. Plus, it was close to City Z, which had no proper hospitals.
"Yeah, not surprised. That guy is obsessed with overachieving and living up to One Punch Man's expectations. Yesterday was a double demerit as far as he's concerned," Zombieman sighed. He understood how Flashy Flash and the rest of S-Class were feeling, but running off to do who-knows-what wasn't helping anyone.
"Is that all you wanted to know?" The clone inquired.
"Yes, but I have a request," Zombieman replied. "When Genus is available, could he come and talk to me? Just the two of us," He said.
"I'll be sure to pass the message along. If he can't, then we'll inform you." The clone told him.
"Cool. Thanks," Zombieman responded before turning around and walking away.
As the undead hero went to check on the prisoners, elsewhere, Child Emperor was in conversation with Doctor Genus. A conversation that would swiftly put the prodigy at the top of a certain woman's hit list.
"Really? Completely powerless?" Dr. Genus questioned, eyes wide from shock.
"Mhm. Couldn't even lift a button if she tried," Isamu confirmed. "In truth, Tornado's been physically fine since I treated her. The recovery story was just to buy time to figure out what's going on. I'm confident that she is subconsciously limiting herself, or perhaps her body is preventing the use of her powers since she pushed herself over her limits. Sort of like a defensive reaction. I know too little about Espers to be sure of any hypothesis, though," He shared.
"Hmm, well, both theories are credible. Psychic power, as best as we understand it, relies entirely on the mind. I don't doubt that Tornado remains steadfast in light of this unfortunate development, so I wouldn't say it's a case of delusion or denial. Due to the damage she did to herself, she may be hesitating without realizing it now that she knows her current limit. Of course, it could also be, as you propose, that her mind is trying to protect itself despite her conscious wishes. She is, quite literally, at odds with herself. A tricky situation to be sure," Dr. Genus commented.
"Another issue is that, to my knowledge, there aren't any great masterminds of ESP. Someone like Tornado or her sister knows a lot, sure, but they're not academic scholars on the subject, nor have they spent the majority of their lives studying themselves to grasp the full extent of their abilities. If that were the case, then Tornado would've had a solution at the ready..." Isamu sighed.
"I assume you've come to me because I created an Esper in Slugerous," Dr. Genus said.
"Correct. I just need someone to bounce ideas with. I wouldn't be so bold as to try to dump this problem on you." Isamu replied.
"Well, first of all, I'm deeply flattered by the consideration. Secondly, I do know how ESP and Espers work on the biological level, but I've only dipped my toes into the deeper relationship between an Esper's thoughts and feelings with their powers. I'm more than happy to help, but we'll still need to do a lot of work," Dr. Genus told him.
"Ugh, if only there were an expert..." Isamu sighed again, closing his eyes.
...
...
...
"Wait...there might be..." Dr. Genus muttered, thinking about something. "One of the aliens, the one directly responsible for the meteors, is an Esper. By his claim, he's the most powerful in the universe. Even if that isn't true, I'm confident that he knows more about ESP than anyone on Earth. We should consult him." He suggested.
"That...is...brilliant!" Isamu exclaimed, face glowing with joy. "Plus, this is all HIS fault! He should take responsibility!" He added.
"Hm, true. That final attack is what forced Tornado to push herself," Dr. Genus agreed.
And so, the two geniuses set off to speak to the extraterrestrial Esper. Maybe, if things went well, Tornado could meet this alien, too. Then again, she'd probably lunge at him with physical strength on par with One Punch Man's and strangle him to death before he could use his powers. That is, unless someone else was serving as the outlet for the fiery Esper's rage. But who could that possibly be?
Elsewhere, At The City Z Hero Apartments
"So...I do not have an issue with King getting punished for what he did..." Fubuki began. "However, I do think you might've gone a BIT too far..." She said, speaking to her sibling.
Both Fubuki and Tatsumaki were sitting next to each other on King's couch. The man himself was kneeling before them. Tatsumaki had her arms folded, and her glare was especially furious today. Fubuki looked worried, for despite her displeasure at King's false declaration of their relationship, she still cared about him. So, seeing the poor guy have welts the size of baseballs all over his head, along with several bruises, was concerning.
"He's lucky that I don't wear any rings," Tatsumaki commented, glare unfaltering.
"I'm shorry..." King apologized with tears in his eyes. He spoke with a lisp because his lips were swollen.
"Oh, trust me, you WILL be," Tatsumaki assured him, gripping her sleeves.
"Okay, let's rein it in," Fubuki advised. "King's already going to be paying his dues by training with my people and me. He'll also be doing double the work, both as punishment and to accelerate his growth. Then there's all the public appearance stuff I mentioned, like fake dates, shopping trips, and a bunch of PR-related things. My point is that his sentence has already been issued. I really don't want him to be harmed or made to suffer." She told her.
"...It's not like I want that, either..." Tatsumaki sighed, finally closing her eyes. "I do like you, King. But you were WAY out of line with this!" She exclaimed, furrowing her brow as her eyes stayed shut.
"I know. I'm shorry. It wash the only thing I could think of that would make sensh." King explained.
"Just...Just promise me that this is it, yeah? If you're going to dig yourself deeper, don't give Fubuki a shovel!" Tatsumaki demanded.
"I promish. No more collateral damage." King stated.
"Good. Fubuki, you can heal him now," Tatsumaki said, knowing that's what her sister wanted to do.
Fubuki gladly got to work on healing King's lumpy, discolored head. Before long, he was back to his normal self, chiseled chin and all.
"Thank you..." King sighed, relieved that the pain was gone.
"You're welcome," Fubuki replied with a smile as he got up from the floor.
"So, now what?" Tatsumaki asked. "Are you two going to try and get on top of this, or just let everyone else gossip until it boils over?" She clarified.
"Well, considering the whole world's currently fixated on Saitama because of everything that happened yesterday, I actually think we've got time to prepare. My subordinates will probably want an explanation immediately, though." Fubuki answered.
"Still, he'll be pretty shocked if we don't tell him first. Like, if someone else does or if he just catches the news from some other source," King noted.
"Will he? Saitama takes everything in stride. The only thing that gets that man worked up is when he's losing. He has NO poker face at ALL." Tatsumaki argued. Although King was the one who played video games with Saitama, Tatsumaki had played cards with him before. Even the simplest games could get a vein to bulge on that bald head.
"I think Saitama will be more confused than anything. He knows about your secret, King, so he'll likely assume that this is another cover story you came up with, which it is." Fubuki reasoned.
"You're not wrong, but I know he'll be surprised that you're going along with it since it'll make things complicated." King insisted.
"How so?" Tatsumaki inquired.
"Because you two have feelings for him," King said.
For a moment, no one processed the words that came out of King's mouth. The sisters were blindsided by the fact that ANYONE knew, so it took a second for the revelation to sink in. King had been so focused on his punishment and the literal smackdown Tatsumaki had given him that he wasn't thinking about what he was saying. That is, until all three realized what he had just done.
The sisters' eyes shot open, and they stared into the horizon as though they had just witnessed a nuclear bomb detonate and couldn't look away from the explosion. King's eyes also shot open, but he's been through this sort of thing far too many times to be incapacitated. So, knowing he was about to die, he ran out of the apartment. He was already at the stairwell, not wasting time by waiting for the elevator, when he heard the voice of death, which sounded like two women.
"KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!!!!!!!!!!"