"Are we just letting them leave like that, Sensei?"
After eating hot pot at Saitama's place, Genos helped clear the dishes while glancing at Saitama and asking.
Zuke, Tatsumaki, and Fubuki had already left. Saitama's hand had fully recovered, and aside from the loss of a set of clothes, it seemed like nothing had changed.
But Genos could clearly sense a fire burning in Saitama's heart—this was the first time since becoming strong that he had been so thoroughly overpowered.
So Genos had initially thought Saitama might do something to Zuke and the others. Yet even after dinner, until their departure, Saitama hadn't said much.
"That guy is strong. Much stronger than me. This isn't the first time I've been in this situation."
Hearing Genos' question, Saitama set down his drink—which, of course, had been bought by Tatsumaki under Zuke's instructions. His eyes burned with intensity, a stark contrast to his usual lifeless gaze. Staring in the direction Zuke had left, his tone was resolute.
"I thought nothing could reignite my fighting spirit anymore, but it seems there's always someone stronger, and skies beyond skies."
"..."
Genos was moved by Saitama's expression—this was the first time he'd seen his teacher so fired up. Originally, Genos had been resentful toward Zuke for hurting Saitama... but now, he felt somewhat grateful. After all, Zuke had succeeded in motivating his teacher, something Genos had never been able to achieve.
"Alright! Starting today, I'm increasing my daily training!"
Saitama stood up, clenching his fist so hard the air cracked sharply.
"200 push-ups, 200 sit-ups, 200 squats, and a 20-kilometer run—every single day!"
Compared to his previous routine, Saitama had doubled the numbers—undoubtedly increasing the intensity for himself.
But Genos, hearing this, couldn't help but feel speechless.
Unaware of the concept of the "Limiter," Saitama's so-called "brutal training" still sounded like a joke to him. He still didn't understand the secret behind Saitama's strength.
But it didn't matter. He believed that by staying by Saitama's side, he would eventually learn something.
"Then I'll order a new front door for you first, Sensei..."
Tatsumaki had crumpled Saitama's front door into a ball and tossed it away, leaving the entrance completely bare.
---
"You're leaving? Where to? Don't you have to go to the Hero Association tomorrow?"
After leaving Saitama's place, Tatsumaki looked at Zuke in surprise—he had just said he needed to leave for a while and wouldn't be back until tomorrow.
Eyes narrowed suspiciously, she asked, "You don't have a place to stay, do you?"
Surprisingly, Tatsumaki had guessed correctly—Zuke truly had no residence in this world.
Of course, if he really wanted to settle here, he had plenty of options.
At the very least, there was one obvious place right in front of him.
"If you really don't have a place to stay... you could stay at my place."
Tatsumaki crossed her arms, her expression the very picture of tsundere—despite not being blonde or twin-tailed, Zuke couldn't help but see a bit of Eriri in her. Perhaps when a strong-willed girl is subdued by an even stronger man, this is the result.
"Anyway, I have a guest room that's never been used. You can stay there if you want."
"Sis...!"
Fubuki, standing nearby, was shocked. She never expected Tatsumaki to invite a man she'd just met into her home.
But then again, considering Zuke's terrifying power... it wasn't entirely impossible for him to have won over her usually arrogant sister.
In fact, Fubuki had also considered recruiting Zuke into the Blizzard Group. But she knew full well that her group had nothing to offer someone of his level.
This was someone who could casually blast fights into outer space—just the thought of it sent shivers down her spine.
"That won't be necessary."
Despite Tatsumaki's flushed face making it clear how much courage it had taken to say those words, Zuke mercilessly rejected her.
After all, this was just a mission world. Even if he were to establish a base here in the future, that would come later. Right now, he had other things to do and couldn't stay just because of Tatsumaki.
"Tch! Fine, suit yourself!"
Seemingly angered by his response, Tatsumaki glared at Zuke before stomping her foot in frustration.
Of course, since her backside hadn't yet received Zuke's "treatment," the sudden movement sent a jolt of pain through her, twisting her expression momentarily.
Then, gritting her teeth, she used her telekinesis to lift Fubuki into the air and flew off.
But as she left, she still couldn't resist throwing back one last line:
"You know where I live. Come find me whenever."
Watching Tatsumaki disappear with Fubuki in tow, Zuke shook his head helplessly.
It seemed that while her mouth was sharp, her body was honest. At the very least, she now understood the situation and likely wouldn't refuse most of his requests.
But with Tatsumaki gone, Zuke could proceed to the next step.
That's right—he planned to investigate underground.
In the original storyline, beneath Z City's abandoned district lay the Underground Kingdom, a civilization ruled by the Underground King and inhabited by subterranean beings.
However, later on, the Monster Association wiped out these beings and repurposed the underground space as their base, even referring to the original inhabitants as "natives."
Almost like they were setting up their own Thanksgiving.
Zuke wanted to check whether the Underground King still ruled below or if the Monster Association had already taken over.
If the Underground Kingdom was still intact, he intended to try and claim it as a potential base for his "King's Army" in this world.
But if the Monster Association had already invaded, then he planned to capture one of its cadres—"Homeless Emperor."
Because Homeless Emperor was the only figure during this period with a confirmed connection to "God." If Zuke wanted to force Garou to awaken his "Cosmic Fear Mode," this guy was essential.
Earlier, Zuke had considered a plan to accelerate Garou's transformation into "Cosmic Garou," and Homeless Emperor was a crucial piece of that puzzle.
To be continued…
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