Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Prologue: A Hero Reborn (BL)

Everything was in a void. Nothing but lights of faraway stars and the emptiness of the one that was.

A chilling tone echoed in the dark expanse:

[ - Testing - Hero has died. Earth Prototype failed again. Ultimate power still sacrificed. Expanse due, Time is straining. Decide Action - ]

There was silence. A meteor past. Finally a sad whisper sighed in the darkness:

…….Again. Under Universal Law: Earth has lost the right to exist again. I understand we can’t keep going. Without a subject, earth will head toward the road of self-destruction as all mortal beings do. Failure to Breakthrough Infinity State is unacceptable. Repeat Scenario - same subject. It adhered well to host body. Access Parallel Universe random mode and Divine Fates.

One last try to Exist.

He must live at the End………

[ — Noted. Repeat World Events. Randomize elements. Access Divine Fates. Postpone World Annihilation?]

……..Go back twenty years. Suitable host found: One. Dead at First End. Access Divine Fates — Awaken Dreams…….

[ Access Granted. Memories of Certain Subjects Activated. Dreams Granted. Annihilation Postponed. Confirm Action? If taken, Infinite Being risks losing essence and tied to unstable world. Repeat: Confirm Action?]

…….Yes. I, *****, Confirm Action to use my power on world Earth…..

[Confirmed. Beginning Rebirth. Last Scenario Run. Earth will reach Infinite State or Perish. Infinite Being associated will also cease to Exist if Failure Occurs due to Interferance Laws. So Shall It Be]

……..Yes. So Shall It Be……..

……..This world, I cannot live without. Love is still a Chaos energy it seems……..

[Rebirth in Three….Two….One…]

Then came a Bang.

Chapter Text

Chapter One:
“Question: Is the Same Person Reborn, Still the Same?”
- Hero Reborn -

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The last thing Saitama remembered was the thrill. He finally found an opponent who could face him. He had found a purpose to his life and all the fun that came with it. The blood, the laughter, the punches! It was a violent dance that tore through his senses and he loved it.

He died doing what he loved.

His enemy was an enemy of the world that came out of the blue. A lone figure draped in grey with but a single sentence before he attacked: “Earth’s Trial has come. First Test.”

As they fought, the earth cracked, the skies boiled and screams roared around them. The battle drove fire in his veins and he lost all thought. All became red.

For the first time, he could feel pain again and his fists trembled. He remembered he couldn’t stop smiling as if the curves of his smile were permanently etched into his face.

Days passed as the screams faded until only two stood amid the ruins of the city. Smoke and fire dotted the ruined land. Saitama stood above the figure as drove his fist into his gut - piercing through the body.

The figure remained limp and gradually evaporated leaving behind only a voice, “Subject passed First Test.” He vanished completely.

The hero paused and slowly his smile disappeared. Blood dripped down his head as he scanned the area. Nobody was there. Nothing intact. Did he fail? He saved the world, but destroyed it in his madness, his pure hunger for battle.

After that, his memories became a blur. He walked for days and the more he walked, the less he felt sad. It was as if his humanity was draining from him. Until one day, he came across a grave or what remained of it. A simple steel plate was all that remained of the heroes who lived for the city. No statue, no flowers, not even words. The steel melted into the ground long before in the battle, but Saitama stood above as if reading every word.

He remembered saying he was sorry and a burst of sadness flooded him. Then the voice echoed “Second Test passed.”

Finally Saitama closed his eyes. The thrill of battle had all disappeared leaving an empty heart in its place. There was no life on earth and only him. Somehow he had a feeling that with his power, he could live on for a long time. And that if he did, he would change. Evolve.

He knew it in his gut.

But instead, he stared at his hands with faded eyes and said, “I am too strong.”

And tore out his heart.

Light faded from his eyes as a single voice, that raspy grey figure’s voice that kept haunting him said, “Third Test…Failed.”

What the hero never heard was the last part of the sentence, “Infinity Denied. Rebirth Requested.”

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….
..

Saitama groaned. My head itches. A tear leaked from his eye as he yawned and scratched his head. Then he froze. W-Why do I feel weird stuff on my fingers? My head is clearly bald. Wh-What’s on my head?!

Eyes shot open as he jumped up and immediately ran to a mirror by instinct. Then he did a double-take. Black hair gloriously fell around his face in lumps and he didn’t have the huge muscles he had before. His blue-striped cotton pajamas dangled off of him. “I…I have HAIR?!!”

His voice roared out from the apartment and a thump came from below, “SHUT THE HELL UP, WE’RE BUSY DOWN HERE!!!” Saitama’s sharp ears could here a few happy moans after that and a man swearing to kill the fucker who interrupted his date, but he ignored that.

Before he knew it, tears leaked down his face as he ran out to the balcony and took in the scene before him. Cars raced past and people strolled below him. Children giggled as they ran from someone’s doorbell. A food stall yelled out deals. The city was alive and bustling and it made him weak in the knees. Not only was the city alive, but he was in his old house before he moved to the monster ravaged part of town in the future (cause of no money) He still had a savings since he wasn’t broke from being unemployed as a hero for too long yet.

His parents were long ago in his youth so he had only this savings. In fact, he just saved this ugly ass kid from a monster, which meant he also didn’t give up on the job hunt entirely yet. He could still turn things around!

“I can’t believe it. I’m in the past. I’m not a hero. I…am not strong anymore.”

This time he can change everything. The alien grey dude came to earth to pass tests, right? And for some reason, it was all geared toward him. In other words…

“If I never got strong, the grey dude would never come to test me and the world is saved.”

Yes. That had to be it.

From this day on, he’ll live a normal life!

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……

Meanwhile in another part of the city, a pair of golden eyes narrowed. “The city feels different.”

The man clenched his fist — steel fingers crunched as metals whirred down his arm. Fire laced along the edges.

He remembered. 15 years ago, dreams plagued him of a life he never had and the end that became of him. He dreamt of the end of the world and great battle. Of how he lost his god and sadness he saw in his eyes.

And then he woke up. Unfortunately, he still lost his family, but because of the dreams, he knew what to do. He still became a full cyborg with a few upgrades and immediately destroyed the fake hero who killed his family. After his revenge was done, he waited. And waited. The hero association wasn’t made yet, but it will be.

“I have to find him. Soon he’ll become a hero and this time, I won’t let him go.”

They cyborg clenched his teeth as he looked over the city, a monster crushed under his foot. “Master, I’m coming.”

…

Unbeknown to him, he wasn’t the only one with this idea. Especially not a certain ninja.

A new world was being born. Nothing will be the same. Maybe this time…

They can save the world.

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Author Note: So going to update a one shot series, but had this idea for a while now. So here it is. Just a warning: Reverse Harem BL. So yaoi and yaoi. Did I say yaoi?

As for whose in the harem, we’ll see.

Ok folks, hope you’re pulling through in these dark ages and lets see a new era soon. (Without facemasks one day hopefully)

Chapter Text

Hola todos!! Konnichi wa mina-san :)

Having one of those writing sprees so here we are! And thank you for the concern, I’m good and hope you’re good too. *Hits beat* yeah, yeah, location unknown…something tells me we’ll be alright…*cough* my lyrics suuuure haha

Fo’ real, writing is therapy and so is having a fun time mixing with anime and fanfic love with others. Hits different, ya know?

Ok! Here’s the next update and let’s all greet Monday with brave spirits.

P.S. Anyone know how to build a PC? Suuuuper inclined.

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Saitama looked in the mirror before he pulled too tight and the black tie almost ripped off. “Ack! Gah, almost died!” He slumped his shoulders in his two sizes too big suit, gasping for breath. “I haven’t even made it to the interview yet and this is what happens.”

He sighed depressingly at the average face in the glass then ran his fingers through his hair and grinned. He puffed his chest, “Yes. Having hair is good.” He shook his head as he marched out of the apartment, swiping up his briefcase along the way, and whistled. “No point in worrying about it. Now, how what the hell do I talk about in an interview again…?”

He scratched his head. It had been several years since he left the workforce. Technically, a lifetime if you counted dying once. The ex-hero whistled as he walked, kicking up his scuffed leather shoes he got off clearance. “Tequila sunrise, her body fit right in my hands, la la la~” He sang off-key.

The old lady who manned the flower shop down the street gave him an odd glance before tsking away and holding her head with a frown.

“…” Saitama just kept smiling as he walked faster. My voice wasn’t that bad!

Twenty minutes later, the soon-to-be fresh bait of the workforce found himself in front of a glass skyscraper with Generic Company A on the front. Names weren’t very imaginative in these parts with him living in City B - oh, wait, was it C?

Crap. I forgot where I lived. I mean, I only found out I had an interview today when my phone started blaring alarms all morning. It still feels strange fighting monsters one day and heading to the office the next morning. He scratched his chin as the light bounced off the building and burned his eyes. “Might as well try my luck.” I may have forgotten my address, but I did remember a string of failed interviews…Not sure how I graduated college man…

Taking a deep breath, he fixed his collar and strode in. However, as soon as he stepped in the door…

A woman screamed in front of him. The receptionist was found on the ground as a giant pig-man in a ripped suit swung at her before roaring, “HOW DARE YOU REJECT ME!?!! I WAS TOP OF MY CLASS!! WORTHLESS SHITS DIEEEE!!!”

Immediately, a familiar thrill overtook Saitama and before he could think he already blocked the blow. A huge gust of wind blew over them and he winced under the pressure, but that was all. “Oh, come on man. We all getting rejected here. I’m on my 50th! Don’t hit a poor girl over it though.” Huh. Not invincible as before, but I’m definitely stronger than my past normal self. Is this what rebirth does?

The Pig Man snorted rudely and launched another punch at him, his hands-turned-sharp-hooves slicing through the air. “DON’T COMPARE ME TO THE LIKES OF YOU, IDIOTS!!!”

Saitama dodged and by instinct dove under the pig’s thick arm to punch his gut. BAM!

The Pig Man grunted and flew backward. “SQUEEEEE!!!” He rolled on the floor, crashing into lobby sofas, before flopping to the floor. With a grunt, he pushed himself up and roared in anger, “YOU’LL PAYYYYY!!!” Then he gave a full charge toward the ex-hero.

Meanwhile, Saitama stared at his fist in wonder before charging forward himself, a small smirk overrriding his face. He wasn’t all-powerful, but he wasn’t weak. Hey…this strength…he could test the limit, can’t he? He has a limit right now. Which meant he had something to look forward to breaking…!!

His blood started to boil and a familiar thump pounded in his heart. “ROAAAARR!! Come at me!!” He long forgotten himself as he tore off his tie and gave one strong leap into the air, fist raised high. “BRING IT!!”

Two figures charged at each other. On one side, a ton Pig Man with heavy hooves cutting the air and stops that shook the building. On the other side, an average-looking salaryman (hopeful) without a tie. Both of them filled with bloodlust as their roars echoed through the glass walls.

The receptionist screamed and huddled around herself as a window started to crack from the Pig Man’s earth-pounding steps. “Kyaaaa!!”

Saitama roared louder, “Let’s see whose stronger! HAHAHAHA”

CLASH!!!

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Later on that evening…

“One french fries please.” Saitama sat alone in the diner and tried to cover up his ripped clothes with a cough.

“Would you like to order any entrees?” The waitress just raised a brow, but ignored him.

“Ah, no. Just the fries. And only straight ones please. And just water.”

“Ah…Right away, sir.” The waitress smiled fakely as she hurried away.

Sigh. “Well today was a failure.” He hunched over the table and gave a might long sigh as customers peeked at him curiously. His suit was ruined. In the midst of battle, he ripped off his sleeves and dust covered him from the rubble they caused. Forget his tie, even the building was damaged — he booked it out of there before they could charge him.

“Good thing I didn’t check in for my interview or I’d be so toast. I have to budget for now until I can get another interview.” To be fair, the recruiter thought the monster battle prevented him from coming, but he doubted showing up at a rescheduled time would change the fact that the receptionist remembered his face. Thank gods the camera system was long destroyed by their…whirlwind swings. And earthquake kicks…and using a electric pole as a spear…

He held his head in his hands in shame. What happened to a new me?! It was my first interview since rebirth and I duke it out with a pig man with a mother complex! He was supposed to save the world by, well, not saving the world!

“Here’s your fries, sir.” The waitress threw the dish down and left before he could utter a word.

Saitama poked at his dish and hung his head. “Siiiiigh.” This was harder than he thought. He remembered the electric feeling as he punched the pig’s head in the ground. The blows that pounded through him and sent him flying into the walls. The blood down his face. The pain and excitement dancing into an intoxicating mix. Battle wasn’t so dull and boring anymore. It was harder to resist than when he had ultimate strength…

He stared at his still soft, but slightly calloused palms. I am not separated from my emotions as much. Battle is still fun. In fact, compared to before the battle, I feel just a bit stronger than I was before. How could I sense that in such a short time? Maybe…He clenched his fists. “It had to be a test.”

There was no way he’d have it this good. He killed himself when he saved the world, but destroyed life. Now that he was reborn, if he listened to his true desires, he’d destroy what he wanted to protect. “I can finally enjoy battle again, but I’m not allowed to. I…”

He nipped on a fry as he thought. And thought. The light faded outside the store window and he still kept thinking. By the time he finished thinking, the plate was empty and he hurried to pay after getting glares by the waitress for taking so long with a cheap meal.

He was halfway home when he stopped on the empty street and shook his whole body. “Gahhh!” He pounded his fist into the air and yelled at the full moon, “SCREW THIS!!!”

He began to ran. Hours and hours of running. Past restaurants and cars and a weird dog statue with a cosplayer on top. He kept going even when his head pounded and his legs felt ripped apart. Sweat poured down his back, his gut hurt and lungs burned, but he kept going. He felt it inside him during the pig battle, the potential was growing. His speed, his recovery, even his pain tolerance was leveling up. The more he worked out, the more he felt…evolved.

It was the same instinct he got after he defeated the grey figure in the past life. After walking the earth endlessly, that feeling never faded. Like a pandora’s box that waited to be unlocked.

Something called to him.

He huffed as he slowed to a stop and rested his hands on his knees. Hah….Hah…! He gasped for breath and inhaled deeply. Then he settled down and stood up straight, looking at the stars and the moon. At the awaiting catastrophes.

“I’m not that smart. I’ll never past an interview like this. I’m not sure I can handle an office. Being a drone was a hell worse than poverty.”

He inhaled sharply and the crisp night air of summer filled him. Exhale.

A sharp look came over him. “Forget it. I was never good at strategy. I’m a simple man with simple needs and I’m not that good of a person.” He decided.

Clenching his fist in one hand, he pounded the other and took a stance. “I, Saitama, will not destroy the world! But I won’t live a lie!” This time, this time…!!

If I can’t give up on my dreams, then I’ll have to defeat my opponent with my will! If being weak isn’t an option, then I’ll become stronger than I was before and beat the monster outside of the city! I’ll learn to drag him away and we’ll fight in the mountains! Or on the moon! I just have to be smarter just a little and fight in a remote area this time around.

“I’ve decided! I won’t become a hero! But I won’t give up fighting. It’s part of who I am. In return for that selfishness, I’ll have to do what any self-respecting shonen hero does.”

He tore off his shirt and punched the air. This had to be the answer!

“I’ll live in the mountains!!” That way, the monster will find him there and they won’t destroy half the country again. As for the world destruction before the last of humanity stayed in those cities…if he helped out ins secret, he could still save humanity’s numbers. There! That’s it!

The apocalypse before he died wasn’t just one monster. It was a series of events that took away all his friends and most of the people he recognized. If he had been there…

Things would be different.

Every step, I’ll just hit and run! Then hide in the mountains. That way I can help humanity and when the monster shows up randomly, fight him away from others too! There’s still time to prepare.

He wasn’t smart. He knew that. But this was the best answer he could come up with that gave him a willingness to live so he had to do things this way. If he turned into an office drone, he might just kill himself. Plus, he wasn’t almight from the get go. He didn’t randomly go bald neighter. In three years, the Hero Association will rise and by then he hoped he still had hair or…he’d have to rethink things.

But something in his gut told him that wouldn’t happen.

He trusted his instincts.

……..Well. Plus he couldn’t afford rent anymore in about three months so the mountains are his only option. Survive or die was the motto in the apocalypse anway. He didn’t need too much luxuries.

“It’s a foolproof plan!” Saitama gave a broad grin and started up his run back home.

There was no other choice. It had to work.

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…….

…

Meanwhile, a ninja emerged from the shadows behind a certain complex. “Hn. He didn’t live here at this time? He must not have moved here yet. Shit. Now I have to find him again.” Dark shadows enveloped him again as he whispered in the wind,

“This time, I won’t regret. I won’t lose you again. Sai. Ta. Ma.”

The shadows morphed until it faded and then a single black flame burst into a butterfly dispersing into different directions.

Things will be different this time.

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AUTHOR NOTE:
Yooo! So that was a quick run! Jk jk!

So much for office life, huh. Not even an OP hero can stand it — and he didn’t step in the door yet LOL

Not thinking of past jobs *cough*

Anyway, hope you enjoyed. Leave a love note. And I’ll give you an air kiss haha

Until next time!

Let’s make our battleplans for book apocalypse, ne! (Or Toilet tissue ones haha)

Chapter Text

Chapter 3:

“What is the Meaning of Loss?
What would you do if you could start over?”

—On a meeting of old friends—

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There was a homeless man once who told him a strange thing. “If I breathe and you breathe, how do we know does it matter if your life means anything?” He never found the point of it. Was he trying to sound important by questioning ordinary things like Socrates? Of course, he dropped the thought when the guy cackled away and pissed at a bin around the corner.

But then why did that random question come up? Ah. Probably because he was sleeping in the bushes with an itch up his ass. A cat sauntered by, meowed with disdain, and flashed his butt at him before leaping away. Saitama sniffled in the cold and rubbed his nose, “As long as I breathe, huh.”

“…” He stared out of the thick bushes, hidden by foliage, as the evening began to descend in chilling winds and faded to night. He heard a wolf howl earlier. It’s been three hours and already…”I miss manga and ramen.” What the hell am I doing out here. He sniffled again, “Achoo!”

He hated being human sometimes. That alien emperor dude with one eye seemed to take life easy. Fight, fight, fight. That was all he said he did, right? He didn’t have to think too hard.

When the apocalyptic shit happened, nothing really bothered me. I wasn’t really hungry, never felt too cold, never felt much at all. Now I’m getting a cold from a night at the park. How lame is that?

…I wonder if I’ll meet everybody again like this? I doubt Genos would want to have a homeless man as a teacher.

“Screw it, I’m already here.” Saitama just sighed and flopped on his back, peering through the foliage of the trees to try to get a sign. Any sign. Seriously, he’ll pay in ramen and manga he scored off sale bins. He gazed at the endless stars, the endless possibilities of life, and wondered. Why did I want to be a hero again?

…Where did the fun go?

Suddenly, a high-pitched voice cut through his thoughts, “What a loser. I could sense your stupidity a hundred miles away.”

Ha…?! Saitama flashed his eyes to the origin of the sound as he jumped to his feet. Hm. Coming from above. “Say that to my face!” He roared. Forget thinking, let’s just get a good sweat!

“Hmph! Baldie. You’re still so stupid!” Green eyes glowed in the darkness. “I found you first, so pay attention! Oh my god, you’re planning on being a BUM? I knew I should have been the one to save the world. You’re useless.”

“Hey, who you calling baldie?! You brat! I’m still grow — Whoa, wait, I’m not bald anymore!” Saitama gaped at the floating midget and pointed his finger, “Y-You’re..!”

The blonde girl stuck her nose up as she floated in the air, her high-cut dress floating seductively, and smirked.

— “You’re the brat with a sister complex!”

…The girl’s smirk fell and she raised her arms while amassing thousands of sharp leaves into a whirlwind of natural knives. She screeched, “DIEEEE BALDIE!!!!”

She waved her arms forward and the knives shot toward the lone hero.

Saitama leaped high into the air and dodged using the trees as cover as he leapt among the branches. Finally he kicked off one tree particularly hard and launched himself at the glowing blondge woman.

Tornado flashed out of the way and continued moving leaves with her mind.

Saitama landed on the ground and kicked up a dust storm as he leapt among the trees like a human pinball chasing the glowing psychic.

Blow after blow and Saitama took a few hits, but never ceased his speed as battle mode came over him. The excitement of the fight intoxicating him as before. He almost got her face, but she dodged and only the air cut her cheek a bit.

Slash! Cut! Dropkick!

It took a while before Tornado calmed down and Saitama gasped for breath on the ground with a smile. “Hah…Hah…I can’t get over this feeling. Of course, you’re tough as ever, Whirlwind.”

“Tornado.” She cracked her knuckles.

“R-Right, Tornado! Hahaha.” Saitama scratched his head. “Sooo…you’re reborn too? How’d you find me? No, why would you find me? You hate me! Don’t tell me you have feelings for me?!” Was she tsundere or whatever? Weird.

The insane psychic’s eye twitched. “Shut up idiot! God, it’s been years and you’re as stupid as ever.” Saying so, she watched the ex-hero act casual as ever and sighed. Losing some of the edge off her face, she relaxed her shoulders and floated to the ground. At once, the youthful energy faded and her eyes aged thirty years. “No matter how many years have passed, we still squabble like children. Judging from the fact that your lazy ass salaryman way found yourself sleeping under a tree — you got another insane idea again. And reborn.”

Tornado frowned as her old self emerged. An old tiredness wiped off the look of childish anger from before and she walked up to the young man before her. She smiled with a tinge of nostalgia. “Makes sense, you literal egghead. It’s been too long, weirdo.”

Saitama glanced at her as he stood up straight and laughed. His lazy eyes replaced by his serious mode. He wasn’t playing around anymore. “Aw man, it really is the old Tsubaki. I was having fun playing with tsundere you. Been what, 10 years since you kicked it? I forget the time. Anyway, I wouldn’t say reborn as I just found myself in this time. But yeah, second life here.”

The two looked at each other in a moment of peace, grinning as a soft wind blew around them. The last time they fought was before Tornado lost Fubuki and buried the entire city in a mad frenzy. By that time, the Hero Association was humanity’s last hope against the end of times and Saitama was officially recognized as strongest hero. It took an apocalypse to finally give the hero recognition, but it didn’t matter anymore.

The petite woman held Saitama’s stare with glowing eyes that glistened like falling stars. She spoke, “Regardless of how you remember the past life, I didn’t just came to say hi. I already knew you’d remember. You’re the Last Hero after all. I only…came to ask a favor. I come as an old comrade…and old friend.”

“You know my priority. The Hero Association needs you. When it comes time to choose again, I will not regret it this time.”

“Please, with your strength, help the earth before it’s too late. Because…I can’t ruin it. I can’t give up this second chance with Fubuki. She doesn’t remember our past. I’m not too late to be there with her. If this is a true second life, then I’ll make the most of it. Excuse my selfishness, but it’s been decades of fighting.”

Saitama solemnly held her stare and said, “I understand. Believe it or not, I’m not abandoning this world. Besides I know you will help when you can. You always had.” The hero smiled and reached out his hand, “Go. You deserve to be with family Tornado.”

“…” Tornado looked down before looking up again. “Since I’m here, for once listen to what I tell you. I’m not the only one reborn. And I’m not the only one with regrets. Be careful Saitama. You’re not as overpowered as you once were. I can tell from your movements…I can’t say for sure, but a few of our old comrades even had eyes for you so watch your ass. Especially from your students.”

“Hm? Whaddya mean? They always want to fight.” Saitama shrugged carelessly. After society collapsed, a bunch of big men acted like Genos — always recording notes like a professional student for life.

“You oblivious virgin. Forget it. It’s just a hunch.” Tornado shook her head and floated by him, clasping his shoulder with an embarrased blush. “I owe you.” She vanished in thin air.

Saitama chuckled. She always found thank you’s hard.

He looked into the empty air and thought about his ‘family’. Genos. Sonic. And a few others he helped pick up as they journeyed across the country.

“Genos should have been a cyborg fighting for justice like a pretty boy maniac by the time I woke up. And I don’t know about Sonic, but he was probably born being a stalker. As for the others…” Saitama ran and leaped from the ground onto a low branch before leaping higher and higher among the trees.

Dash — Dash — Dash!

With barely a sound, he cut through the trees with only a rustle, sending branches quivering only slightly. I need to work on speed. I’m too loud. The stalker ninja would laugh.

Finally, he reached a look out point of the mountains and overlooked his city from afar. A sea of lights glared through the bleak night like an endless festival where no one slept. To him, it looked like a dazzling flower bursting with life before the petals fell.

“It’s a good thing Tornado has her memories. That means the others probably do. It doesn’t seem coincidental.” Good. Then there will be plenty of “heroes” preparing for worst case scenarios. He could leave city for a bit in their capable hands. At this rate, they’re all going to act as prophets.

…Hey. Since I’m not there, will King be alright? Well, he did say one time he could be a pro gamer. If he gained memories too, he could even be a pro psychihc! Heh. He’s smart, he’ll be cool.

He turned away from the city with less worry and peered into the stars. “I don’t know if this will work, but a routine never hurts. First, I gotta build my strength up! My abs are one pack right now! GRAHHH!!!”

Saitama hyped himself up as he cracked his neck and stretched. “Day 1 of anime training always began with an all-night session! Hah! 100 push ups, 100 sit ups, 100 squats, 10 km! Let’s GOOO!!!”

No one faced the best battle of their lives without a six pack!! Now where do I wrestle a bear again?

…Meanwhile, at her house making sure Fubuki finishes her college thesis, Tornado sneezed. “I felt a sense of stupid. Huh. Why do I have the urge to hit someone bald?”

Fubuki scolded, “Elder Sister! That’s prejudice!”

Tornado simply patted her head, “And what about bribing students in yoru fan club to do your thesis?”

“…I’m sorry.” The elegant woman focused seriously on her paper. Elder sister sometimes act like a mother. We’re only a few years apart! One day, I’ll prove to her I can be independent so she doesn’t worry. She bit her lip.

Tornado secretly smiled at Fubuki’s face. Even if I escaped that prison and got to raise her, she never changes that competitive attitude. Fuu…

This must be heaven. I won’t let this family slip past my hands again.

Good luck, Saitama. May you find your family again.

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AUTHOR NOTE:

So, it’s getting there slowly. Figured I’d cut through the red tape of coincidences lol

Turns out even opposite personalities can be friends given time haha

Also, random note, I figured with Saitama’s power and Tornado’s youthful genes, they could be fifty and still be in their prime. Superpowers are the real beauty secret of asia lolol (*cough* went snooping at japan amazon when I can’t even get mail from there. Whyyyy)

I’m super happy you find a bit of fun reading this story and hope I can get this rolling fast enough! Tornado is my messenger in the storm. I just feel if I lived decades and watched my only care in the world die in my hands, I’d be…well, totally yandere. So Tornado would do that. (Since the carrot stick thing didn’t work, maybe she could try the sweet and stern elder sister thing?)

Who knows. This is all an experiment and it’s fun to think about.

Also, good thing he was “reborn” after he saves the chin kid haha. Or the scenario would have to be more dire with his obliviousness. Oh well.

Ok! Enough musing on possible ideas! Let’s dance the maraca and get to dreaming of genos *looks away*

Loves and kisses,

WitchySkies

Chapter Text

Chapter 4:

“Searching on a Prayer”
— Til Death Don’t We Part—

— SLAM! SLAM! SLAM!

A dark haired man was held naked inbetween two giant hands of a House of Evolution’s latest experiment - the ultimate creation - Carnage. The poor man’s clothes were already burnt to a crisp from before just like his body. But he didn’t stay dead. He kept regenerating over and over, faster and faster like some sick joke and his eyes resigned him to his fate.

Carnage licked his lips as he threw the frail human across the training room like a rag doll. “YOU ARE QUITE AN AMUSING TOY. I CAN PLAY WITH YOU FOR A LONG TIME.” The monster laughed and he tore the human’s body in two before throwing each part across the room.

The man didn’t scream as his eyes died out only to be brought back to life again. In an instant, his torso grew legs and legs grew feet. A bloody mess formed into two complete legs. Once again, Carnage laughed as the Professor took notes behind a window.

At that moment, a loud boom came from overhead and a young man blasted through and a fiery inferno blasted toward the giant monster. The heat intensified and the young man raised his other arm as he flew all around the room, aiming at Carnage. This time, a white flame burst out and a blistering heat raged. The two flames entwined together into a red and white inferno that tornadoed across the room as Carnage screamed trying to escape it.

A few moments later, the sadistic monster turned into a black lump and the young man came closer into view. Behind that handsome face, cold gold eyes heated up and pure black metal arms lined with silver traced with fire fell to his sides. He raised a leg and stomped on the monster’s heart. Blood splurted to the cyborg’s face and he licked it from the side of his lips. “Ah, sweet memories.”

The newly formed human on the ground gaped up at the pure power behind that small cyborg. No, not just a cyborg. A-A demon cyborg!

The demon glanced down at the man then and raised a brow. “Huh. If it isn’t Zombieman. I have a few questions for you. But first…” He raised his head towards the window at the frightened professor. “I have business to tend to. You’ll serve my Master well.”

A burst of flames shot out from beneath and the demon flew up.

The ‘Zombieman’ stared as the demon flew into the high window and screams echoed after. His head throbbed as weird images flooded his mind. “Ngh!” His shoulders shook as he held his head in his hands…a single red vine started to trail along his arm…

………………………………………………….

……………………..

………..

…Three weeks later. Central Park.

A lone hand raised under the sun, pale skin blinding in the light for a second before it absorbed it and a deathly glow remained. Traces of red climbed up his arm to his wrist in an vine pattern. Zombieman clenched his fist with a fierce look in his eyes as he remembered. “There’s no doubt. He’s the link. These arms are proof.”

Saying so, he nodded at the boy slouched against a tree, licking a giant lollipop without a care. “That’s why you came to me, isn’t it, Emperor Kid. For more proof.”

“Hm.” Emperor Kid stopped licking and a robot arm quickly popped out of his backpack to store it away. He stood up and dusted his shorts. “Yes. It’s good you are the same. I tried to find King earlier and he became suuuuper weak - like he’s now an esport star? Crazy how the world changed.”

“Huh. King lost all his power? Well, I only retrieved my memories when the House of Evolution miraculously fell and Genos interrogated me. That’s when the red vines showed up. That’s the moment I knew our old lives are linked to this one.” Zombieman’s eyes glowed red his nails turned into black sharp talons before fading back to normal. “I had evolved into this state with the help of the House of Evolution in my last life, ironically enough. Under Saitama’s orders, the professor gave me a serum that made my strength increase tenfold as a half-beast, half-zombie for a time. What’s curious is why that power transferred into my current life - and so suddenly. Has this happened to you in a way, Emperor Kid?”

Kid sighed and pouted up at the imposing man. “Stop calling me that first of all. Unfortunately for me, I just woke up in the morning like this. Imagine. One minute you’re enjoying life as the genius kid of the world, the next moment you find yourself a 25 year old man who died and woke up forced to live as a kid again. Not only do I find out I died young, but also have to relive school. Ugh. Forget my love life. I’ll be dateless until college at this rate! I’d feel creepy otherwise.” The kid shrugged. “I’m dropping out of school. There’s no point to repeating that forced dogma. Other than that, nothing changed. I’m still the smartest in the world hahaha.” He turned his nose up in the air, hands on hips, and laughed.

Zombieman rubbed his forehead. “Great. Now what do we do, then, genius?”

“Simple. We find Saitama and help him save the world. I predict the Hero Association will get started much faster than before. I highly doubt we’re the only ones with awakened memories. In that case, we’ll need all the manpower we can get to face the Seven Calamites before the final showdown.”

“You got any leads? I tried to snoop around under Saitama’s legal name — schools, apartments, old jobs. But it seems like he has disappeared. Ran off to who knows where.” He lit up a cigarette as he talked. “It’s been a few weeks like this.”

“Eh?! I thought you said Genos interrogated you. Doesn’t he know where his sensei is? He’s the top ranked stalker student.”

“He doesn’t know. Trust me, Genos scoured the entire country. But for some reason, things always got in his way. An old lady needed help or a monster attacked a bank. An accident always happened when he had a sign that Saitama was nearby he said. But then one day the accidents stopped. And that was when Genos found me half-dead with Carnage over me. It seemed experience really is the deciding factor because Genos demolished him and the entire house.”

“W-Wait. Don’t tell me Genos killed the professor? We need for him for his serums against the mutating zombies!”

Zombieman rubbed the back of his neck. “To be honest, the memories of his torture are still fresh so I don’t regret what Genos did to him. But in the end, he let him live - full body intact. Somehow, in the middle of Genos squeezing his neck, he remembered his old life and vowed to aid us in our mission. Right now, he still insists on having a takoyaki stand side business though. I never got eccentric scientists.”

“Oh good.” The kid sighed in relief. “I could use a beer right now.”

“Tell me about it.” Phew~ Smoke circled around him as he took a drag. “In ten years, ok?”

“Goddamnit!” The kid stomped. “Fine! I’ll grow up stronger than all of you! Shit. Okay, our current goal is to find Saitama. No problem. If he’s not on record, then it’s obvious the guy retained his memories recently or the idiot wouldn’t leave his comfortable apartment for no reason. If so, and if there’s no other random factor, then it seems he simply ran away. We can find him easily.”

“You got a way?”

“Also a simple solution.” The kid flickered his hands and immediately thousands of tiny black bots peered out from every leaf within the park. A sea of spider robots surrounded the two heroes and the once green park turned almost black. Children screamed as families ran away in a panic. One dog yelped and charged off, owner flying behind him. “YELP!”

The kid’s eyes gleamed. “Came up with them this morning. No time to waste for the wicked, heh.”

“…Right.” Zombieman glanced calmly at the sea of robotic eyes. He knew this was only a fraction of what the kid could do. It was too bad that there was a traitor in the Association or the kid could have put a real dent in the future calamities that came after.

Clap! Clap! The Kid clapped his hands and all the robots switched to face him. “Ok, boys! Let’s play a game of hide and seek!”

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………………………….

……………

Meanwhile, in a distant forest, a lone man was doing push ups:

“99…100!” Saitama jumped to his feet and proceeded to run in place. “Time for a run!” His back soaked in sweat, but he didn’t feel tired at all. After a few weeks of nonstop training, his endurance raised a hundredfold. Even abs started to show!

Saitama peered down at his stomach and frowned. It was still only a four-pack…

He needed to train harder!

The lone ex-hero cracked his neck as he started to jog up the mountain. By now, he was one with nature — he slept under the stars, act from the river and trees and since it was summer, there was no need for blankets although he didn’t need them anymore. The weather didn’t affect his body as much.

In a few weeks, his body adapted to his new life quickly. Almost as quick as he gained his strength back. He could still sweat and bleed, but now it took a lot longer to cut his skin or make him sweat. Just this morning, he did ten rounds of 100 push ups and his energy never faded. Good, good. This was just like how he lived before — except there were no monsters or zombies and cities were still known as peaceful places to live.

He missed his manga, but compared to those old times, he was already loving the new training routine. It was like a vacation in the woods. Nothing but him and the sun.

Besides, even if he did laze around, he’d never find out the ending to One Piece due to the Apocalypse. Better to just train. Sigh. How long until Luffy finds that damn One Piece! WHAT IS THE TREASURE?!

“Hmm. But now it’s bugging me. That show lasted years now. I wanna know the ending before I die, damn it!” The manga artist was a celebrity and he should know his own ending. Maybe he could find someone to get it out of the mangaka. Who did he know that talked to celebrities…?

Immediately, an image of a smiling actor popped up. Blue hair, shining yellow eyes, a smile to charm the masses. Amai Mask AKA Beaut.

“No, no, no. That won’t work.” Saitama rejected the idea. Sure, he’d be able to get an answer as a top celebrity himself, but the guy was terrifying. Not only did the star make fun of him, but the guy always liked to nag about ethics to him and change out the clothes in his closet when he was sleeping.

“I liked him better when he hated me. Ugh.”

Yeah. When he finally got his strength recognized, Amai Mask appointed himself as his manager. No matter what he said, the handsome freak would follow him as if it were natural. Even Genos couldn’t beat him up, which was a shame. So he did what any man would do — ignore him like he did Tsubaki Tornado and avoid him like the plague. But the menace kept popping up.

“Well no need for that now. What are the chances of everybody regaining memories of their old lives? It’s not like I’m some protagonist of an anime.”

The hero smiled as he thought of his ‘vacation’ from worries and heroes. Everybody will be too busy anyway building up the association of heroes and saving the cities from self-destruction. No one would find him here.

With that, the optimistic hero jogged off in the mountains hoping to find a bear to wrestle. In a second, he disappeared into the trees.

A few minutes later, a dark butterfly landed on the grass where the ex-hero finished working out. The butterfly erupted into a black flame and wisps of shadows floated up until they formed into a dark-clad man with a knife on his hip. Purple markings lined under his shadow gaze and his long black hair trailed behind him.

“He’s close.” He swiftly turned to the side and peered at the path Saitama disappeared on. In an instant, he flickered away and reappeared among the trees. “Up here.”

He vanished.

……………………………………..

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AUTHOR NOTE:

Hi again! WitchySkies here. Ya know, I never realized Amai Mask could be quite fierce haha

As always, I hope you enjoy the adventure of bl harems and yaoi. Summer’s here and so is the higher than normal temperatures. Gosh. Drink lots of water!

On that note, have a little dance for the melancholy and may we see another day.

If ya wanna, leave a review or a love note and I’ll see you next time.

P.S. Anyone noticed how amazon prime has ghibli movies out again? YESSSSSSS I can see it online! (I have no dvd player or cd port so….)

Until next time!

Kisses xoxo

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: What if Beauty and the Beast were One?

“Sweet as Honey Wine,
Intoxicating Obsession”

—What Drives You?—

While a certain fated meeting was happening in a distant forest, a monster started to awaken in the city. A man that defied logic and insane as a mad hatter.

The country’s top idol and crazy hero fanatic — Amai Mask. Aka Beaut.

What the world didn’t know was that he was a sleeping lion. A ticking time bomb.

And in that ordinary sunny day, surrounded by loving fans and happy managers, the idol changed.

The beauty would become a beast.

The charming, blue-haired man chuckled darkly as he caressed Saitama’s picture he printed off the internet. “Yes. It feels like a lifetime, my Saitama.”

Obsession lined his immersive yellow eyes that shone like falling stars. A dark urge rumbled down his body as he rubbed his fair thumb along the hero’s dull face. It was a photo from an interview package that he managed to procure through connections. Black hair, bored eyes, slightly wrinkled tie. A salaryman in the making.

Amai Mask licked his lip. “I get to see you in your youth. Hmm. Hmm. This will be good for my collection.”

When did this obsession begin? He forgot. But it was a lifetime ago…and it felt like yesterday.

…………………………….

……………

…….

Amai Mask had always been successful. Rich, powerful and powerful - but most of all, beautiful. Hence his real name, Beaut. Nothing else mattered. Anything that threatened this balance of perfection deserved annihilation. Complete. Annihilation.

That was why he hated anything or anyone that was too ugly. Or stupid.

And a bald hero was both.

“Tch. They finally recognized his strength.” Beaut snarled at the TV when the bald hero saved the city from zombies and the like. The hero saved the city from a meteor and people complained, but when he saved them from the living dead, they worshipped him.

Of course. One the masses see the dead come to life, that feeling of repulse is a natural instinct. Of course they would revere the one who helped them get rid of seeing such revolting things. Humans were nothing but judgemental, visual creatures who derserved to be ruled over and used as they use each other.

Heroes are ones who should embody beauty as well as power. For beauty is what wipes away the dirt and shame of humanity.

If I must live in this world, it must be cleaned of sin and disgusting evil. And only the beautiful are clean.

The TV focused on the Saitama’s famous egg look and sloppy pose. Beaut crushed the remote in one hand. Then he remembered his image and forced himself to smile charmingly even if he were alone in his living room. Yes, he mustn’t forget to stay on top of things 24/7. It was his duty.

Since that day, he’s been watching the hero’s every move, looking for ways to insult him and berate his sloppy heroics. He couldn’t get his mind off of him!

The news plagued his mind until it began to interfere with his publicity work. No one attended idol shows anymore because of the recent apocalype, but the people never stopped cheering for the caped baldie. Even when covered in blood and showing stupid faces, they cried out his name.

The more fervent that hero’s fans became, the angrier he got. He couldn’t work right, he made mistakes, and even his dreams bothered him. It was like an itch. Not even meeting with fangirling women appeased his ego anymore.

Until one day, he was alone in his studio when he just snapped. At that point, the baldie was proclaimed “Last Hero” and deemed humanity’s final hope. The blue-haired celebrity broke down. “No, no, no! How can they love him?! He’s hideous!” Beaut clutched at his hair and raged on, “WHY?! When I was ugly…”

Ah. Nooow I get why I’m so angry.

The idol chuckled to himself as madness seeped in his yellow eyes. “Ahahaha…Ha.”

“When I was ugly, I was feared. But when that stupid man showed up, they revered him. There must be a secret. The secret to people’s hearts besides beauty. It can’t only be power. We’re all powerful. Ahaha.”

I don’t make sense anymore. But I can’t stop thinking of this ingrate. There must be a reason I am obsessed with his ugliness. I should want to destroy him, but I can’t. There’s only one thing left to do.

Ever since that idea popped into his head, the narcisstic hero decided to follow behind Saitama’s every waking moment in hopes of discovering the secret to his magnetism. The impossible lure of his stupid face. The…obsession.

“I want to kill him and clean him off the earth. But I want to stare at him. He’s making me mad! I should just destroy him!”

Amai Mask was persistent. Not even Genos and Sonic combined could stop him. Behind his beautiful mask was a beast. A monsterous strength. True ugliness.

As the days passed and the battles grew, the idol couldn’t stop himself. Some days, the baldie was a worm, a parasite. An unbelievable monster who tricked people to love him. And other days, the hero seemed strong, courageous — everything a hero should be.

“No. If I acknowledge him, I’ll be discrediting myself. After all, humanity is cruel and fickle. They can’t stand ugliness even if it saves them.” Otherwise…they wouldn’t have resented me.

Beaut didn’t like to remember his past, but whenever Saitama came up, a glimpse would plaster itself over his eyes like a shameful polaroid — striking and shameful. Like a burn across his face that no one could know.

Glimpses of hideous faces and mirrors — and people who tortured him for it. The power he gained afterwards. And the fear. The avoidance. The pure disgust in their eyes and the sheer painful loneliness.

No. No one can know that past. He had to erase all trace of it. That hero is a living exception to humanity’s true nature.

It wasn’t fair.

Then one day…as screams filled the air and monsters attacked in the thousands, created rapidly by humans descending into darkness, willingly giving up their goodness and beauty for power as he had —

When he had to use all his power to protect as many innocents he could…When that stupid baldy was fighting on the other side…

The humans who were left saw his true ugliness emerge. He lost his idol looks as a scarred fleshy beast shown to the surface. Power pulsed through him as scars ran down his face and sheer disgust fueled his battle rage — for both the enemy and himself. He punched and kicked and stabbed with a wild frenzy, sending enemies into the air by the hundreds. It was do or die.

But the humans gaped in shock at him repulsed. Their ‘handsome idol hero’ was pure ugliness manifested. And they ran away screaming, thinking he was a monster despite the fact that he was protecting them.

It was then. All his beliefs collided into a single point — He was right.

No matter what you do, if it was ugly, it was a sin. He…had no beauty left.

He was a sin. And as such…

He gave up.

“Saitama…You win.”

Hundreds of monsters started to climb over him, but he still didn’t die. There was a reason the Hero Association let him do what he wanted. More and more, cuts enveloped his bloodied body, tearing at his face. But he only smiled through the pain. It was what he deserved after all.

At that moment, a wind flew over him as monsters flew off him like they were hit by a cannonball. A singled caped hero stood above him and held out his hand with a majestic being. Ah…I see now. He looks like a real hero. No wonder I lost.

“Come on. You’re late for the meeting. I…heard you were feeling suici - I mean, what did the boss say? Right. You were feeling down so I came to lift up your spirits. Man, they beat the shit out of you. Your pretty boy image is gonna be trashed for a while.” He grabbed his hand when Beaut didn’t move and dusted off his shoulders as if trying to make him feel better. “I mean, you’ll get your looks back! Just need to go to the hospital and heal up then you’ll be healthy!” Saitama smiled awkwardly. “So cheer up, man.” He hit his shoulder.

Beaut just kept his gaze on Saitama and asked, “You…are not disgusted by me? Why did you save me? I’m not worth saving.”

“Ha? Who said that?” The hero casually shrugged. “Who cares how you look? You’re a hero so it doesn’t matter? Look, the company needs you — I need you.” Saitama almost teared up. “I can’t stand the cameras anymore. There was one in my bathroom — my bathroom! Save me. You always handled this.”

Beaut ignored everything but one sentence ‘who cares how you look’. The madness intensified into a single desire as he stared at the angelic aura around the bald hero’s oblivious face. Ah. A saint. He’s an angel in a man’s body. This made sense. “You’re right…Yes, I should help you. You are the only beautiful thing on this earth. I’ll guard you from all filthy eyes.”

“Ye- Wait, what? No, I just want no one peeping at my bath.”

Beaut — No, right now he was Amai Mask — relaxed and let his rage dissipate. As his shoulders fell, his face morphed back into a handsome look as his wounds all healed themselves and skin regenerated. His perfect mask grew into place — literally. Even a hole in his cheek grew back flawlessly.

“I shall follow you all the way.”

…Ever since then, Saitama gained another ‘student’ living in his cramped apartment and invading his personal space.

And like other heroes, the apocalypse brought about sides from the broken hero that would never have come out otherwise. Darker power. Uglier power. Power of pure chaos and hatred. Things of absolute disgust.

But this time, Beaut wasn’t ashamed anymore. If anything, he became more wild - to the point that he went beserk. In those times, the only one to take him out of his trance was his god — Saitama.

All the way until the End, when the heroes all died in battle, Amai Mask still managed to crawl to Saitama just to smile and die in front of him. He wanted to see his face one last time, see true beauty before death took his vision away. And he died with no regrets.

…But then he woke up in his studio once more.

At first he feared it was all a dream. That Saitama never came, that he never lived with him and fought with him, but then he saw the calendar and he sighed in relief.

It was real. Heaven was real.

…A dark desire flooded his heart.

“I was wrong. I do have one regret.”

I want him to be completely mine.

Maybe I was reborn for one reason.

My heaven — is Saitama.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6: One Ninja’s Tale

“Buried in Fire, Eyes Relentless”
—Every Rogue Who Comes Home, Has a Master—

When a ninja had a master, he was loyal — To death. Without a master, he lived without meaning. It was their code. Life was fleeting and the only permanence was death. If one cannot face their duty to their inevitable end, they were worth less than the scum and grime.

As far as he was concerned, however, he was a freelancer. Such dogma belonged to dogs.

Or so he thought.

“Sir Sonic, reporting for duty.” A group of three masked ninjas kneeled on the floor.

Sipping coffee on his hotel room balcony, a lithe man whose hair tied up in a bun pinned in place with ornate sticks laid down the newspaper he held in one hand and crossed his legs. His plain yukata slipped a bit to reveal a well-toned chest marred with scars. With a soft, uncaring drawl, he said, “Good morning. Any updates?”

“No, sir. No abnormal specimens found in the business district.”
“Nothing found in the fashion district.”
“No news relayed through government communications.”

“Very well. And?”

A stern-faced ninja spoke up, “He is still acting as usual, sir. Just left for an interview today in a panic screaming about his hair.”

Yep. Sounded like him. “Good. Keep an eye.”

“Yessir!” The ninjas flashed out of view in a puff of smoke. Sonic slowly sipped his coffee as he enjoyed the view outside. The masters were right in the end. This peace was but a fleeting beauty to be cherished but never relied upon.

He used to never believed in anything. Power was what made the world go round and he only needed to make a living. The only person he needed to die for was himself. If he were the same person, around this time of year, he’d be picking up a few major contracts and assasinate a few targets, bodyguard a few fat CEOs. Coin was coin.

That was an old him from an old life. From the moment he came into this world, he remembered those eyes. Those unyielding, infuriating and intense eyes of fire. Everything he did from then on, he did in preparation for their ineivitable meeting.

Sonic chuckled. “Saitama hasn’t retrieved his memory yet, that’s fine. I’ll let him enjoy this plebian peace. He’d never forgive me otherwise.” He raked his eyes across the city. Thanks to his memories, he decided to start his own…business. And placed his base of operations here. He hated staying in one place, so he simply built a network of mercenaries all prepped and updated on the coming days. If they didn’t believe, it didn’t matter — for he also acted as a guild of information that gave them missions. Of course, the majority of his secret organization were ninjas, but a few exceptions remained. Because his predictions of future troubles were too accurate - and thus his clientele rose - he had a bounty of missions to lure the most professional or talented.

They will be of great use later.

Sonic put down his coffee and changed into his gear, knife tucked at the ready. His watch vibrated and a hologram popped up. Genos was calling.

“Answer.”

Immediately, the a hologram of Genos rose from the slim watch. “Asshole.”

“Dog.”

“There’s been a change. House of Evolution has fallen and the Professor is obtained. I’ll hold on to him at my base. How are things on your end?”

“Fine. No updates on government transmissions so the patient zero hasn’t been found yet. No changes in Saitama.”

“Check again.”

“Why?”

“I found Zombieman. He has awakened.”

“…Hold on.” Immediately, Sonic looked at his phone and pulled up a customized app — Sonic spoke into his watch as he scrolled down his phone. “No one has arrived at the aparment ever since Saitama has left. I have men tracking him.”

Saying so, the ninja grew serious and he hit speed dial. As soon as it picked up, he spoke, “Update me.”

“Sir. He is entering the building. Speaking to receptio - Sir. A monster has been sighted. Engaging target. Shall we intervene?”

“What is his reaction?”

“He is smiling, sir. The monster has been beaten back, but the target has started laughing. He is engaging again. Shall I intervene?”

“…If it looks fatal, kill the monster asap. For now, watch and record his progress.” If the monster is still alive, Saitama hasn’t retrieved his former strength. But that reaction isn’t normal. Could it be…?

“Copy that.” Click.

Genos fidgeted. “Let me know the address.”

A smirk slid on the ninja then and a dark glint danced across his eyes. “Oh? Find him yourself. I’ve got a date.”

“Why you — !!”

Sonic hung up and leaped onto the balcony railings. “Let’s see what he can do.” He vanished.

………………………………

…………………..

…………

Later on that evening, Sonic watched as Saitama began to ran faster and faster beyond normal human speed and his heart began to race. Is it time?

He learned from Genos long ago, if he had intentions of meeting, random events would interfere. Gods knew how many times the cyborg tried until he agreed to stay at a distance. As if the world itself was conspiring against them.

Will they now be finally able to cross the threshold?

The dark ninja picked up his pace and was about to leaped down from a rooftop to meet the hero when —

WHIP!

A blast of psychic energy threw him across town. As he flew, he could have sworn a certain blonde menace stuck her tongue at him and he cursed.

“Damn you Tornado—!!”

………..

……..

A few days later he still couldn’t find his Saitama in the city. Ever since he got whiplashed by that bitch, Genos had been making fun of him. Fucking Genos.

Sonic tucked his knife away and finished a call, “Reports will be on phone or video from now on. I’ll be off. Raise the search on Saitama, raise alert on all government statements regarding experiments and abnormal activity. As well as any leads you can find on your own.”

“Yessir. Good luck sir.”

Click.

“It’s time.” He vanished into the night.

………………………………………….

………………………..

………..

After a week, there was no sign of life at the apartment so he left. His men were already scouring the cities across the nation, but still no sign. He had to check the forests.

“Expand the search out of cities.”

“Sir.”

Click.

Another week passed.

How far can he run? He must have gained more power to not be within close vicinity of any city.

“Saitama…Why did you leave?” Dark bags formed under his eyes as he sharpened his kunai. “That man must have gained another idiotic idea.”

Every night for a week now, he had the same dreams. Dreams of the bloody past. He always had them, but this time was worse. It grew more and more detailed, more real. As if he were there.

This night was no different.

He remembered.

He was under the carcasses of a hundred men f by a monster and covered in cold blood. They were traitors who believed the sweet lies of a monster and remembered every one of their faces.

“Saitama. This is it.” Fires burned around the city as one thing came after another. The Seven Calamities they were and the only one left standing was on his own. “I’m sorry.”

He could feel the burns on his body keep him alert, the sting making it painful to move an inch. If he could still move. He was ambushed and his legs were cut off — chewed off.

Unlike Genos, he couldn’t replace those haha.

Darkness edged his vision as things grew blurry. He couldn’t even cry - the heat dried out his eyes and the blood hardened on his lips. His throat obviously scratched up and pain shot up but soon turned to numbness.

“What a disgraceful way to die. Ambushed. Stupid.” Sorry Saitama.

Sonic laughed then. Here he was, the freelancing man of the world with no attachments, alone, torn apart and dying in a battlefield to save what was left of humanity. What was he doing acting like a hero?

If it were him, he’d have left them all to die. No one would come to save him, so why should he fight for them? But he did. And only because his hero was fighting for them already. He didn’t want to show his bad side to the bald man.

Somthing gurgled in his throat. The plaque of the heroes who fallen before was already melting in the ground as Genos did. A strange sentimentality trickled in his heart. It was fitting he died here too.

He could see Saitama in the distance, going all out against an inhuman alien, mad with battlelust…

And it was simply beautiful.

“Heh.” My old clan would have been laughing. Their embarrasing student who ran off would end up dying an honorable death on the battlefield for a great cause and a strong master. Fuck. That wasn’t the plan.

Still…

The moon and flames sone against the Last Hero as if highlighting his every feature — his muscles, his passion, his power. Every vein pulsed and every punch completely engrossed him like a war machine.

Like a War God.

An intense battle beyond anything he could every hope to achieve escalated before him and the ninja held only pride in his heart. “He…is truly…”

He watched as the bald hero punched the alien into the ground and the body lay still. Excitement and pain danced as his heart pounded. It was just…beautiful. That was his…

His…

What was Saitama to me?

The darkness grew and he saw Saitama glance at him, about to walk over, but it was too late. Sonic just smiled. Ah. I know.

Master.

He died on the battlefield for his master.

Then, that’s alright.

“Goodbye,

My Master.”

Everything faded…

Sonic woke up. He wiped his eyes as he scanned the forest area.

“After that was true hell. Being a baby with full awareness. No wonder Emperor Kid was by himself all the time, poor kid. I wanted to go crazy surrounded by ignorant brats. Gods.”

He stood up and stretched, never once lowering his guard. He had to keep going.

A small smile lifted his lips unconsciosly, “Master is waiting.”

And then…

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………

Present time:

A peculiar shirt-less man did squats in the glade. And a pair of dark eyes gazed from above in the shadows of the leaves.

Once more, destiny rolled it’s dice.

“It is time.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 7: What Does it Mean to be the Best in Face of Overwhelming Power?

“My fire burns for you,
For you are the world.”
—A Demon Cyborg’s Purpose—

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…..

Damn Sonic. Always getting in the way between me and Master!

Genos gritted his teeth as he tore down the streets, inner radar scanning all surroundings as he passed.

“System — Status?”

[Target not recognized. Buildings show no sign of subject’s height, build, behavorial patterns, facial features or heart rate. Would you like to submit information to missing person’s alert?]

“…No.” With the newly installed AI taking care of scanning the area, Genos focused on his thoughts. If he were Sensei, where would he go? A while ago, he tracked Sonic to Saitama’s new apartment and after a week of no movement, the ninja left. That meant he wouldn’t be coming here. Or be in the city at this rate. The damn ninja had news.

Genos followed the ninja for a while before he disappeared in black flames — after flipping him off.

The cyborg just sneered and rose to the skies, flames erupting from his palms. Immediately he spotted a giant slime monster and hurried to demolish it so he could focus on his mission. Unlike that selfish bastard, he had a duty to save citizens or Master would condemn him.

He only took a few mintues for the demonic cyborg to incinerate the two-story high slime monster into ashes. Before the crowds could cheer, he flew off and aimed for the forests.

Days later, he received a call. “Answer.”

Beep.

Zombieman’s voice echoed through his head, “Genos. I ran into Emperor Kid - Hey! That is your name right now! — Ahem. Right. He is in on the whole past life voodoo too. We’ll let you know what we find.”

“Ok. Tell Kid to scour the forests, I’ll do my part as well.”

“Will do. Bye.” Beep.

Emperor Kid has retrieved his memories. Good. He will be important in the coming battles. By now, he should have an army of small robots at the ready so it’s only a matter of time before they search every nook of this land. I should ready the base then.

“System. Call the Doctor. Tell him to prepare the base. Master is coming home.”

Last time, the cities did nothing but restrict Sensei and in the end, the monsters still raided the cities from below all just to take over their base below the city. In that case, their base of operations will have to be elsewhere. People won’t be saved as fast, but that ineivitable great invasion won’t involve taking both the base and the cities down in one swoop. It was stupid to put it there.

I won’t let Sensei be held back anymore. And if history repeats itself…those underground monsters are aiming for one thing.

They knew the end was nigh and would still see earth destroyed instead of saved. I won’t pity them.

The moment they made Sensei their target, they were dead. Softie Garou would disagree, but there is no mercy for that sin.

“This time, I won’t hold Master back anymore. I can’t burden him.” He clenched his fist as he remembered. Back then, he was too weak, too simple. In a last-ditch effort to take down a king beast, he self-destructed and melted into the earth as a result. He could only give up his life.

—And it wasn’t enough. Somehow, he didn’t just dream of his death, but also beyond that. Of the final showdown, the long walk and the last look of his god filled with loneliness.

He watched as Sensei tore out his heart without hesitation and that…tore him apart. Guilt ravaged every fiber of his being. If only he’d been there…!

That sin of leaving his Sensei to that fate weighed down on his shoulders every night. The pressure condensed his core desires of his human self into a ball of fury deep in his gut. Fury and hatred burned within him…He betrayed his master. It was his fault. He gave up too soon. Self-hatred and respect for his god that conquered that insane being morphed into something else. Darkness loomed over him as he vowed. “I will never leave him alone again.”

The Hero Association will save the cities. They made sure to raise suitible candidates to make sure they do. Trained and educated by the best.

He — and the rest of their partners — only have one mission.

Save Saitama. And save the world.

“I’m coming to get you back.”

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Present Time:

Genos scanned the land and walked up to a boulder. He simply laid a hand on the boulder and said, “Genos. Open the door.”

[No hand signature recognize. Cyborg sighted. Voice recognized. Approved.]

The rock vibrated slightly as sheer rock slid to the side and a metal door emerged. That too slid and an staircase emerged with cameras and lasers pointed at him. Genos walked through as the stairway lit up and the rock slid back into place behind him.

A few mintues later, another door emerged and immediately opened for the VIP visitor.

A metallic woman’s voice echoed, [Welcome, Genos.]

On the other side of the door, a city emerged under the ground. Metal buildings lined the miles of carved out land and zillions of robots hustled around the city. Uniformed and armored soldiers mingled as they worked while other personnel moved supplies. Lights fitted the entire area.

This was their base of operations. And only one of them. The others weren’t as large, but they weren’t small neither. Every single person here recruited by him, the Doctor or Sonic. Eventually the ninja’s mercenaries will come here as well when the time comes.

Every person here primed for the coming end of days and geared for battle. Every robot designed and paid for by the Doctor’s efforts and with his own missions. Sonic invested as well.

If above was the cities of civilians to protect, then here was the place for battle. This was a city for war. Last time, the monsters took them down in one battle due to the fact that the bases were together with the civilians homes due to the unexpected arrival of the Apocalypse. They weren’t prepared and no other resources remained.

But now…

Those monsters would have to divide and conquer. And he wouldn’t let them catch a single break.

Just then, a call came — A new number.

Genos didn’t bother speaking as the AI read his intent embedded in his neural activity.

Beep.

“Hi hi Genos-Kuuun! It’s the Great Emperor, not Emperor Kid!”

“I see. I take it you have news.” Genos rubbed his nose. The Kid turned out to be a real player when he grew up.

“You’re no fun! Yes, we found —“

“Where.” Genos just arrived, but he already turned around and headed out the door. A few people said hi, but he rushed past them.

“I’ll send the coordinates. Sonic’s there too! Have fun~”

Beep.

Genos frowned and saved the number before exiting the door and almost ripped a hole in the metal.

“Fucking Sonic. I won’t let them be alone.”

BOOM.

He blasted off.

Finally.

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…

AUTHOR NOTE:

Yo, yo, yo! WitchySkies here again! Soooo obvi major writing spree. I’m trying to lay out the cogs and get the engine rolling faster.

Because I want to see Apocalypse Yaoi Hero Action ahahaha

Anyway….Let me know what you think or if you just like to drink mocha. Idk.
And either way, hope you’re having fun and getting some rest!

God. I wonder if I’ll ever be able to buy doujin next year from Japan.

Also, can’t find any royal milk tea, but did get thai tea. So good enough.

Let’s all pretend we’’re going to Ouran’s Host Club for a vacation and see you soon!

Loves,

An-about-to-be-dumpling

Chapter Text

Chapter 8: Destiny’s Dice Rolls Once More

“Where Do You Head,
When Everywhere’s a Dead End?”
—Fallen Heroes Rise Together—

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Sweat dotted the man’s back, hardened muscles lined his arms and legs with every punch in the air, every kick. Each strike in the open held massive force and the resulting power caused winds across the glade.

Swoosh! Grass whipped and rippled as the thick treetops swayed.

“Hah!” Saitama completely focused on his training. He had been growing stronger at an abnormal rate and had a slight tan from the hours outdoors. Unfortunately, his paleness seemed to defeat even those countless hours burning under the sun as there wasn’t that much of a tan.

“Hah!” His eyes dilated as he focused on his movements, trying to get the maximum potential out of every hit to cut the winds and leaves on the far side. This is fantastic! It used to only take me one punch to demolish things, but now I feel…completely in the zone. You can only get this feeling when you are breaking your limits after all.

Each day, he pushed his body to it’s limits until he could collapse. It took longer and longer to get to that point, but each second was pure, painful bliss. He felt alive with every movement. No wonder the old man Bang loved to train so much.

It was lonely being overpowered to the point that he lost all connection to his movements and thus all joy from battle. He hoped it wouldn’t be the same this time, but he also needed to be strong enough to face the coming trials.

Was this the price of strength? Losing all that made him human?

Saitama shook his head as he punched harder and kicked into the air. Faster and faster he moved until it was all but a blurry afterimage and for a moment it seemed there were many Saitamas in different poses lashing out in the open space. The grass rippled wildly at his actions as entire treetops began to sway as if on a rocky ocean and the bright green leaves fell, scattered and spiraled around the glade in a dancing flurry. All that could be heard were the strong rush of winds spinning across the glade at his every movement.

Finally, the man paused and slowly dropped his leg, feeling every muscle tense and relax at will. In a second, the afterimages faded leaving only a fierce flurry of leaves settling down to a gentle spiral around the lone hero.

The man looked on in silence as the rays brightened and the scent of fresh grass permeated. Beads of sweat poured on the ground. Drop. Drop.

Not once did his breath turn heavy.

Saitama frowned. “I’ve grown stronger since yesterday.” That was too fast. It took him a couple of years to reach this state in his previous life. If he improved this fast, then whose to say other events wouldn’t happen faster as well? Things like…Patient Zero.

Just then, Saitama glanced to the side and yelled, “Show yourself!” He didn’t bother getting into a fighting stance out of bad habit. Hm. Maybe I should develop good habits…Belatedly, he raised his arms and widened his feet in preparation. “…Was this right?”

A rustle came from above and a familiar face landed before him. Lean figure, too tight dark garb and a girly haircut. Sonic stood chuckling in front of him. “You need to raise your elbow a bit more and bend that knee to hold a proper stance, Sen~Sei~”

“…” A slight blush dotted his face and the hero straightened his bac and dropped his hands. “Hm. Is everybody reincarnated now? Should I visit a buddhist temple?” He didn’t want to turn bald in his next life if there was one. He still had hair for now, but…

“Who knows?” Sonic stepped a bit closer.

Saitama held his chin as he mused. “It had to have been recent or Genos would be stalking me already. Oh well.” He shrugged. “That saves trouble. Sonic.”

Sonic straightened his back before taking another step closer on the sly and said, “Yeees?” By then, they were nose to nose.

“I live in the mountains now. So I’ll come visit you guys in the city when I have time.” There was no way he was going to let them live in the mountains with them. Best get this out of the way now.

“Hm? That’s coincidence cause I live in the mountains too.”

“Hm?” Saitama stared hard at the pretty boy who seemed a bit muscular than last time he saw him. “Really?”

Sonic only laughed and placed his arm around the slightly taller man’s shoulders. “What a coincidence, ne?” God knows how much milk he drank so he’d at least be the same height as his hero.

“MASTERRRRR!!!” A fiery blaze flew across the skies and crashed in front of the pair. Immediately black metal arms pulled the ninja and hero apart. “Damn you Sonic!”

Genos glared as he shoved Sonic to the ground and hugged Saitama hard. Within a second, the cyborg jumped and stepped back with a blush. “S-Sorry, Master! Forgive my manners.” He gazed at the hero with worshipful eyes, “I’m so happy you’re safe.”

Saitama blinked as he processed the current events and only replied, “Oh. Good to see you too, Genos.”

The cyborg teared up, “Master! I - I am truly sorry for leaving you alone!”

Just then, a certain ninja kicked the cyborg in the face and watched as he skidded against a cluster of trees. Then he hugged the hero as well and rubbed his fast in his neck. “Yes, I missed you, too.” Heh. Since Genos broke the barrier, I’m going all in!

Immediately, the ninja was thrown off and both students began to fight. Saitama just let it happen as he gazed off into the distance. Now Genos is here too. He’d definitely try to say he was homeless too. I have a bad feeling about this. “Hey.”

The two young men froze and jumped away from each other. They straightened their backs and looked at their master.

“It’s good to see you, really, but I’ll be living out here for a while so…” Please don’t be homeless too.

Genos cocked his head to the side. “Master. What a coincidence, I also live in the mountains.”

“…”

The cyborg smiled professionally, “So don’t worry. We can live together. Come, I’ll show you.” He held out his hand.

“…” Saitama sweated a bit as he thought about his strong, popular and rich student living under the trees and it broke his heart. I better make sure he’s alright. He shouldn’t be living like this…Ignoring his hypocrisy, he took Genos’s hand.

The cyborg held his waist instead and immediately blasted off to his base. Meanwhile, Sonic was left on the ground and he shouted bastard before disappearing from the scene as well.

It didn’t take long (although being carried by his student was a funny feeling) before they reached a giant boulder and Saitama’s worries intensified. There was no blanket, no food, no tent. Don’t tell me he has forsaken his humanity!? Again, Saitama forgotten his hypocrisy as he started to lecture the younger man on taking care of his body.

Genos preened over Saitama’s concern over his well-being before Sonic popped up in a flurry of black flames and interrupted, “What are you guys doing? The entrance is here.”

Sonic laid his bare hand on the boulder and a door opened up.

Genos glared at the ninja for ruining his moment and Sonic stuck his tongue at him as he stepped inside.

Saitama gaped and followed through before being followed by Genos. Despite being an overpowered superhero who fought aliens, he could never get over how cool technology was. Man, he wondered if he’d see a real life Iron Man! Once again, completely forgetting the fact that his student was one.

Genos glanced at the excited look on Saitama’s face and smirked. “Hook, bait and sinker.”

“What was that?”

“Nothing.”

They stepped through the final door and Saitama looked around excitedly at the underground base. “This is better than the Hero Association! Wow! I’m glad you have a decent home, Genos.” Saitama finally relaxed. His student wasn’t neglecting himself.

Sonic grinned as he waved his arm toward the shimmering buildings. “Welcome to Underground Base Valhalla. Home to the final heroes for the end of times.”

Genos held Saitama’s shoulder and nodded. “Master. I’ve already informed everyone. They’ll meet us tonight so we may plan. The timing of our awakenings can’t be coincidental. It’s too fast and close to each other, as if there’s a domino effect forming through these string of events.”

Saitama grew serious as he continued, “Yes. Definitely. I felt it during practice today as well.”

The hero gazed at the passing soldiers. “The Apocalypse will happen sooner than I thought.” He caught sight of a certain old man in a lab coat walking up to them and waved, “Long time no see, Doc.”

Genos piped up, “Doctor Kuseno! Perfect timing.”

Dr Kuseno nodded at the trio. “Yes, you are right. We have our first clue.”

“Patient Zero?”

“No. It’s two young men whose been following the monsters to their kingdom for a few years now. He has news of the Monster Kings. Having past lives memories are sure convenient.”

Sonic lightly sang, “Now who do we know has a strange childhood attachment to monsters and has a babysitter?”

A voice shrieked from above, “HE’S NOT MY BABYSITTER!!” The figure jumped from one of the buildings.

CRASH! A pale-haired martial artist crouched on the ground and roared with rage, “Fight me! You prissy asskisser!” The martial artist raised his fists and leaped forward —

—Only to get his collar grabbed by a tall, dark figure in a hoodie who screamed ‘ladies man.’ “Now, now, Garou. Let’s be civil. We are living rent-free.”

“Fuck off, Suiryu!! That bastard’s been bothering me since we got here!”

“Ahaha.” Suiryu leaned into Garou’s ear and whispered softly despite knowing the others all had super hearing, “Would you like to be more bothered tonight?”

Garou flushed as he jumped away from his grasp and covered his ear. “Wha - Don’t say weird stuff! Stay away!”

Saitama cocked his head to the side and tapped his cheek. Were they always so fidgety around each other? They used to always fight. “Good to see you guys again.” Just then, his stomach grumbled and the hero blushed. Awkward timing…

Genos couged in his fist, “First things first, shall we get settled?”

And so, the base’s days got a bit more interesting.

Unfortuantely, the peace would only last tonight. Bad omens hovered above as a certain genius hurried to base from afar.

Zombieman and Emperor Kid rode on one of his giant spider robots he build the other day as it dashed through the forest at lightening speed, “We’ll be there in ten minutes.” Emperor Kid bit his lip, “They’re spreading!”

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EXTRA SCENE:

Later on that evening at a small diner, before the big meeting…

Genos held up a pair of chopsticks and moved to feed the grown hero. “I remember how much you liked kelp…” Sonic laughed in the corner of the restaurant.

Saitama sweated as he stared sorrowfully at the giant bowl of green. “Not that much!”

Sonic laughed. “Don’t worry, I ordered meat.”

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AUTHOR NOTE:

I’ll be starting another day at work, so won’t update as fast for a while I think. But I’ll try.

On that note, why do I kinda want Garou to be like a son to them hahaha

Anyway. See you next time! And eat kelp!

—WitchySkies

PS review if ya want, dance if ya want. Let’s sing our days away~

Chapter Text

Reborn Hero BL:
Chapter 9: Reunion and Patient Zero Surprises

“Giving You a Reason to Never Turn Us Down.”
—Origins and Theories—

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Gasp. Gasp. “H-Help! Anybody, help!” A woman screamed as she held her side, running barefoot down the streets. Blood stained her blouse.

Outside a convenience store, two teens draped with chains and piercings backed up a step when they saw her. One guy yelled, “Call 911!” The other guy ran off. Inside, the cashier happened to sort through magazines when he jolted. He dashed for the phone.

The lady grabbed one teen by his shoulders and rasped, “Th-Zombies. Zombies, oh my god. They attacked me and chewed on my friend. Oh god. Help me!” She cried, shaking violently, as she collapsed on the lanky teen’s frame. “P-Please. I don’t want to die.”

The punk teen pulled her in the store and yelled, “This lady needs help! Hurry up!” Before he could dig out his cell anyway, a scream pierced his ears and he dropped the lady. “Ahhhhh!”

The cashier paled and felt his pants grow wet. “Dear God.” He hit an emergency button under the counter and ran to lock the door. “Oh god, oh god. Don’t come in!” He cried as he fumbled with the locks and yelled to the teen and the bleeding lady, “We can go to th back -“ but before he could finish, a flash of pain hit him and he screamed.

The lady gnawed down on his neck and soon the cashier was gone. The lady ripped off a large chuck of his neck with her teeth and chewed loudly as they collapsed on the floor.

The punk teen stumbled backward as he lost all power in his legs. “Ah! Ah!” He tried to crawl backwards mindlessly, but the only thing running through his mind was panic. I’m gonna die, I’m gonna die, I’m gonna DIE. SHITSHITSHIT. He cried as he thought he only wanted to piss off his parents for taking away his car by coming here. Now, he wished he could time travel. He couln’t think anymore and only noticed things that didn’t matter.

Ah. I didn’t lock the door. My shoes have blood. And finally — That’s a big spider on the roof. In his mind, he had already given up. The giant spider that would normally be terrifying to look at only seemed funny. Then he thought again about the bloody lady zombie, but he couldn’t move a muscle. Sniff. His neck grew numb.

The lady stopped chewing and sharply turned toward the cowering teen with a mad look in her eyes, chin stained red and lips turned blue.

She launched herself at him when -

Kchhhhhik! The spider launchd on her head and a laser penetrated her brain in one fell swoop.

The teen gaped as the giant spider turned toward him and he could see the metal gears whirring behind it’s limbs and a hologram popped up from one of it’s metal eyes.

A hologram of a short kid with a giant lollipop danced on the spider’s head. “Hello, if you’re seeing this, then you are still human. There are more of these cute guys around to try stop more zombies. Head to your home and lock up. If you are home, wait for news from the police. There’s no time. Authorities have been alerted. Run.”

More zombies started to show in the parking lot.

The teen found strength in his legs again, but cried out loud, “But how do I get outta here?!”

As soon as he spoke, more and more spiders popped out of the streets and soon a full fledged battle erupted in the parking lot. Soon, only carcasses remained and the spiders began to spread out.

The teen remembered the kid’s words — and ran.

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At Valhalla Base:

Saitama, Sonic and Bang sat on the side as Garou leaned against the wall with Suiryu, who wouldn’t stop poking his cheek. Dr. Kuseno stood next to Genos in the front as he greeted everyone, “We had a quick dinner due to recent news. First off, unfortunately, Sensei informed me Ms Tsubaki Tornado won’t be joining us, but she will do what she can from the sides. Now then. Emperor Kid and Zombieman are on their way and have informed me of bad news so let’s start with that for now. Kid’s robot army is buying time, but it’s started.’

Garou spoke out, “I also have news on that —“

SLAM! Emperor Kid and Zombieman burst through the door. Kid didn’t get time to breathe as he shouted, “Urgent news!! Patient Zero has already been created as well as a rapidly increasing hoard of dead guys!”

Saitama nodded casually at Kid. “Hey Kid. Good to see you. Now what exactly happened?”

Kid coughed. “Right. Hello, sorry, Saitama. So my robots caught sight of a zombie in a small town a few miles away from the original hotspot. Not patient zero, but then a strange thing happened. A monster - some fish - was parading around and at it’s command, more zombie fish came out of the water with human zombies. I believe that commander was Patient Zero this time, which means - ”

Sonic scrunched his brow. “History has changed.“

Garou spat out, “Zero’s a monster. That was the news I was going to start with. One of the Monster Kings ‘woke up’ as we did and I couldn’t spy anymore, but I did find out they’ve been experimenting on humans and monsters alike. Suiryu and I ran with our lives by then, but they found a way to create their own Patient Zero, which leads me to believe they were planning for the apocalypse for a very long time. They even had formuals that I saw in the last life — Stuff of Professor’s serums.”

Genos frowned. “The Monster Kings are also reincarnated.”

Emperor Kid sighed. “Yeah, I looked up the original person who was Patient Zero in the last life, but they died of heart attack just last year. Then that’s when I extended the search and the fish monster popped up out of a small lake with the hoard. If the Kings are also reincarnated…”

Saitama clenched his fist, “We’ll just have to make them remember how they died.”

Genos snapped his fingers and a wall-sized monitor came down from the ceiling. An image of the country popped up. “Emperor, please inform Valhalla where the incident took place. She’s an AI as well as a base.”

Kid whistled in appreciation, “Gotcha. It took place in Small Town D. No sign on infiltration anywhere else yet, but if the Monster Kings are involved in the virus’s creation, this might just be a first test and they’ll launch an invasion elsewhere.”

A metallic female voice rang out, “Yes, Great Emperor. According to news outlets and our robot network, there are no more signs of zombie outbreaks elsewhere.” A red circle outlined the area of Small Town D.

Sonic said, “Is Town D contained? I have mercenaries if you need aid.”

Emperor smiled darkly, “Not yet, but it will be. I’ve already sent a couple bots down to the lake to scan the area for potential routes the monsters could have taken.”

“Good. I’ll inform my side of convening here. Genos, I take it you’ll work with your side?”

“Better.” The cyborg brought up a new image to the side — and a live cam of a certain old big-chinned man came up. “Here is the new founder of the newly established Hero Association, Agoni Agoni. We’ll be working with authorities to prepare the public for battle and safety meaures. Thanks to Sensei’s efforts and our reputation, Mr. Agoni Agoni here will work with us. Sir?”

“Yes.” Agoni nodded in greeting and said with a serious look to Saitama, “First, thank you for saving my son a few weeks ago. You have no idea how indebted to you I am.”

Saitama scratched his head and said, “It’s only my job. I’m glad he’s safe.” Damn, I remember that chin now. Huh. Small world.

“Nonetheless, I owe you greatly. Now, I heard of your Valhalla’s exploits and it pleases me to know such a heroic organization exists. I have many connections in the political and military circles, so please use me as you will. I heard you build shelters?”

Genos nodded. “If needed, we have thirty shelters across the city — all built for the Hero Association’s use as a gift and sign of partnership. Each are geared with equipment and bots to secure and prevent any contamination. As for when the public will head there, that I leave to you. Hopefully those shelters will not be needed.” That and the public would only laugh at their efforts until they see the zombies themselves.

Sonic said, “When the time comes, I’ll have my men stationed at each of those shelters as well just in case. We are depending on you.”

“And I you. I’ll inform the necessary people. Good luck, everybody. May we get through this safely.”

“Same to you.” Genos snapped his fingers.

Click. Agoni went offline.

Genos then turned to Saitama. “Now. To plan for the Monster King’s arrival. This is only a test run for the real thing. It won’t be long, Master.”

Saitama nodded and spoke, “He must miss me.” The hero remembered that first catastrophe, the dragon of the seas cursed by evil. Thousands of miles wide, scales rusted and bones encasing the beast like armor. Humongous silver eyes edged in purple and black. A true terror of the seas.

“Erosion Leviathan.”

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AUTHOR NOTE:

Things are finally rolling! I’m gonna try to update as fast as I can (and cause I wanna see this finished on time) so here goes nothing. At least the Hero Association finally got started.

Gosh, work is a bit stressful, but I’m grateful. Grateful. Grateful. *Cue hypnosis*

Let’s get beer.

Anywhoo, be safe as always and hopefully we’ll see an anime convention next year. For now, to “Reincarnated as a Slime!” Boo yeah!

Ciao,

WitchySkies

Chapter Text

Chapter 10: “Discussions, Students and Let’s Just Hit the Leviathan”

“If we didn’t have our past,
Would we still have our future?”
—People and connections—

Saitama just lounged in the chair as the men started arguing. Thanks to the short break and free dinner, he got to take a nice shower and scored some cool T-shirts. Man, a bath feels good after spending all that time camping.

A leading scientist that joined the meeting started having a serious debate with a kid three times younger than him. “You’ve got to be joking! You’re speaking in riddles. You’re talking about stuff of legends. Afterlife? Nirvana? Heaven? That’s superstitious babble meant for the insecure! There is no god at the end. What we got is pure synchronization and probably a future possibility invading and twisting our current timelines!” He slammed his hand against the table and his glasses fogged up from his excitement. As one of Dr. Kuseno’s proud students and trusted men, he also was privy to Genos’s true mission and second-life agenda.

Emperor Kid half-jumped on the table and pointed a head-sized lollipop at the older scientist, “Oh yea? Mr. George the Monkey?”

“It’s Gordon!”

“Whatever. Then how did we get to this point? Nothing in the universe stays the same. It’s always expanding. Our bodies themselves replace every cell every seven years or so. Whose to say the universe can’t also upgrade as well as expand? Children grow to adults! Caterpillars have metamorphosis! We’re in the dark ages compared to the future! What we deem certain is all a lie and there’s a higher realm. Not religion, but a higher realm nonetheless. Not just some circular or flat planes of existence and timelines. Even quantum mechanics are run by laws of nature that defy the laws we are used to.”

The two glared at each other with heated eyes.

“Okay, okay! That’s enough.” Garou stepped up and slammed the heel of his shoe on the table with a swift kick. BAM. “This isn’t progressing anywhere. Remember our goal — save the world so I can beat the shit out of everyone and you guys can fuck yourselves.”

Sonic chimed in with a lazy look in his eyes with shoulders slouched against the wall. “I agree with the simpleton. Smarteypants,” he gave a nod to Gordon. “Finish speaking. And cut to the chase. Leave the theories of other worlds and timecrap for after we survive the end of this one.” With a flourish, a kunai twirled among his fingers as he talked.

“R-Right. I’ll get to the point.” The scientist coughed and fixed his glasses. He took a deep breath and spoke loudly across the room, “No matter what we do, all data across the board - from global warming to the life cycle of our sun - says the clock is ticking for all of us. But there’s one unprecented fact. Saitama. His very existence goes against every law of nature, every tick and balance. And that monster at the end said something of tests? Whatver the purpose of them, they only came after apocalyptic events tore our world apart.”

“I believe the tests of that final battle were a last life in a game. A final opportunity to escape death. I believe Saitama is our last chance to escape the ticking time bomb of world destruction. Which is why we must tread carefully now that the Monster Kings know it too.” He raised a hand at a certain protest. “Now let me finish. Whatever you believe, you can’t deny Saitama is important and tied to those final events in a way no one else is. We don’t know why or how…”

The scientist tapped his head. “Even the way we awakened our memories are random. Some are born with them while others had coincidences trigger them. Of course, I’m not one of the awakened, but Genos and a few others have graced with their knowledge.”

“But what we do know is this — The moments of our awakening, the times we gained our memories, are all linked to Saitama’s. Now here’s a theory. Say,” he waved his hand in the air, “Our Last Hero wasn’t just a hero. Where does that insane amount of power come from? Crushing empires of alien fleets? Flying to the moon? It’s more than heroic bodybuilder training.”

He went on and licked his lips, “And the ending of our dreams all coincided - with the death of that same Last Hero. When Saitama himself gave up his will to live, so did the world. An event none of us should have seen since we, you know, died and all.” He leaned in over the table with an gleam in his eyes, “And then we saw the true end of the world. It faded. All of us saw it. That leaves one speculation.” He held up his pointer finger, “That Saitama is linked to the earth itself and the power he obtained may in fact be the power of the entire world — if not more. The power of earth’s existence. I’m no quantum scientist, but there lies a possibility.”

“The reason we are all ‘awakened’ as it were…is not by chance. We may have been born again to serve as Saitama’s link to this world. Our mission is to serve as the bond between him, the essence of this world within him, and what lies beyond the realm of imagination.”

Nobody interrupted him and he continued, “And if I can guess, that border may be a whole ‘nother universe. Which explains why the monsters are involved. Now, there’s always balance in play. So if we have Saitama representing the world’s future, then I imagine the monsters have their own bet to win if we fail.”

Sonic drawled, “Saitama is our future, then the opposite is pure destruction.” He laid out his palm and a black flame sparked up. “Like old traditions. Our master is Saitama, then the monters’ master must be what sent those ‘trials’.” His lips widened. “Hm…a battle to the death for our masters. Real traditional.”

Genos nodded. “That concludes the meeting. The moment has come to act out Valhalla’s true purpose. The only thing we were missing was Master.”

Suiryu piped up, “Yes Sensei, are you ready for battle? Me and Garou will follow you out.”

Saitama blinked. “Sensei? Since when?”

The tall, dark martial artist only kept grinning, “Didn’t we agree in our last life when you saved me during the martial arts tournament? Oh, you. You’re memory must be acting up, old man.”

“…” Was he trying to be his student or piss him off?

Genos glared at the martial artist and seethed out, “There’s no open spots.”

“Ehh? I don’t recall a limit to students. Amai Mask just pushed himself in.”

Sonic cracked his knuckles. “Don’t mention that psycopath. Fucking stalker. Maybe he lost his memories and will forever stay a dancing fuck boy.”

Genos nodded with closed eyes as if a teacher encouraging a young child, “Agreed. Fine point, ass.”

Suiryu ignored them and walked up to the (now) 22 year old college graduate. “We need to get you better clothes for battle. Those shirts will just tear off, Sensei.”

Saitama only let the man eye him like a caretaker and sighed. Forget it, I guess I gained another student? “I didn’t have time to order a new suit (off clearance). It’s fine. I can always run super fast.”

“No, No.” Genos cut him off and only smiled like a professional butler. “Don’t worry. I prepared everything.”

Dr. Kuseno coughed. “Now that’s we’re up to date, we got sighting of Leviathan off the coast near Central City. Agoni is requesting assistance.”

Garou cheered, “Finally! All this yapping. Let’s get to the real action!”

…………………………..

……………….

…………

Meanwhile at Hero Association HQ:

“Sir, you should see this.” A curvy lady with sharp glasses hurried to the founder’s desk and dug out a large tablet.

Agoni pulled up the tablet and frowned. “What is that?”

“It seems…to be a giant snake, sir.” The assistant sweated as he muttered, “Though that’s an understatement.”

“Well, this is crazy timing.” Agoni only shook his head. “It seems we’ll need to use Valhalla’s gift sooner than expected. That’s not a snake.”

“You aren’t suggesting…”

“Yes.” He already began walking out of the room, coat in hand. “It’s a dragon. Leviathan to be exact.”

As the left, the assistant could only report what was on-screen. The city rumbled as multiple small earthquakes began to test its infrastructure and small waves began rising higher and higher against the pier. A large fin the size of a house begans peeking out of the water before disappearing again as if testing it’s toe.

Crowds screamed and scurried inland as policemen and soldiers alike tried to lead them to the shelters.

Suddenly, a hiss echoed across the city as if grating against the hollow buildings, “SSsssssSaitama….Come…Catch me if you cannnnnnnsssss…..” The hiss thundered across the land in odd, disharmonious tones that just scratched the ear, like a buzz in the back of the head that just wouldn’t go away.

The hiss scratched against the skies as a snakey laugh rippled in the air, “Ssss….szzzzkk….Come before…I eat them all as ssssoup….!!!”

And that’s when a man fell from the sky — in yellow tights and a red cape.

…………………..

………..

Meanwhile in the sky…

Saitama sweated a bit as he fell, hair pulled back as wind tugged his face back. His only thought, I wonder if it’s too late to tell them I only had this hero outfit cause it was cheap…They could make me cooler…

He aimed his feet toward one of the Leviathan’s eyes peering out of the water —

BOOM!!!

The battle begins.

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……………….

……..

AUTHOR NOTE:
Soooooo, I need to work on how to write battle scenes better.
That said, I’ll prob edit everything at the end of the story, who knows when, after I get the hang of writing more.
Moving on, just want to say thanks for reading and hope you get a bit of fun today.

Also, I need coffee. I’m grateful for a job, but hot damn — it’s just endless toilet tissue demand. Where do they put it all?! It’s diarrhea lockdown?? I can’t buy from my own work, but holy shit, it’s getting harder to fit in breaks just from sheer scheduled loads. WHERE DO PEOPLE PUT THE STUFF??? (It’s like it’s the new cure for cancer with how sudden the demand for tp just flew outta this world).

And if there is a diarrhea epidemic….forget tp…

I’m scared to think of our sewer systems….

Which made me think. If zombies stay underground in the sewers too…

I’m just saying. I never thought about how bad the shit must smell in a zombie hoard. Like, I’d die from my nose before I get eaten.

I can’t stop thinking of it. Which sucks cause I was eating dinner and it. Just. Does. Not. Taste. The. Same. Thinking of diarrhea zombies.

………I’m sorry. That’s now in your dreams. Cough.

—Well, if you forgive me, loves and have a good dream tonight! Lolol

TTYL mina-san!

—WitchySkies

Chapter Text

Chapter 11: “Secret of Atlantis is a Leviathan”

“How could an Utopia fall?
Same reason Heaven isn’t on earth.”
—Lost Era—

Saitama crashed toward the Leviathan’s head, but ended up grabbing a whisker off the sea dragon’s face as he dodged. “Whoops!”

Leviathan roared as he swung his head as waves roiled beneath his fury. His long, snakey body sent small tidal waves along the coast as he shook wildly, clawing at his face with fierce claws.

Saitama swung back and forth like a tornado as he held for dear life. “Damn, didn’t time that right.”

“SsssSSssSAITAMA!!! I’ll drown you in the depths of my lair and suck your bones dry!”

Saitama yelped as the roaring dragon started to dive into the sea…

Until explosions hit the waves. A cyborg shot out fiery balls from his palms as he flew around the dragon’s head. “Sensei! I’ll cover you!”

BAM! BAM! BAM!

Meanwhile on land, Sonic and the others coordinated to get the civilians to the shelters placed on high ground throughout the country. No matter how it played out, the sea leviathan would most definitely take down all buildings near the ocean. With help from Agoni and the network of mercs and heroes they formed, the people were transported.

The Leviathan laughed at Genos’s efforts to fight and ignored the cyborg. Fire vs Water, water wins. His only true opponent was the hero on his face. Shameless curr.

He may be the largest Disaster, but he wasn’t the strongest one. Even so, he hated this puny human who humiliated him in the memories of Armageddon.

“I have watched AtlaAaatisss FALLLL. Thiiissss age of mennnn is but priiiimitiveEEee.”

The dragon lifted his long tail and swept cross the buildings of the coast until they collapsed. Boats tossed away, apartments crushed, skyscrapers and towers fell to the waters as the ocean surged inland with that single move.

Saitama simply swung up and tossed himself to the top of the dragons head once more as it roared. He punched at the skull only for the scales to bend just slightly. “Hmm.” He glanced at his fist. His normal punches weren’t doing much effect.

A fin hit his body and he slammed straight to the bottom of the sea. Leviathan used his tail like a fly swatter.

Genos cried out and started to dive down from the sky when he too was hit and crashed onto a skyscraper on the coast.

“I wiiIIilll desssstroyyyy your cities beforee your eeEeeeyeeeessss. Jussst like Atlantisssss”

Then the long dragon puffed his chest and called a summons. Magic pulsed through the air like a tornado around the leviathan as it raised his voice and the ocean thrashed at his summons. The water rose higher and higher while the coast grew barren and soon a wall of water formed three times higher than the leviathan itself. Soon a gigantic tidal wave emerged that aimed at all the coast of Japan. It’s shadow spread over miles and miles of coastline while people screamed from afar. Even though they evacuated, the waves stretched far inland with it’s height!

With an evil glint, the dragon released it’s call and the wave began to descend, the roar of it’s fall sounding like a million trains crashing through the humans’ ears. “Ahhhh!” “Noooo!”

Saitama at this time stood at the bottom of the waves on the dry ocean floor as the dragon sucked up all the water for his ultimate power move. While the water receded, the hero plunged his fist in the water as he waited for the monster’s tidal wave trick. “Huh. It was a lot wider than last time.”

Like a pea, the hero stood below the terror-inducing Disaster Leviathan.

“SSsssSAaitmaaaa. Surelyyyy even you can’t be eeEEeeveryyywheree at once….”

Instead of one tsunami at one city, the sea dragon conjured enough power to hit all of the coast of Japan in one go. Genos could only watch with bated breath from above as he tried to electrocute the gigantic sea leviathan.

Genos glared at the monster, “Tch. It’s too powerful and fire won’t affect it.” Only Saitama can injure this beast once again. He clenched his fist and started to fly to the coast to save who he could and bring them to high ground. “I’m sorry, Master, for being too weak.”

Saitama peered up at the monster who teeth along were the size of his apartment building. “Guess it’s time to get serious.”

The hero focused and said, “Serious series — Barrier!” With that, multiples of Saitma afterimages began to form — miles and miles of them.

Just like when he dashed in place to form afterimages, this time, he could feel the pull of time being affected as the giant widespread tidal wave began to slow down in his eyes as he curved from the sea. Thousands of Saitamas spread along the coast of Japan as all looked down in wonder. Even Leviathan. The old sea dragon never knew the hero had this speed in his last battle!

All the Saitamas began to pull their fist back and said, “Serious Series — Serious Punch!!”

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!

In an instant, the force of the punch blasted against the tidal wave as all length and the water swept back by sheer force and rammed against the Leviathan’s whole body.

The sea dragon roared as they force knocked him to his side and instantly, the thousands of Saitamas leaped onto the monster and punched — “LET’S END THIS, SNAKE!”

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!! Large holes blasted through out it’s body and the original Saitama had punched in the skull of the dragon.

Blue blood oozed out like a waterfall as the hero jumped back onto a building that fell during their battle. The dragon began to fall limp, but it stayed afloat just barely. Soon it’s eyes started to fade as it laughed.

“IiiiIIi SeeeEEeee….YooouuUu were never SssserrioooooSss lassst TiiIiiime.”

The Leviathan looked down on the hero sitting on a collapsed building as he stayed silent. The waves consumed half of it as the the coastline submerged in water. The wreckage from their battle laid out an eerie background to the dragon facing the hero.

The dragon spoke in rumbles as the waves crashed around him. “No matterrr. IiiiIT is ToooOOoo LaaAate. WeeEe willl not waaAait for our DessssstruUuuction.”

Saitama deadpanned, “Gotcha. Everyone’s starting the Apocalypse fighting early.”

The dragon’s large eye twitched in annoyance before it sighed. It’s sigh became a burst of wind that blew the against the trees of the coast. Suddenly a voice of gravel and thunder pounded through all living beings minds within 100 miles.

“Once again, humans have prevailed against me thanks to your foolish hero.”

“I am tired. But the other Disasters will not. Humans, the trials of judgement shall come. Such weak beings do not deserve being the top race in this world as all monsters know. But your heroes shall save you.”

Chuckle. “But with your true natures, will the heroes be enough to save your soulsss? A race of lies and excuses can only be saved so often. Even so, all eras must end. No exceptions.”

The Leviathan looked into Saitama’s eyes and laughed. “YeeeEEesssss.”

“I am curious, Hero. As one who watched Atlantis fall, I wonder how will your civilization last? It is a funny thought. Will your strength be able to save anybody by the end, Hero? Or will you fail just like last time? Fuuu…Allow me a good show, lonely one.”

The Leviathan shut his eyes for the final time and just like that, the first battle ended.

Saitama watched as Leviathan slowly sunk into the ocean, it’s scales corroding as it’s power disappeared. The body began to decay faster and faster as the ancient beast lost the magic that held up it’s life.

The hero watched from that broken tower above the waves as the great sea dragon was no more than a child’s tale. All of it’s thick scales, acid flesh and domineering eyes faded to dust.

Saitama didn’t really understand, but…deep down inside, he felt a little lonely watching his enemy fade. He was happy he protected the people better than last time, but another side of him wished they could have fought longer.

He looked down at one red gloved hand. Everything he touched could be destroyed with a single hit, sometimes even a sneeze if he weren’t careful. Outside of the Disasters, he could never fully let himself loose.

Despite his deadpan looks, he was careful. Every step, every handshake, every time he grabbed his chopsticks…he had to restrain himself lest it break. Everything breaked. Like living in a house of glass.

He clenched his fist. It was more fun battling the sea snake this time. It took me longer and really made me sweat! He could still feel his blood pumping and adrenaline on high…And although his serious punch still took down the sea dragon, it wasn’t the limit. If it was his past strength, the dragon wouldn’t have stayed conscious. And the tidal wave would have dispersed. But even though he wasn’t as powerful right now, the dragon still fell soon enough. Watching it fade away made him think, how long will this transition last?

He needed to be the strongest.

But did it have to be so soon?

Once he broke the threshold of his human limits, his emotions will begin to fade a bit and even this blood pumping sensation will be a mere memory.

The Third Trial…even when he beats the final boss, will he be strong enough for that?

Saitama dropped his hand and jumped off the tower to the coastline. With just a kick, he landed on the shore without a scratch.

He’ll let it go for now and deal with it when it comes. He knew this was the price to his strength…

Still.

Did he really want to lose his humanity?

Did he really want to live as a god-like existance?

Just then, crowds cheered and Genos landed next to the caped hero. “Master! I’m glad you are fine. Shall we go? I’ll cook.”

…I’ll think about it later.

Saitama looked back at the now calms waves behind him and turned back to his pupil’s smiling face. He smiled back. “Sure. Let’s go.”

Anything was possible anyway.

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……………………

……….

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

Yo yo yo. WitchySkies on the line, online, lining up for my on time.

*Gets hit by a can of Corona*

Ouch! Ok, I’ll stop! Speaking of which, I wonder how the corona beer sales are now…

At least they’re not dealing with angry leviathans? Ok…

Anywhoo hope everyone is well and safe! I’m grateful for the reviews to this story. I know my taste isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I love these stories and always glad to see others enjoy these adventures too.

So, thank you very much. *Bows in Gintama mode*

The story is coming along and I promise there will be more of the three lovers appearances soon, but I want to see a slow burn romance this time (well, kinda slow. Mwahaha). Please look forward to that.

On another note, if a sea dragon and zombies coincided…would there be zombie fish? Zombie mermaids? Is that a THING? IDK! But sounds cool! (Says woman afraid of horror movies)

Anywhoooo.

Got a new job so that’s exciting. Just trying to switch industries cause want to create things and not just be customer service or etc like I’ve been doing. Writing more has helped build habits of taking initiative in my life so there’s progress. I hope everyone is making progress on their own projects as well. Curious what they are.

On another note, just binged the I reincarnated as a slime webnovel so making a one shot series on RimuruXDiablo double life thing if any fans of that are here.

Ok! I’m happy to finally update this baby here and I hope you had fun (Saitama will get his existential questions later, but I’ll add more heat later too so look forward).

It’s 3am now and I’m dead. Have a good night!

Oyasumi Nasai!

Feed me crepes!

AHAHAHAHA *laughs in Lina Slayer*

Until next time,

Mwah! XD

Chapter Text

Chapter 12: “Sweet as Candy, Quiet as Smoke, Burning with Desire”

“Life reflected in the fall of a blossom —
Ever Fading and Beautifully Brief.”
—Eternal Wish of Sakura Dreams—

Saitama watched as the news reported his victory against the Leveiathan - Destroyer of Atlantis, praising him for his strength and humbleness followed by reels of sightings of zombie attacks and the “Robot Army” that aided humanity. As more and more reports came, news of Valhalla and the rumor of an upcoming Hero Association headquarters started to spread not just in Japan but across the world…but even if the world was also experiencing monster surges, nothing compared to the level found in Japan and thus the country became known as a no-travel zone Monster Hotspot.

The world news flashed before the stone-faced hero’s eyes, but another worry pressed his mind.

It’s begun. My feelings are starting to fade…

It had only been a day, but the thrill of being tossed around by the sea dragon had already disappeared. His hands didn’t shake, his heart didn’t race and he he couldn’t taste the blood in his mouth or feel the sting of his wounds - it already healed.

……I…shouldn’t say this out loud. Now that I think about it, I sound like a masochist instead of a battle maniac. Not that it sounded much better…

Saitama sighed in his trademark striped pajamas. “There’s nothing to do. Emperor Kid and Sonic’s friends are handling the first wave of zombies. Drs are researching new mutations in the undead virus from his original formula last life. Genos is doing all the chores. This doesn’t feel right…I’m just being lazy! What happened to my mountain life?!”

Saitama stared at his pajamas. For some reason the plain striped pattern reminded him of something…In the back of his mind, a small polished voice cried out:

“Stupid baldie. Do you have no shame? No fashion sense, no IQ, why are you a hero?! I’ll buy new ones!”

He scrunched his brow and the nagging feeling grew. This feeling that something was missing from his morning routine… “Hm. Who said that?”

Just then, Genos popped into the living room with a soft smile and a pink apron over his metal body. “Master, I brough breakfast.”

“…” Saitama stared at the tray full of eggs and bacon with miso soup. “Let’s eat. Thanks.”

In an instant, the dumb - erm, resilient hero kneeled properly at the low table and they began to eat.

With a full mouth, Saitama asked Genos, “Ah! Genwos, I fworgot something. Like a preswence is missing. Do you know who bwought all those clothe-“

“No.”

“Bu-“

“No.” Genos kept smiling and grabbed his chopsticks. He stuffed more bacon in his master’s mouth like a bullet train. “There is nothing and no one to remember. Just eat, Master. I’m all you need.”

“…” Saitama could only chew and shrugged his shoulders. Eh. Probably nothing then. Though I’m glad Genos is here. I missed having a proper meal like this ever since I died.

“Woops, forgot. Itadakimasu.”

………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………

Somewhere in the city…

“Cancel my tours and all engagements. I’ll be retiring from here on out.”

“EH?!!!” A bespectacled man dropped his coffee and ran to grab the man’s shoulder. “B-But it’s so sudden! Why?!”

The handsome man paused and then a chilling aura spread across the room. Cold eyes peered down at the hand on his shoulder and the shocked man dropped his hand like it burned.

The handsome man who betwitched millions gritted his teeth, “Manager. I’m retired. Take care of the rest.” A power snapped from the blue haired idol and he bowed his head slightly so his bangs shadowed his eyes. Like a devil, he spoke, “If you have anything else to say, I will snap that hand off so you have pressing worries.”

The manager squealed and fell to the floor in shock. He shook his head violently and splurted out, “N-No! Nothing! I - I - Please go ahead.” Never once did he feel such power from his star client. He always smiled at him no matter how much he knew he messed with their contracts or tried to get more talent. No matter what, this client valued his face too much so he used him. But now he…

He’s a monster.

Amai Mask nodded once and left the corrupted manager to the ground. “Don’t look for me.” With that he kicked open the door and walked outside without a backward glance, the former idol officially left his old life behind.

After finding his car, Amai Mask AKA Beaut checked his cell and found the number he needed. It took a while to get used to the shock of ‘waking up’ from the dream of his old life and dying. He could still feel his body being torn apart and the heat of battle. His human body couldn’t handle the stress so he had to work to adapt. I bet Genos and Sonic didn’t have this much trouble with their bodies, lucky bastards. They probably found Saitama by now.

It had been years since he last stood in a studio nevermind acted. After several years in the apocalypse, he had already forgotten how to be human. If I recall, that glasses nerd back there was the manager? I think he shoved me to a group of undead once, well, not that it made a difference. I probably killed them all.

“Destiny that whore - only retaining my memories now. I guess I should say thanks, tch. I’ve wasted too much time away from my angel.” He hit the dial button.

A gruff voice answered. “Ah! Amai Mask! To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Hello, Agoni. I heard you’re opening up a Hero Association…”

Ironically, he became involved with the hero association at this time as well. It was perfect for building fame and filtering the filth of society from dirtying the hero name.

But now…he didn’t matter. Only one person did. To think, his poor hero must have been suffering at the lack of attention from those annoying rivals of his. He needed to make sure nothing stained his savior. This must be the reason he had returned to the past. Of course it is.

“I’m coming, my Dear.”

………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………

A few hours later at Valhalla…

“Sir, we have a guest.” A robot butler bowed and talked to Genos. “Amai Mask has requested your presence and insisted Saitama was there. He said he retired and would serve Saitama until death.”

“Shoot him.” Genos didn’t even blink. “Then he served Saitama to death.”

The robot beeped. “He also said, if you don’t let him into Valhalla, he’ll lick Saitama’s figurines in front of the door’s camera and —“

“Fuck! Let him in. He would do it, too. And while you’re there, ask how he got our location.”

Moments later, a certain idol in a sharp white suit walked in with the most charming smile. His blue hair glistened as his eyes curved with the expression of a white prince here for his love. Quite a few of the women in the room fainted while the idol stood face to face with a poker-faced, tackily-dressed hero.

Amai Mask’s eyes shone bright as he finally faced his hero and he immediately ran over to fix the ex-bald hero’s hair as if he practiced for a lifetime. “It’s been a while, love. I see you have a new look. Hm. Stylish.”

Saitama shivered at that and backed off while Genos and Sonic stood in the way. “Uh…H-Hey, Beaut…” Shit. Everyone’s got their memory now. Gah. Now he can’t sleep alone again…Beaut always insisted on watching for stalkers…

“Kyaa! Amai Mask!” a random merc squealed in the crowd forming at the entrance.

“I love youuuuuu!!!”

The fans cheered and Sonic ordered them away. “Hey, let’s head to the meeting room. Agoni’s coming in shortly.”

Soon after, Agoni Agoni presented himself to the meeting room and they began.

At the meeting room, Genos grilled the two-faced idol, “So how did you find us?”

“Hm, hmm. I asked around. And besides, you work with Agoni, Agoni works with me. I knew you’d contact him eventually so I laid down the tracks. Where are the rest of the heroes? Seems to be only a few.”

Sonic gritted his teeth. “Tch. So you remember everything then. Why am I not surprised? I hoped you turned like King and lost it all. You psycho pretty boy. Garou and Suiryu and all will join later. They’re dealing with the zombies and getting intel. With the Emperor, Zombie Man and the robot army, they got it handled for now until the next swarms come. Let’s move on.”

Amai Mask AKA Beaut only smirked, “Don’t be jealous. I promise I also have real business…” Saying so, he trailed his eyes up Saitama’s body from his red boots to his dark hair. With a lick of his lips, he said, “Well, so you have changed a bit. I can style your hair for you from now on, dear.”

Genos blocked his view and crossed his arms.

Beaut smiled. “Right. Business first, then.” He turned to Agoni. “Why do you think heroes were only fiction in modern days until recently? The first monsters we’ve seen in modern times came only in recent years. Why has there not been a Hero Association for hundreds of years? There were hints of heroic establishments in ancient times, but not now. Adventurer guilds are in games, but if monsters were a daily problem throughout history, they’d be real, no?”

Sonic said, “The classic monsters would be in hiding for some reason, like Leviathan, but the rest? There are exponential bursts of humans turning into monsters on the street at random. And then the Seven Disasters and that grey freak’s trials happened to come soon after? I see your point, but where are you going with this? We have a Hero Association now when Agoni goes official.”

Beaut leaned forward and looked straight into Saitama’s eyes as he replied to Sonic, “Mm. Yes. We do have that.” He tilted his head as a cool glint passed through his eyes. “But it wasn’t enough, was it.”

Beaut leaned back and strode to Saitama’s side as if it were natural. His sharp suit made him seem like a talent manager fixing up his client…except his fingers lingered in his hair a second too long. He continued, “I’m sure we remember how we died. I most definitely can not forget the scene of disgusting, weak humans betraying their own kind to become the enemy. That tragic overestimation of humanity’s base nature led to the tragedy of oceans of unworthy humans who became monsters. I believe in preparing for the worst, so I propose an idea.”

The blue-haired idol then walked to Agoni and looked down on him with a steel gaze. “I can not trust humans to choose their better nature by themselves. Knowing such, what do we do to prevent half our human race to turn traitor for the monsters? I suggest we do what we do with dogs who have yet to turn cowardly. We train them until fear isn’t an option.”

Genos nodded his head, “I see.”

“Yes. We don’t wait for heroes to pop up, Agoni. We make them.” Beaut looked at Genos then. “We have the base, supplies and skilled teachers in our staff. I propose we create a Hero Academy and train humans what it means to be a real hero and not just a weak spectator of it.”

Saitama smiled and hit his fist into his palm, “Oh! Great idea Beaut! I can teach some the way — “

Beaut coughed into his fist and cut in, “Um, save your…training…for your close students. The rest will be taken care of.” He’s just going to say 100 of everything again. No normal human, except stupid Genos, would magically gain hero powers that way let alone be efficient. Saitama is an angel in his innocence~ Beaut fantasized about Saitama with cute tiny wings and a robe and he blushed.

Sonic just raised a brow and said, “I agree. Valhalla is great, but not enough. I’m sure with Agoni and Dr Kuseno working with my network, we’ll come up with proper departments for efficiencies sake. If humans can turn into monsters, we can provide stimulus to unlock humanity’s hero powers as well. I’m down, Beaut, but stop fantasizing.” He threw a kunai at Beaut’s head only for him to catch it between his fingers with a yawn.

“So it’s a plan.” Beaut glared at Sonic before returning to his angel’s side and bumped into Genos hard. Genos’s eye twitched but he endured.

Agoni nodded. “We have to unite if we want to save the future. Yes! Let the Hero Association and Academy Begin!”

“The goal — to be Prometheus’s fire and instill in humanity…A Hero’s Will! The only sure way to fight against the temptation of monster transformation.”

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Later on at their apartment…

Genos made sure to reserve an aparment just for Saitama. He originally wanted one room, but knowing the other two stalkers, he had to make room. Next door, Suiryu and Garou insisted (well, mostly Sui) on staying.

Which led to this situation:

Saitama stood in the middle while his three stalker — erm, students fought over who slept in the rooms closest to him. It was only a few feet though…

Genos flared up, “I made the building, I claim the room.”

Sonic huffed, “Ok, whatever. There’re two rooms on either side of Saitama. The last room is at the end. Who the fuck put the bathroom across Saitama’s? You know we’re going to fight! Saying so, Genos claims one side, then I claim the other side as a half-founder/partner of Valhalla.”

Beaut scoffed, “Well then, I came up with the Hero Academy and used my management team to market the school and pay for the ads, so there! I should get one of the rooms!”

Saitama just backed off slowly and tried to close the door, when Beaut and Sonic stuck their foot in the doorway without batting an eyelash. Both of them said, “Where do you think you’re going?!”

“Uh….Why don’t we get separate apartmen — “

Genos cut in, “All taken.”

“Not — “

“All reserved.”

“…” Saitama quirked a brow.

“…” Genos just kept a poker face.

Just then, Beaut held a sly smile as he said, “You know what? You’re right Sonic. You take the room…I have a duty as a talent manager to handle all requests.”

Sonic rolled his eyes. “Sure. Psycho.”

“So I take my spot with Saitama~ Just like good all times. I’ll make sure there are no more cameras in the bathroom, dear.”

“OH HELL NO!” Both Sonic and Genos cried out.

In the end, they couldn’t stop fighting so later on that night Saitama snuck out to look at the base. By the time he returned, he made sure to use his super speed to change into pajamas and sleep in bed. Only to see Beaut looking at him with hunger from the side of the bed with Sonic and Genos blocking him.

“…The heck?” This was worse than a horror show. Except the ghost would try to bathe with the main character!

Genos answered, “If he behaves himself, he’ll just watch from the side. Sorry, we couldn’t beat him up for you.”

“Uh…It’s…Ok….” Just think of it like 24/7 bodyguards? Saitama turned over and went back to sleep. Yep…bodyguards…his instinct said to watch his ass, but like usual, he didn’t understand why so he ignored it.

And one more night in Valhalla passed…

Secretly, Saitama smiled…

Just like old times.

Right?

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AUTHOR NOTE:

Aloha WitchySkies dancing here~

Finally, finally, picking up! I’m catching up slowly.

That said, I hope you enjoy the harem - erm, adventure so far! Let me know if you want a side story between Suiryu and Garou lolol

It’s already August can you believe it? I know it’s way too early to think, but I’m being optimistic. Trying to think if Japanese Language School will be possible end of next year or after. What do you guys thinks?

Oh, and when will Mandalorian come out? And Wonder woman? And Mulan? And —

AHHHHHHHH I HOPE THERE ARE SEQUELS FOR EVERYTHING.

Ok. Ok. I’m calm.

Well, loves and kisses and sweet dreams y’all.

Leave a review if you can and I’ll see ya next time, angels ~

Mwah!

(I feel I should be drunk before I say stuff like this).

Chapter Text

Chapter 13: “Rise of the Hero Academy”

“Even in Darkness, Voids and Hell
A Light Forever Travels.”
—A Hero’s Will—

The next day, with the help of Genos, Emperor Kid’s robots and Sonic’s ninjas, the foundation of the Academy was put together in no time. And the doctors went straight to work analyzing and promoting powers in humanity to combat the evolution into monsters. Soon, Agoni’s and Beaut’s face were seen on every screen in the country…as well as the Strongest Hero Saitama.

Crowds gathered around every screen possible from train ads to home televisions to phones. This was Agoni’s big announcement that would change the fate of Monsters Vs Humans forever…

“Hello, my name is Agoni Agoni. As of today, the Hero Association will be launched with the new hope of humanity, a place to train and learn to fight against monsters — Hero Academy! These times are troubling, but we don’t have to wait for nothing. Fight! And unlock the powers within you! Whether you have superstrength or speed or an intense desire to train to be the top fighter you can, come! Come to Hero Academy at Valhalla and save humanity.”

“Be the Hero you were always meant to be!”

“The future will be forged at Hero Academy. If interested, go to our website. Or visit us at Valhalla.”

As soon as the ad was released, Agoni asked the heroes once more if it was ok. “Are you sure we should reveal our base?”

Sonic scoffed, “Trust me when I say, monsters are the kings of finding underground bases. Besides, this changes the target from the cities to the base where our defenses are higher. Less civilians involved the better….and our base isn’t helpless?”

Genos nodded, “If they try to attack without a plan, the humans will be the least of their worries.” He clenched his metal fists. “Our…creations…are quite persuasive. Heh.”

Agoni looked at the thousands, if not millions, of robots moving about Valhalla still expanding the base. What would take men months, took these days. Dear god, if they survived the apocalypse, the future will be unimaginable. Technology that could lead to future space travel, medicine…His eyes glistened and he laughed.

After that ad…a new future was being formed. The lines of fate have once again paved new roads…

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Tornado saw the ad and peeked at Fubuki as her eyes sparkled. The dark haired, busty woman squealed as she jumped from her seat. “This is my chance to make a name for myself! Sitting by while the heroes do everything isn’t my style!”

Tornado clenched her fist as she said, “But we’ll be safe if we avoid the battles. The heroes have it covered…”

Fubuki pouted and glared at her elder sister, “Please! We have power and we are able to make a difference! Please let me do this at least. Me and my friends hate that we could do nothing when those monsters started attacking. And zombies are coming out! We can’t just do nothing!! Onee-chan!!”

She’s still the same idealistic hero as before…

Tornado stared up at her little sister. She looked at her strong gaze and the tears of being helpless. No matter what I do, she’ll try to leave to follow her heart. That’s what makes her Tornado. After a tense moment, the slim esper closed her eyes in resignation and said, “If you must go, you go with me. Do NOT leave my side in battle or I’ll keep you at home for the next few years. Understood?” She snapped open her eyes and gave Fubuki a ferocious glare. “I mean it! If you let yourself get hurt, I will tie you up myself.”

Fubuki’s eyes widened at her sister’s fierce gaze and then she smiled, “Yes, sister! I promise!” She immediately jumped on her feet leaped down to hug her elder sister. “Thank y-!”

“Once more thing.”

Fubuki froze and nervously looked down. “Y-Yes?”

“You will not go straight to work at the Association. You have to go through the Hero Academy first.” That never existed in our last life, so Saitama has a plan. Correction, his students do. That baldie never had plans.

Fubuki pouted, “But I just went through college! Why do I need to go back to school?!”

“Fubuki. You want to be a hero, you must learn just like the others or be a civilian!”

“Y-Yes, ma’am! I’ll go to school! Ok, I’ll call my friends. So we’ll go to Valhalla tomorrow?”

“Sigh. Ok, let’s go.”

This time will be different. It has to be.

………………………………………

…………………………………….

All across the country, kids and adults began to pack their bags and start the trek. While many decided to stay within the massive shelters that were geared like small cities in each dome, the others began to make the pilgrimage while being escorted by robots and soldiers alike to Valhalla. (So they had buses, but trekking sounded cooler).

It was one thing to save humanity, it was another to unlock latent power. Without risk came no reward. Beaut planned for this when he suggested the Academy. If the true heroes who are altruistic aren’t enough, motivate the rest with their own neurobiological instincts. Make the rewards of a hero’s risk outweigh the monster’s appeal. No one wanted to become a monster if the hero had more merit…Such greediness may be humanity’s sin, but also it’s greatest motivator.

One by one, people began to leave the shelters and broken-down homes as the escorts and future students alike challenged the zombies. The paths began to clear. Morale rose higher than ever before. And the video still played in their minds of Saitama’s inhuman strength and battle against the ancient Leviathan. Just like the appeal that led young adventurers in old times, the dreams of that power and battling for fame and fortune shook even their fear away.

The ancient monsters were returning…And certain eyes turned to Valhalla.

Just like olden days of adventurers, of Hercules and Hydra and other such myths, the fruit of potential has begun to ripen once more.

Only they can revive of the true Hero’s Will in the hearts of the populace.

Once more, the wheels of fate turns and changes with the tides…

………………………………………

…………………………………….

Ninjas, mercs and talented teachers of science to strategy were all lined up in front of Valhalla. Sonic, Genos, Beaut, Saitama and the doctors all stood before them on stage as they stood at attention.

Sonic called out, “Today’s the day! From here on out, the real battles will begin. Your jobs were given out to you by your team leads in front here. Do not fail them. While the school has yet to open up, make sure to prepare the facilities for the new students! Once the classes are planned, we’ll summon you so be prepared!”

Genos followed with, “Our robots will ease logistics and help with research. Abuse this power and I will destroy you. While we prepare the syllabus, start training the students on how drills will go and get their physical training up.”

Beaut ended with, “Oh, and if anyone has eyes on my hero here, I will cut their heads off.” The idol then wrapped his arms around Saitama’s waist and nuzzled his face into his neck before he was thrown off stage.

Saitama coughed in his fist as he peered at the hundreds of faces gazing at him with worshipful eyes. Ever since he fought Leviathan, the TV never stopped playing the battle. “Don’t listen to that last thing. Anyway, good luck and let’s kick monster ass.” That was good enough, right? He never did pass speech class…This was worst than those open group interviews…

With that, they all yelled, “YESSIR!!!” and bowed.

Sonic cried out, “Dismissed!”

They bowed again and dispersed in a minute.

Saitama praised the ninja, “Huh. You trained them well for a freelancer.”

Sonic smirked before sliding his arm across his shoulders, “Of course. I’m more reliable…”

Genos grabbed the ninja’s neck and threw him off before standing close to Saitama. “Are you hungry? I cooked your favorite…”

From the floor, Beaut and Sonic growled, “Ingrate snake.” “Horny housewife.”

Genos merely flipped them off and kept looking at his hero.

Saitama scratched his head and smiled awkwardly, “Uh, sure.” This really was just like the old days except Genos kept trying to feed him. At this rate, he’d end up like a pig in tights!

Saitama looked over the three disciples as they started to argue and…his heart clentched just a fraction that went unnoticed by the hero. “Let’s get some dinner, guys.”

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AUTHOR NOTE:

— Ommmmmmmm — *hits temple bell thing*

I am acting like Beaut without a muscular poker faced god in tights at his side. Sigh.

Real quick — HINT FOR NEXT FEW FUTURE CHAPTERS:
Garou will come in pic more with Suiryu.
And the heat *ahem* *wiggle brows*will get hotter.
But first, there’s gonna be a monster council next.

OK> SAFE! HINT OVER.

So I am still writing but wanted to get this out before I crash the windows server in my head lol.

How’re you guys? Anyone questioning their introvert-ness like I am? I love being indoors with a good book, but it ain’t…well, let’s just say, when covid’s dealt with, I know a few people who are going to hit the ground RUNNING.

If anyone got ideas on 2D shonen loves (kamui) or got some Ikebukuro shopping tips, lmk!

And as usual, Please Leave a Review and I will summon one Garou angel to your house for you to model with as Cardcaptor Sakura duo hahaha

They say clout doesn’t pay the bills, but hearing from happy readers pay me in (insert money used in HunterXHunter). Cough.

Seriously, though. Hope y’all are good and your families safe. Let’s kanpai at korean bbq next year, ok?

Loves and Genoses,

WitchySkies <3

P.S. This whole time, I never knew my childhood was over. OVER. I mean, I was older, but my fav series were supposed to last 40 more years! Gintama! Sunako-chan! Now even Skip Beat?! First time I read that was in middle school - the first time I bought a manga was Skip Beat (ok, Kamisama Kaito Jeanne before but I digress. The art was so beautiful. Like a piece of happiness in drawing form and packaged for sailor moon dreams.)

MY AGE IS ENDING AND LUFFY WILL HAVE A KID AND BORUTO WILL BE OUTSHONE BY HIS SIS —

Breathes deeply.

Ok. I’m cool. You cool. We cool.

The kokoro was hit hard this week. Jesus, I need a soju and a hot date *I wish*

Sweet dreams y’all. I’m gonna try look into becoming a cyborg and go find Atlantis.

Srs on the boruto sis thing tho. She got more potential emotional maturity than most shonen heroes with their troubled backstory epics and black tights.

Chapter Text

Chapter 14: “Councils, Nefarious Kings…And a Short Dark Elf.”

“The Downfall of Empires lie not by Fate
But by the Greed of Kings and Men.”
—Monster Kingdoms—

Monsters existed throughout history, but never on this scale - as evident in the lack of a proper hero academy until present days.

A chimera with many heads snapped at the hologram device. It’s twenty-seven heads all snapped at each other while the main head, a lion’s, grumbled, “The Hero Academy never existed last time we lived. What say ye?”

A small crab shouted, although it’s voice still ended up only barely audible, “My mistress has said that it didn’t matter. In the end they are but soft and fleshy.”

The lion head growled, “Easy for you to say, sea witch. You only have to think and get these little snacks to speak for you. Where are the others?!”

A rather large green alien whose arms were as many as his tentacles responded, “The last three? Probably sleeping. Remember, they said to call them when it’s their turn to battle. I’m only here to see the fresh meat.” Then he smiled wide so all that could be seen were rows and rows of sharp teeth.

“Whatever. The humans are gathering and strengthening their numbers. They should be terrified! Something has changed and I don’t like it.”

The crab piped up, “Mistress announces! It would have been easier if the Leviathan wasn’t such a failure and spent so many years bumming at her palace.”

The alien sighed, “I wish I listened to my gut and made him into sashimi.” His long tongue slithered out and trailed along the five foot of teeth he treasured.

Just then a young monster yelled from across the enormous cavern, “The tunnels are full! Shall we open the doors?!”

The lion simply waved his paw and spoke, “We’ll continue next time. OPEN THE DOORS”

Hundreds of tunnel doors lifted at once as monsters poured in like a river flowing downstream. Round and round the cavern, at each floor, were dozens of tunnels all centered around the high thrones of the Seven Disasters - though four were empty.

The twenty-seven heads of the Chimera King twinkled at the sight of his new army and he drooled. With a hearty laugh, he welcomed the crowds and began his speech,

“WELCOME TO THE MONSTER KINGDOM!!!”

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…………………

…………………

…One hour later…

The Chimera King roared as he finally wrapped up his grand welcome, “Come join us and you shall receive the right to work here! Food, a bed and a chance for revenge against the humans! And the chance to be a part of monster legend like us Seven Disasters before you!! No man shall forget your evil deeds!”

“We will crush humanity and gain our rightful place as rulers under the sun!”

“TO WAR!!!”

The monsters cheered and roars echoed in the tunnels as the monsters large and small stomped their feets and threw their arms up. “TO WAR! TO WAR! TO WAR!”

It was a long time before the noise settled and the monsters were guided to different areas to start the work. Everything was going to plan, except for one little detail…

Hidden among the terrible and large monsters, stood a small dark elf. She clutched her bag in front of her like a poor girl who just came to the city for the first time.

She whispered with a small voice as her long ears twitched. “Siiiigh. So they expect us to work for free. No benefits for outcasts, I guess…”

As a little dark elf, she didn’t have much career prospects unless she became a science experiment or a punk cosplayer. She chanced upon the big council meeting when monsters started to crowd out the old underground routes she took to sleep in. Yes, she was homeless. And very, very broke. Hoping to find career prospects, she followed the crowds and she was a little curious. The new monsters were a marvel to see as her kind began to become extinct.

S-S-Still….there’s sooo many new monsters these days!

Ever since she was a little girl, she had to keep running from humans and beasts for a couple hundred of years. But then humans began to turn into monsters. She was still a young teen in her clan, but the clan was massacred years ago. Now she scavenged. Such was life in her eyes.

“If only we still had knowledge of our powers I could be able to have my own aparment with three meals a day, but that knowledge was lost in the crusades years and years ago. Now I am just an initiate with no employable skills or powers. I need to find a way to make money. I don’t want t-t-to be h-h-hentai!” For the past few years, she had been acting as a ‘cosplayer’ for some humans, but it paid her food money. She had to leave it after a few years before they figured out she didn’t age and the one person she did tell was a pervert. So she had to run from the city where she knew the best places to dig for food and fish coins out of fountains. It didn’t help that she sucked at hunting.

“Siiiigh. Life is hard for a young lady.” She dusted off her plain black dress, tossed her long dark hair over her shoulder, and checked the bottom of her worn-down boots. Oh good. That slug monster didn’t stain her shoes.

I don’t know about this end of the world business, but they aren’t paying anyone here. I need to find paid work. If only I could go to school or something siiiiigh…Everything required a high school degree these days. And so many ear discriminators!

She sighed again and bumped into something hard. “Eep!” She landed on her butt with an oomph!

A cranky low voice growled above her, “Hey.”

The dark elf looked up and almost ran off before the man grabbed the back of her dress collar and lifted her up. “L-Let me gwoo!” Damn it! She stuttered when she was nervous.

“What’s a kid like you doing here?” A scary man with blonde hair tilted his head. He wore a dark hoodie over his head, but it didn’t hide his wild eyes. Wild eyes that were 100% aimed at beating her ass, she was sure! “Answer, brat!”

“I-I-I’m not a kwid! I’m a lady! Lady Shara!”

“Ha. And?” He shook her.

She became confused and just like a fresh puppy, she yelped and blurted her life storey out in one go, “I’m looking for a job and my clan is all gone and no one will hire me because I have no skills or powers. I’m only here at this meeting because I thought there would be job opportunities but its just a scam to get free labor, boo! But I’m a good dark elf, kya!” Her long ears flicked as she talked and she tried to punch the man in a desperate bid, but her arms were too short and she just flailed in the air. “Boo, boo! If I knew how to use my powers, I would kick your ass, meanie! It’s not fair all the new monsters get to use powers so easy! Cheaters!”

“What’d you say, homeless brat?!” He shook her again.

“Waaaah! Swooo mean! I’m nwot homeless! I’m a vagabwooond!! Meanie! Die! Jerk! Kya!”

A taller man came up behind them and leaned into the mean guy’s ear. “Garou. We got eyes.”

“Yeah, yeah. C’mon brat. You’re too weak to work here. I got a job.” Without blinking an eye, he just decided for the elf.

In the back, Suiryu paused for a second, “Eh?”

The elf froze mid-air and squeaked out, “R-Really!? W-W-Would you like to swee my reswu-erm, resume?!” She clasped her hands together and fidgeted.

“No need. Besides, what would a little brat like you have on their resume?” He tossed her over his shoulder. “We’re gonna run to the surface so hold on tight.” Garou snuck a look at his partner and only muttered, “We’ll talk later.”

“Wait! The pay! And housing! We need to talk! What are the benefiiiiiiits?!”

The elf could only let herself be carried as the two men dashed to the tunnels and the trio disappeared. Unknown to them, that meeting would be the beginning of everything.

……………………………..

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Meanwhile in Valhalla…

Saiatama sat in one of the base’s dine-ins “Hero Chow” and a waitress shifted on her feet nervously.

“S-Sir, are you sure you would like just french fries?”

“Ah.” Saitama just stared at her confused. Fries were cheap here and Genos gave him some allowance, but since he was still jobless…he didn’t know when he had more cash. “I’m on a budget so yes.”

“U-Um…You’re Mister Saitama, yes?” The poor waitress fidgeted more.

“Yes?”

“You’re our great hero!” The brunette suddenly bursted out like she had a confession. “Don’t worry about your meals here at Hero Chow! It’s always on the house for you, S-S-Sir! I’m a big fan!”

“U-Uh, thank you. Miss…”

“Sally, Sir! I’m honored!” As if her bravado sucked out all her nervous energy, she stood back straight and head held high with a gleam in her big eyes.

“Sally, nice to meet you. Then…can I have a burger and coke for free?” He really wasn’t used to this treatment. Never had restaurants offered him free food. Maybe if he were with a celebrity, but…

“Got it! I’ll get you the best burger combo on the house! Be right back, Mr. Saitama!” She skipped off in a heartbeat.

Saitama just stared after her when he noticed the other customers whispering in excitement. “Huh…” Ignoring the excitement, the hero focused again on the table and waited. I wonder if I’m getting the hero treatment because I have hair now? Beaut did style it for me today. Though, that girl said she was my fan too. How kind.

He muttered faintly, “Guess I’m a famous hero now. If I joined the Hero Association directly, would I get a higher paycheck? I feel weird bumming off Genos but he called it tuition to me.”

Saitama looked out the window at the growing base city. In a short while, his entire world has been turned over and now was the chance to see earth so alive again. “It’d be nice if this peace were to last.”

The fries came just as the television and multiple phones began to light up and buzz. People murmurred.

The TV buzzed and the anchor screamed, “BREAKING NEWS!

NEWLY FORMED MONSTER KINGDOM HAS DECLARED WAR!

WAR ON HUMANITY!”

————————————

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………………..

AUTHOR NOTE:

Yoohoo, todeloo~

WitchySkies here. As you figured, I added OCs now.

I mean, if Naruto has his ramen shop, why not Saitama have his own dinner hang?

I hope you forgive the shortness (I feel). We’ll see the trio soon lol

Tonight has been full of reflection. Introspection. Collection of thought (Omm).

You know that point where you’re stuck indoors all day for a long, long time and you just have to face yourself? That quiet moment when you have nowhere to run and see who you are just a bit through the haze?

Yeah, wine-worthy nights without the wine.

I don’t know if it matters to you, but this story has been a long time coming (despite my need of improvement). When shit hits the fan, when the normal ends — you can’t leave even if its not ideal.

I felt that way for a long time before this and I didn’t want to go back to that point. So I traveled. Though that’s been in my blood since birth, I didn’t believe I could so soon until I did. It’s weird what hidden scripts are stuck in your head until you beat it out (or let it go for the non-masochists out there).

Cheesy. Yes, yes.

So when pandemic hit, I’m grateful to be here, but like many others I’m sure, there’s that point. And you crack. And you either go up or down. And from what I hear, these moments don’t disappear, they just keep coming…

Hence this story was started.

If I could do it over again, and I weren’t a prodigy or had super cool slime hidden skills being my back up (rimuru you cheat I love you *Cough*)…What would really matter and how would I treat myself and those around me from then on? Especially in broken times.

And…

What to do if you desired something so much for so long…that it burns. It just burns through your heart and there’s no reason for it, but you need to go after it. (And it doesn’t mean yandere shit or flying off a building with taped on wings thinking I could fly).

Saitama, I think, hasn’t reached that point yet. His emotions are dull as they can be when you gotta be the strong one in zombie town. But he hasn’t broken down completely yet and hasn’t had that fire seen for what it is yet either. The powers effect of dulling his human connection ain’t helping.

Which brings up a modern problem, I believe. If there are too many options and you had the means to fight for yourself and others, but you’ve seen too much of the world to pretend things always go well or that people aren’t all just broken and strongly pieced together while we figure shit out and there’s too much evil done and injustice to ignore….if you were a superhero whose lost sight of a future that feels impossible…

What would drive you?
What’s your Ikigai? Your reason to wake up in the morning. The reason you breathe.

This story came from those thoughts. Though a good percent came from sheer love for Saitama and at least 20% from yaoi thirst LOL

Cheesy as it is, I’m trying to find meaning and if none, create it. But mostly discover what are others’ meanings. I feel there’s a web of connecting dots to be had though I doubt I’d ever see it that fully (again, lucky rimuru).

Anyway. I hope y’all are doing well as always and I hope your dreams come true or at least you find the peace within yourself that sustains all dreams.

Good night, oyasumi, and let’s give ourselves a cheer.

You fucking humans. Crazy, Mad and Bold AF.

If Saitama doesn’t save earth, can we get mars? HAHAHA.

Ciao~and go give yourself a fucking break.

P.S. MANDALORE I’M COMING!!! October is coming so soon. The producers said to be done in March so…they making us wait…because they’re sadists. That’s all I’m believing. Hollywood are full of sadists.

So in my mind, and in your now dreams tonight, there will be hollywood execs getting off on people begging for baby yoda. Yeah. It’s stuck in your head now. Heh.

...Wait…does that make me a sadi —

—Witchy “HaHa No, I’m normal” Skies

Chapter Text

Chapter 15: “Crossed Lines — A Spark”

“Do You Remember What Changed Your Life?
A Crossroads that Start with a Single Kiss.”
— A new future forged —

A few days later…

Garou barged in the conference room with Suiryu trailing behind with his arms behind his head. The Silverfang prodigy roared at Saitama, “HEY! What’s this I hear ‘bout some hero school?!”

Saitama raised his hands in a slow-down measure and said, “Uh yeah. We’re offering free classes. Wanna join?”

“NO! You’re so stupid! What about the monsters? Why only lowly humans!”

Saitama just smiled awkwardly. Once more his mind transported to several years before the end of the world and how Garou would constantly argue with him about monster rights…He was always very soft and that was always his best point. “Talk to Genos. I’m sure we can do cross-training?”

Just then Genos popped down from the ceiling with a pen. Thud! He instantly started scribbling in his notepad, “Yes! Genius idea, Sensei! Cross-training would give us more data to analyze and boost our power.”

Garou turned to growl at the cyborg pretty boy, “Hey! Ya better not be experimenting, you damn metal lump! Monsters have rights, too! Not everyone’s some goody two-faced human.”

“Monsters are the enemy Garou, not that you care. But if they show their loyalty, I don’t see why not. Sensei said it was ok, then he has a plan. Get out of Sensei’s face, mongrel.”

The two hot-heads butt foreheads when Suiryu hooked his arm around Garou’s waist and pulled him away with a grin. The dark-skinned casanova said, “Cool. Hear that Garou? You get to bring your friends over!”

“They’re not my friends!” He began to pummel at Suiryu, but his hits didn’t have much power behind them. “Tch! But I do have one student here.”

Suiryu laughed out loud and waved at Saitama, “We made some friend on our friendly missions down under. Not all monsters are evil as you know. Nothing but wisdom from you, eh, Sensei~?” He winked.

Saitama held up a hand with his famous egg face, “Eh? When did I hire - erm, take you in as a student?”

“Oh, you~ Playing coy! See ya, we’ll bring our friends over tomorrow! Ciao, Sensei!” He grabbed Garou and ran off.

Garou only let himself be carried and yelled back, “You better keep your promise, baka!!!”

Genos roared as the two ran out of the room with a jealous glare, “He’s NOT your sensei! He’s MINE!!!”

Only loud laughing could be heard down the hall as the teacher and student were left alone finally.

“…”

“…”

“So whose gonna tell Beaut?” Saitama started to edge away.

“Master,” Genos clamped his hand on his shoulder. “I hate to say this, but please use your inhumane charms on him. I’ll work on the syllabus.” Genos dashed out of the room in a burst of flames.

“…” Saitama watched as his beloved student betrayed him, but he could understand. It wasn’t that it was fear, per say, but the man could be extremely…petty.

A picture of Beaut’s enraged laughing entered his mind. Then a scene of his beast mode tearing monsters apart in a wild frenzy when they were laughing at him and ended up accidently slicing off his hair from their past life loomed in the back of his head.

…Shit. Very petty.

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……………

Later that evening, Beaut ran into the apartment and jumped to the living room kotatsu where Saitama sat dogeza style. Back straight, knees folded, a nervous smile on his face. The serious image was ruined by the wore a simple white shirt and shorts he wore however.

Beaut chirped, “Saitama!” before wrapping his arms around his shoulders and rubbing his cheek against his. The shiny idol stuck to him like glue when he could get out of his duties. “I can’t get enough of this. To feel you really here brings me life. I even made a keychain based off you and your fans devoured them~ I did a good job, right? Tell me.” The idol looked at his eyes and they narrowed a bit lazily yet erotic. “Praise me, Sai-chan~”

Saitama just laughed nervously and patted his back. “Ahaha..ha. Good work as always, Beaut. Actually, I have something to tell you.” Ever since Beaut was ‘revived’, he kept saying cheesy stuff.

“Hm?” He kept hugging. Like the hero was a security blanket. Although why he kept squeezing his waist went beyond the oblivious hero.

Saitama just bit the bullet and splurted out, “We’re having monsters be students at the academy tomorrow. You cool?”

In an instant, a cold burst of aura flared across the room and Saitama could feel ice on the back of his neck. Beaut whispered darkly, “Monsters…? At our academy….? He. Hehehe. AHAHAHAHA!!!”

The intimidating man grabbed Saitama’s sides and held him nose-to-nose. “Was it Garou telling you such nonsense? We should just kill him and the rest of those filth now —“ His blue hair rose slightly and yellow eyes sparked as power condensed around him.

The crazed hero started to change into his uglier monster form when Saitama placed a hand on his cheek. Beaut’s monster side started to recede at his touch.

“…” Beaut kept silent while staring at him with an intense gaze. This was the first time Saitama ever initiated a touch like this!

“…” Saitama rubbed his cheek while mechanically patting his head. He kept his poker smile on and thought back to Sonic’s instructions earlier when he asked for advice…

“Ahh…I heard you’re going to tell that fuck boy psycho your monster student plan. Before he tears up our new place, I’ll tell you what to do, love.”

Saitama thought hard as he followed the steps Sonic mentioned to ‘get away with everything including murder: Amai Mask Version’. The hero scrunched his brows as he thought seriously.

Ok. So I lean in a little…tilt my head 45 degrees…wrap my arm around the back of his neck to relax his pulse…if I feel his back tense up, make sure to lick my lip to show I mean well…and whisper next to the ear to make sure he’s paying attention…

A hot breath landed on the blue-haired hero’s ear as Saitama whispered, “I need you. I believe not all monsters are bad and simply need a hand. It doesn’t matter who they are if they truly want to be heroes. Won’t you trust me?”

Huh. I think it’s working! He’s back to pretty boy mode. The steps Sonic gave really have a great effect. He’s even acting docile, too! It’s scary how the ninja worked it all out.

Saitama got lost in his thoughts without noticing how entwined his legs and arms were around the frozen ex-idol. In order to reach the back of his neck with his arm, he had to lean on Beaut’s body. His knees were inbetween his and Saitama’s hand subconsciously gripped Beaut’s shoulder for balance.

All in all, the strongest hero was currently embracing Beaut as he whispered that killer line.

“S-Saitama…” Beaut looked into his angel’s serious dark eyes and felt his heart beat harder. “You…I see. It doesn’t matter who they are, huh…Just like that time. When you alone saved me and all else abandoned my ugly form, you said this as well.” The beautiful man started to tear up, his star-filled yes glistening as he held Saitama’s stoic face with shaking hands. “Sob! My— My angel. I’m sorry! I failed to understand your teachings.”

“Okay.” Saitama nodded and just kept to script, “There, there.” He contineud patting his head. Man, Beaut is starting to take after Genos. I hope he doesn’t bring out a notebook. I’m also gonna pretend not know about that photo collection. Yeah. I know nothing. He kept nodding.

“So let’s —“ Saitama was about to just say ‘eat’ when a strange sensation hit his lips. Soft. Wide eyes stared as Beaut moved his lips and sucked as a crystal tear fell down his face.

K-K-Kiss…!

Saitama was in for another shock when he noticed Beaut’s face began to smoothen, his eyes grew lighter like bursts of sunlight and his hair started to have a very soft glow. All in all, it looked a beauty filter came over the man, but it didn’t take away from his masculinity.

When he came out of his stupor, Saitama pulled back from the kiss and a thin trail of saliva fell from their lips. Saitama was about to speak, but he had to do a double-take. From the moment they kissed, it seemed Beaut had a soft glimmer to him. His eyes grew brighter, lips redder and his skin seem to hold a slight sparkle.

“Edward?” That was the name of the vampire in that chick flick the old lady at the supermarket ranted on. It was like Beaut had the same disease. “Do you need blood? A hospital?” Why was he glowing a little?! Was this change the cause of the kiss? A heavy parental pressure fell on his shoulders. For the first time, Saitama started worrying like a mentor.

Beaut touched his lips lightly and felt a thrill go down his spine. Everything made sense to him now. Power flooded him and a strange elation beyond any bloodlust in battle bursted in his heart. It was straight euphoria. And a new power started to awaken inside him…It was just like how it happened the first time he transformed from a man to a horrendous nightmare. An instinct came over him.

The angel gave him this power! He was sure of it!

Beaut laughed happily as he dove into Saitama’s arms and Saitama, who felt guilty for not being a better mentor, hugged him back.

The conflicted hero said, “Let’s talk about the kiss later. Do you…need psychiatric help? Or a doctor? You’re starting to sparkle…”

Beaut just kept laughing. He didn’t care how he looked anymore, he just felt so happy. Snuggling in Saitama’s arms, he simply said, “Hold me and I will return to normal. I’m afraid, I need to be held for a long time in order to heal…” Secretly, he stuck out his tongue. Whatever this power is, Saitama had the bonus effect of being guilted. I’d save it was a lucky addition. A little white lie can do no harm. Hehehe.

The gears of fate began to turn and deep inside, a roaring monster began to sleep. And a new one began to rise.

It wouldn’t be until much later, when the scientists of the Academy would break the code to human powers, that Beaut’s nature would make sense and aid in the world’s research. But that would be years later.

After all, there was a demonic beast, and there was a beauty…

And now there was heavenly beauty.

If humanity could have great evil, there only saving grace was their great capacity for miracles.

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AUTHOR NOTE:

OH YEAH, BABY, WHOSE ON A ROLL?!

WitchySkies here. So I’m totally messing with evolutions. Anywhoo, in case it’s not obvious, Beaut is beauty and beast combined in my eyes. So if such, then if he had access to a higher evolution…wouldn’t it be heavenly status? Ya got, crazy demon mode, flashy idol mode and now over-the-top angel mode. I HAD to stuff that Twilight joke in there. It was begging to be said.

Ok.

I’m obviously getting hormonal on my monthly (Stop Mother Nature! I’m gonna sue!) so writing like it’s my last day on earth. That and I’ve reading a bunch of motivational books so I really have to treat each day like it’s my last.

Which is great except my new small double-chin says I’m lying and need to step it up. Before I have to replace my wardrobe again. FIGHT SPARTAAAAAAA!!!

I wanna cosplay one day! Its my bucket list.

As always, stay bright and eat choco - I mean, uh, salads. Yeah. I’m gonna do that…tomorrow.

Loves and Kisses,

Insane Fujoshi.

Chapter Text

Chapter Sixteen: “The Hero’s Path is Never Certain”

“If There is a Reigning Race,
There is Always a Predator in Nature’s Cruel But Necessary Measures.”
—On a Scientist’s Code AKA “Nothing Keeps Taking a Beating”—

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………………………..

Slimy green creatures emerged from the lake. Their flesh fell off them in pieces but some clutched to white bone as they slowly marched from the lake. Their jaws dropped from their face unhinged as they roared.

A small spider robot scanned the new creatures and came to a conclusion: [Identified. Great Emperor’s description 99% Match. Level Two Zombies have awakened. Warning all stations — Next Stage to Commence]

The town near the lake had long been abandoned and only an army of metal spiders awaited when the creatures came to shore. Immediately, they fired lasers at the enemy, but more and more came…Until final a wave of larger zombies stepped forward. These creatures were twice as big and made of man and fish — not like the beauty of merlore, but of an evil being who took a human’s corpse and a fish’s parts and melded them together at random. Gills on the face, fins instead of arms or arms put on the bottom of a shark’s body — the matches grew more grotesque.

A giant monster stepped to shore and yelled, “We, monsters, will reign over this earth and welcome the dawn of a new world in the hands of the great nefarious one!”

Emperor Kid watched from the screen as more of his robot army got pummeled by these new beings. He said, “It’s plausible that they wanted to maximize the amount of bodies they could by combining human corpses with those of the sea. Also suggests an underwater creature is now leading Patient Zero’s mark in destroying civilization as we know it. There’s too many changes from the original sequence of events…I’ll need to notify the others.”

“The second wave of the undead has already begun.”

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…………………

…………………

Meanwhile on base, a certain trio were arguing about what to call the students as Saitama zoned out.

Sonic rolled his eyes, “Well, I’m sure Garou would say monster is a generic term and shouldn’t be used to differentiate students. The hot head gets riled up by the oddest things.”

Beaut rubbed his chin, “This is a very new situation, but the man said she was an elf? I don’t believe they are really monsters…I’m not sure about this.”

“We’ll use a different term.” Genos proposed. “Non-human students? I would qualify under that. It would make the databases easier to compartmentalize.”

“Nah.” Saitama cut in. “Just say student. They are our students now so no need for calling out monster student as different business. The hero academy is for all who want to help the world.”

“Sensei!” Genos’s tears flowed and as usual, his notes came out. “How compassionate!”

“…” Saitama scratched his head. “Right…Let’s go in and meet the first student.”

Soon after, Garou brought Lady Shara to meet the team.

“H-Hello, my name is Lady Shara.” The young dark elf bowed stiffly and said, “I am a new student at your school and hope to get working skills to get a job. Please take care of me. Would you like to see my resume?”

Garou lightly smacked the top of her head and said, “What kind of student needs a resume? Just study and become a scientist or whatever.”

“Kya! E-Erm, are there any part time jobs that don’t require degrees?”

Genos rubbed his chin. “I guess we should come up with a way to provide some form of credit for toiletries or other miscillaneous needs. Good idea, Shara.”

The elf blushed as she fidgeted in her dress. “Thwan-Thank you!”

Beaut sneered down at the ‘monster’ but couldn’t see anything wrong with the elf. “You’re not really a monster-type like the others we fought. An elf you said?”

“Ah! That’s because us dark elves were around for long, long years. But we’re getting extinct. I haven’t seen any of my kind in a while…then all these new monsters came up.”

“Oh? So you have a lot of experience with the monsters? And seem to keep tabs of other…ancient monsters?”

“Oh, yes! I can assist your research on all sorts of monsters! I have no powers, but I did travel a lot!” She beamed up. “Just need a living wage and I can write a whole encyclopedia!”

“Hmm…” Beaut smiled and nodded. “Very useful. I’ll have you assist in the research department when you’re not in school. Every child needs an education after all.” He smiled like he was once again Amai Mask the idol and sparkles came off his face.

“I’m not a child! I’m a lady!” She puffed her cheeks.

Saitama scratched his head and really looked at her. “You look 14? Barely?”

“M-M-How rude! I am over 200! I don’t remember my year though…”

“So an old brat?” Garou piped up. He picked at his fingernails unconcerned. “Still a brat.”

“Waaah! Booo! Meanies!” She cried as she stomped her foot.

Saitama sweated as he tried to calm her, “Okay, okay. Lady it is. Genos will figure out the wages, but you’ll get some money for your research work.” She still acts 14 tho…

Genos nodded. “Yes, I’ll work on a credit system now. As long as you’re a student, you will get credits earned each quarter that will go to a school shop full of things you can use for everyday or fun. And since you will be aiding our research on monster powers and transformations, you will be doing work at the Hero Association. They are partnering with our base and funding some of our departments. So don’t worry about the wage. We’ll talk details later.”

Beaut smiled at the young girl and said, “Congratulations, young lady. You have a job.”

“…”

The rest of the room stared at the monster-hating hero in shock (except clueless Shara).

Beaut frowned at the room and said, “I’m not that cruel. Stop staring at me and let’s get to work.”

Lady Shara jumped and hugged him with a squeal, “Thank you! I’ll be the best worker ever!!!” She cried and held on until Garou grabbed her collar.

“C’mon, brat. You need new clothes. Can’t have a newbie looking like shit. Bad name for our base.” Garou lifted her up and walked to the door. “I owe you one, Saitama.”

Suiryu simply grinned as he followed, “Aw, you’re such a softie Garou-kun~”

“Shut up!”

Suiryu waved back at the heroes and said, “We’ll catch up later!”

Saitama smiled, “Huh. A monster-human school doesn’t sound half bad.”

Immediately Genos and Beaut gushed, “All because of your wisdom, Sensei!” “So this is how it would feel to have our kids, love.”

Genos snapped pictures of Saitamas smile until the hero walked off.

Saitama cracked his knuckles and began to stretch. “Well, that gets me motivated! Let’s train!”

“Sir!”
“Yes!”

And that day would mark a new string of events that would shake the world…

A new era was beginning at Valhalla.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of Valhalla, Fubuki and Tornado wait in line to get into the base. Tonardo scoffed but waited and said, “Life is unpredictable. You better study hard Fubuki!”

“Yes, Big Sister!”

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…………………

…………………

After the meeting, Saitama went to train and his three disciples (Suiryu is just an honorary one) held a secret meeting.

“Operation: Valhalla is in full swing.” Genos placed the blueprints on the table. “I suggest we establish this base as the center of the new world order.”

Beaut smiled evilly, “It is a small price to pay for saving the world. Of course, no violence under our world domination — we’ll just make a new land.”

Sonic scratched his head, “I don’t know…Japan would kick us out.”

Genos’s eyes flared up and he smirked, “Then we create a new land. Japan will fall like the other countries, but when the country rises again, it won’t be Japan. We shall unite under Valhalla. For our god.”

And a new future path has been triggered.

This one decision would change everything and fates could not stop the changes.

……………………

…………………

…………………

Unknown to all, a pair of eyes watched the events on earth from a different realm.

[Computing…New Possibility Confirmed. Reward for Trials added…
If Earth survives, future predictions state a new race will enter the higher dimension.
Valhallans. Reward is too high. Must callibrate.
Return to Chaos is the result should last Earth Run fails.
…
Finished Computing.
Chaos or Valhalla are New Wager.]

[Result: Higher Rewards Must Equal Higher Difficulties]
Equilibrium…Added.

Chaos Elements Added to Monsters.
Fates Reject Motion.
Fates Denied.
Chaos Mixes with Fates.]

[Final Earth Run Re-Established]

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…………………

In a little aparment, a little dark elf sweated. Her dreams grew hazy until she saw a vision of her mother, whose face was half-blurred from her old memory. In this dream, her mother offered a gift. Knowledge. Lost to all when mother died.

The elf touches the gift and a flash of pain exhausts her — she cannot escape the dream…and her arm glows with ancient power returned.

Shara has awakened the dark elf bloodline’s true potential through no plan of her own and just like Saitama. Dark tattoos ran up her arms in a blazing pain, but Shara couldn’t struggle as her mind was caught…

[Primordial Energy released. Monster Evolution Given: Knowledge of The Ancestors.]

It was in this night of unprecendented monster evolution that changed the balance once more. The monsters smiled and the people screamed.

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AUTHOR NOTE:

SO! Hi yo, WitchySkies in the house!

I wanted to make this chapter longer, but got wiped out editing (badly) the drafts I had of Sakura Haruno. So been updating those stories all week since this year is a good time to write everything I wished I could read.

Now then! Man, poor Saitama. His students are getting sly - will they continue their conquest? Or will Saitama forge a different path?

Nothing is going to plan for earth!

I hope you enjoy this chapter and stay safe out there! Heard movies were opening up again. I just want popcorn — that movie theater butter isn’t the same as home…Ugghhhhh should I just buy the popcorn and run?

Loves to y’all and just a hint, the heat will slowly get better but doing slow burn.

On other note, I’m thinking this series will be around 30ish chapters. IDK yet.

Let me know what you think, please review and dance to Bakugou’s fighting voice!

…What? There’s remixes with songs and — you know what I meannnnn! Boo boo!

Hahaha, anyway, enjoy yourselves and see you next time,

WitchySkies :D

P.S. Tornado finally is pulled back to scene! I wanna explore the sister dynamic when they fight. And now Saitama is missing his young fighting days…what to do? What to do….*wriggles brows at beaut* JK JK (or am I…?)

MWAHAHAHA To fanfic madness!!! Go yaoi!

Monster Evolutions and Second Waves of Zombies. I’m gonna try get that going next chapter. YOSH!!!

Chapter Text

Chapter Seventeen: “Next Level Up”

“The Stakes Have Risen and the Prize Divine,
The Price is Great — But Is It Too Much?”
—How Far Are You Willing To Go?—

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“Mommy! The fish is walking!” A little girl pointed at the tilapia fish that was walking on bird feet.

“Oh god, honey, come on!” The mother grabbed the girl and started running toward her car. She had only left the shelters to get a few jewels and precious photos with her dead husband…She didn’t have the chance to grab them when the invasion first started. And she finally had a chance to go when Emperor Kid’s spider robot army started patrols so why…why now?! “Hang tight, honey!” She revved her engine and sped down the narrow streets. To her horror, more and more fish walked the streets and they grew bigger and bigger…then the next sight horrified her. “CLOSE YOUR EYES!”

As soon as she got onto the highway, there was a war. Metal clashed against teeth but there was no clear winner. Sharks standing on human legs and patched with human arms in a bloody melding of rotten corpse and slimy gills. If she weren’t already pressing on her gas hard, she’d be too frozen in fear to move. “G-God…” 

“M-Mommy!! Watch out!!!” 

“Ahhhh!!!” The car screeched as she narrowly avoided a shark-man diving for her windshield — she could see the blood between it’s rows of white teeth and the gray slime of it’s skin as it’s rotten arms squirmed at her like a funny disgusting joke. She wanted to puke.

She swerved and crashed against the railing of the highway and immediately a dozen of those fish zombies jumped on her car. She screamed as she grabbed her daughter and held her in her arms. “I’m so sorry, baby. I’m so sorry! If only mommy just left everything behind. She sobbed as the girl cried with her and they trembled while the jaws of sharp teeth gnawed on the metal car — dents embedded in the rood and the glass was almost fully cracked…

We’re going to die…She squeezed her eyes shut and squeezed her daughter tight as stinging tears ran down her cheeks. “I’m sorry baby. It’s all mommy’s fault.”

[Human detected. Priority action taken]

Suddenly tall robots tore off the sharks that the woman could see and then tore her ravaged car door off and flung at the sea of monsters. The robot, towering over her in shiny black metal, held its hand out to her and said,

[Humans. On order of Emperor Kid, please allow me to carry you to the nearest shelter. If you refuse, simply say you do not wish or I will automatically take you away.]

“YES!!!” The woman screamed as she grabbed its hand and carried her daughter with her other arm. Tears fell from her face as she laughed with mixed emotions. “Oh god, yes! Me and my daughter will love to!”

More zombies flung themselves at the car, but the robot simply raised one arm and a burst of fire shot out in rapid succession. [Confirmed].

The woman left everything behind as she leaped into the robots arms and it blasted off the ground like a robot. Then the remaining sea of robots continued the war. And from the sea off the coast near the highway, waves roiled and a single crab stood on the shoulder of the beast that rose from the seas. 

A green being that could be called human stood above the ocean as the waves carried him to shore. He was of average height, but his face were nothing but eyes collected from many creatures land and sea, his mouth full of sharp daggered teeth and his skin was a slimy green that oozed a bit as he walked. His hands were corpse hands patched onto his body, torso was full of stitches and a large mouth yawned where his stomach would be… and the rest was covered by a simple pair of black leather pants that stuck tightly. 

One by one, the robots — small spiders to towering steel men with rocket power — all reported the situation: [Reporting to Base: EMERGENCY ALERT!! The Second Disaster has been revealed. Evil Zombie King has arrived].

Like a sea of sirens, the robots unleashed the torrent of messages as they finished up the sharks and moved to attack the leader —

WHAM!!!

The Evil Zombie King only raised his arm and acid poured out in streams and the robots melted little by little. The battle went on for a long while but the King could not be killed…

And the robots eventually melted into puddles. 

“Heheheh. Saitama, how will like my new skill?” He scooped some of the molten puddle and poured the black liquid down the mouth that made up his stomach and laughed. “Tastes sweet. I wonder how your favorite student will taste….I can’t wait to eat him and you.”

A hundred eyes flashed.

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“Saitama, we have a problem.” Emperor Kid found the hero watching the news. It seemed the ultimate hero had broke his human limits ages ago, if the battle against the Leviathan were any measure, and so any physical training was deemed pointless. And since his robot army took care of the zombies for now, there wasn’t much for the hero to do. Secretly Emperor felt sorry for him. To be so strong that nothing could challenge him must be boring.

And the fact that the gray being could fight with such monstrous strength was a testament to how serious the Disasters and Trials were.

Emperor dashed forward with his backpack sprouting metal legs to carry him. “The second wave of zombies have begun, but they are twice as powerful as last time and the Evil King has leveled up. Something’s changed on the monsters’ end.”

Suddenly a dark elf ran into the room and yelled, “OH MY GOD! I GREW UP!” The once teenage elf now looked like a mature woman…if only her mentality could catch up to her looks. “I-I-I think I evolved last night!” She described her dream and the painful transformation. “If I’m not the only one this happened to…dear heavens! Wait. Can I still go to school?!”

“Yeah, no problem.” Saitama shrugged. “I don’t get it, but if you want —“

“Oh thank you Mr. Saitama! I promise to study hard and get my degree!”

“It’s not accredi— nevermind. Enjoy yourself.”

“Yessir!” Shara saluted then got back to business. “I fear the monsters are getting a power boost by…um…I know this hold on…Right! The voice said there was a monster evolution and there was primordial energy involved. After that was just pain so I’m sorry I could not tell you sooner. It hurt too much to move all morning until I finished growing…and then the pain just vanished!”

“Interesting.” Emperor Kid rubbed his chin in thought, “So while you get a grown up boost, I’m stuck as a kid. Life is cruel to the geniuses and merciful to the naive it seems.”

Shara pouted. “Hey! Don’t be jealous and take it on me! Look, I’m helping in the research department, right? So what are you, you terrible boy! You can’t judge ladies so easily!”

“Well, you still act like a kid, so I guess life balances out after all. And for your information, I’m in charge of the research department with Dr. Kuseno so I’m your senpai! Mwahahaha!”

Shara paled and then shook in rage with the Kid stuck his tongue at her. Saitama wondered who was the real kid here — the ancient elf stuck in a girl’s body that just grew up physically but not mentally…or the late twenty year old man who was reborn and woke up as a child, but still teased girls? 

Saitama said, “I guess age is just a number, huh.”

At that, both Emperor Kid and Shara looked at him and had an epiphany. Shara looked up with starry eyes and clasped her hands together, “That’s true, Sir Saitama!”

Emperor Kid ran his hand through his hair and held his lollipop in one hand like a candy cigarette — looking like a mini mafia don. “Of course life experiences make the man not his age. I agree, Saitama.” Then he tossed the lollipop back in his bag and said, “Sorry, got carried away with the new recruit. Now, based off Shara’s input, if all monsters are evolving as we speak, then it will probably affect the difficulty level of defeating the last six of the Disasters and the ending Trials. Maybe it was destiny Shara came when she did or we’d be at a disadvantage. So, thank you, Shara.”

“You got it, Boss! I’ll make sure to research what my ancestors gave in their knowledge and look at primordial energy. If there is greater power on the monster’s side then that means the stake rose somehow. This happened when Atlantis still terrorized the world, I remember my mother telling me that story.”

“Can you enlighten us?”

“Long ago, there were more monster races, but the Atlanteans were suuuper powered and crushed most of them until the Great Leviathan destroyed them with the help of various allies. No one knows the exact details, but the dragon has been asleep ever since until now. I always found it coincidental that the Great Leviathan woke up when these new monsters were popping up out of nowhere. Some say we all came from the same source, monsters and humans, but why we fight has been long lost to history. I am still a young elf so I never got to learn much before my clan was wiped out.”

“I see. I’ll store that info for later. In any case, Evil Zombie King had a boost in power and knowing his type, he’ll secure a place to fight you one-on-one while his minions attack the cities. As much as I’d like for you to go zombie hunting asap, we need you at top shape if the evolution proves stronger than thought. While you fight the King, we’ll upgrade our army and tackle his armies. So, Saitama, are you up for the challenge? You hero for fun.” Kid grinned knowing his answer.

Saitama grinned back and felt the excitement he thought was long lost rush back through his veins. “I’m always down for a good fight.” He threw his cape back as he flexed his arm and stretched his neck. “Let me know when we’re ready to attack. And good work, Shara.” He gave her a thumbs up. Now that he was back into Sensei mode, he needed to motivate his peers — a lesson learned from Beaut’s guidance.

Shara jumped on her feet with an excited blush, “I won’t disappoint you, Sir!”

After he left Shara and Kid to their own devices, Saitama was pulled to the side by two of his students. He had been simply walking down the corridor when Genos bolted right to him, flames bursting behind him.

Genos clasped his metal hand on Saitama’s arm, glaring, “Master! Is it true you kissed Beaut?!” 

“Dear!” Sonic arrived soon after and grasped the hero’s other arm as he demanded with a jealous face. “We’ve known you longer, haven’t we?! You need to be fair!”

“How did you find out?!” Saitama unintentionally confessed.

“Beaut told us, that bastard. He’d been getting that love glow going on so we beat him up — and he let us! Fucker is showing off!” Sonic seethed.

“I -Yes, but —“ Saitama’s face heated up then tried to change the subject. “Look! We have a zombie invasion to deal with? Didn’t you get Kid’s report?”

Genos nodded, “We did and already gave orders to prepare. Don’t worry, even if they get a bit stronger, we aren’t at a disadvantage. We’ve prepared for this moment for a long time. What we DIDN’T plan on was Beaut stealing you first.” Genos snarled and leaned closer to Saitama. For the first time, his fanatic student was angry at his god hero. “Explain, Master.”

“Let’s talk about this later.” Saitama couldn’t stop a slight blush from forming over the memory of that kiss. Since he had little experience in this field, he didn’t know if such things were supposed to be so stimulating. Which was surprising since he couldn’t feel his past bloodlust nor his adrenaline in battle as much anymore. He long ago assumed his emotions had been dulled out…until that kiss. “It’s complicated.”

“We’ll talk tonight.” They both said.

“I’ll be fighting zombies, sorry.” Saitama tried to move, but the two men latched onto his arms like petulant children who knew the hero could kick them off at any time. 

“After you defeat the King, we’ll wait for you then.” Genos seethed but relented.

“We sleep together anyway.” Sonic quipped.

“We stay in the same apartment not — forget it. Ok.” Saitama scratched his cheek. It was a bit off-putting how much trust his students had in him. Even if they were just told the monsters had a major evolution from unknown origins, they had no doubt he would defeat the King. For a moment, Saitama could see their gazes full of trust and then a vision of their dead bodies at the end of days played out in his mind…and his eyes softened. “Ok, I’ll see you tonight.” 

“Yes, Master!” 
“Don’t forget your promise, dear.”

Then the two left to deal with their armies and the zombie invasions. Saitama then met up with Zombieman who confessed he also evolved since he was technically a monster even if he was a hero. After, he too left to join the attack with the robotic armies and Saitama could only wait for their signal to leave. Unfortunately, they didn’t want him to waste his strength fighting against the hoardes when the King was sure to call him out for battle as the prideful monster did last time. 

And so….Saitama could only sit at the diner and eat lunch while the news played out. Since the restaurant offered him free food, he took them up on it — and besides, it was better than waiting on news in his room. Thanks to the leadership of his students, he really didn’t have much to do except fight the big bosses. He had faith in their strength. After all, everyone had already died once — they won’t die a second time so easily especially not with the upgrades. But just in case, he made sure to make them call him if they needed his help. 

And hence, Saitama developed a habit of staring at his phone-watch thing Genos gave him while he ate fries. He had became calmer as he grew stronger by default, but when it came to those three students of his…he remembered how devoted they fought for him and how they died. And that worry always kept him on his toes. But if he went to the battlefield, it was like saying he didn’t trust them as heroes. “Fighting a war never was this complicated before.” He never had such extreme worries for others until he died…was this new emotional development a burden or strength? Back then, he only had to worry about the fight and didn’t really think of consequences. And whenever a trial occurred, an instant calm would loom over him like an emotional stabilizer. But it changed just a tiny bit nowadays. He was changing.

Was he…actually more human in this lifetime?

Suddenly, the reporter was cut off and a shaky video of the Evil Zombie King popped into view. Static marred the visual, but the face of Disaster called Zombie King could never be mistaken. One hundred eyes blinked as a daggered teeth snapped at the screen. “I hope you like my present, Saitama! Meet me at world’s end! You know where I’ll be — after all, second time’s the charm.” The video went black and then the regular news channel came back on. 

Soona after, Emperor Kid spoke on the watch Genos gave the hero when he arrived at Valhalla. The holograph of Emperor Kid flickered on his wrist and said, “Saitama. I’ll send the coordinates where King is but I think you already know where he will be. The zombies have already infiltrated the cities and went past the first level of defense, so we’ll leave the King to you. Your students have already informed me of their plans and will aid in the defense. The rest is in your hands, I’m sure you will win. Good luck, hero.” Then he faded away. 

Saitama looked at the screen of the cities raided by endless undead and he clenched his fist. With a stern expression, the hero stood from his seat and said, “Time to go out.” Then he bent his knee and got into running position.

DASH — !!!

Then he disappeared in a blink of an eye — the only thing left to prove he was here was  the slam of the door and the powerful wind backlash of his dash out the door.

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Meanwhile, just as Tornado was about to go find Saitama, she sensed his presence leaving the base rapidly. “Something’s happened.” She turned to Fubuki while she set up the bed in their new apartment. The robots have already been given knowledge of their identities and said they will inform the leaders of Valhalla of your return. So they already found a place to settle, but now…

Fubuki looked down at her elder sister curiously, “Onee-chan? Did something happen?” She stopped folding clothes and focused on her sister. In all the years since she’s been rescued by her elder sister as a child, she’d only been loving and kind although a bit stern on studying. But now…this was the first time she’s seen her truly worried. 

“Fubuki, stay here. I’ll be going out for a bit. Okay? Promise me. Do not leave this space. I’ll be back soon.” Then without another word, she flew away at the speed of light. 

Tornado stormed out of Valhalla and floated in the skies high above base. There, she could see everything — from the massive robotic armies that protected Valhalla to the humans who ran to make it to base from the outside world. Behind the humans were a large army of undead — a mix between human and sea creatures and more — that fought Emperor’s and Genos’s armies in a wild battle. “The monsters have gotten stronger and history is changed.” In the past life, the zombies were mere humans, but now they gained twice the strength although the speed was still meh. However, there were a few in the crowd that were abnormal — zombies of great height who had great speed. They were the true terrors. 

Tornado clenched her fists as power surged around her in a green aura. A sadistic smirk slowly formed on her face as her kind elder sister act began to crack and her power crackled around her as explosive green lightning. Her eyes glowed completely as she let her power surge around her in a crazed storm. “You’ll do. Finally, I can let off some stress relief.” And for the first time since she’s been reborn, she turned into the beserk psychic at the end of the world — the terrifying Tornado who demolished an entire city with her bare hands. 

And it was because of these zombies that she had to tell her sister goodbye. No matter how many years have passed, she remembered that pain and vowed to pay them back tenfold. A thousandfold. 

“I’ll destroy you all.”

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AUTHOR NOTE: 

Konnichi Wa and Yo!

First off, I’m super happy to find people who love this ship as much as I do. It’s also my stress relief from stuff. The usual life shit, amIright? :3 Also because I just love Saitama and his men to bits!

I’m literally writing everything I wished I could read so while this pandemic persists, expect lots of writing. Sometimes I get stuck on a plot point, but I will finish. (The works from my teen days are a diff story but I will get to those eventually).

It’s a good feeling to grow with these characters and I just feel happy writing their stories. Even if I’m such a fujoshi, I appreciate the canon as is because that’s what makes it fun. Sigh, if I knew how to animate though….*COUGH HACK GAH*

Ahem. Anywhoo, I hope you enjoy this chapter. And please review. And eat cake. And good luck with your studies/work/waitingfor2021.

And let’s have ourselves a good night!

Sailing the Imaginary Seven Seas,

WitchySkies

Chapter Text

Chapter Eighteen: “Zombies, Psychics and Men”

“In Love and War, Nothing is Certain,
But You Will Always Be There.”
—On Why We Can’t Look Away—

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Sonic peered down at the battlefield from Genos’s flying vehicle. The black car hovered three stories high above the ground as their massive robot armies stood facing the waiting zombies. “Usually they’re brainless and would just attack, but that Zombie King has them much more disciplined in this life. And now they’ve evolved. If Shara’s growth is any factor, they will not be weak as before.”

Genos sat beside him as he analyzed their numbers. “They’re over ten thousand and are only increasing. Let’s start.” He raised his forearm to his lips and spoke, “Eliminate on sight all zombies with the exception of Zombieman. Front line engage!”

Soon, the immense army of robots beeped in unison and the front lines charged the fields toward the undead while some troops guarded the base’s perimeter. And at once, the field roared with the sound of clashing steel and lasers as the undead army roared back in terrifying shrills and echoing moans. Like a grotesque mash-up of ear-bursting screams and metal screeching, the world dipped into chaos.

Genos analyzed the first contact of conflict. His eyes seemed to shift gears inside and zoomed in closer to the first attacks and saw the zombie nails had left small dents in the metal. The larger zombies had thrice the power. Fire raged through Genos’s body as he flexed his arm and said to Sonic, “I’ll leave the strategy of our other Valhallan branches to you. I also received reports that Tornado has joined the fray here, which means Fubuki is here as well.”

“I know. I’ll make sure she is kept safe this time.” Sonic clasped his shoulder in a rare show of camaraderie. He remembered what happened when Tornado lost her sister and what it did to her. 

Fubuki, the poor girl, died to save her friends during the zombie attack, but it was too late for them as well. When Tornado arrived at the scene, nothing would stop her from going berserk. Fubuki was one of the first heroes to die to the disasters. And although Tornado was the obviously the closest to her, there was no one who the Fubuki hadn’t touched in some way. After meddling with Saitama long enough, she grew to be a strong positive influence among the heroes and populace…and the day she was lost, Tornado brought down the city in grief. Regardless, nobody wanted to lose the younger sister of the psychic duo.

ZOOM — !!

Sonic and Genos peered up to see Saitama flying through the sky towards the back of the zombie army. Although they couldn’t follow him, they had faith he would succeed. He was Saitama, the world’s strongest hero. If he failed here, no one would succeed. Even though they had complete faith, they couldn’t help but worry for the man. Greatest hero or not, he was their only beloved.

The two disciples faced the armies with solemn expressions. They prepared for this day for as long as they could remember, networking, pooling resources and cutting off the bad apples of fate when they could. Everything they did for the past decade was for this moment. This was the battle that took the war against the Disasters to destroy most of humanity if they didn’t stop the tirade of rotting flesh. The Evil Zombie King was the first one to cut down their hero ranks and demolish the cities they loved to rubble. The Leviathan was but playing compared to him and the rest of the Disasters would compound the Zombie King’s evil legacy.

They had faith Saitama would win, but it was up to them to make sure their beloved still had a home to go to after this. Although the cyborg and the ninja had little affection for the rest of humanity, even they didn’t want to see the world as barren and lonely as they had when they viewed Saitama’s death in his last life. No matter what, they won’t let him go through that pain again. 

“It’s time to show off our worth to dear Saitama. I’ll take care of my underlings and the assigned armies to the other bases. You take care of this one. If our base is damaged, I’m making you pay for it.” Sonic stretched his limbs as he began to walk inside the base. “I’ll be in communications until you need me.”

“If your mercenaries aren’t lazy, I might give them a raise.” Genos chuckled. “Your poor dogs will run out of incentive with money’s value being lost. They probably know you scammed them by promising such a useless reward.”

“Meh. I did say there was an apocalypse. Not my fault they never believed me and just took cash. Well, them having a place to stay is reward enough.” Sonic’s lips spread into an evil smile before he faded into shadows as he teleported away.

Genos looked back toward the field and eyed the strongest targets outside of the leader. And that was when he spotted Tornado flying in the air — and she dove right for those large targets. 

Fire blasted from the cyborg’s feet as he, too, flew into the skies with a smile that hinted of nostalgia. “Damn brat is going to take all the credit.”

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Tornado rose in the sky like a predator as she watched the armies. She had long seen Saitama fly over to fight the beast of this messed-up pile of waste, so she focused on the generals as she liked to call them. Taller, stronger than the rest, they were her obvious targets. And while she wanted to just pummel all of them to the ground, she found that destroying expensive robots would not make her stay at base welcome to Genos and his peers. No, she had to fight seriously and make them all pay!

She grinned fiercely as she focused her psychic ability to levitate the larger targets — all thousands of them that she could sense. Like in the battle against the alien emperor that sought to destroy their planet back when no one knew who Saitama was as a C rank idiot, she handled them with ease with a single a palm of her hand. “What good is all that body mass when you can’t even fight off one psychic lady?” She snickered cruelly as the monsters roared in offense.

“Tornado!” Genos called out to her as he flew close the glowing green brat — erm, woman. “You’ve decided to join our cause.”

“Yes? Mad I ruined your fun?” She slowly squeezed her palm into a fist and watched as the large forms started to compress into balls of flesh. With a sadistic sneer, she swung her arm to the side and all thousands of the larger forms burst into balls of blood. “As you can see, I alone am enough.”

“Your attitude hasn’t changed.” Genos scoffed, but held his tongue. He didn’t like it, but the small woman was still more powerful than him. “Of course the woman who could destroy an entire city in her rage would be able to do this much. Although I am grateful you didn’t decide to attack everything in one go and waste my armies.”

“Honestly, I can see the use of Saitama, but what about all the rest of you?” She glanced at the base where Fubuki stayed safely then unwillingly consented, “I guess you did a good job preserving a larger portion of humanity. Last time, everything was rubble except for the hero’s main base of operation. If you hadn’t ordered your army to engage so soon, I would have demolished all of the troops by now! Hmph!” And just like that, Tornado went back to her original personality.

Genos rolled his eyes, but smiled a tiny bit. “And you have my thanks. If I had known you would actively participate like this, I would have waited, but I didn’t want to assume.” In his last life, it took him years to learn how to be diplomatic with the feisty blonde. “Don’t worry, Sonic and I are making it a top priority to keep Fubuki safe. And Beaut is fighting on the frontlines so although I doubt he would die, I appreciate the restraint.” He hated Beaut for being his rival, but he would never let him die. Although that was a secret. Saitama valued all of them too much even if it didn’t show on his face. Genos could feel it.

“…You have my thanks.” Tornado calmed down at his words. “Say…how long will your sensei still fight the buffoon?” She looked in the distance towards the direction of the Zombie King. By now, she was sure they immediately charged at each other without a formal greeting and went straight to hits. And just like before, she was sure the idiot would hold back to see his strength. She hated his laziness, but she could understand why he kept doing that — always letting his enemy beat at him like a child raising their fists to an adult.

Tornado looked down at her hands with an unsatisfied feeling. For years, she hated the undead which took her sister away and then for years lived in peace to make sure not to repeat her past life’s mistakes and grew stronger than before. And now that she demolished the larger threats of her nemesis so easily with the power she gained since…now that she was sure Fubuki would be guarded well and not subjected to her own recklessness…she could understand Saitama better. “When you have won over your enemy without a fight, it feels lacking.”

“It is efficient. Your efforts make this operation go smoothly.” True to his cyborg side, Genos didn’t really question things like life purpose or meaning. Besides his love and aspiration to be with Saitama, there was no need to quesiton a mission, but to only complete it.

Tornado pulled back her lip, “I suppose so. Well, it is well enough that I am not a battle maniac like your sensei. I am fortunate to have Fubuki to keep me stable.” And with that she flew down to engage the smaller hoards of zombies dozens at a time — “When I’m done here, I’ll check out the other parts of the city! I’ll trust Fubuki in your care.

“Wait!” Genos flew in front and took a spare watch from his pocket. “This looks like a watch but it allows holographic messaging and various benefits. I knew you’d be around, but didn’t know how much you wanted to be involved because of what you told Master. I’ll make sure to give Fubuki one as well.” Then he flew down to  join the fray.

Tornado put on the watch with a serious gaze and said, “I’ve returned.”

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Meanwhile, true to Tornado’s prediction, Saitama and the Evil Zombie King clashed against each other the moment they laid eyes on each other. And with that, the earth shook with their attacks — or rather, with the Zombie King launching himself at Saitama who blocked his attacks half-assed. “WHY ARE YOU HOLDING BACK?! I’M EVOLVED, DON’T YOU SEE?!”

“I see.” Saitama said as he didn’t change one iota.

Cursing, the king launched himself at the hero and they crashed into the center of the battlefield, instantly crushing undead and metal flat. BOOM!!

Saitama threw the man-thing off into the air before jumping up and appearing in front of the man instantly. He raised his fist and punched him normally and the King crashed to the ground. As soon as the dust cleared, Saitama could see the green zombie had to stagger a bit, but he didn’t fall. He didn’t get destroyed in one punch. And Saitama truly smiled, “You really did get stronger!” 

“I told you!” The Zombie King snarled then his skin began to ooze until black liquid seemed to pour out of him. “Now that I know I can withstand your punch, how would you stand it if I melt away everything you love while you watch?”

Then more pure black acid poured out from the mouth on the King’s body like a dam unleashing and Saitama noticed the metal of the surrounding robots melting at its touch. Hissssss! The zombies revelled in the acid and soon overtook the robots. Even the earth itself seemed to burn away at it’s touch.

Saitama stopped smiling and despite his excitement for the promising battle, for the first time, that didn’t matter as much as it did before. Instead he dove down from the sky and punched the ground so a  large earthquake trembled to split the earth in half. He could already hear Beaut scolding him over his destruction of property, but this way the acid would just fall into the earth gap until he could finish with the Zombie King.

The King just smiled than launched himself at the hero and his sharp nails sought to cut body into shreds — but they only met with resistance. As if the hero’s body was stronger than the metal which melted before him, he could only beat at him with no penetration. “This isn’t right! You should be cut!”

Saitama shrugged as he let the King scratch at him like an over-powered kitten. “Sorry.” He was slowly losing hope. Although the King withstood his punch just like that alien emperor invader back in his youth, he feared that was the end of it. “I guess this is what I get for expecting something from only the second wave of Disaster.” Rude as hell, Saitama belittled the King with a serious face. “I was so excited, too.” He sighed.

“You fucking! Cocky! Bastard!!!” The King screamed and widened up the mouth in his stomach as he opened his two mouths wide, show-casing the dozens of daggered teeth lined inside. “AHAHAHA! Yes! All that metal I ate has finally become the ultimate poison! Even you can’t resist it’s potency. Not like last time!” He latched himself to the hero as he slammed into Saitama’s body and they hurled towards the gaping ravine that Saitama created earlier as the King put all he had into ripping the hero’s flesh apart in a wild frenzy.

From the screen and the battlefield, Sonic and Genos could only watch in horror as Saitama disappeared into the darkness as the Zombie King bit into his neck, covering the both of them in black acid. 

Suddenly, a strong earthquake erupted from below and everyone had to hold on to the ground for dear life. Without a word, Genos flew towards the ravine while he searched for Saitama. Sonic yelled from his watch to find him. The earthquake soon settled, but when he saw a red caped body fly out of the ravine towards the surface, he roared, “MASTER!!” Below him, the Zombie King was still latched to the hero like a parasite, sucking on their hero’s neck and bubbling black liquid metal poured over them both.

Sonic yelled from his watch, “Hurry! Separate the pervert!! Mak — ” Before he could finish, the Zombie King was torn off like a leech and was pummeled into the ground with but a swing of an arm. 

Saitama slowly got up like a beacon of hope that would never stay down, but the look of disgust on his face ruined the vision. The oblivious hero simply shook off dust and black slime from his hair and he rubbed his neck as he scowled down at his nemesis. He said, “I’ve been patient with you so far, but you only tried to suck my neck. Was this all you’ve evolved to?” He wiped off the black liquid from his neck and sighed. Not a mark could be seen on his skin. “How boring.”

“C-Curse you, Saitama…” The zombie coughed out black blood. His body was in complete pain as he struggled to his feet. His arm broken by that last swing from the hero. “This is i-impossible! I’ve been eating metal every single minute in order to harden my body into the ultimate undead. I am stronger than any metal and need no living sustenance! What are you truly? You’re no human! I should have been able to dig my teeth into your skin!”

“That must have been a hard mukkbang. Sorry.” Saitama ignored his other questions then raised his fist and pulled back —

The King screamed out as he tried to run, panic in his eyes at seeing his plans fall a second time, “I hate you! I HATE YOU!!! You…MONSTER!!!”

“I probably am.” Saitama’s face held no emotion as he finished his last swing of his arm and he yelled, “Serious Series: Serious Punch!!!” 

BOOM.

All of that power locked onto the single zombie king as he was crushed into the earth — and then got pummeled several miles down. A crater erupted around the two powerful beings as Saitama punched the king deep down until neither body could be seen in the darkness of the earth’s embrace. Thunderous noise erupted from the deep pit as vibrations worse than the earlier earthquakes shook the city. Then, after a few minutes, there was silence. 

Genos’s heart stopped as nothing came out of the pit until he saw his master fly up with one hand holding up the zombie king’s limp body. 

Sonic immediately yelled out, “Dear! Is he —?!” Soon after, shadow melted together in a spot next to Genos and soon the ninja appeared. “I saw everything. By the way, the other bases have won out with no human casualties. Not bad.”

Genos sighed. “Good.” Then focused on his master walking toward them with a guilty face.

“I tried to hold back a little, but he’s dead. Sorry we can’t try interrogations about the evolution or something…” Saitama looked at the two with a sheepish gaze then held up the dead king. “I take it the Emperor Kid still wants to analyze him?”

“Yes. And you did nothing wrong, Sensei, it may be for the best.” Genos went straight to business and ordered a few of his flying robots to carry the monster away. Once they were done, he inspected Saitama’s body for any wounds. “I can’t believe he tried to dig his filthy teeth into your neck. Beast!” He brought out a napkin from his pocket and began to scrub at the black stains. 

Meanwhile Sonic jumped onto Saitama and the hero was forced to carry him in his arms lest he fell. “He tried to give you a hickey! Pervert!” He also began rubbing off Saitama’s skin.

Saitama merely stood still as his disciples scrubbed at his skin like he was a dog who rolled in the mud. “I can take a shower, you know? And he was only trying to inject me with poison, but nothing could break my skin.”

“He didn’t need to do it by biting your neck. He’s not a fucking vampire. I suspect he had other perverted intentions.” Sonic growled.

Genos added, “He might have had an urge to lay his claim on you unconsciously, the filth. If I could, I would burn his carcass up completely. He wanted to make you his!”

“Uh, that doesn’t sound right. I think you’re overthinking this guys.” Saitama said.

“Genos has a point. Tonight, we’ll make sure to inspect you thoroughly. What if he got a scratch in? He has poison!” 

“I’m sure I’ll be fine —“

“No, no! Sonic is correct. We should do a full inspection. I’ll prepare the water.”

“Why do we neeed water?”

“You said you needed a shower, no?” Sonic mewled. “Hurry up! Let’s go now. Kid’s got the rest here and Zombieman will work to save who he can with the new antidote once Kid finishes analyzing the King’s blood. And you promised to talk with us about Beaut’s…advantage.”

Genos said, “We’ve been evading the our situation for a while, Master.”

Both of them lowered their voices and said at once, “You’re not escaping us tonight.”

Saitama only had one thought — Can I go back to fighting the Zombie King?

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AUTHOR NOTE: 

Hola Mina-San! Gods, it’s been a while!

I hope you enjoy the lastest installment in the OPM world! I mean, even with the King gone, the zombies are already on earth so eradicating that issue will be another problem, but excited to see how this story grows. 

I said the heat will get on, but it’s a slow burn so we’ll see. Progress will be made! For now, Saitama is still figuring out his place in the universe. I mean, if you ever became a god, what would you look forward to? (I hope I end up as Rimuru, chill as fuck).

Anyway, please review and let me know what you think! Is it too fast, too slow? Will Beaut invade their moment? Hahaha

And thank you for your patience! 

Ja Mata Ne,

WitchySkies

P.S. If it’s a four bedroom apartment, why is there only one bathroom? Hmm, Genos? Sneaky guy.

P.S.S. Whose your favorite hero? Or if it’s Saitama, who do you think is his top partner? Haha starting a war with the trio.

Chapter Text

Chapter Nineteen: “First Steps to a New Future”

“However Long The Road Takes,
I Will Always Be By Your Side.”
—No Journey Is Too Long With You—

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“Yay! We did it!” Shara screamed as she swung Emperor kid around. 

“Ack! Not quite!” He kicked her shin and fell to the ground on his ass while she cursed. Soon after, he cried out as his foot hurt. “Why are your legs so strong! You’re scrawny! I forgot how tall everything seems as a child. I hate being a kid!”

Meanwhile Shara stuck her tongue out and rubbed her shin and said, “I evolved remember? When I still had a tribe, the mature dark elves not only had the reflexes of a hawk and eyes of a great bat, but also had bones that couldn’t crack under a ogre’s punch. Unlike our lighter brethren who are more in tune with the forests and skies, we are guided by the caves and fiery blood that makes the earth’s core. But enough of that. Why are you unhappy about our victory, boss?” 

“Look at the TV naive old lady.” Emperor jabbed his thumb. 

In the center of the monitoring room, giant televisions played out the victory of Saitama against the Zombie King. But then the anchors went on to inform the aftermath:

“Speaking from Channel 3! Hordes of zombies are in chaos without a master —!!”
“Mother barely escapes zombie swarm with help of robot army!”
“Citizens advised to stay at home or head to the nearest Valhalla or Hero Association shelter! Robots are on patrol, but the swarms are increasing at a steady rate due to non-human corpses becoming revived as undead!!”

Emperor sighed at the future problems. He rubbed his temple. “Compared to humanity, there are how many lifeforms in the sea? How many animals in the forest? We need the professor to hurry up with the vaccine.”

From the side, a certain overworked professor grumbled as he passed by holding a tower of books and reports. “Excuse me! I’m trying! But the formula is entirely different thanks to that evil King’s evolution. Why? Why was I born a genius?! This is impossible!”

Suddenly Genos popped up with Sonic in the room while Saitama casually followed after. With a glare, the cyborg said, “What was that? Should I motivate you again, Professor?”

“Eep! N-No! I’ll figure it out!” The takoyaki-loving professor still remembered how the cyborg tortured him for his sins even after he regained his memories. All in hopes that he would never forget his lesson. While Saitama was the most powerful being in this room, the cyborg was the most merciless being half-robot and all. He wouldn’t dare disappoint him or who knew when he’d be disposed of. Not even his gorilla experiment could save him. “I-I have to check on the experiments!” And with that, he ran away.

Shara watched all this with sudden understanding. “Oh! I have an idea! Let’s track the fish zombies!”

Emperor Kid pondered, but then a gleam entered his big eyes. “Huh. I’ve been too focused on vaccine development, that I forgot about the real mission. You’re right!”

Saitama cut in. “What’s happening?”

Shara bowed. “Sorry, boss’s boss! I figure since Zombie King was working with fish now instead of sticking to humans like in the last life, as Kid Boss mentioned in the past life records to study, then he must have changed not only his body, but his alliances. The Sea Queen is notorious among monsters for being possessive. Outside of the laws of mother nature where one must eat to survive, she hates her domain being intruded upon by other Kings. Like, if it were normal times, she would never let another King use her property, for example the fish of the sea, to further their plans. Without her permission, the Zombie King wouldn’t have been allowed to use fish and sea monsters as his main source of corpses to build his army. It would have been a threat to her power. But seeing as they have made an alliance, if one of the Kings who controlled the masses were dead, then where would the remaining fish monsters go? There’s been reports of masses of zombies spliting up — some on land, others to sea. So…”

Emperor finished, “They are reporting to the Sea Queen now. She must have thought Zombie King would fail no matter how cocky he became and took advantage. Now she not only has the oceans under her command, but the undead as well. Wicked bitch.” In the last life, she conjured a great tsunami to hit their headquarters and that helped destroy the heart of their command center. After the tsunami, the original headquarters became a giant pool and a base for the sea monsters’ invasion. The mer-folk under her command who could turn human for a while attacked and it was simply a massacre. It was the start of their complete destruction. As for why the Kings took turns attacking must be some power-struggle issue or maybe a design of the gray-robed alien that led the final battle. No one knew, but it didn’t matter. Fact was that the Kings would follow the order of the last life when it came to their attacks as if they were setting the stage for the final battle with their lives on the line. Who and why these monsters would that for was a mystery.

Even if Saitama won against all of the monsters, in the end, what’s a world without the living? He couldn’t let that happen again. 

Genos nodded as he listened. “Then we need to stop her with two things: A vaccine that will not only stop the infection, but reverse its effects and a weapon powerful enough to keep her forces at bay. Under the sea, their forces outnumber us by millions. Billions. Master can demolish them all, but the earth would need to be cracked in half or destroyed if he used such force. We need something fast, powerful and able to bring down an entire undersea empire without killing off the ecosystem and the land itself.”

Sonic mused, “We also need a force field to act as barriers or a way to release the sea creatures control from the queen. Most of the forces are mindless fish and I doubt there are billions of merfolk or we’d be catching them for breakfast.”

Shara added, “Yes. That’s difficult to address. I mean, according to the records granted to me by my memories after I evolved, the merfolk were still aplenty and could hide their presence so the forces may be as Sir Genos said. It’s too bad we didn’t have the legendary weapon of Primoridial Energy that the Atlanteans used. My gosh, that would require an army of super intelligent beings to run who need neither food nor water and the energy source of the building blocks of the universe.”

Emperor raised a brow. “Would an army of robots equipped with AI cover the first requirement? And are you talking about nuclear energy in the last bit? That’s basically the power of atoms, the building blocks of the universe.”

“Why, yes!” 

“Why does it sound like you have a blueprint for this legendary weapon?” 

“Oh, it’s not a blueprint. There’s just some records about it with some strange symbols like crosses and dashes.” Shara spoke as she focused her intent and soon an image of strange formulas entered her mind. Her evolution was strange, but if it gave her the hidden knowledge of her people, she didn’t mind at all! “Sorry it’s not useful.” Her long elven ears flicked down as she moped.

“Crosses and dashes?” Feeling suspicious, Emperor Kid asked, “Shara…Do you know what algebra is?”

“What?”

“It’s math.”

“Sorry. I never had time to learn those things as I was on the run a lot. Then I only wanted to earn this paper called yen to buy food, but I didn’t understand the contracts humans gave me and I ended up working for food for a hundred years.”

“What did you do in your tribe?”

“I was a child for a long time and only helped with chores and hunting. I’m not good at hunting as much as my siblings were. And for a long while, only the elders had time to get educated as we kept getting hunted. Life is hard for elves who lost their ancestry knowledge in a monster’s world.”

“So…You never learned how to read or do math?”

“I can read! Just, there are so many languages and I hated to study so I can read and speak many things, but not too well.”

“Last one. Can you draw some of the symbols in your record about the weapon on this paper?” He already had a robotic arm take out a paper and pen from his backpack. 

Shara bit her lip then began to furiously write down what she saw. Strange squiggles, weird loops, numbers and crosses. It made no sense to her. When she was done writing a first portion, she handed it over. 

Emperor looked down at the paper and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “I guess this is why they say knowledge is power. Shara, you have access to the greatest secrets in this world, but you lack awareness. Yes, I will educate you personally!” He held the paper like it was a treasure.

Saitama asked, “What’s wrong with the kid? He looks as he did the first time he discovered beer in the past life.”

“That’s because our dear stupid elf here has the mathematical formulas to creating the greatest weapon in history locked up in her head, but she didn’t recognize it because she can’t even do basic arithmetic! This is a shame! I must fix this! You’re my student now, old lady!” The kid roared as he pointed his finger at her.

Shara whined, “No! I want to go to school and make friends! And get my official degree! You’re already my boss. Just wait for me to learn on my own.”

“That will take years for your idiotic self! No, you will learn under me! And the kids will be all younger than you so do you really need them as friends?!”

“I want to live the happy school life! Boo! Evil boss!”

At this point, Sonic had to rub his temple at the looming headache. “Okay, shut up! Here’s what we’ll do. Shara, you can go to school, but since you are the oldest in this room, you won’t be put in the first grade levels even though you need to learn the basics from scratch. To catch up with your age group so you can make more mature friends than a 5 year old, you’ll study under Emperor Kid as well. Trust me, he’s your best chance at catching up. Some college students are entering the Academy too so unless you want your friends to be half your size, this is your best bet.” 

Meanwhile, Garou — who was sitting bored at a table with Suiryu — weighed in. “Shara.”

“Y-Yes Garou?!” Unlike with others, she simply called Garou and Suiryu by their names. Since they were the ones who saved her from poverty, they were dear friends in her book even if they were rude men. 

“Do as he says. We need your knowledge to make that weapon. That’s your job. Got it?”

“Y-Yes! That’s right. It’s my job. My first paid job with benefits…” Once more, Shara fell into a fantasy as she cried over the fact that she finally, after years of running around homeless, had full time employment and an education. And she had a job that helped people. “I will do you proud!” Even so, like a child who just got praised by her parents, she beamed up at the two martial artists and smiled big.

Suiryu chuckled as he rubbed Garou’s head. “The child has grown up, Garou~ Aren’t you happy? You little monster daddy.”

“Shut up creep!” Garou growled and slapped his hand away.

Sonic said, “Then it’s settled. We’ll get to work observing the Sea Queen on our end and see if she’ll choose her same strategy as the last life. In the meantime, Genos and I have business with Saitama. Any other questions?”

“Um…Big Boss Saitama? I have another matter to speak of.”

“Oh?”

Shara blushed heavily as she kicked her foot against the ground. She glanced shyly to the side as she asked, “When will school start?”

Saitama immediately looked at Genos, who reported, “In a few days. After the clean up and borders are protected, we can begin the Academy. We need manpower and if monsters can evolve, so can humans. The school is a testing ground to see how we can encourage unlocking our powers without going to the monster state or at least be able to control the state. Beaut, Fubuki, Tornado are examples of it being possible. So don’t worry, school will happen. The future of humanity relies on it.”

Then Sonic and Genos clasped their hands on Saitama’s stiff shoulders and said at the same time, “If you’ll excuse us. We have business with our sensei~” And the two dragged him away at the speed of light. 

Unbeknownst to them, a normal janitor saw the commotion and secretly whispered in his watch, “Beaut. Code Red. The birds have gone to the nest with the king.” 

The watch replied, “Good job.” 

And the janitor smiled happily over the bonus he was about to receive. He wasn’t a traitor if he spied for Beaut, right? Beaut worked for humanity! Yeah, he was just doing his duty and making a little extra money…

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Within their sound-proof apartment…

Saitama gulped as he stood between two angry students. The two of them asked with angry smiles, “Master, so how did Beaut kiss you again?”

Like a man caught cheating on his wives, he stuttered, “I-I can explain! You see, Beaut had evolved in a strange angelic way and I was worried that he was about to go berserk again so I just…well…let him.” He scratched his head.

“That’s it?” Sonic growled. “In that case, Saitama, I’ve been feeling a deep and dark urge to go beserk so I need you to kiss me to stop that from happening.”

Genos also added in, “My gears are acting up! Master, my engine needs to jumpstart or I will explode. Please, just a kiss will —“

“Don’t copy me!” Sonic spat out.

“Shut up, shameless cur!” Genos shot back. 

Saitama meanwhile thought he could postpone this discussion just like with everything else and stepped back only to be held down by two hands. Both of them glared as they leaned their faces closer until their noses almost touched his. “You won’t escape us again.”

Genos sighed out, “This won’t do. It seems if we don’t say it straight, then Master won’t understand.” He held Saitama’s gaze with a burning fire, “I’ve seen you die once. I don’t want to let that happen again and I don’t want to regret anything. So please listen.”

Sonic nodded as he said, “Saitama. I also need to tell you something.” Sonic held his hand while Genos held his other. 

The cyborg also said, “I have to be honest with you. You are more than a teacher to me. You are — “

Suddenly the door slammed open and Beaut ran in without a shirt. Sweat dripped down his hard muscles as a soft glow shone off of him. It seemed his angelic power wasn’t entirely controlled yet. “How dare you guys get all the fun! While I’m out there getting dragged about, you guys are enjoying Saitama’s company! Bastards!”

“You’re the one who didn’t trust our robots to do the clean up by themselves so blame yourself.” Genos snorted as he turned his nose up.

Sonic sneered, “And who bragged about getting a kiss first? Exactly, so shut up.” The lithe ninja crossed his arms.

“But I’ve been waiting since our last life as well so I’m not holding back either!” Beaut stormed closer after slamming the door shut and stood in front of Saitama. And just like that, the poor hero was surrounded by his dedicated disciples. Even though he was the strongest in the room, he suddenly felt like a kitten before wolves. Why was that?

Huh. This was the first time his heart was beating this fast outside of battle. What did that mean? Saitama blinked I surprise as he questioned the foreign feeling. He looked at the three men and suddenly a memory of his past life came to mind. When he defeated the final boss and passed the final trial, the earth was empty, devoid of life. And in his loneliness, the first faces to come to mind were these three. Seeing them argue brought a mix of nostalgia and bittersweet yearning. But yearning for … what?

Meanwhile, oblivious to the clueless hero’s thoughts, the students bickered. 

Sonic glared. “Please! You barely recovered your memories so you didn’t wait at all! I’ve been stuck waiting for my chance since the day I was born again — that’s a whole lotta years of waiting on my end! I beat both of you!”

“But I did all the hard work completing the missions that Sensei would have been forced to busy himself with while you were collecting information. So I’m the one who deserves to be with Sensei the most!” Genos jabbed his thumb towards his chest.

“You two may have been his first students, but I’m the one who knows everything about him and protect him from the public eye. Plus, I have the first kiss so beat that!” Beaut sneered down.

“Let’s just ask Master!” Suddenly, all three of them faced the hero and yelled, “Who is the best student?!”

And so, before Saitama could completely evaluate his own tempestuous feelings, he faced a challenge greater than any he had faced before. Even the Zombie King couldn’t compare. If he ran, it would bring them to despair. If he stayed, he might start a war. He couldn’t choose between the three who fought so hard and stayed by his side to the end in the last life. 

What should he do?! 

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AUTHOR NOTE:

Heya Heroes!

Sorry for the long wait. A bunch of stuff happened and now I’m just catching up. I really wanted to do a suggestive scene, but since it was a slow burn, I’ll try to work up to it. My bad!

How are you?! Your reviews made my day and motivated me so I’m glad I finished this sooner than I thought. I hope you all are safe and I wish season 2 of OPM was on crunchyroll. 

That said, I wonder if the Valhalla nation would have gay marriage laws spearheaded by the trio because of Saitama? Will he make it to the end of the world battle with his v card? Will he realize his newfound feelings or will the three have to woo him harder? And what about school!?

Stay tuned in…Forbidden Romance of the Three Kingdoms — Just kidding!

I’m slowly getting there, so please bear with me. And thank you again. As always, please review and let me know what you’re looking forward to ;)

Sigh, I wish I could join a hero association. Or become a ninja. But my fast food take out says otherwise…Can I isekai?

Loves and kisses fam,

WitchySkies

P.S. Merry Christmas in advance. 

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty: “Soft Dreams in a Harsh World”

“For Us, You Fight The End of Everything,
But We Only Live For You.”
—Someone Worth Fighting For—

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Recap from last chapter:

Sonic glared. “Please! You barely recovered your memories so you didn’t wait at all! I’ve been stuck waiting for my chance since the day I was born again — that’s a whole lotta years of waiting on my end! I beat both of you!”

“But I did all the hard work completing the missions that Sensei would have been forced to busy himself with while you were collecting information. So I’m the one who deserves to be with Sensei the most!” Genos jabbed his thumb towards his chest.

“You two may have been his first students, but I’m the one who knows everything about him and protect him from the public eye. Plus, I have the first kiss so beat that!” Beaut sneered down.

“Let’s just ask Master!” Suddenly, all three of them faced the hero and yelled, “Who is the best student?!”

And so, before Saitama could completely evaluate his own tempestuous feelings, he faced a challenge greater than any he had faced before. Even the Zombie King couldn’t compare. If he ran, it would bring them to despair. If he stayed, he might start a war. He couldn’t choose between the three who fought so hard and stayed by his side to the end in the last life. 

What should he do?! 

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Saitama jolted when those three sharp gazes hooked onto his body. He coughed into his fist then said, “N-Now, now. This isn’t a competition? Let’s just focus on fighting monsters. I heard the zombies were going nuts!” Strategy: Diversion! That’s what all the great heroes from TV did.

The three ‘innocent’ disciples didn’t budge and leaned closer to the oblivious hero. Sonic stuck his tongue out as he said, “Fine. Ignore us. Let me correct my last statement and try again. Whose your favorite man?”

“I can’t pick a favorite student.”

“No. I mean…” Sonic trailed his fingers up Saitama’s chest then clasped his hand on his shoulder as he pretended to wipe dust off. “Who do you like being near you the most? Whose presence brings you security, whose eyes set you on edge and whose voice do you miss the most since our last life? Sen. Sei?”

Saitama could only see the dark of Sonic’s eyes as the wicked ninja loomed in closer until he could feel his breath on his neck, but not close enough to touch noses. Those dark orbs caught him in a trance as he saw his reflection in the center of his eyes and his breath caught in his throat. He remembered those same eyes staring at him while he fought in the last life. Back then, Saitama didn’t get the chance to go near him while the gray monster attacked without a single gap and blocked any distraction from interfering. In that constant battle, he lost himself to his battle lust, his sense for survival. And in that battle, he didn’t realize until too late the lives he couldn’t save. He still remembered how he caught Sonic’s eyes as they faded and he could only keep on fighting the monster that transcended all existence…Once more, Saitama tasted bitter failure even when he was on the cusp of success. He won the war back then, but he lost everything that made him human…everything that made him a hero.

Even as Sonic’s life was fading from his eyes, he still gazed at him with complete trust. The same went for Genos and Beaut and many other heroes who died with full faith that the world’s strongest hero would defeat the final monster. Genos’s form melted into the ground completely and Beaut fought until his last breath was taken away in agony, but even then both looked at the hero with no regrets. 

All three of them gave up their lives for him. All of them grew to be his most trusted friends through the years fighting together, then they became his most important people. So when he was offered eternity, he refused. A day on earth without them at his side seemed meaningless. How could he choose? When he first became a hero, it was a hobby in a world where evil never stopped no matter how hard he fought. But somewhere down the line, he found himself fighting to see a world where the four of them could live in peace. He changed because of them. So without further thought, he answered, “I can never choose between you. Sonic, Genos, Beaut — you are all important to me. The three of you are my most important people. What you have done for me, I will return in full.” I will keep you alive this time around so you can enjoy the life you strived so hard to fight for.

Sonic’s eyes widened in shock as his hand fell from the hero’s firm shoulder. Saitama’s usual poker face turned serious and it always stole his breath away. It was the face of the only pure thing left in this world. The face of a man who fought until the end of his days without regret, without promise of reward. This unreal man was now confessing that they were the most important to him. Was this…Was this a real confession?! 

Straight away, the ninja’s thoughts went from zero to a hundred as he heard Saitama’s “confession.” And he wasn’t the only one. 

Genos’s gears whirred as his face heated up. “Master. I feel the same.” He sniffled and then grabbed Saitama’s hand to press his lips on his fingers. “I read this is a symbol of allegiance and love. I hope you accept it.”

“Huh?” Saitama’s serious face immediately turned into his trademark poker face.

Beaut grabbed his other hand and then held Saitama’s warm palm over his bare chest where his heart beat rapidly. “Dear Saitama, I accept. To think I would ever hear your confession like this. I wish I were dressed for the occasion.” He blushed and the blue-haired idol literally glowed with happiness.

“Confession?”

Finally, Sonic snapped out of his reverie and leaped onto Saitama to hug the hero. Genos and Beaut growled like jealous pups, but Sonic nuzzled his face against the hero’s neck and said, “Darling! I’ll be by your side forever!”

Saitama shook his head. “Wait, wait. Confession? Love? I think there’s a misunderstanding here. I just said you were my most important people!”

The three smiled with cunning as Sonic said, “Yes! So we are more important than anyone else which means more than any lover or family. So we are closer than anyone else. It must be love! If friends and family count as love, then we must be closer than that if we are your most important! It’s only logical, dear~”

Genos added while nodding furiously, “He is right. You can’t take it back, Master.”

Beaut left no room for argument, “There is only one way to settle this, Saitama. If you can’t believe in us, we must prove our hearts to you. So we must go on dates and you will find out the truth.”

Saitama started coughing furiously as he pulled Sonich off him and took his hands back in one swift motion. “Date?! How did we end up there?” Sure they were more important to him than anybody, but was that love? He didn’t expect to fall in love even before he became strong. It was a completely foreign concept. How’d the topic change to dating?

Beaut’s lips twitched as he tried not to reveal his mirth. Poor Saitama was walking into his trap and there would be no way out. He wouldn’t let him escape! If he, the world’s top idol who was the top actor in the romance category, couldn’t manage to convince his love to go out with him and discover his true feelings then he failed as an artist and a man! Sigh, his poor, lovely Saitama. He was truly too innocent for this sinful world. So the ex-idol said, “Yes, date. An outing. Hanging out. A date is merely testing the strength of a relationship. If our bonds grow deeper, won’t we be better suited to surviving until the end of the world with you? You are the strongest being so you will survive, but for us three, our strength comes from our love for you. We know you may not be able to return our feelings right away, so we will take it slow. But it can’t hurt to deepen our bonds, right? Just think of it as training our hearts to better save the world.” Beaut smiled, but then he looked shocked as his lips trembled while he took half a step back. “U-Unless…you hate being near us…” A tear spilled down his face and thanks to his newfound angelic power side effect, the tear only made the handsome man more beautiful with his sadness. He looked like those paintings of crying angels that were found in the great cathedrals of Europe. 

Genos and Sonic barely restrained themselves from punching the handsome fanatic and played along with Beaut’s obvious scheme. Genos lowered his eyes like a fragile beauty made of steel and said, “I…understand if you can’t return my feelings…But I just wanted a chance. But you’re too good for me…” Sonic taught the usually straightforward cyborg a few tricks as he acted aggrieved. 

Sonic hugged his arms around him as his body trembled. “It hurts to be unwanted…”

Saitama panicked as he spouted out, “N-No! I don’t hate you! I just don’t know my feelings. I just don’t think love is the correct term —“

“I knew it.” Sonic turned his head away as tears fell, copying Beaut’s tactic, and he said, “We’re not worthy for love.”

“Of course you are! Don’t think of yourselves that way.” He’d never seen his students look so vulnerable before. They were always aggressive and strong and forced themselves into his apartment without fear or hesitation. Nothing made them cry. Shit, what could he do? Why did it hurt to see them so broken? 

“You really believe that?” Sonic rubbed his eye cutely.

“Yes!” So just stop crying!

“Then would you go out with us and prove we are worth loving?” 

“Yes!” Not realizing the act, Saitama answered. Anything to give their confidence back!

“Oh, thank you! You won’t regret it!” Suddenly all three of them launched onto the hero as they hugged him. Success!

“You can’t take it back!” Beaut cried out as his tears fell. “This will be our first date!”

“I don’t know if it’s a date like that —“ Saitama tried to back out.

“Master! I look forward to being alone with you. I’ve been looking forward to this day for decades.” Genos cut in with a puppy dog look. “I-I’m so happy, Master!” Saitama swallowed his words with guilt at the studious pupil’s innocent face.

Sonic pitched in, “Yes, yes. This is a date.” The sly ninja wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Sonic smirked with a cunning glint in his eyes, “I’ve been looking forward to this for a verrry long time. When we go out, we can eat out as much as you like! Wherever you want. Not only diner food either. Hmm. How about steak? Or ramen?”

Saitama heard the last part and stopped his protests. Food? Free food not from the diner? Granted he already had free food, but after being broke for most of his life and living off random bits and fish in his last life, his appreciation for a decent meal grew a thousand fold. With a liiittle bit of guilt, Saitama sold his objections away. Date? Wasn’t that just hanging out? Besides, it was the 21rst century so who cared. If it made his students happy, he could oblige. He spent a whole lifetime being single so it couldn’t hurt to check off the bucket list. It wasn’t like he had anyone he ever crushed on and it was just doing what they normally did on a day off. So win-win.

Though, looking at the three disciples’ bright eyes, the hero couldn’t help but feel that they were starting to get along a bit too well when it came to convincing him to do things. Surely he was imagining it. They would never go that far.

“Okay. You guys decide when you want to go.” And with this, the hero gave in for the fourth time in his life. The first three times were from his students self-proclaiming themselves as his disciples and moving into his apartment despite his protests.

“I’ll clear a day off very soon! You’ll love what I have planned!” Beaut gushed.

“Of course, darling. I’ll just dump the routine work to my company so we’ll have more time together. You won’t be bored.” Sonic snickered evilly as he considered which of his unlucky employees will get the honor.

“I will finish my work quickly. As fast as the speed of light, Master!” Genos straightened his back like a soldier and puffed his chest out proudly. 

“Got it. Meanwhile, I’ll just work on…” Saitama scratched his head. Ever since he regained his powers, he already broke through his limit so exercise was useless. Maybe he could learn martial arts again from Garou? Though it didn’t really work out in the last life since he just ended up playing around…Hmm…”I guess I’ll walk around. See how the base is doing. Go monster or zombie hunting later.” In the back of his mind, he remembered he still didn’t see the end of One Piece…could he find the artist? No, no! That would be too much…

“Good. The robots are taking care of the zombie clean up so you don’t need to worry about it, Master! You should relax. What if the Sea Queen attacks early?”

“Right.” Damn. He was bored. Should he just go to the Queen herself? He could hold his breath for a long time.

“Don’t you dare try to go on your own. By the time you find her castle, she’d have put all of the continents underwater! You get lost so easily.” Sonic nagged as he read his mind then he wrapped his arms around his. “So don’t leave base or…or…I’ll only make you kelp for dinner!”

Saitama hurried to speak, “I won’t! Really!” He looked flustered and his cheeks reddened. The men immediately latched onto the sight of his red cheeks and had to hold themselves back.

Suddenly Genos and Sonic’s watches buzzed and a hologram came up — business called. After the call ended, they pouted and said that they had to go. Genos said, “But the hero academy should be starting up soon. I hear they’ll do an introduction session first now to get a head start so you should check it out.”

The two turned to leave when Beaut’s smile widened suspiciously so the other two latched their arms around his neck and dragged the evil ‘hero manager’ out as he cried, “Hey! I’m Saitama’s manager! I work here!”

“Like hell you’re staying alone with him in the room! Go earn your keep!” Genos growled as the trio dashed out the door. Just because they succeeded in getting their hero’s consent in dating didn’t mean they would let any of the other men get a head start. Especially fucking Beaut who got a kiss. Tch!

They succeeded in their lifelong mission to get Saitama to agree to going out with them. It was the second priority in their lives after figuring out how to save the world without destroying most of civilization. Now that the first step to realizing their love was complete and they got dates…

They simply had to make the hero fall for them for real. While saving the world, of course. 

This will be the toughest battle they had to face.

And poor clueless Saitama would soon find out how deep their love went.

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Saitama watched as the trio left and like with anything drastic in his life, he went with the flow. Suddenly having nothing to do, he paced to the window and looked at the bustling base below. Compared to the scene of deserted landscapes full of craters at the end of the world for years, what greeted him was a beautiful vision of people going about their lives as they built up the base and trained. The earth wasn’t an empty landscape with ruined cities anymore, but it was full of life even if they were all preparing to fight with their lives on the line. 

He already lost everything once, he didn’t want to regret anything more. And so, under the impossible sight of a second chance at saving the world, the usually battle-obsessed hero found himself mumbling out loud, “If a date was all it took to help them realize their worth, then I can do it. After a couple of decades, this is a small thing. This way, they can also take a break before the fighting.” 

He wasn’t sure about feelings of love or affection, but regardless if it were a date or a meeting, he didn’t mind spoiling his students a bit. They’ll decide that didn’t love him in a romantic sense but just respected him soon enough. As for him, he was just content with being by their side and fighting monsters as a hobby as he protected humanity with the other heroes. He didn’t need to think too hard about his future as long as them and his friends were in it. 

Unknown to him, his usual apathetic expression held a different kind of determination as a light flickered in his eyes and his lips pulled to the side. His cut off emotions were slowly returning to life and the god-like hero was changing little by little.

Saitama had people to protect. He won’t let them get hurt. Should he fail again — No. That won’t happen.

He’ll protect humanity from utter extinction or die trying. He won’t fail them this time.

As he thought so, he couldn’t help but think of three smiling faces. 

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AUTHOR NOTE: 

Yo! Kamehameha! Sup!

Planned on making this longer but sleep calls. So updated what I could! Next chapter the Hero Academy is starting up and guess whose one of the teachers!

I hope you enjoy this small progress between the four and let’s get the fire roaring (in battle, life and love *wink*!)

Please review and let me know what you think! Where would they go for dates in the apocalypse and what is the Sea Queen going to do now with evolved monsters and swarms of new zombies under her command? 

Find out soon! Mwah!

Toodeloo,

WitchySkies

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty One: “Heroes Arise!”

“No Matter How Many Times We Fall,
We Will Always Rise.”
—Devotion Bigger Than Words—

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While the world spun around in chaos and superheroes left and right were striving to save the planet from extinction, there was one hero who had only one mission in mind. A mission that required…teaching.

Tornado frowned as the random staff member (she would never remember all their names! Hmph!) handed her possible lesson plans. She scrunched up her nose. “What is this nonsense? You mean my Fubuki will be taught such basic shit? I won’t stand for this!”

Staff Member A sweated as he wrung his hands together. Although he worked for Genos, he was terrified of Tornado. There was no one in the country who didn’t know the powerful psychic’s infamous temper! “Sorry, ma’am! The Emperor Kid just gave me the templates.”

“Hmph!” Tornado flipped through the stack of pages. “Well, tell Emperor Kid I am now the head teacher unless he wants to waste his precious experimenting time babysitting brats. Got it?!” She growled while just taking away the top teaching job and walking off. 

Meanwhile, Staff Member A didn’t know whether to be afraid of Tornado or Emperor Kid. What he didn’t tell Tornado was that Kid knew how’d she react and planned on her voluntarily taking the “troublesome job” as he put it. He still remembered what he said, “Using AI and holograms, the children will receive personalized lesson plans as well as physical training. Tornado is the queen of discipline, support and guidance while the AI will be the “gamification” of the education. Like a RPG game, the program will make lessons fun and engaging as well as make it possible to track their vitals to sense if they would near an ‘awakening’ and hopefully not a monsterization. Tornado will know what to do with the data. She has intimate experience with scientists and experiments. She’ll treat the children right. But make sure to give her the crappy lesson plans so she gets pissed off enough to see the system for herself instead of ignoring it.”

Once again, he was reminded that although this base was the safest place in the country right now, it was still filled with monsters of a different skin. 

He was so glad they were on humanity’s side.

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Saitama sneezed as he stood in front of the hero hopefuls in the large classroom. There were only a few dozen kids since the school just started, but each one of them looked at him like he was a god. Damn. He was starting to feel pressured. What could he say to meet their high expectations?

Genos peeked at Saitama’s nervous face from the side and smiled. “Master, please just be yourself. Look, even Shara is excited to see you. They will be happy with anything you say.” Sure enough, the dark elf was acting like a school kid even though she was now an evolved elf with the body of a college student. 

“Right…Uh, I want to say thank you for signing up. It is up to you to become this generation’s new heroes. You are the hope of our future.” He tried to piece together lines from movies and cool manga to sound epic. “Whether you have super powers that could turn things into ice or train hard to be super strong. Whether you have great intellect or can melt into a crowd or socialize with anybody. You are needed. So be proud, heroes. And welcome to the academy!” He puffed up his chest. Lord knows socializing was a superpower he never had. 

The class erupted in cheers while Saitama smiled awkwardly at their over enthusiastic response. Shara squealed, “I won’t let you down!” 

Another kid yelled, “I wanna be you when I grow up, Baldie!”

“…” He really should get a better hero name. “Well, work hard! We’re in this together!” He pumped his fist in the air and then Tornado walked up. “Huh? Hey, wassup?”

Tornado raised a brow. “I’m the new head teacher. Deal with it.” Then she turned towards the kids and said, glancing at Fubuki especially. Although she called them kids, the class was a strange assortment of adults, teens and even toddlers. Her work was cut out for her. “Our great hero here has high hopes for all of you and I am here to make you the best you can be! As I’m sure you know, I am Tornado. So no funny business or I’ll toss you out in the sky!”

Beaut coughed into his fist. 

Tornado pursed her lips then added, “Gently.” 

Beaut shrugged.

She continued, “So while you are here, I’ll push you to reach your fullest potential! Now like Saitama says, everyone has their own strengths. Here, it is not about humans versus monsters or strong versus weak. Here, it is about working together to become the saviors of the world against the evil! As long as you fight to protect this world and humanity, you are welcome! Any nonsense discrimination or bullying and I’ll pummel what justice looks like into you! If you can abide by that rule, then I will turn you potatoes into the heroes you are meant to be! GOT IT?! SAY YES MA’AM!!”

“YES, MA’AM!”

“GOOD! LET’S BEGIN!”

And with that, the drill instructor/school teacher took over the Hero Academy in a single morning. Saitama sighed in relief. No matter how crazy his old friend was, he knew the school was in good hands…and he didn’t have to deal with the paperwork haha. Good luck, Shara. You’ll need it.

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Later on, Saitama joined Beaut, Sonic and Genos for lunch at the local base diner. A robot rolled over to the group, “Sir. Sector G1 has requested assistance.”

Genos wiped Saitama’s corner of his lip with his thumb and glared at the short chubby robot that was more a rolling ball than a cyborg. “So? Is it about the Kings? Did the Sea Queen attack?”

“No, Sir.” It replied back in monotone. For some reason, it’s mostly cyborg master had a rise in emotional stimulation that made him act more human these days. Ever since Master Saitama, as all robots were now regarding him as he was placed on a higher priority than even Master Genos, came, there has been much tension. Like now. 

“Then tell them to ask Emperor Kid. That’s what we pay him for. Don’t interrupt mealtimes with Master unless there is a real reason I need to be bothered. Got it?”

“Yes, Sir!” The robot beeped twice cutely then left unperturbed. 

Sonic sighed wistfully, “I wish I could act that way towards my subordinates. They only keep demanding raises. Tch. Mercenaries. I could kick all their asses, but I have to be a good leader. If only I could hoist the nitty gritty work to Emperor Kid…”

Beaut snorted. “I am free thanks to my retirement. You two work hard for us haha!” He smiled as he combed back Saitama’s black hair. “It’s getting longer, love. Should I style it for you?”

Saitama gulped. For the past twenty minutes, his disciples have been hovering over him and treating him like some prince. He was used to it from when Beaut did this stuff in their past lives, but now Genos and Sonic were acting up like they were competing. But, like with any mentally or emotionally difficult situation, he shrugged his shoulders and went with the flow. He’ll figure it out later. “Sure.” Then he popped some fries in his mouth. At least he could afford a decent lunch combo this time instead of just fries. Being rich was the best!

The three watched Saitama happily eat his fries in pure bliss and eyed him like wolves to a lamb. A man with limitless power and resources at his fingertips…and he was happy with french fries. This was what made him Saitama. He enjoyed the simple things in life and remained humble.   The trio glanced at each other in acknowledgement. This was their second life and probably last chance. Not only will they save the world, they will make Saitama fall for them. Somehow. Some way. They had one thing going for them — they were very patient with their lovers and very bold. Saitama was beyond dense and unless they came at him straight with their feelings, the man would live his whole life peacefully eating away and fighting monsters!

No matter how many monsters attack, this was top priority! They would never forget the look in his eyes when he failed the last trial and ripped out his heart when he died. That would never happen again! With renewed vigor, the three men focused on attending to Saitama and reviewed a million possible plans once more.

Saitama’s cheeks puffed up like a squirrel as he devoured the lunch, clueless to his powerful students’ unspoken agreement.  

And so, the peaceful base life continued and the start of the legendary Hero Academy officially opened it’s doors. Earth’s last chance may be the best chance it’d ever get. There was no room for failure.

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AUTHOR NOTE: 

Wassup Reborn Heroes?!

Sorry for the wait! Super got caught in a spider web of life and not the one full of hot hentai situations (cause that only happens to guys hit by truck-kun apparently LOL). 

Story is slowly progressing, but I won’t abandon it ever! Also, thank you so much for your reviews, it really keeps me going and happy to see how y’all are doing! That said, I’ll work on it little by little. Time crunching.

Kyaaaa! Can’t wait to get the fights going again and see the mischeif the disciples have planned ~ 

Much kisses and please review! Eat lots of mochi and read lots of hero manga. May we get out of 2021 with lighter hearts.

Ciao,

WitchySkies!

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty Two: “Hope and Date?!”

“Life Without Others is Lonely,
Living for Others, a Double-edged Sword,
But Living with Others in the Heart, Alone or Not, Makes All the Difference.”
—On Living a Life Worth Living—

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Tornado huffed as she lifted one toddler by the back of his shirt when he almost ran into a fireball, while kicking away a middle-aged man struggling to levitate. This was basically superhero daycare! Even with an evil sea monster queen on their asses, the war was currently at a stalemate as the robots and mercs quickly erected force fields in key areas. Humans gathered in shelters, but the robots acted as front line. Those with telekinesis abilities to gather material from afar aided the robot body retrievals with other bots to recycle and rebuild. The costs and supply of metal and chips were always an issue in the war last time, but this time they had better preparation.

Even so, with the entire ocean as an enemy, they needed more capable heroes trained and fast. Sigh. So much for retiring peacefully with Fubuki as her focus in this lifetime.

Fubuki giggled as she gathered everyone’s classwork and placed them in a tray basket. “Sis, I never would’ve expected you to be a head teacher! It’s so unexpectedly fitting.”

“There’s no favoritism, Fubuki. Did you graph out the physics of a falling man caught by a flying-type hero? One mistake and both end up with glass shards in their livers.”

“Aww, I hate being in the advanced course. Can’t I join the toddlers?”

“Says the college student. Focus!” Tornado rolled her eyes as she watched her sister go back to practicing on the training arena dummies. During the day, they focused on theories and classwork. At night, they came back for real combat training. Between times, the robots led some classes when it came to basic drills and testing. She was a hero first so the time was limited and the skill levels varied greatly. She took over classes at night while setting up the speeches for the day. On occasion, she led a day class to really tell the facts that robots wouldn’t know — the fear in battle, the mental struggle and the power needed from the spirit. Things like that. 

Her goal: Brainwash these puppies into becoming wolves. 

Fubuki aside, she can protect her. 

She saw Beaut and Genos hovering over the dense baldie again in the hall and rolled her eyes twice. Those born-again virgins really don’t know how to seduce one man? Ha! 

She narrowed her eyes and smirked, “Maybe I’ll help those blockheads a bit.”

Meanwhile, Sonic was busy listening to his minion threaten to strike if they didn’t get a pay raise for the “unexpected zombie apocalypse raising our threat to our lives.”

Sonic practically cursed them out, “You guys have death threats from 10,000 people a day, play with SHURIKEN and BOMBS for training and dare to tell me bags of rotten flesh from the back of a ghetto grocery store on two legs is driving you to tears? Stop the BS.”

He really wished he had Genos’s staff problems - none. Since they were all robots.

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Beaut and Genos pushed Saitama onto a hovering seat and said, “This way, you can just glide everywhere.”

Saitama looked down at his floating seat and got off. “I feel like a UFO sitting on that. I can walk and fly just fine, ya know.” He raised a brow. 

Genos nodded, “Yes, you are superior to any chair — “

Beaut elbowed him lightly as he said, “Er, but, I thought it’d be cute to see you floating around…and I can track you, I mean guide you, I mean … love you?”

Suddenly, a certain psychic with mischievous green eyes popped into the air besides them and said, “Well, well. That’s all you got? Such children. Also, you guys don’t need a GPS when Baldie here can be spotted by all the explosions that happen whenever he enters battle ahahaha.”

Genos glared up at the floating shortie, “Shut up.”

Beaut tsked and wrapped his arms around Saitama’s waist, “I’m just being careful!”

Tornado just smiled evilly as Saitama zoned out. “Hmm, Saitama, dear?”

“Yea?”

“I heard the robots in Sector 35 C are having trouble with some mutant zombies. Wanna check it out together?”

Saitama’s eyes lit up. He remembered seeing that zombie movie and wanted to try a new trick that inspired him. Looked fun. “Let’s go!” He raised his fist in the air.

Tornado glanced at the seething robotic man and the monster actor. Her lips spread apart wider, “Then…” She licked her lips with pure joy at their pain —

“It’s a date.”

Crunch. The floating metal seat next to Beaut and Genos crushed between their hands. 

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Emperor Kid sighed as he looked at the screens. Millions of dots were on the rise, held only by a basic force field around certain areas that the HQ set up. They were strong, but they weren’t the strongest enforced field types due to budget and the secrecy needed at the time they were built should the monsters get alerted before they finished setting up. They needed to resolve these battles soon or who knew how long people could survive without imported supplies. Since the very ocean was teeming with enemies, they only dared to open routes in the sky, but that was also filled with other enemies. 

It never ended. Even if the battle was won, the casualties and damage to city infrastructure was heavy.

“Saitama, how did we win the last time? Everything was destroyed by then. Will we have to sacrifice everyone’s lives once more? No, there has to be another way. Has to…” His eyes had shadows under them, his fingers tirelessly typing as he sought more answers from AI, his back hunched over by hours of computer screen time. 

“Is humanity doomed after all?” He knew Saitama would win, he had faith, but what of after? Who or what will be left? Even as a genius, the outlook looked dim.

“BOSSSSS!” A dark elf kicked in the door to his lab with gusto. “I’ve got a chart of data analyzing the new weapon, but I also have a list of ideas to apply the power! We don’t need to destroy everything, right? I was thinking about farming using specialized water sources to help with balancing against all the pesticides and -- “

Emperor Kid ignored the rest of her words as he snatched her list. On the bottom was a single line, 

[Planet Restoration]

He pointed at it. “What is this?”

Shara blinked then said, “Oh, that was a big maybe. Probably impossible, but after thinking back about the knowledge my monster evolution gave me, I found that the power I saw can support entire cities and different inventions can help stabilize the nutrients in the soil against undead viruses, tho a cure for every living being is still difficult due to the wide area to cover. At least, it would prevent us from only eating limited sources of food — it’s not tested yet, but we can restore certain plant species and animals to an evolved form without the virus. The grassroots initiative will also help restore the planet to health from the virus.”

“You gained these insights from your awakening?”

Shara shrugged. “It’s hard to describe. As a human, you are a genius and can’t describe the difference well. As a monster, it is in our DNA to inherent the knowledge of our ancestors, but it had gotten weaker by the time my generation came about. I don’t know why I have full access — maybe because it’s the end of the world. If Mr. Saitama wins, we can experiment to restore the world’s health. Of course, I don’t have the technical ability…”

Her eyes lit up. “But you and Mr. Genos does. We can build a better earth.”

Emperor Kid stayed silent for a while. Shara squirmed as she thought she sounded like a kid again. Save the world? Gah! So idealistic!

Then Emperor smiled and it looked like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders. He looked into Shara’s eyes like a teacher proud of his student. “Thank you, Shara. For giving me true hope.”

Then he took the rest of her papers and ordered, “Now type out everything you can muster from that airhead brain of yours and let’s save the world!” He ignored her confused face and started looking up schematics and data on the ideas. 

Shara shrugged her shoulders and went to work. Geniuses. Who knew what was in their heads? Mr. Saitama was odd. Mr. Genos was crazy. Emperor Kid Boss was weird. Even Garou had a screw loose though it was okay.

As a sane elf, she will have to accept these crazy people as her friends. She nodded at her logic and typed away.

This was the team saving humanity? 

Humans had no choice.

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Author Note: 

HEYYYYYYY! 

WASSUP?!

It’s been a while and thank you for reading! I’m slowly updating my works and will get on it for the next one. Last update was slime and twelve nights. IRL is hectic, but I’m forcing time to write fanfic because I missed it. Moved a lot (long story) and now learning to adapt.

I hope you enjoy the ride and please review if you liked the story or have a thing for heroes and apocalypses and BL ahahaha cough. Reviews motivate my slow ass.

Loves and kisses,

Witchyskies

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty Three: “Rare Self-Awareness”

“What Drives Me Forward is What I Think

Or is it What I think That Makes me Want to Drive?”

—What's Pushing Me On?—

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SHAMELESS FILLER BUT SAITAMA GETS A HINT:

Saitama always lived life with a single rule: Be a hero, get fries, and read manga. 

It was a perfectly fine way to live. He even became the strongest for better or worse. Yet...things have have slowly started to make him itchy. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but it made him think. And that was annoying. He was perfectly fine living life like this except he wished he got a little more in the bank...and had hair...but he couldn't complain much. 

So why did those three guys mess with him all of the time? Genos was always acting like his nanny. Sonic was that dumb kid who'd destroy his apartment. He didn't even want to know what Beaut had inside of his paranoid mind. But ever since the world ended once before, he started to feel...like he cared more than usual. What was this feeling about?

Seriously, why did he feel empty when they weren't bothering him? 

Saitama sighed as he walked into his apartment. "I should take a quick bath." As soon as he headed inside of the bathroom, a little robot hidden somewhere beeped.

After 10 mintues, he walked out in nothing but a towel on his waist. He forgot to do laundry, shoot! Wait...no, Genos did the laundry usually...He looked around for a spare shirt and shorts to change into but the drawers were empty. "..."

He looked behind him and saw three wolves waiting on the couch, shamelessly staring at him. He had a great set of abs, but they could work out too and get as fit as him. Why else would they look at him jealously? 

Sonic held a sly smirked and said coquettishly, "Why don't I give you a massage. You need a break." He got elbowed in the face by a certain robot.

"Master, let me do it. I have everything memorized!" He blushed as he gripped his hands together. "I-I'll be gentle." Then he got kicked in the face by a certain shinobi. 

"Ignore these losers. C'mon, Darling, I can show you a good time...let's go skinny dipping yea?" His eyes glinted evilly and he was punched and kicked by both rivals. "You fuckers! Don't act innocent!" He grabbed Sonic's hair and kicked Genos in the face. Soon enough, a brawl started.

Meanwhile Saitama watched on with a stoic face as usual. He shrugged his shoulders then just went to his room. "Whatever. I'm gonna nap." He was distracted by their antics enough that he forgot what he wore. 

Immediately, he jumped into bed and just passed out. His towel barely covering anything. He heard a yelp as the door slammed opened and three bodies fell to the floor.

Before he stopped caring, the curse of I'm-Too-Strong-So-I'm-Apathy-Personified was strong,  he thought to himself, 

I'm glad to have them back.

Even he himself didn't notice that his ears were red. Unfortunately, neither did the fainted men in a pool of self-inflicted blood loss.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hi! Slowly getting back into storymode as I acclimate to living responsibly.

Gotta have some spicy Saitama hahahaha man, if only he were real wahhhh

Hope you guys are doing well and review if you can! Ciao ciaoooo!

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty Three: “Date to the Death”

“All's Fair In Love And War

Because Love IS War.”

—Jealousy is a Powerful Weapon—

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Previously...

“You gained these insights from your awakening?”

Shara shrugged. “It’s hard to describe. As a human, you are a genius and can’t describe the difference well. As a monster, it is in our DNA to inherent the knowledge of our ancestors, but it had gotten weaker by the time my generation came about. I don’t know why I have full access — maybe because it’s the end of the world. If Mr. Saitama wins, we can experiment to restore the world’s health. Of course, I don’t have the technical ability…”

Her eyes lit up. “But you and Mr. Genos does. We can build a better earth.”

Emperor Kid stayed silent for a while. Shara squirmed as she thought she sounded like a kid again. Save the world? Gah! So idealistic!

Then Emperor smiled and it looked like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders. He looked into Shara’s eyes like a teacher proud of his student. “Thank you, Shara. For giving me true hope.”

Then he took the rest of her papers and ordered, “Now type out everything you can muster from that airhead brain of yours and let’s save the world!” He ignored her confused face and started looking up schematics and data on the ideas. 

Shara shrugged her shoulders and went to work. Geniuses. Who knew what was in their heads? Mr. Saitama was odd. Mr. Genos was crazy. Emperor Kid Boss was weird. Even Garou had a screw loose though it was okay.

As a sane elf, she will have to accept these crazy people as her friends. She nodded at her logic and typed away.

This was the team saving humanity? 

Humans had no choice.

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Saitama soon found himself in Sector G1 with Tornado acting like one of those baby girls who were actually grown women in the dramas. He would rather just face the zombies. 

"Awww, pookie bearrrr, I'm so impressssed~ You're so strong! Look at all the zombies you killed." Tornado grinned mischievously as she rubbed her hands on his biceps just as he finished punching the air and shooting a self-made air bullet at a row of zombies. He honestly just wanted to practice his new "shooting game" with this latest trick, but Tornado was really killing the mood. 

He whipped his hand back and protected his bicep like it had acid. "Uh, did someone hit you on the head at the Hero Daycare?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean? And you KNEW it was gonna be like a daycare, hah?! Must be happy to free single dog away from teaching, HAH?!" The short woman screeched out her grievances, conveniently ignoring the fact that she took over the school on her own, and floated in the air next to his ear.

Saitama sighed happily. "Oh thank god, you're normal again. Please don't scare me again."

"You should know MANY men would KILL to have MY attention. Can't believe I wasted my flirting skills on you." She huffed and flipped her hair back. "No wonder you're a virgin."

"WH-!?" Saitama grimaced and shouted, "What did I do to you? So what? Love isn't everything! I'm not missing out!" He covered his eyes in shame as he talked though. 

"Well, three someones feel like they are, dear friend. Or are you that blind?"

Saitama stood silent. Then he bowed his head. "I don't have the luxury to think about that. Anyone who gets too close to me would end up lonely. I'm not exactly easy to get along with. I'm happy just having this life. Those young ones deserve a normal life after this war is over."

At first shocked he actually spoke so much about something this sensitive, she nodded her head after he finished speaking. "They are hardly kids and you're hardly older. And while I love a good drama, I know I'd hate it if some dumb man assumed my feelings for me."

"....You know - "

"I get it. Your out of sight and out of mind tactic can only go so far however. Sooner or later, you're either going to break your inner demons or break their hearts. Just...I just wanted to make sure you know you're not alone. And many future paths are open to you. This isn't our first rodeo with death, don't act like such a coward with life." Saying so, an idea popped in her head. Actions speak louder than words so why not test the boundaries...? Tornado peered in closer with narrowed eyes, smiling like a fox, until their noses almost touched. "Any moment now --"

WHOOSH!

Suddenly, a kunai sliced through the air as well as a laser beam and a solid steel pipe. With a snap of her fingers, the little boss tossed the weapons away. "Hmph. Idiots.  I'll let it go this time for playing with your messy love life. But I won't tolerate it again." She turned her head away and hid a smirk. Suckers. They really had to up their game. She was too old to wait for the next episode of this BL drama they had.

Beaut snarled, "You should focus on your own love life, Miss Tornado. And I promise not to introduce Fubuki-chan to those A-tier idols she's been eyeing..."

She whipped her head to face him and glared, "You wouldn't dare."

"Try me."

"Tch. Fine. Sorry, dear, our date's over. Hmm, but...." As a last show of pettiness, she swooped in and kissed Saitama's cheek, causing four men to lose their minds. She even licked a little just out of spite before sticking her tongue out at them. Before they could snatch her, she already flew away. "Hehehehe. Have fun ~"

The green terror disappeared into the sky while Saitama got lunged at by three grown men. They felt like puppies grabbing onto his shoulders. 

"Me, too!" Beaut took advantage and landed a kiss on his cheek. 

Genos and Sonic gasped before following suit. 

Saitama froze in thought until he slowly turned red as a tomato. What. What. WHAT?! Before he could voice his thoughts, an alarm rang in the sky:

[CODE RED. CODE RED.

DISASTER LEVEL DETECTED. 

ALL TROOPS NEEDED]

Just as Saitama's face turned red,

the world seemed to turn red as well. 

Genos looked into the distance with his enhanced vision and said, "Master. It seems like quite a group has decided to challenge you. I'll support you."

Saitama smirked, forgetting his earlier shock. Priorities. "I'm down for a fight. 3-on-1? Heh. They really hate losing like the last time. Let's get started." He stretched out before rampaging into the sky in one leap.

Beaut and Sonic grabbed their vehicles while Genos simply jetted off. 

The two snarled, "Show-off."

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Finally updating. Thanks for your patience and glad to see people still along for this ride! Will update but now it's almost 2am and I'm dying to sleep.

Please review and love ya! Until next time! 

Just updated other fic, too so fingers gotta rest.

Ciaooooooo!