"The Association has a special mission that needs your cooperation. As payment, you'll receive 300,000 yen."
"I'm in!"
He had been about to refuse—after all, what job could compare to being a lazy bum? But the moment he heard "300,000 yen," Saitama's eyes lit up. Lately, money had been tight; the monthly stipend for a mere C-Class hero was barely enough. With a big sum like that, life would be much easier. At least during Saturday supermarket sales, he wouldn't have to worry about what was in his wallet.
Hero Association Headquarters, Child Emperor's lab.
"This bald guy is supposed to be the strongest in Association history in physical tests?"
Tatsumaki looked him up and down with open skepticism, her gaze lingering a couple of times on his shiny head.
"Who's this kid?"
Saitama pointed at Child Emperor, who could barely reach the top of the desk.
Cough "I've brought him, so the rest is…" Hell Blizzard felt awkward—S-Class Rank 2 Tatsumaki and Rank 5 Child Emperor, two of the Association's top figures, now both rendered speechless by a C-Class baldy.
"Three hundred thousand yen—we agreed: pay first, then I work."
Saitama stopped Blizzard, hand outstretched, expression serious.
"Three hundred thousand yen, not a yen less."
Child Emperor handed over the prepared payment, diffusing the tension. "Hell Blizzard, you're Tatsumaki's sister. You can stay here and watch."
After calling Blizzard back, Child Emperor roughly explained the task to Saitama.
Three minutes later—
"Oh, so you want me to try going into that black circle? That's it?"
"Simple? Sai—Saitama, this is a layered space from another dimension that I discovered. Once inside, the pressure is enough to crush any… huh?!"
Tatsumaki's remaining words caught in her throat as her eyes widened in disbelief.
Child Emperor looked even more shocked, as if he could fit two duck eggs in his mouth.
"This… this is impossible…"
Under their stunned gazes, Saitama had already stuck an arm through the black veil, looking like he was rummaging around in a water tank.
"Doesn't seem like there's anything in here," Saitama muttered.
Another world.
Marvel.
Inside a massive black-winged combat transport high in the stratosphere, a huge 360-degree panoramic window revealed an endless sea of clouds below.
A muscular man in a blue-and-white suit, carrying a round shield with the American flag emblem, was locked in battle with a red-skulled figure.
With beastlike strength, the metal structures inside the craft twisted under their blows.
"You could have had the power of a god! You think wearing that flag on your chest means you fight for your country? I've seen the future, Captain! In the future, there are no flags!"
The Red Skull fired his electromagnetic pistol at Captain Steve Rogers, who barely managed to block with his vibranium shield.
"This isn't my future!"
Steve roared back, eyes resolute—until he froze for a split second.
"What… what is that?"
He stared in disbelief as a lone arm, clad in a yellow suit sleeve, suddenly emerged behind the Red Skull, groping at something. The problem was… it was only an arm.
What the hell?!
"What's wrong, Captain? Is your resolve wavering?" Red Skull sneered.
…
"Feels kinda warm, but the breeze is nice and cool. Did you put air conditioning in here?"
After fiddling for a few minutes, Saitama looked at Child Emperor, puzzled.
Child Emperor and Tatsumaki exchanged a glance—both equally shocked.
This strange space that neither of them could last even a few seconds in… Saitama acted as if nothing was wrong at all.
Realizing this could overturn every known scientific theory, Child Emperor's small face flushed with excitement. Trying to contain himself, he said:
"Sai—Saitama… try going in… all the way!"
(End of Chapter)
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