Time passed quickly—three days in the blink of an eye.
The news of Hellish Blizzard defeating Sweet Mask had caused a huge stir. Both B-Class Rank 1 and A-Class Rank 1 were considered powerful gatekeepers, but no one expected Blizzard to turn the tables so dominantly, taking down Sweet Mask in a single move!
The very next day, she went to the Association for a new ability test and was promoted straight to S-Class Rank 11.
She didn't enter the top 10 because those rankings required mission points. Even if one had the strength, without enough points, the rank wouldn't rise—something done as a courtesy to veteran heroes.
The ugly duckling turning into a swan—Blizzard became the biggest dark horse of the year, the dream goddess of countless men, a figure of inspiration, and a household name overnight.
Of course, one piece of gossip was just as hot as her rise—her rumored boyfriend.
Freeloader King Saitama, a C-Class hero ranked 233rd—basically trash-tier in the profession.
"That's the baldy? He really got lucky. I don't get why Goddess Blizzard would like him!"
"Maybe she's into bald guys? Should I shave my head tomorrow?"
"Damn, a goddess that gorgeous couldn't possibly fall for a C-Class hero!"
"Saitama-san, I'm from Z-City Urban Entertainment TV. We're shooting a drama called 'The Frog Prince Fell in Love With Me' and would like you to play Supporting Role #3…"
"Goddess Blizzard, Elulu Brand Body Wash would like you as our spokesperson. The price is negotiable—when can we arrange a meeting…"
Voices like these had been buzzing in Saitama's ears non-stop lately. And with Blizzard's natural spotlight aura, the fact that she stuck close to him made his headache worse.
The only good thing was that Saitama was old-school and rarely used a phone, and with Genos acting as a reliable shield, he didn't have to deal with 24/7 harassment.
Walking down the street, Saitama, Blizzard, and Genos were nearly swarmed by reporters and media crews. Some young girls even came up asking Genos for autographs.
Yes… Genos.
The S-Class rampaging cyborg pretty boy—another recent dark horse whose fame, looks, and reputation left Saitama's shiny head far behind. Among the three, he was the invisible sinkhole—bottomless.
Saitama's face was dark as a pot bottom. "You're making me go again? Fine, but we agreed—more money. Has to be more. Has to be!"
He repeated the demand for more money several times, clearly in a foul mood.
All the news about him was negative, while Genos and Blizzard were the prince and princess. He looked more like an extra with a single line before getting killed, or some coal baron who'd struck it rich.
Humiliating.
So—more money!
Under countless stares, Saitama once again arrived at Association headquarters. Thanks to arrangements by Child Emperor and Tatsumaki, he moved through without delays. Genos had already been ordered to stay home, especially since Dr. Kuseno had apparently found something remarkable in the shield's composition and was preparing to upgrade his body.
"Hmph! Looks like you've been living the good life lately."
As soon as the door shut and the noise outside was cut off, Saitama let out a long sigh and relaxed his stiff face.
But floating in midair in her high-slit qipao, long permed hair framing her loli face, Tatsumaki greeted him with an unceremonious jab.
"Ahem, Blizzard, I didn't expect the super serum's effects to be this impressive. I really regret not buying it. Still, it's a joy for the Association to have gained another S-Class hero."
Child Emperor smoothed things over, shifting the topic.
Blizzard's test results had shocked them both.
In the One Punch Man world, there were three main combat styles—
Physical: like S-Class Rank 3, Bang, the master of Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist.
Esper: like S-Class Rank 2 Tatsumaki with her psychic powers.
Tech: like S-Class Ranks 5 and 6, Child Emperor and Metal Knight.
They hadn't expected that after taking the super serum, Blizzard's physical strength would surpass Tatsumaki's—her body alone was at S-Class level.
Even more terrifying was her psychic power—already able to contend with Tatsumaki's and slowly but steadily increasing. In a few years, perhaps a decade, she might even crush the Rank 2 esper outright.
The truth about Blizzard's results was buried by the Association, known only to a handful of top S-Class heroes.
Which was exactly why—
Tatsumaki's irritation toward Saitama was even sharper now. She hated that baldy's smug face.
If she'd known, she would have bought the serum herself. Maybe she wouldn't still be stuck in her loli form. Sure, loli was supreme, but… wouldn't growing up be… better?
She snuck a glance at Blizzard's ample bust, then at her own modest chest. The jealousy only burned hotter.
"This is all thanks to Saitama."
Blizzard gave Saitama a gentle look. In three days, she'd realized that aside from his horrifically lazy lifestyle and being a bit weak, he… wasn't actually that bad.
"You don't seriously like Saitama, do you? Idiot little sister!"
Tatsumaki planted her hands on her hips, annoyed at her sister's gaze.
Sensing trouble, Child Emperor quickly cut in with a smile. "Saitama, we called you here because we hope you can—"
"Ten million yen. Not a yen less, or I'm not going."
Before he could finish, Saitama plopped down on a chair like a lord, speaking with pure arrogance.
(End of Chapter)
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