At that moment, Genos's entire worldview shattered.
He had always known KING was strong—after all, the hero database updated regularly with new legends bearing his name.
But only now, seeing him in person, did Genos truly understand the terror behind the title Strongest Man on the Surface.
A monster that had utterly overwhelmed Genos, crushing him despite his full power, had been reduced to nothing more than a fragile toy in KING's presence.
Had KING never even regarded Mosquito Woman as an opponent to begin with?
"Take this!"
A vigorous shout rang out.
Saitama locked onto the Mosquito's flight path and slammed his palms together with all his strength.
The strike carried the fury of 108 rounds of humiliation—and the pent‑up rage of being led around for half a day by a single insect.
BOOM!!
A violent shockwave erupted. The air screamed as the sonic boom detonated, and the Mosquito was obliterated into a crimson mist by a force so overwhelming it seemed to warp space itself.
Watching the Mosquito's lone remaining leg drift down, Saitama broke into a wide grin.
"I finally got it!"
Still reeling from KING's overwhelming presence, Genos suddenly sensed the massive surge of energy and turned in shock.
Only then did he realize—
Anyone who traveled alongside the Strongest Man on Earth couldn't possibly be weak.
Saitama had only just become an S-Class Hero today, so his information hadn't been uploaded yet. Genos's scan returned nothing.
The realization stung.
He had underestimated his enemy, overestimated himself, and ended up as a mangled wreck. If not for outside intervention, he would have already self-destructed.
…I'm too weak.
At this rate, I can't eradicate evil.
Memories surged forward without warning.
A city reduced to rubble.His parents lying motionless beneath shattered stone.His own helpless screams.Flames roaring—and the cyborg's laughter amid the destruction.
For years, Genos had hunted the cyborg who destroyed his hometown. Every day, his desire for revenge burned brighter.
He had given up his humanity, turning himself into a weapon, scouring the world for clues while destroying evil wherever he found it.
But now he finally understood—
If he remained this weak, even if he found that cyborg, how could he ever take revenge?
His resolve hardened.
Dragging his shattered body forward, Genos raised his voice.
"Mr. KING! Please take me as your disciple! I want to become stronger!"
King: "…"
Crap. I'm screwed.
He covered his face, silently cursing Mosquito Woman.
You idiot—why couldn't you have gone after the bald demon instead of attacking me?!
Great. You got taken care of, and now I've got a mechanical fanatic glued to me!
No way. I can't let this guy cling to me as a disciple.
Straightening up, King composed himself, his voice calm and authoritative.
"I cannot accept you as my disciple, Cyborg Genos."
Genos immediately pressed on, undeterred.
"Why? Is it because I'm too weak? Or is there another reason?"
"Neither."
King shook his head, spinning a tale with everything he had.
"You are not yet qualified to learn what I teach. Continue honing yourself. Become an S-Class Hero first."
He paused for emphasis.
"Only when you break into the Top Ten of S-Class will I consider accepting you. Do you understand?"
Top Ten… S-Class?
Genos blinked, then clenched his fists. His eyes burned with determination.
So this is Master KING's trial.
No matter what, I'll pass it!
"Understood!" Genos declared. "Thank you for your guidance, Master KING! I will fight my way into the Top Ten of S-Class and become worthy of being your disciple!"
King nodded solemnly. Then, calling to the still‑elated Saitama, he turned and walked away, leaving behind a lofty silhouette.
"Then I await your future achievements. May your righteous, mechanically driven heart continue to beat."
…
The next day, at home.
Standing inside his several-hundred-square-meter mansion, King's mood lifted—briefly.
Then yesterday's events came rushing back, and his face turned green.
Damn it… I finally got Genos off my back!
He scratched his head in frustration. Why had Saitama's most loyal disciple from the original story latched onto him instead?
Sure, he'd stalled Genos for now—but it was only temporary.
Still, it should buy time. Right now, the Financially‑Strapped Hero was pretty weak—barely mid‑Demon level at best.
With strength like that, breaking into the Top Ten of S-Class would be extremely difficult.
Just then—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Three measured knocks echoed from the front door, followed by silence.
Polite. Too polite.
King's sharp hearing picked up faint mechanical sounds outside.
…Bad feeling.
Slowly, he cracked the door open.
Neatly styled blond hair.Pitch-black mechanical arms.Hands full of gift boxes.
"Reporting in, Master KING!" Genos said brightly. "I've come to visit you!"
"…"