After a long while.
"Wh-what was that just now?" Bomb muttered, not even seeing what had happened.
Bangku, on the other hand, took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and a complex expression of shock and understanding appeared on his face.
"That's already... not the realm of skill," he said slowly. "That's pure power."
Genos trembled with excitement, and a line of text quickly appeared in his notebook:
[Teacher's 'Serious Chopstick Technique' is essentially using super-high speed to achieve victory directly, disregarding all processes and strategies!]
Fubuki was already dumbfounded, her small mouth agape, unable to utter a single word for a long time.
She felt that what she had seen today was more bizarre than anything she had experienced in her past twenty-odd years.
Lin Mo put down his chopsticks and smiled helplessly.
Sure enough, as long as that guy was serious, even something like picking up food with chopsticks was no game.
Except for playing video games.
He looked at Saitama-kun's smug and satisfied expression, finally having redeemed himself, and said,
"Alright, you win. Can we at least eat the remaining vegetables and mushrooms?"
"Huh?"
Saitama-kun was startled by the question, then glanced at the large amount of ingredients still on the table, and then at the last few slices of meat in his bowl, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed.
He scratched his bald head and distributed three of the four slices of wagyu beef in his bowl to Kuseno, Fubuki, and Genos, one slice each.
Bangku, Bomb, and KING didn't need any; those three had eaten the most.
"Ah... well, everyone, have some," he said somewhat awkwardly.
Everyone looked at the hard-won slice of wagyu beef in their bowls, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation.
This thrilling "wagyu beef scramble" finally drew to a close in an unexpected way.
Although the process was convoluted, when everyone put that slice of wagyu beef, representing "peace," into their mouths, a knowing smile appeared on their faces.
The tense atmosphere dissipated, and the apartment was once again filled with laughter.
The hot pot feast that followed became exceptionally harmonious.
Everyone started chatting, tasting various vegetables and mushrooms, and sharing their interesting stories.
Fubuki also completely let go of her restraint.
She discovered that even S-Class Heroes, in their daily lives, were actually just like ordinary people; they would "fight tooth and nail" for a bite to eat and laugh heartily at simple pleasures.
This stark contrast filled her heart with a warm feeling.
Perhaps, this was true strength.
Strong enough to bear the heavy responsibility of saving the world, and also able to enjoy the purest joy brought by an ordinary hot pot meal.
Thinking of this, she looked at the strangely styled yet somehow harmonious figures around her and smiled from the bottom of her heart.
"Well then, I won't be polite!"
She picked up a piece of tofu and happily joined the hot pot feast.
——————
When the last enoki mushroom was fished out of the pot by Martial Arts Grandmaster Bomb, this thrilling and endlessly memorable wagyu beef hot pot feast finally came to an end.
In the apartment, a lazy and cozy atmosphere was created.
Genos had already cleaned up the dining table with super-high efficiency and brewed a cup of oolong tea, which aids digestion, for everyone.
Everyone sat around the low table and began their post-dinner chat.
"Phew... that was truly satisfying."
Martial Arts Grandmaster Bangku stroked his round belly, a contented smile on his face.
"It's been many years since this old man ate his fill like this. Saitama-kun, the atmosphere here is very nice."
"Is that so?"
Saitama-kun sat cross-legged on the carpet, one hand holding a toothpick to pick his teeth, the other unconsciously stroking his bald head, answering indifferently.
"I even think it's too noisy with so many people."
Although he said that, the comfort in his brows after winning the "wagyu beef War" was still evident.
"Speaking of which," Bomb, who had been relatively silent, took a sip of warm oolong tea, his gaze lingering on Saitama-kun for a moment, seemingly organizing his words, and finally asked:
"Saitama-kun, this old man has had a question on his mind for a long time."
"With your unfathomable strength, why is your hero name... 'Caped Baldy'?"
"Forgive this old man for speaking frankly," Martial Arts Grandmaster Bomb frowned, seemingly regretting the name.
"This name doesn't seem to match your strength very well."
This question instantly piqued everyone's interest.
Everyone's gaze converged on Saitama-kun.
Indeed, the name "Caped Baldy" sounded like some low-level comedic character, full of ridiculousness.
If they hadn't witnessed his world-destroying punch with their own eyes, no one would associate this name with the word "strong."
Fubuki nodded in strong agreement.
The first time she heard the name, she thought it was some Class-C Hero's gimmick to attract attention.
When asked about this sore spot, Saitama-kun's tooth-picking motion paused, and his deadpan eyes immediately drooped.
"Sigh, don't even mention it," he waved his hand weakly. "Those guys at the Hero Association just came up with it. I also think the name sucks."
"So, I've been thinking recently whether I should apply to change it to a cooler hero name."
"Oh?"
Fubuki's eyes lit up, and she immediately sat up straight, asking with great interest, "Do you have any ideas?"
In her opinion, participating in the naming of an extraordinary powerhouse was inherently a very meaningful event.
"Well..."
Saitama-kun scratched his smooth bald head, an expression of contemplation on his face.
"I haven't thought of anything yet. So I wanted to ask you guys if you have any good suggestions?"
As soon as he said this, the atmosphere in the living room immediately became lively.
"That's easy!"
Martial Arts Grandmaster Bangku was the first to speak, stroking his beard, and said with a serious expression:
"Saitama-kun's power is incredibly overbearing. In this old man's opinion, how about 'Overlord of Heaven'? It's both imposing and dominant!"
"Overlord of Heaven?"
Saitama-kun chewed on the name, felt it sounded like a character from some cultivation novel, and shook his head.
"It feels too tacky, sounds a bit like a VIP title from some knock-off game."
"Hmm... my brother's suggestion is indeed a bit old-fashioned."
Bomb pondered for a moment and then offered his own idea, "Saitama-kun's strength lies in his pure power. His fist is his way."
"How about simplifying it and calling him 'Fist Saint'? A saint of one punch, concise and to the point."
"Fist Saint?"
Saitama-kun rubbed his chin. "It sounds very powerful, but it feels... a bit ordinary, not catchy enough."
The suggestions of both Martial Arts Grandmasters were mercilessly rejected.
Just then, Genos, who had been silent, suddenly raised his hand, his expression extremely serious, his eyes gleaming with fanaticism.
"Teacher!"
He stood up and said in a very solemn tone, "Your existence itself is the end of despair, the embodiment of hope!
"Therefore, I believe the most suitable hero name for you should be—[Angel of the End · Saitama]!"
"..."