For a moment,
everyone in the tavern stopped what they were doing and turned to look.
Especially Tushan Yaya, who looked like she was itching to jump in next.
Under everyone's gaze, Rayleigh placed his hand down with a proud expression.
"Of course. I won't be holding back."
In the next instant, he exerted force.
But—
He couldn't move Saitama even a fraction.
Minutes passed.
Rayleigh's old face turned bright red, thick beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.
"This kid really does have some strength…"
With a cold snort, Rayleigh immediately coated his arm in Conqueror's Haki.
Black lightning crackled.
An overwhelming pressure flooded every corner of the tavern.
"Is it my turn now?"
Saitama asked calmly, his expression unchanged.
He applied just a little pressure with his wrist.
啪!
No flashy effects.
No arrogant declaration.
Rayleigh's arm was slammed straight down, colliding with the bar counter.
The tavern fell dead silent.
Everyone's pupils shrank.
This bald guy didn't even look strong—
So how did Rayleigh get instantly defeated?
One after another—
Gray Wolf, Chaton, Homelander, Demon Little Dragon, Tushan Yaya stepped forward to try.
Without exception—
All were instantly defeated.
As for Moriana, Kesha, Lucoa, Hades, and the other big shots—
They simply watched with zero interest.
Rayleigh rubbed his aching arm and asked curiously,
"You look just like an ordinary man."
"So why are you this strong?"
Homelander, Yaya, and the others—who had all been one-shot—also stared with curiosity.
Saitama took a sip of his drink and replied casually,
"Every day I do one hundred push-ups, one hundred sit-ups, one hundred squats, and a ten-kilometer run."
The entire tavern's faces twitched.
Isn't that a bit too half-assed?!
If you're going to lie, at least put some effort into it!
Just then, Saitama seemed to remember something and added,
"Oh, right!"
Hope instantly reignited in the hearts of Rayleigh and the others.
"What?" they asked in unison.
With a solemn face, Saitama said,
"The most important part is—"
"After finishing all that, no matter how hot it is, you're not allowed to turn on the air conditioner."
Everyone: "..."
That's enough.
Do you think you're funny?!
If this weren't the tavern, you'd already be eating fists!
Rayleigh and the others' expressions darkened so much they looked ready to drip water.
Seeing them on the verge of collectively devouring Saitama alive,
Ron swallowed his goji-berry water and smiled.
"It's all true."
"That's really how he got his power."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Among them were people who relied on technology,
Haki, bloodlines, talent—
And yet somehow, this monster climbed to the top with push-ups?!
Tushan Yaya clenched her fists, her little face full of determination.
"Starting today—
I'll do this every day too!"
She clapped her hands and started exercising right there on the tavern floor.
However…
After a few minutes, she got bored.
Without saying a word, she stood up and went off to play with the cat.
At that moment, the normally quiet Holy Lord spoke slowly:
"When the arena is finished… I want to be the first to fight you."
His stupid son had lost face.
As a father, he had to win it back.
Demon Little Dragon—Dad loves you.
Saitama looked up, suddenly interested.
"You're strong."
"Stronger than any monster I've met."
"I'm really looking forward to fighting you."
Their eyes met.
A faint but unmistakable fighting intent spread through the tavern.
Then—
They both looked away.
The Holy Lord comforted his wounded son with a heavy slap.
Saitama turned toward Homelander, who was sitting nearby.
"May I ask…"
"In your world, what are heroes like?"
Homelander thought for a moment, then stood up and declared loudly:
"The word 'hero' speaks for itself."
"They are admired. Respected."
"We punish evil, protect civilians."
"When we're free, we attend public events, showcasing our success and sharing our experiences."
"The moment I became a hero, I ceased to belong to myself."
"I belong to the world."
"Whenever people need me, I will stand up immediately!"
He paced back and forth in the tavern, passionately polishing his image in front of the not-very-bright-looking bald man.
His voice rang with conviction, as if praising his own "legendary" life.
Everyone who knew Homelander's true nature turned pale.
Did you pick up the wrong script…?
Even Ron raised an eyebrow.
From the corner, The Deep couldn't help laughing:
"Pfft—"
"Hm?!"
Homelander shot him a murderous glare.
You're dead.
When we get back, you won't just be eating octopus—
I'll make you eat every sea creature you love.
However—
Saitama believed him.
With admiration, he said,
"You're incredible."
"I didn't expect heroes in your world to be so great… with such high ideals."
Homelander lifted his chin proudly.
"Of course!"
"If you're a hero, you must be able to face your conscience."
"Otherwise, you'd be unworthy of the trust and love people give you!"
At that point, Moriana finally snapped:
"F***—Homelander, I swear—"
"Speak like a normal person."
"As the preacher of decay and freedom, there's no need to dress yourself up so disgustingly."
Homelander shuddered, then instantly flipped his tune:
"Actually—"
"We only punish evil for the cameras."
"It's not that I belong to the world—
the world belongs to me."
"Public appearances? Just farming votes."
"That fake righteous side of me disgusts even myself."
"You know what?"
"I wish I could kill everyone who doesn't support me!"
As he spoke, his grin stretched wide, sick and unhinged.
His entire body relaxed.
Yes…
This is right.
The Queen's doctrine of decay and freedom—
It just feels so damn good.
Meanwhile, Saitama froze.
His already blank expression became even emptier.
…What?
So after all that—
You were just messing with me?
"You're less like a hero," Saitama said disappointedly,
"and more like a monster."
"Twisted. Evil. Pathological."
"You've got every trait monsters have."
He sighed.
What a shame.
If this were his own world—
He'd already thrown a punch.
Suddenly, Saitama's eyes lit up.
He turned to Ron with curiosity.
"Boss, since you have people here who can fight me…"
"Do you also have someone—or some method—that can help me grow my hair back?"
Besides finding an opponent—
Regrowing his hair was also why Saitama came here.
Ron rubbed his chin and asked in return:
"If growing your hair back meant losing your current power…"
"What would you choose?"
"Hair—or strength?"
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