Bang tapped the table lightly; the subtle force launched the teacup into the air, and after a perfect arc, it landed precisely back in his hand.
He took a calm sip, set the cup down, and not a single drop had spilled.
Sitch marveled inwardly.
A legendary grandmaster of martial arts—Hero Association was honored to have Elder Bang.
Just then, the door swung open, and a helpless voice rang through the hall:
"Someone carry this brat away—are all Hero Association kids this unruly?"
Bang wondered who dared make such a racket; he turned toward the sound.
When he saw what was happening, his wrinkles smoothed and his eyes widened in disbelief.
What the heck?!
At the entrance, Saitama dangled an unconscious Tornado in one hand; his yellow jumpsuit was slightly torn, and in the other, he held a plastic bag of unknown contents.
The bizarre scene made Bang suspect senile hallucinations.
If he wasn't mistaken, that bald man was the newly promoted S-Class Hero Caped Baldy, Saitama.
But why was the Number 2 S-Class Tornado in his grip, clearly knocked out?
Seeing the battle marks on both, Bang narrowed his eyes, a possibility he could hardly believe forming in his mind.
He turned to the equally stunned Sitch and spoke slowly:
"Mr. Sitch, can you tell me what just happened?"
Sitch was shaken—Hero Association's ace, Tornado, had been defeated twice in days.
KING was one thing; after all, he's "The Strongest Man on Earth," so it wasn't shocking.
But Caped Baldy was a brand-new S-Class—how had he done it?
Suddenly, Sitch recalled King's words on the phone.
"Of course it's Tornado—Saitama's strength is no less than mine."
So KING had been telling the truth… yet even knowing the facts, Bang's shock only grew.
"You mean Saitama was dragged out by an enraged Tornado for a duel, and he walked back carrying her unconscious while barely scratched?"
If so, Caped Baldy's power was unfathomable—perhaps second only to KING himself.
Interest piqued, Bang walked toward Saitama.
At once, he smiled and offered his hand warmly:
"Well, if it isn't S-Class Number 17, Caped Baldy. Pleased to meet you; I'm S-Class Number 3, Silver Fang Bang."
Saitama tossed Tornado onto a nearby stretcher and stared blankly at the old man wanting to shake hands.
Who is this geezer…?
"Uh, hi."
But courtesy counts; even if he didn't know him, Saitama accepted the handshake.
He'd walked right into it.
Bang's lips curved as he imperceptibly twisted his wrist.
He had infused the handshake with Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist energy, turning it into a trap to gauge the power of someone who could defeat Tornado.
If Saitama were flung effortlessly, it would prove he knew nothing of martial arts—perfect: a raw gem he could carve with the Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist to create a prodigy.
Though once wild in youth, the aged Bang now sought only a worthy heir to pass on his art.
But the next moment stunned him.
As he twisted, the subtle force of the Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist poured into Saitama—only to vanish like mud into the sea.
Bang held back a gasp and pushed the art's power even harder.
Yet Saitama didn't budge, only looking more puzzled.
What's this old guy doing?
Ever since he'd grabbed his hand, he'd stood frozen as if paralyzed.
Bang's gaze turned grave, cold sweat tracing the deep lines of his face.
A grandmaster's instinct told him he wasn't trying to throw a man but a thousand-meter mountain.
Utterly immovable… yet Saitama was full of openings; any martial artist could exploit them and floor him.
There could be only one reason he couldn't be thrown.
The man possessed monstrous raw physicality—greater even than Superalloy Darkshine!
Among Hero Association's S-Class, Superalloy Darkshine's body is the pinnacle of brute might—terrifying strength, speed, and near-invulnerable defense, shrugging off most Dragon-Level attacks unscathed.
Bang had sparred with him, yet never felt the unfathomable depth he now sensed in Saitama.
No wonder he beat Tornado…
Realizing Saitama knew no martial arts yet wielded such power, Bang's heart raced.
Teaching him the Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist could elevate the art to unprecedented heights!
A mighty body plus supreme technique—unstoppable.
The grandmaster resolved then and there to take Saitama as his disciple.
Saitama was even more bewildered: they'd been shaking hands for a minute—why wouldn't the old man let go?!
...
(End of Chapter)
[Throw some stones]