(T/N: There's no Chapter 53 in the raw.)
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From the crater, a yellow silhouette burst through the rising dust.
"Huh… where's KING? Did I land in the wrong spot?"
Saitama patted the dirt off his clothes, scanning the area in mild confusion.
A crimson streak suddenly streaked past, and in an instant, Genos appeared beside him.
The moment Saitama saw KING, a wide grin spread across his face.
"Pretty impressive, KING. You took my Consecutive Normal Punches and came out totally unscathed—you really are strong."
King: "…"
Recalling how his body had been reduced to a mist of blood, leaving only half a head clinging to life, he could only twitch the corner of his mouth. Far from "unscathed," there had been virtually nothing left.
King extended his hand with a smile.
"So… did you enjoy the fight this time?"
Saitama clasped it firmly, sealing the end of their duel.
"Of course. First time anyone's lasted this long against me. Even with only the Normal Series, I'll take it. But… why couldn't I use the Serious Series? Didn't you survive the Consecutive Normal Punches?"
Saitama's usual rule of thumb: if someone survives a Normal Punch, they earn the Consecutive version. If they survive that, they earn the Serious Punch. Survive that, and they earn the Omnidirectional Serious Beating.
King had no words. How could he tell Saitama, If I really took a Serious Punch, I'd just pop like a blood balloon?
Saitama seemed to realize something and awkwardly trailed off.
"Um…"
King anticipated his thought and, smiling calmly, said:
"Let's be clear—you threw over a hundred punches and still didn't beat me. No Fighting Game for you this month."
Saitama's excitement deflated instantly; he wilted like an overcooked eggplant.
"…Fine."
Even he hadn't expected KING's strength to exceed all estimates—over a hundred Normal Punches and no victory. At this level, Saitama knew he would have to get serious.
King's tone shifted, and the dejected Saitama looked up immediately. A mischievous glint flashed in King's eyes.
You had your fun pounding me… now it's my turn.
"We've still got plenty of time before we head to Master Bang's dojo. If you can beat me even once in the next round of games, I'll cover your Fighting Game and hot-pot bills next month."
Saitama's eyes lit up. He nearly leapt three feet, face dead serious.
"Great! I'm gonna crush you! Been learning tons of new combos—I'm gonna dominate the whole gaming world!"
Genos stood quietly, half a step behind, observing. He didn't interrupt KING-sensei's playful banter, but silently jotted notes.
"KING-sensei and Mr. Saitama are discussing games… but these aren't mere games. Their gameplay is virtual training for reflexes and combat thinking. Every move mirrors martial arts subtleties. Truly worthy of world-peak powerhouses!"
King noticed Genos scribbling furiously and almost couldn't keep a straight face. How does this guy churn out endless complex sentences every day?
Meanwhile, in the Hero Association conference room, Sitch sat quietly, watching the executives drone on in endless debate.
A meeting that should have been concise dragged on for two hours. The topic: whether S-Class Rank 17, Caped Baldy, should be promoted.
"I heard he not only defeated Tornado, the second-ranked S-Class, but can even trade blows with The Strongest Man on Earth, KING. Amazing!"
"Yeah, he and KING wiped out the House of Evolution and eliminated that unstable Dr. Genus."
"This new S-Class Hero could become a trump card for the Association. Let's bump up his rank!"
"Agreed."
"Me too."
"Same here."
The meeting concluded amid nods and approvals, leaving Sitch exhausted. Scratching his already graying hair, he tucked his briefcase under his arm and muttered to himself:
Am I really the only competent executive in the entire Hero Association?
Hero Association executives—just get lost already!
...
(End of Chapter)
[Throw some stones]