Chapter 17: Please Take Me as Your Disciple!!
Genos's worldview had been thoroughly shattered in this moment.
He knew King was strong. After all, the Hero Association database updated periodically with more of his legendary battle records.
But only by experiencing it firsthand could one truly understand the terror this man represented.
A monster that Genos couldn't defeat even if he burned his life force away—a monster that had reduced him to scrap metal in seconds—was nothing more than an insect in front of this man.
King didn't even... consider Mosquito Girl an opponent from the start...
"GOTCHA!"
A shout full of spirit rang out. Saitama locked his gaze onto the flight path of the tiny mosquito. In that instant, he slammed his palms together with the force of a hydraulic press.
This clap contained the rage of losing 108 rounds of a fighting game, and the humiliation of being kited like a dog by a bug for half the day.
BOOM!!
A violent shockwave erupted from Saitama's palms. A high-pitched sonic boom detonated in the air where his hands met. The mosquito was finally reduced to a mist of blood by a force strong enough to twist space itself.
Watching the remains of the mosquito drift down, a smile of pure excitement finally lit up Saitama's face.
"I finally got him!"
Genos, who was still immersed in his awe of King, suddenly sensed this terrifying burst of energy. He turned his head in shock.
Only now did he realize: How could a man walking alongside the Strongest Man on Earth possibly be weak?
Since Saitama had only officially become an S-Class hero today, his data hadn't been entered into the public system yet. Therefore, Genos couldn't pull up any information on him from the database.
Thinking about how pathetic he had been—underestimating the enemy and ending up in such a sorry state—Genos felt a wave of shame. If someone hadn't saved him, he would have self-destructed by now.
I am too weak... I cannot eliminate evil like this...
Fragments of memories flashed through his mind. A tide of broken images flooded back.
A city reduced to ruins. His parents lying dead among the rubble. His younger self crying in despair. The scorching flames. And that cyborg, reveling in the destruction and chaos.
The Mad Cyborg.
For years, Genos had been searching for the cyborg that destroyed his hometown, thinking of nothing but killing him every waking moment.
To that end, he had sacrificed his humanity to become a cyborg himself. He traveled the world fighting evil, all while gathering intelligence on his nemesis.
But now, Genos was painfully aware of his own weakness. If his power remained this pitiful, even if he found the Mad Cyborg one day, how could he possibly take revenge?!
With that thought, Genos's eyes filled with determination. Dragging his broken body, he shouted toward the figure ahead:
"Mr. King! Please take me as your disciple! I want to become strong!"
Kenji: "......"
Oh, crap. It's over.
He mentally face-palmed, cursing the now-dead Mosquito Girl a few times in his heart.
You idiot! Couldn't you have attacked the Bald Demon instead? Why did you have to rush at me?!
Now look what happened. You're dead and free, but I'm stuck with this mechanical stalker!
No. I absolutely cannot let him entertain the idea of becoming my disciple.
Kenji organized his thoughts, stood still, and spoke in a deep, majestic tone:
"I cannot accept you as a disciple, Cyborg Genos."
Genos, being single-minded, immediately pressed for a reason upon hearing the rejection.
"Why? Is it because I am too weak?! or do you have other reasons?"
"Neither."
Kenji shook his head and began to bullshit with all his might:
"The current you is not yet ready to learn my techniques. You must first temper yourself. Strive to become an established S-Class hero first."
"Come back when you have ranked within the Top 10 of the S-Class. Only then will I consider accepting you as a disciple. Do you understand?"
Become an S-Class hero... and reach the Top 10...
Genos paused, stunned. Then, a fire ignited in his eyes. The desire to learn burned brighter than ever.
This is the trial King-sensei has set for me! No matter what, I must complete it! I must become King-sensei's disciple!
"I understand! Thank you for your guidance, King-sensei! I will work hard to reach the S-Class Top 10 and become your true disciple as soon as possible!"
Kenji nodded solemnly. He then signaled to Saitama, who was still celebrating his victory over the mosquito, and turned to leave.
He left Genos with a towering, heroic view of his back and one final line:
"Then, I look forward to your future performance. May your mechanical heart, driven by justice, beat forever."
The Next Day. Kenji's Home.
Looking around his luxurious mansion spanning hundreds of square meters, Kenji's mood had just started to improve.
But soon, he remembered the events of the previous day, and his face turned green.
Dammit! I finally managed to shake off Genos!
Kenji scratched his head in frustration. In the original story, Saitama's most loyal disciple had somehow run over to him, begging sincerely to be taught.
Although he had used an excuse to stall Genos for now, it wasn't a permanent solution.
But it should buy me some time. The current 'Budget Warrior' is still pretty weak. He's not even Peak Demon level—Mid Demon at best.
With that kind of strength, climbing into the S-Class Top 10 will be difficult.
Just then, a heavy, rhythmic knocking came from the front door.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
The visitor seemed very polite. after three knocks at the same tempo, silence followed, as if they were patiently waiting for the host to answer.
Relying on his superhuman hearing, Kenji faintly heard the whirring of servos and the clinking of metal parts from outside. A bad feeling rose in his gut.
No way...
He cautiously cracked the door open a slit to peek outside.
The moment the door opened, the first thing he saw was sharp, clean-cut blond hair, followed by jet-black mechanical arms. And in those arms were gift boxes piled high.
"Reporting, King-sensei! I have come to pay my respects!"