### Chapter 20: Kouki's Assessment of Saitama
Garou gritted his teeth, his jaw tight, forcing the words through his teeth: "I... realize it now! The current me cannot possibly be Senior Brother's match!"
He snapped his head up to look straight at Kouki. "And... training blindly by myself, even for another ten or twenty years... I'll never catch up to your back, Senior Brother!"
As soon as these words came out, not only was Kouki stunned.
Even Old Man Bang's eyes flashed with astonishment.
The two subconsciously exchanged a glance.
This... this realization, wasn't the turnaround a bit too thorough?
However, this was a pleasant surprise.
At least, before this kid achieved his ultimate goal of truly defeating Kouki, he probably wouldn't go out causing trouble or pulling any "Hero Hunting" stunts again.
"Hahaha! Good! It's good that you're back!"
The gloom in Old Man Bang's heart was instantly swept away, and he laughed heartily, the wrinkles on his face smoothing out.
He had always blamed himself, thinking he hadn't cared enough for Garou in the past.
Caring too much for his grandson Kouki had caused this equally excellent disciple to become unbalanced internally and go astray.
This time, he was determined to make up for it and teach him with all his heart!
That kid Kouki learned everything as soon as he was taught, saving so much trouble it gave no sense of accomplishment. It was perfect to pour double that "worry" onto Garou.
Garou chose to return for the very reason he stated.
Training alone behind closed doors, he couldn't see any hope of surpassing him.
As for continuing to challenge those so-called S-Class heroes?
It was even more meaningless.
Those people couldn't even withstand a few moves from him when he was serious; they served no purpose in honing him at all.
Staying at the dojo, at least he could constantly feel the pressure from Senior Brother that was as deep as the sea, and could find opportunities to challenge him at any time!
This was the only shortcut for him to become stronger.
However, just as Garou made up his mind to endure hardships and strive for success at the dojo—
The next day, Kouki took Fubuki and leisurely went down the mountain.
Garou stood at the dojo entrance, watching the backs of the two receding figures, and clenched his fists tightly.
After a brief moment of loss, the flames burning in his eyes became even more intense.
"Just you wait, Senior Brother... next time, I will definitely make you look at me with new eyes!"
He turned and strode towards the training ground.
The path to becoming stronger starts again, right here, right now!
***
Z-City, Edge of the Abandoned Zone.
"This... is Mr. Saitama's home?"
Fubuki furrowed her beautiful brows, looking around at the dilapidated, desolate street scene that seemed forgotten by the world.
Abandoned buildings stood tall, and weeds grew wild on the streets.
A strange silence permeated the air.
She really couldn't imagine anyone choosing to live in such a dangerous, ghost-forsaken place that could be called a "Monster Nest."
"Mm-hm, probably because..." Kouki shrugged, a helpless yet understanding smile curling his lips. "He's poor."
After all, the rent here was extremely low.
For Saitama, whose financial situation was straitened, it simply couldn't be more suitable.
*Ding-dong—*
Kouki pressed the doorbell of the apartment door that looked like it was about to fall off.
"Who—is it?"
A lazy voice lacking motivation approached, accompanied by the clacking sound of slippers.
The door was pulled open.
Saitama, sporting his iconic bald head and wearing a cheap yellow tight suit, poked his head out.
His pair of trademark dead-fish eyes were devoid of ripples.
However, when his gaze touched Kouki standing at the door, those stagnant pupils suddenly lit up, like two ignited stars!
"Yo, Saitama." Kouki greeted with a smile. "Aren't you going to invite us in to sit?"
"...Oh, it's you guys." Saitama paused for a moment, then stepped aside. "Come in, the place is small."
His tone remained flat, but the heat in his eyes revealed his inner excitement.
Inside the room, Genos was sitting upright.
"Genos, you're here too."
Kouki greeted him without surprise, as naturally as dropping by a neighbor's house.
"Yes, Mr. Kouki." Genos stood up and bowed meticulously. "I am visiting Sensei and listening to his teachings."
His tone was as serious as if he were reporting on major national affairs.
"Hey, hey! When did I agree to be your teacher?" Saitama immediately complained with a look of disdain, scratching the smooth back of his head. "And I have nothing to teach you, right?"
Kouki couldn't help but laugh and tease: "I say, Genos, you're a cyborg full of high technology. If you want to become stronger, shouldn't you go find Dr. Kuseno to upgrade your equipment or research more powerful weapons? What can you learn following Saitama? How to save 500 yen at a supermarket sale?"
He pointed at the wash-faded tight suit on Saitama.
"No! You are wrong!" Genos retorted without hesitation, a firm light shining in his golden pupils. "What I feel from Sensei is 'true strength' that transcends machinery and data!"
His words were sonorous and forceful, full of near-fanatical adoration.
After listening, Kouki could only shrug helplessly again.
He understood what Genos meant.
Saitama's strength had long surpassed the physical level and reached a certain "realm."
What Genos craved was exactly this steel-like, unshakable spiritual power tempered in desperate situations.
In the original story, he was indeed like a flammable and explosive dangerous good in the early stages, wanting to self-destruct at the slightest setback.
And Saitama's existence was like a lighthouse, imperceptibly teaching him "persistence," "protection," and "calmness"—precious qualities that could not be instilled by chips and programs.
Although the title of "Demon Cyborg" (The Never-Winning Legend) was still loud.
Genos was indeed growing at an amazing speed through every fall.
"Alright, alright, as long as you're happy." Kouki decided to end this philosophical topic and turned to Saitama, who was picking his ear with his pinky finger. "By the way, Saitama, down to business. The Hero Association asked me to ask you, are you interested in formally joining?"
"Hero?" Saitama lowered his pinky, blinking his dead-fish eyes as if it were obvious. "I am already a hero."
His tone was as flat as saying "the weather is nice today."
"..."
The corner of Kouki's mouth twitched slightly.
"Heh~~" Kouki's lips curled into a playful arc, his voice carrying a bit of temptation. "Saitama, your resolve to silently protect the world is indeed remarkable, a true unsung hero. However..."
He deliberately dragged out the ending note, like casting a tempting bait. "Have you ever thought that while being a hero, you could also receive a salary? In that case, wouldn't a steaming hot beef hot pot be on the menu every day?"
Before his voice faded—
"Really?!"
Saitama, who was just like a salted fish who had lost its dreams, paralyzing lazily on the tatami.
His whole person sprang up with a *whoosh* as if loaded with springs.
A light named "Beef Hot Pot" rarely burst out from his dead-fish eyes.
...