One Punch Man: Hero's Harem

Chapter 11: The Rematch!

Saitama was calmly reading a book as he relaxed in his apartment, reflecting on the last few days since joining the Hero Association. The recent events around his apartment hadn't really fazed him much since monsters were usually unpredictable. As long as they didn't wreck the place, kill each other, attack him or his disciples, or try and destroy humanity, they were okay in his books.

Speaking of disciples.

"So, what are you writing?" Saitama asked, his face strained into a calm smile as he looked at his roommate/disciple, Genos.

"I am recording the lessons of your training, master." Genos answered before going back to his notebook, which held detailed sketches of Saitama relaxing and reading his book.

'Crap! He's raising the bar again!' thought the bald hero while pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. 'I can't think of a single thing to teach him. I feel bad, like I'm scamming him or something. Come on, think. Just make up some techniques, or a spiritual theory, or something!' His face then contorted to wide, bloodshot eyed fury, sweat coating his face. 'STRENGTH TRAINING'S ALL I'VE GOT! IT'LL ONLY WORK FOR MIZUKI AND BEAST QUEEN! PLUS THE DUDE'S A CYBORG!"

"By the way." Genos began, gaining Saitama's attention. "Earlier at the seminar, they said that if you're a Class-C hero, and you have no activity for a week, your name will be removed from the registry. Will you be alright, Master?"

"Seriously, they said that?!" Saitama asked in a panic, his eyes wide and bloodshot again.

"Yes." Genos confirmed. He then explained that the news Saitama watched would only report truly disastrous threats, like monster attacks, terrorism, and natural disasters. He then explained that Class-C heroes mainly took care of minor threats like pickpockets, robberies, and purse snatchers. He seemed to be oblivious to his master's mounting dread as he explained that Class-C heroes had to constantly look for work to survive since so many were in Class-C, and that some would get discouraged and change jobs.

"Much like a salesman makes cold calls, nothing will come your way without legwork." Genos finished.

"THIS IS NO TIME TO BE READING MANGA!" Saitama yelled before he began to quickly put on his hero suit.

"Are we leaving?" Genos asked as he stood up from the table.

"I AM! YOU STAY HERE!" he ordered. "Don't you get it?! If I'm seen with a Class-S hero like you, then I won't get any credit!"

"But as your disciple!" Genos began before seeing his master stop his frantic movement.

"Genos." Saitama started, his voice calm and full of confidence as he slowly put on his gloves. "From the very beginning, my intense desire to become a hero is what drove me to strength training. That's how I've made it this far. For you, perhaps things will change if you aim higher as a hero." He then turned to Genos, a serious look in his eyes as he continued. "Frankly speaking, you're a cyborg, so training your body would be useless. Instead, a change in mindset may lead you to greater strength."

'Oh man, listen to me! I'm just making all this crap up!' Saitama thought, his confident face giving nothing away. He looked down at the book he'd been reading titled 'How I Gained an Indomitable Will', written by Class-S Hero King, and came up with an idea to get Genos off his back. "So, in other words, it's not about having raw power or technique; It's about training your mind. You must first fight your way through the professional hero industry. Aim to break into the top ten of the Class-S Heroes. That will be your goal for now."

Genos was quiet, his eyes shut for a moment before looking up at Saitama's retreating back.

"I understand! I WILL TRY!" Genos declared, much to Saitama's relief.