Watching A Hero's Journey

We arrive to a small apartment where a simple looking bald man would reside along with his young cyborg disciple.

The man picks his nose while reading what appears to be a manga.

This man is the strongest hero alive who has yet to lose any battle.

A man who gained his strength through sheer effort.

Blood, sweat, and tears all spent to gain unfathomable power.

Yet he doesn't yearn for money, fame, or power, but for a good fight.

All he wishes is that one day he will find an opponent who can bring out his full potential.

But that is a story of another time.

In this story he receives his recognition due.

By the heroes that make up this society.

By the heroes who have gone long enough without knowing the accomplishments of this seemingly meaningless bald man.

And that story starts here.

"Oi Genos?" Saitama could be seen yawning as he questions his disciple while reading a manga.

"Hai Sensei?" Genos calls out from the bathroom, currently cleaning the toilet with his pink apron.

"Today is Friday, right?" Saitama asks while scratching the back of his head.

Genos pokes his head out of the bathroom and nods. "Yes Master. As you've told me, tomorrow will be bargain day at the supermarket and I have already set an alarm in my system. Why?"

"I dunno. I got a feeling something odd is gonna happen soon." Saitama mutters, looking discontent, almost somber in expression. Though it's barely visible to the average eye.

Genos' eyes widen slightly. "Has something occurred to bother Master? What could cause this great man to feel such discomfort?" Genos appears to think for a moment before nodding to himself resolutely. "I shall attempt to rid whatever it is from the premises." 

Genos walks out of the bathroom and over to his bored teacher. "Sensei, are you alright? Did you perhaps forget something?" The worried cyborg questions.

Saitama looks up at his disciple and waves his hand in dismissal. "Huh? Ah, no Genos, it's just… nothing's happened in a while right? We usually get to fight something by now or you get busted up by another monster." Saitama points while grinning ever so slightly at the last part.

Genos holds a thinking pose while ruminating over his teacher's response. "Sensei is correct… We usually encounter some sort of problem, but this week has been mundane. We've grabbed every discount on the list, cleared the area of monsters, and have acquired the latest manga for Master to read. No problems have arisen."

Genos' eyes then narrow. "Albeit the aliens that invaded a week ago have surely left their mark. Maybe Sensei wishes for another fight?" The cyborg's eyes widen in a eureka moment. "Perhaps it is time for another bout between Sensei and I?"

"Sensei!" Genos firmly grabs Saitama's attention, causing the other to raise an eyebrow.

"Huh?"

"May I request another practice bout from you? I have new weaponry to test and would like your insight on how to improve." Genos questions earnestly.

"Huh?" Saitama begins to sweat as his eyes go wide. "Oh crap he's raising the bar again. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned how boring it's been. I mean it isn't even that bad right? Less monsters means less people getting hurt." The bald hero then begins to wonder. The last time they had fought it was pretty interesting after all. "I guess a practice fight wouldn't hurt. Maybe Genos got some sick upgrades?"

Saitama then looks back up to the hopeful cyborg with determined eyes and a thumbs up. "Sure Genos, I'm your teacher after all. Let's go back to the canyon."

The cyborg practically gleams though his facial features don't really show it. "Hai Sensei!"

Genos promptly takes off his apron and hastily begins exiting the apartment with Saitama in tow before Genos stops abruptly after opening the door.

Saitama gets up to see what had stopped the excited cyborg in his tracks. "Ope. Genos you good?" Saitama questions in slight confusion.

Genos turns back to his teacher in a bit of worry. "Sensei. I believe we have a problem." The cyborg says with quiet shock.

Saitama raises an eyebrow. "What? Do you need something before we go?"

Genos shakes his head before leaning closer to the wall so that Saitama could peer outside. "Not this time Sensei."

Saitama looks over Genos' shoulder and finds that the outside of the apartment has completely disappeared. All that remained was an empty void of white space. The entrance, instead of leading to the stairs, was now just gone. It was more like his apartment became a room on the ground floor.

Saitama's eyes widened in surprise. "Well that's new."

Genos nods before looking back out and scanning the area, only to find that his sensors weren't working properly. "Certainly Sensei. What do you propose we do?" Worrisome as it was, if a monster had done this then they were safe since Saitama was here. But what if it wasn't a monster?

"I dunno, let's check the place out. See if anyone's here?" Saitama shrugs before walking out the door, much to Genos' surprise.

Genos smiles before praising his ever so amazing teacher. "Brilliant idea Sensei! Such is the wisdom of my Master!"

An audible sigh is heard from the bald hero.

The duo continue to wander around the blank space for what seems to be a copious amount of time. Having wandered farther than they thought they had as Saitama's apartment was no longer visible. Even Saitama was beginning to feel slightly wary. After all this was a first, even for the bald hero.

Suddenly, the two notice a large black room appearing in the distance. They both come to stop to stare at the strange sight. They hadn't seen anything for what seemed to be miles and suddenly a room just appeared?

Saitama taps on Genos' shoulder. "Oi Genos. I'm not seeing things right?" Saitama asked while pointing over to the black box.

"Hai Sensei, it appears that we have found some sort of room…" Genos responds unsure of how to articulate their discovery.

"Hmmm. Let's go check it out!" Saitama says before beginning to walk toward the box.

Genos goes wide-eyed before following after his carefree teacher in slight concern. "Sensei? Is that wise?"

Saitama shrugs as he continues to walk forward, the black box now becoming even larger as they approach. "I mean we've been walking around a lot without seeing anything. Might as well just relax and see what happens."

Genos sighs before nodding in resolution. "Very well Sensei. If that is what you wish."

The duo finally arrive at the giant black box, now seeming more like a square building due to the front having a double door.

Saitama glances over to Genos who looks back warily.

The bald hero then moves forward to open the doors as Genos readies his heat cannons.

As the door slowly opens the two are stunned to find… a movie theater?

Saitama looks inside in pure confusion. "Huh?" That had not been what he was expecting.

The duo walk into the theater and look around only to find nothing unordinary about it. The only odd thing was that the inside seemed bigger than the outside, but compared to everything else that was quite miniscule.

The screen flickers on, causing Genos to tense up and aim his palms toward the giant movie screen. Saitama deadpans before placing his hands over Genos' and lowering them.

"Chill. It's just turning on." Saitama chuckles as Genos just sighs before nodding.

Genos looks on in admiration as Saitama waits for the screen to do anything.

"Sensei, Your ability to remain calm in any circumstance is truly commendable. I shall learn from this lesson and apply it to any future encounters." Genos exclaims while pulling out his notebook and furiously writing in it, much to the dismay of his teacher.

"There he goes again. How does he always blow things out of proportion?" Saitama sighs before smiling softly. "Eh, since I've met Genos things have looked slightly better than usual. Not so boring anymore with him around."

The screen begins displaying words to the two heroes which immediately brings their attention forward.

A voice then begins talking as the screen's words move downward.

"Welcome Saitama and Genos. You are the first of the many who will arrive to view a story. A story about your journey, Saitama. It will follow you on this journey starting slightly before meeting with you, Genos. The people who are going to appear shortly will be made up of those you have met and those you have not. This viewing is for you to change the future to avoid a terrible outcome. Or perhaps it is to save those with broken souls. Then again, maybe it is to bring people onto the right path? Who knows?"

"Anyways, please take the time to obtain free food and refreshments if you wish. The table to the side of the entrance will provide you with anything you desire."

A large, lavish wooden table appears right where the duo had entered. Though nothing was on it, the two felt like they could grab food off of the peculiar piece of furniture.

"While your abilities are still active, I suggest not doing so as you will be unable to escape this area. While in this domain not a single person is capable of dying, however, any injuries you sustain will be felt as normal so I advise not tussling with your future companions."

"This message will be shown to the rest of the group a few more times before the viewings begin. Before you ask. I am not inclined to state who or what I am. But you are free to ask any other questions. Depending on what you ask I shall answer truthfully."

After taking in the large amount of information Genos plops into a theater chair while pondering as Saitama smiles before walking over to the table to get something to eat, not having read the rest of the lines after free food was mentioned.

"Sensei's story? Viewing the future? Will Sensei finally be given the glory he deserves?" Genos' eyes narrow for a moment. "Perhaps? A ruse to trick us into lowering our guard? But if we are truly capable of seeing the future it may help us avoid future battles. Who knows what sort of events will transpire..."

While Genos continues to think Saitama despite looking completely unfazed by the whole ordeal, was actually also musing over the Screen's words.

"Huh. So my story? I wonder how much it'll show. I guess I did want recognition anyway. Maybe there's stronger monsters in the future?" Saitama seemed to ponder while sipping some tea, forgoing the copious amount of food he had conjured with his mind.

While Saitama was continuing to sip on his tea and Genos was left to hypothesize in his mind, the next duo arrive and open the door loudly. Though the doors had an odd green tinge to it.

An old yet wise sounding voice calls out to the two as they look over to see Silver Fang. "Hoh? Genos-kun. Saitama-kun? It seems we've become a part of another odd adventure." 

This old yet well defined man is Bang. S Class Rank 3. Well known for his martial arts the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist. An impeccable technique that perfects the balance of offense and defense.

"Silver-Fang?" Genos questions in surprise as his eyes widen.

"Old guy." Saitama points finger guns at the martial artist who just smiles back and waves.

"Oi! Baldy! Tin-can! What the hell is this place?" A shrill voice yells out in an annoyed tone.

Floating behind Bang is a green haired woman named Tatsumaki. S Class Rank 2. Terrible Tornado. Tornado of Terror. Despite her looks Tatsumaki is actually an adult and as the name suggests she is an extremely skilled esper well known for her strength.

Saitama glances over to the short esper with a confused expression. "Tatsu- Tastum- Takoyaki?"

"How is it that after all this time you still don't know my name!? It's TATSUMAKI! T-A-T-S-U-M-A-K-I! Tch! Typical of a B-class nobody!" Tatsumaki flies over to the duo before berating Saitama in great anger and frustration

Saitama covers his ears while still looking befuddled. "Huh? But I barely know you. Last I checked you smashed Genos into a wall after the alien stuff." Saitama states confused.

Genos glares menacingly at the short tempered esper. "Tornado. If you wish to speak with my Master please do so in a calm manner and without insulting him. Your shrill voice is irritating." Genos sneers venomously.

"You insolent little brat!!" Tatsumaki screams angrily as she raises her bright green glowing hand.

Genos flinches slightly in preparation for another psychic assault but nothing happens.

Genos opens his eyes to find that Band had laid a hand over Tornado's arm.

"Hah? What do you think you're doing Bang?" Tatsumaki questions, slightly annoyed at the old hero, yet still holding a respectable tone with the man.

Bang simply smiles up at the esper. "Now, now. Let's not fight here Tatsumaki-chan. We are heroes first and foremost."

Tatsumaki looks at him then back at the two before sighing and turning around in her usual manner. "Hmph. Well besides that do you idiots know what's going on by any chance?" Tatsumaki questions in a hint of curiosity.

"The screen will most likely answer your questions." Genos replies reluctantly.

"Hm. This screen you say?" Bang questions while looking up at it and stroking his mustache.

Tatsumaki raises an eyebrow as she also looks up at the enormous movie screen. "How the hell is a screen gonna–"

The screen then replays the previous words as the voice returns in an automated tone of voice.

Tatsumaki's eyes widen slightly as her eyes peruse the screen. "Oh."

Bang and Tatsumaki begin reading the same lines Saitama and Genos read before finally understanding and sitting down, though Tatsumaki does it begrudgingly.

Tatsumaki scowls before sitting behind the duo, much to Genos' irritation. "Why the hell do we need to watch some B-class nobody's story? What a waste of time."

Bang grins as he sits behind the short esper. "We're going to view Saitama-kun's story? Hoho, how interesting." Tatsumaki glances at the old man in confusion. Why was old man Bang so interested in this seemingly bland hero?

Genos almost growls before standing up and raising his actively burning hot palm at the green haired hero. "You would do well to treat my Master with respect. He is the greatest hero who has ever lived!" Genos states, frustrated with the Espers irritating presence.

Saitama grabs onto Genos' arm, prompting a surprise look from his disciple. "Oi, Genos, I'm not the greatest hero although I'm glad you think so. I'm sure Tatsu- Tasutm- Tats is also a great hero. So is the old guy. Also, let's not threaten each other dude."

"It's Tatsumaki and Silver-Fang to you baldy!" Tatsumaki screeches, though not actively throwing Genos into a wall surprisingly.

"Ope. Sorry." Saitama quickly head bows at the two.

Genos clenches his teeth in anger before resigning and sitting back down.

Bang chuckles before smiling and shaking his head. "No need to worry, Saitama-kun. I don't mind."

The screen continues to light up repeating the same lines over and over as the group begins to grow bored.

"Has the screen informed either of you when this viewing will begin?" Bang questions in interest.

Saitama shakes his head while pointing a thumb at the screen. "Nah. Just said wait for the others and it will begin or something like that." Saitama answers back.

"Ugh, more waiting. And I have to do it with these two." Tatsumaki sighs exasperated at this annoying situation.

"I do not enjoy this situation anymore than you Tornado. If you prefer you may leave and hopefully never return." Genos spits out in a cold tone.

"Hah?" Tatsumaki glares at the cyborg.

The two yell at each other while Bang and Saitama try to calm them down.

Saitama sweat drops while also covering his ears. "Oi. Genos, leave it. Stop messing with Tats."

Bang also sweat drops while trying to find a way to calm the esper. "Tatsumaki-chan, please. While we're here it would be best to not fight one another."

Both of them glare at each other one more time before grunting and reluctantly sitting back down.

After about 30 more minutes the rest of the viewers arrive all stating their confusion and wondering why everyone was gathered here.

The screen begins explaining the same events that brought Saitama and Genos into this dimension. This intrigues quite a few and also brings up the question to all. Who the hell was Saitama?

After settling, the theater members are seen to be made up of all the S-Class heroes, Mumen Rider, Garou, Tareo, Bomb, and Fubuki. Each of them having introduced themselves to the others briefly. All of the members have finally sat down and begin to wait for the screen to inform them

The screen then lights up once more as the voice returns.

"I would thank you for coming here, but I forced this upon you. Before we begin I will answer any questions and if you wish, you may leave. I do insist that you watch what is about to occur as it may very well change the entire fate of your future."

Many people seem to glance at each other and stare at the screen before all appear to agree that staying would be the best option. Whether it be out of curiosity or in order to learn more about the future, their reasons are there.

"So uh, who the hell is this Saitama guy?" Metal Bat asks in pure confusion.

Saitama raises his hand and answers in a bored voice. "I'm Saitama. Hey."

"Saitama is a hero who goes unrecognized despite his grand achievements. In terms of sheer strength, speed, and durability, he outclasses the combined power of everyone on Earth including Blast and the Tornado."

Loud shocked gasps are heard throughout the room except from Genos and Bang. Genos seems to be smiling slightly at the statement. And an angry shrill voice is heard.

"Who the hell do you think you are making such baseless accusations about a B-class nobody!? How the hell can he beat me let alone Blast!" Tornado all but shouts.

"Sis does have a point. This screen is not making any sense." Fubuki thinks to herself.

"If Saitama did not follow the path of a hero then your universe would have perished a long time ago."

"Huh?" Saitama deadpans in absolute confusion.

"Hold on. You're telling me this bald simple-minded looking guy is stronger than Blast and the rest of us combined? Atomic Samurai questions in pure disbelief.

An anger mark appears on Saitama's head as his expression sours. "Why is everyone pointing out how bald I am?" 

"That is correct."

"I find this statement illogical." Metal Knight's robot speaks. Somehow, Metal Knight's actual body was still in the white space, but he was allowed to operate a drone for the time being.

"I agree with Metal Knight. There is no way that egghead is that strong." Child Emperor exclaims while pointing at said egghead.

"Tornado, do you know if this is true?" A random association employee questions, albeit very skeptical and slightly scared of the esper.

"Before you answer that, Tatsumaki. Let it be known to those in this theater that no one has seen this man's strength at its full potential. There is virtually no limit."

"No limit? The hell is this dumb screen talking about?" Garou questions to himself while narrowing his eyes at the screen.

Tatsumaki, somehow seeming even more angry than before, floats up and glares at the associate who dared to speak. "HELL NO! I'VE ONLY SEEN THIS BALDY TWO TIMES! THE LAST TIME I DID WAS RIGHT AFTER THE ALIEN INVASION! HE CAME OUT OF THE ALIEN SHIP RIGHT WHEN IT CRAS-...

Tornado freezes in her irate response as her eyes widen slightly. "Wait. That stupid octopus never explained why he was on that ship. And that powerful aura disappeared after the ship came down. There's no way."

"Uh, Tornado?" Darkshine questions in confusion. He was slightly terrified of what was going through her head currently.

Tatsumaki promptly turns around to look down at the bald hero with a cold scrutinizing glare . "Oi baldy."

"Hm? What's up, Tats?" Saitama questions, completely unfazed by Tatsumaki's anger. This does not go unnoticed by the people watching the interaction.

Tatsumaki immediately loses the glare and changes to an annoyed expression. "First of all, do not call me that! My name is Tatsumaki. Second, what were you doing on that ship when it landed?" Tornado questions demandingly.

"Huh? Oh I was fighting some of the alien weirdos. Then I fought the boss or something. He was pretty strong." Saitama answers back while picking at his ear.

The room then bursts into conversation as the statement quickly draws the questioning of everyone in the room. Much to Saitama's chagrin.

Tatsumaki continues to stare at the bald hero in growing confusion. "The hell? He was pretty strong? What kind of response is that? Is the screen really telling the truth or are we all getting a curtain pulled over our heads? That strength I felt was not normal. Sure I could've handled it. But he thinks the enemy was only pretty strong?"

Zombie Man stands up from his seat, having not really cared up until this point. "Oi Screen. How much of the future are we going to see?" Zombie Man questions in a curious tone.

"You will see approximately 1-2 years into the future from the starting point. I believe you all recall the 'Vaccine Man' attack."

"Are you speaking of the Dragon level monster defeated by King?" Stitch wonders out loud.

"Oh crap. Is this Saitama guy the one who killed it? Are they gonna find out I'm a fraud? Shit, shit, shit." The invulnerable King in reality was an otaku with no visible power. Despite this, he stands as the strongest man on Earth within the hero association due to a long line of misinterpreted situations.

"Correct. The 'Vaccine Man' was an incredibly strong foe. Albeit defeatable by the likes of Blast or Tatsumaki. I doubt anyone else would have fared well."

"I got a question." Garou speaks out while raising his hand. Garou had decided to play things safe as he had not started hunting anyone of importance yet. And since the old man Bang was present he chose to rein in his desires.

"Speak."

"Why am I here? I get why the heroes were brought here, but what need do you have for me to watch this silly viewing? I got things to do." Garou grumbles while glaring at the screen.

"Like I said. You are free to leave."

Garou is about to speak out again before he gets cut off by the voice.

"But you are here because of your integral role in the downfall of the hero association and the destruction of the world."

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN DOWNFALL OF THE HERO ASSOCIATION!?" A random employee questions frantically. Many others stare at the young man in confusion and slight suspicion.

"I shall only inform you of the bare minimum. Garou, if not stopped, will end up destroying the entire world and kill all of the heroes within your association, except for one."

"Bullshit. Like I'd fall to a little brat like that." Tatsumaki coldly mutters while narrowing her eyes at the screen. This was stupid. Her? Defeated? By some kid?

"In Garou's final form he becomes strong enough to kill Blast."

Everyone lets out shocked gasps while Tatsumaki stares at the screen in disbelief.

Garou wants to smile, but according to the introduction… if they were here then that meant this was supposed to change. "Something's wrong. If the stupid screen is telling us this then there's got to be a but."

The S Class, minus Bang, begins to stand up prepared to end Garou here and now.

Suddenly everyone is forced to sit and becomes restrained. Even those who weren't standing.

Many angered shouts are heard at the sudden removal of their motor functions

"Oi! Why are you stopping us huh!?" Metal Bat questions indignantly.

"Bad-kun is right. Letting such evil go undone is irrational for us as the heroes of society." Puri Puri prisoner states in a cold tone.

"None of you will do anything until you return to your world. You've been brought here to bring light to Saitama's curse and to lead broken people off a dangerous path. Do not instigate anything. I will not tolerate it."

The members of the cast shiver slightly, except a few, at the implications of the screen words.

"Screen. I wish to inquire with you over a certain matter. Privately." Metal Knight's robot speaks over the silence.

Suddenly, a barrier appears around Metal Knight's drone as Drive Knight gets pushed over in his seat, much to his annoyance.

A voice is heard by only Metal Knight.

"Very well. Speak to me. None of them can hear you."

"Will my identity stay hidden? I understand that I am incapable of stopping you, but I wish to prepare in case of such a scenario." Metal Knight explains in a monotone.

"Your identity will not come into question nor will anyone find out where you reside."

The robot nods as the barrier disappears.

"Metal Knight. What was your inquiry?" Drive Knight questions the old inventor in a tone of suspicion.

"I am not obligated to answer your questions." Metal Knight responds much to Drive Knight's ire.

"Are there any other questions?"

"I got one. Can ya bring my sister here? I don't wanna leave her alone." Metal Bat asks in a slightly worried tone.

"Time is frozen outside of this dimension. Once you return it will resume. Do not worry over your younger sister."

"Tch. Alright then. Go ahead, start the damn show." Metal Bat grunts. It appears that he missed his sister greatly.

Before anyone can suggest anything else the screen begins to brighten, blinding a few of the members.

"Very well. Let us start with the first episode of this series. This viewing will play out like your average everyday television broadcast. You will be the characters."

Saitama looks over to his student briefly with a grin. "This is pretty cool huh, Genos?"

Genos nods in agreement. "Hai Sensei. I cannot wait to see your accomplishments come to light." The cyborg responds in what seems to be excitement.

The screen blackens before bursting into various colors, showing the viewers a grim sight to behold.