Chapter Text
You were having a hard time believing what you were seeing.
When the contestants initially walked out you had been impressed with how strong they all looked, Boros had some choice critiques of course but that was a given since he was a warrior himself. However, when Saitama walked out…
“Next up… We have a man who asked that no one goes for his head on the surveys we handed out. Did he really come here to fight?!”
“As expected, it’s easy to tell the massive power gap just by looking at him next to those weaklings,” Boros stated, nodding his head as it was obvious.
“Right, yeah- of course… but…” You trailed off, eyes locked on Saitama. Or rather the ugly wig sitting horribly on top of his head. “Seriously it looks like it’ll fall off at any second- HE’S ADJUSTING IT!!!” You gape. If you would’ve known earlier he was going ‘incognito’ here you would’ve helped him out.
The crowd began booing much to your and Boros’s surprise. “What?? The fight didn’t even start yet!” You say in disbelief before your attention is brought toward the giant sitting next to you.
“If they were able to sense the massive gap between him and the others they would not be booing as such,” Boros muttered, eyes focused on Saitama. “This will not even be close to a challenge for him.”
“Correct. Sensei is far above anyone.” Genos speaks up.
As the three of you stand up to clap for Saitama, showing him as much encouragement as possible, you can’t help but be thankful that these two have one thing in common.
“Is that the S-Class hero Genos?”
“I guess he likes Martial Arts too…”
“Who’s that massive guy right next to him?”
“Is he a hero too?”
“I guess that girl must be with them then… I saw them talking.”
“Wait is she on a date with Genos?”
You didn’t seem to notice any of the muttering behind you, too focused on waving to Saitama who seemed to have spotted you right next to Genos. Boros on the other hand did in fact notice. Feeling annoyed he cast a territorial glare towards the on-lookers unable to keep their mouths shut. The gossip was quickly silenced, cold sweat and nervous glances aimed at Boros gave him satisfaction as he looked back toward the arena just as the final contestant had walked out.
“And we have another unrivaled contender! He’s returning for the first time in several tournaments- the young legend who managed to win four times in a row- Suiryu from the Dark Body Art!” The announcer spoke, the crowd roaring to life as Suiryu gave a small ‘yay!’ and raised his fist just further exciting the crowd.
“I’m excited to see what sort of moves Suiryu has! I’ve seen a lot of martial arts in movies and stuff, so I wonder what the ‘dark body' art is.” You smiled, eating more of your takoyaki. Luckily you were smart enough to save most of it for the actual tournament. When you didn’t receive a reply from Boros, you glanced over in his direction only to see him staring longingly at your takoyaki. “You ate all of yours huh?” You shake your head and laugh lightly. “I told you not to eat it all so quickly.”
Boros huffed, looking away dejected. You knew that you shouldn’t give in. Spoiling him so much would only lead to him wanting more… but… “Alright. Fine. Here you can have some of mine.” You felt your will cave in, crushed under the weight of the happy gaze Boros gave you as you offered him a takoyaki ball. He leaned forward with a small ‘ah’, much to your delight, and bit the takoyaki right off your toothpick. You felt your heart squeeze briefly. “So cute…” You mutter to yourself, this guy had natural skill.
“May I have one too?” Genos blurted, surprising you.
“A takoyaki ball?” You clarify, getting a nod back in response. Smiling happily you give him a ‘sure’ as you stick the toothpick in the next delicious little octopus ball and offer it to him. Boros watched carefully from the other side of you, not that you noticed. Originally you were expecting Genos to simply take the toothpick in its entirety and eat the food that way. Yet you can only look on in shock as Genos mimics Boros, leaning forward with a small ‘ah’ and eating it right then and there.
Your brain short circuits, processing what Genos had done. Yes, Boros did the same thing not moments earlier, but it’s something you’ve come to expect from him lately. Genos… on the other hand…
“Thank you, (y/n)-san.” He flashed you a small smile. “I’m glad I was able to meet you here and watch sensei in the tournament with you”
You were able to reply when you felt a large figure loom over your shoulder. You didn’t even have to look up to know how it was, but you still did nonetheless. Watching as Boros shot Genos a pointed look. “Don’t forget that I’m here as well. Pupil.” He says flatly, and even you could sense the slight edge in his voice.
Genos shot back a smug look of his own. “Sorry. I had forgotten.”
Though you were about to go in and break the tension between the two, you luckily didn’t have to as the announcer interrupted you three to announce the start of the tournament.
Suiryu had moved with skill and confidence, knocking Lightning Max out in one swift hit. You had cheered along with the rest of the crowd, hearing a small hum from Boros. “That was so cool he was just like ‘pow’ and then ‘boom’!” You exclaimed impressed. Though you did feel a bit bad for Max, if you remember he was knocked out pretty swiftly against that sea king monster that showed up a few months ago.
“Yes. I’m slightly impressed at the skills he possesses.” Boros agree, eating from a bowl of popcorn you bought from a wandering vendor in the arena.
“He might be able to show Saitama the martial arts skills he seemed so interested in,” Genos says yet a moment later his attention is brought down to buzzing in his phone. He flipped it open smoothly, examining the contents for a few seconds before closing it with a scoff.
“Is there something wrong?” You ask quizzically.
“No it’s just… it seems there are a few monsters that had popped up nearby…” He trailed off, flinching slightly as he saw the smug look on Boros’s face.
“Aha… It seems that the duties of a hero call out to you. Such a shame, I’ll be sure to tell you all about the match.” Boros mocked, eye half-lidded with a shit-eating grin spread across his handsome features.
Genos let out a ‘tch’, a vein visibly forming along his temple as a strained smile took over his expression. Annoyance was visible yet his voice was misleadingly level. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back shortly to watch sensei’s match with (y/n)-san as soon as I dispose of the trash.” More emphasis was placed on the word ‘trash’.
Seriously… what’s going on… the words pop up in your mind as you can do nothing but laugh awkwardly and try and break the tension. Time to use my hidden skill… “Don’t worry I’m sure you’ll be back soon after you beat up those monsters, you’re strong after all!” Your ‘hidden skill’ was acting ignorant to the atmosphere to try and lighten the mood… it worked surprisingly often.
Seeing your bright smile and the little thumbs up you had given him in encouragement, Genos faltered for a moment before smiling warmly. “I’ll be back soon so I don’t disappoint you.” Waving you goodbye as he went toward the exit, but not before flashing Boros the same smug grin as earlier.
Hearing Boros clicks his tongue in annoyance you look over at him sternly. “I told you to try and get along with Genos!” You scold, only earning a roll of his eye and a huff.
“It’s not my fault. He started it by getting too comfortable with you.” The alien leaned back, gaze focused on the empty arena as they began to prepare for the next battle.
At his words, a blush flared up on your cheeks. You weren’t too ignorant. You knew how that looked and you couldn’t deny it. “But it’s really not like that. Genos was probably just being friendly.” You tried to reason- but even you had trouble believing what you said. No way. Get those thoughts out of your head! You’re not some protagonist in fanfiction for crying out loud!
“Too friendly, I don’t like it. He should stay away.” You felt something squeeze your heart, you couldn’t help it. Even though this was all in your head. Definitely all in your head. You couldn’t help but like the protective tone in his voice. Seriously… what was wrong with you?
You watched in awe as Saitama and Suiryu both defeated their opponents in one blow. One by one, one fight after another until eventually there was only one fight left… Suiryu vs Saitama. ‘I wonder where Genos is? Hopefully, he’s alright… his hero duties must be taking him longer than expected.’ You think to yourself, purposefully choosing not to mention it to Boros to not bring back any of the previous smugness. You and Boros were both looking forward to this fight, even though the victor was clear to you both you couldn’t help but want to see these two insanely strong people go head to head.
“You’re not the only one looking forward to the fight,” Boros noted, head tilted as he observed Suiryu who was currently drinking some water and talking to what seemed to be a referee.
“I know, you must be excited too! To see Saitama-”
“No. I meant that long-haired human.” Boros interrupted, causing you to look over to where he was looking.
“Oh? Do you think so? I wouldn’t be surprised, Saitama put on an impressive show.”
“He’s been trying to mimic Saitama. Using only his feet and finishing every fight with one swift blow. The opposite of Saitama who only uses his fists and does the same.” The alien commented, skillfully throwing a piece of popcorn in his mouth.
Thinking back on it you realized he was right, impressed with his observation a part of you couldn’t believe you didn’t notice something like that. “I guess that’ll make this next fight super interesting!” You grin in excitement, scooting toward the edge of your seat as you listen to the announcer hype up the crowd for the fight between the hero and martial artist. “Go Sai- I mean- Charanko! Kick his butt!” You cheer, waving a small flag that you also managed to buy, and on it was his ‘name’ written in sharpie. Boros had one as well but refused to go the extra mile as you did.
Saitama flashed you a small smile and waved, appreciative of the support the two of you gave (one more enthusiastic than the other). Suiryu noticed this and glanced around to see where he could be looking before his eyes fell upon you, that cute girl and that huge monster- alien guy he met before the tournament. “Oh, do you know her?” Suiryu asked.
“What? Oh… you mean (y/n)? Yeah, why?” Saitama asked quizzically.
“(y/n), huh? The name fits her! We met before the tournament, and I made a bet with that big lug next to her that if I beat him I’d get to go out on a date with her!” Suiryu flashed a cheeky smile, crossing his arms.
Saitama seemed to ponder what he said. Big lug next to her… that would be Boros then, right? This Suiryu guy against Boros had… “No chance.” He accidentally said aloud.
“What? No chance? Don’t tell me you think I can’t beat him. Or is it that you’re after her too? Man, I have some competition!” Suiryu whistled, stretching his arms in a warm-up.
“What? No- it’s not like that-” Saitama tried to explain himself, but didn’t even have the chance as the dark-haired martial artist interrupted him.
“Wow! Look at the smile on Suiryu’s face!”
“Well it doesn’t matter anyways, just gives me more motivation to fight! Let’s have fun Charanko!”
“Begin!”
“Huh?”
As quickly as it was said barely anyone, that wasn’t Saitama or Boros, had time to process what was happening as Suiryu sends a swift kick toward Saitama but stops just before making contact.
“N- No way…” You say in disbelief.
Suiryu did this again, and then again, his kicks so swift it seemed like a hurricane had formed suddenly in the arena but you were focused on something else entirely.
“Saitama… his wig…” You mutter, placing your hand over your mouth to desperately stop yourself from laughing. “It nearly keeps getting blown off by the wind!” You wheeze, struggling to stop yourself from laughing barely able to keep your eyes off the fight as Saitama desperately keeps the wig down in place. “I can’t take it! It’s too much!” You laugh, covering your mouth as you double over.
“Yes it is rather… amusing,” Boros says, unable to stop the small smile himself as he watches the scene before him. “The headpiece is hindering his ability to fight.”
You just barely manage to get ahold of yourself to witness the amazing scene that comes immediately after. The tan male crosses his arms, raising his leg in preparation as he looks ready to strike. And as soon as that thought crosses your mind, he’s already jumped at Saitama. He nearly kicks the undercover hero off the stage but Saitama is just too fast and flawlessly weaves through the attack. “Wow!” You exclaim. The humor in Saitama’s ridiculous wig is forgotten as you become enamored by the show Suiryu is putting on.
“Hmm…” A molten gold eye inspects you, watching your expressions and reactions with great interest. This martial artist’s moves aren’t that quick, and certainly not that impressive to warrant such a reaction from you. Though compared to the rest of the worms that you’ve seen before he is better but… ‘I should ask Saitama to spar with me. So that I can show her what a real battle looks like.’ Boros thinks to himself. There’s a warm feeling in his chest at the thought of you directing those emotions- that awe and amazement- toward him.
“He kicked him into the air!!!” The announcer yells in disbelief. Not even a second later Saitama was already sent hurtling down and into the arena floor. The ground easily gives way under the sheer force Saitama was knocked down, digging into the earth as the cement around him cracks and gets thrown into the air from the force. And brutally, as Saitama is trying to protect his wig, you watch as Saitama’s arms are grabbed and Suiryu knees him straight in the face. The force of the attack knocks Saitama further into the ground, the whole scene was completely jaw-dropping. “That had to hurt right? Right?!” You’re practically out of your seat by now, holding onto the edge of the rail and leaning forward to get a better view but it’s hard to see when all the dust that was kicked up from that deadly combo.
“I doubt he even felt it.” The alien seems casual but is still watching the fight with interest, even a ‘dominator of the universe’ like him couldn’t help but be impressed by a technique like that.
“Is Charanko ok?! Can he even stand?!” Cheers mixed in with sounds of awe and worry, awe and worry transformed into disbelief as Saitama stepped out of the ground as casually as he was getting out of a pool. ‘I knew Saitama was strong but I don’t think I ever really knew about it at all until now…’ You think to yourself, sitting back down in your seat.
The fight continues for a few more minutes and though it’s still impressive you’re slightly disappointed that Saitama hasn’t even bothered striking back yet. Just as the sign escapes your lips you watched as the two of them slow down and seem to exchange a few words, it’s such a shame you can’t hear what they’re talking about. Though as the talk continues it looks like Saitama’s usually soft bored features harden and become more serious. ‘A hard-boiled egg.’
“Saitama is going to strike back now,” Boros says factually, his head that was previously resting on his fist is now leaning forward with the rest of his large body.
You don’t say anything in reply, only glancing at him for a moment before looking back. “I think so too…” Now that you think about it, Saitama was able to hold his strength back right? No, he definitely was able to, he's a hero after all. The crowd surrounding them was filled with the sound of anticipation as the brief pause in their fight left everyone wondering what was going to happen next. “What do you do normally?” Suiryu asked a smirk spread across his face in interest.
“Normally? Uh, go for walks and defeat monsters?” Saitama says plainly as he scratches his cheek in thought.
“What? You fight monsters? You almost sound like a hero.” Saitama wasn’t able to read his opponent's face, almost blank- a contrast to the cocky smile he usually wore. ‘Ah- I slipped up!’ He couldn’t let them know he was not Charanko.
“W-Well, I thought it might be cool to be a hero in the future.” The incognito hero stutters slightly but hopes that he didn’t seem too suspicious.
“Geez- even you aspire to be a hero?” Suiryu lets out a disappointed sigh, shrugging his shoulders while shaking his head. “I don’t think that hero business is all that great. Those A-class heroes earlier were so weak, it was a joke! ‘Hero’ is just some stupid title, yet it’s supposed to be their profession. They go on and on about ‘good deeds’ and ‘justice’ even though people at that level are never going to save the world.” Suiryu walks closer to his opponent, face blank yet his eyes filled with mild annoyance. “Noble aspirations, fine thoughts, lofty ethics, heroic justice…” The martial artist lists, walking closer and closer to Saitama. “Just boring contaminants in my life seeking fun. You’re strong too. So you shouldn’t be worrying about all that nonsense.” He pauses. ‘Charanko’ hasn’t spoken a word. “Oh. Did I bum you out? I’m only giving you some truthful advice because I respect you!” Suiryu swears he put a good amount of force into that kick. So why was it that when it made a direct kick to ‘Charanko’s’ head, not only did it feel like kicking a wall but also that he wasn’t able to make him budge an inch? ‘Oh… his wig fell off…’ Suiryu thought to himself.
“That’s a clean hit!!- Huh?”
“Who the hell cares? You’re not the only one doing what you want.” Saitama spoke calmly as he looked him directly in the eyes. He clenches his fist lightly as he pulls back his arm. “Let me give you some advice as well. If you just want to have fun, you probably shouldn’t get any stronger.” Suiryu felt something when that fist was coming for him. Something that he’d grown unfamiliar with… no it wasn’t shocking (though he couldn’t believe what just happened) it wasn’t awe (though he was in amazement at this man before him) no it was that he was out of his depth.
Your mouth hung open in shock as you were unable to process just exactly what happened in the span of 5 seconds. Saitama’s cover was blown, and he then proceeded to blow some guy’s clothes off with a punch that didn’t even connect.
“As expected of Saitama. He didn’t want the fight to end too early!” Boros said in amusement, he looks over to you watching as you gape like a fish.
“That was crazy! His fist didn’t even connect and it ripped Suiryu’s clothes off!” Your fingers combed through your hair, pulling slightly as your brain successfully pieces together everything that happened. “Ah- But Saitama’s wig-”
“What in the world just happened?! But a shocking truth about Charanko has just been revealed! It’s been discovered that he’s been wearing a wig! The referees are making their move! Could this mean-” The announcer was cut off as a referee took the microphone, standing out on the sidelines of the arena.
“Allow me to explain. After last year’s incident where someone impersonated Wolfman, the rules of this year’s tournament changed, meaning wearing masks or anything on your head is against the rules. This includes wigs. Therefore, Charanko is disqualified!”
“U-Unbelievable! That ends our match! The winner is Suiryu!”
“Unbelievable is right!” You shout in anger, standing up again to slam your hands against the rail toward the referee. “You’re discriminating against people who begin balding at an early age! What an unfair rule! It wasn’t even covering his face how could he impersonate anyone- actually he was impersonating someone…” You mumble, realizing that Saitama was in fact breaking the rules so this was probably completely deserved. “So what if he was he deserved to win that fight! Those rules are stupid anyways!”
“I agree, that weakling only won because of that idiotic rule- how pathetic.” Boros agreed, almost as annoyed as you were. The crowd booed and complained along with you and Boros. Wanting to continue the fight and about how this win seemed so lame. The disappointment was palpable.
“Wait what?” Your anger is briefly quelled as you watch Suiryu lunge for Saitama, fist reared back readying to strike before the attack connects to the side of Saitama’s head. It was so quick you could barely see it, like a loaded spring. There was so much power behind it that you felt a gust of wind blow your hair back eyes blinking in shock.
“It seems like he wasn’t satisfied with the win either.” The pink-haired alien notes, a smirk forming on his face. “Only natural for someone who has a sense of pride, we may get a show after all.”
“He broke the arena in half!” You scream the crowd screams, and even the announcer was screaming at this intense fight. Dust puffs up and the sound of crumbling earth nearly drowns out the sound around you, you can feel tremors underneath your feet as Suiryu kicks up the severed platform and pummels Saitama into what was once the floor.
“Yeah!”
“That’s what I’m talking about!”
“Fight more!”
“Finish this!”
“Things are heating up! Suiryu is filled with emotion!”
Suiryu’s so fast he looks like a tornado, punch after punch turns into a flurry of blows- hits and kicks as he goes completely all out against Saitama. Jumping back he slams his foot into the ground, shattering the right half of the platform completely, each step he takes as the pressure builds leaves cracks and craters until the pressure is released like a loaded spring his fist burying itself into Saitama’s gut and throws the man back. The amount of power and kinetic energy in Suiryu’s arm completely shatters the metal band around his bicep, so audible that you could hear it from your seat in the Arena.
“Even that isn’t-’ Suiryu begins in shock, staring at his fist in disbelief before his attention is brought towards Saitama who interrupts him.
“I see. I’m starting to get it.”
“Do you finally understand something about martial arts?” Suiryu grits out, determination flashing in his eyes as he gets into a stand readying to strike again.
“So basically, martial arts is…” Suiryu holds his breath.
“...a way to move around all cool-like?”
You watch from the rail as a shocked expression is etched onto Suiryu’s face, even you could sense the electrifying anger around him from all the way over here. You smirk, he must’ve realized Saitama is way out of his league. “Go Saitama! Kick his butt!” You exclaim, waving your flag around in support. Though your excitement simmers down as you watch Saitama spin in a circle. “What… Huh…?” You mutter, a bit of wind blowing your hair back and nearly making you back up from the force of it. You’re left standing there in shock as you watch Saitama defeat Suiryu with… “A booty bump? Seriously… that’s how this fight is going to end?” Your disbelief turns into horror as Suiryu is knocked into the stands across from you and… Saitama’s pants fall exposing his polka-dot underwear. “This guy…” You sigh. Sitting back down next to Boros who simply patted your shoulder.
You and Boros watch as Saitama is chased by security out of the building, and after a brief moment of silence, you couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, that was a fun tournament!” You say happily, watching as the workers quickly set up the arena to hand the trophy out to the winner.
“Yes, it was interesting. Though I’m slightly disappointed there weren’t any stronger challengers, this world’s ‘martial arts’ was an interesting technique to study.” You smile up at Boros, glad that he seemed to have a fun time as well.
Time passed and you watched as all the contestants gathered in the arena and Suiryu was congratulated. Though you still felt like it was a dishonorable win, it was still a fair one. ‘That’s Saitama’s fault for wearing such a bad wig.’ You joke to yourself.
“We have an announcement to make!” The announcer said after the main part of the ceremony concluded. “There appear to be monsters outside right now, so we ask that you do not leave the venue until the police give the all-clear.”
“What? Monsters?”
“Again?”
“Don’t worry we’ll be safe as long as we remain here!”
“Boros…?” You look over at him worriedly. You can see him sit up straight now, and he doesn’t say anything in response simply looking up toward the sky. Now that you think about it Genos hasn’t been back for a while, you thought there were only a few to take care of. What if there’s more? What if he’s-
“Look up there!”
“What is that?!”
Your blood runs cold as you watch three monsters descend from the skies. Pitch-black feathers and glowing purple eyes make up crudely what seems to have been previous crows. But in their hands is what really freaked you out. The contestants that were sent to the hospital lay limp in their grasp. You’re pulled out from your thoughts as Boros stands and pulls you protectively closer to him. He doesn’t say anything and doesn’t move his eyes as you feel the earth below you tremble again.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
A contestant is thrown onto the ring, screams of horror rise from the crowd and you can’t help but grab onto Boros tightly. You don’t need to try and guess what he might’ve been looking at so intently since you both were staring at the grotesque and massive figure that walked into the center of the stadium. Every part of you is screaming telling you that this just isn’t something you can fight. Similar to the monster attack you experienced before but much, much worse. A shiver runs through your body, and you begin to worry for the safety of everyone here.
“Whatever you do. Do not leave my side.”