As I made my way out of the arena, I couldn't help but be taken aback by the thunderous applause and cheers that still echoed in the air. Personally, I didn't think the fight that had just unfolded was all that spectacular, especially considering my own decision to surrender in the end.
When I laid my eyes on Group B's arena, I immediately understood why the audience was still so excited. There was something about it that added an extra level of detail and depth, captivating everyone in the crowd. Up there, Mizuki was still standing alongside a martial artist participant who was well-known to everyone. His handsome looks and impressive strength had already won over many spectators, making him a favorite to win.
This is a whole different ballgame compared to the battles in Group A. Those were quick and didn't quite have those epic moments that get your heart racing. The scene in the Group B arena resembled a chaotic battlefield, with numerous participants lying unconscious on the ground.
"Looks like Mizuki is still going to lose, huh? I had hopes for her, but it seems like things aren't going her way."
Every time Mizuki or Suiryu took a step, the arena beneath them suffered more damage. The committee watching them couldn't help but sweat nervously, clearly concerned about the situation.
Mizuki struggled to throw attacks, finding it challenging due to her lack of experience in hand-to-hand combat.
Similarly, she faces the challenge of surviving Suiryu's unpredictable attacks. Right from the beginning, all he did was throw punches and kicks without any real martial arts techniques. I'm pretty sure Suiryu is already aware of that and is just messing around with her.
"I've seen you before. I had no idea you were into martial arts," right at that moment, Catman or Saitama in disguise plopped down beside me.
Since I wasn't saying anything, Saitama tried to keep the conversation going by speaking up:
"You don't remember me?...it was pouring rain, and those crazy fish creatures from the sea were going all out, wreaking havoc... I am the professional hero wearing rocking a vibrant yellow costume and a sleek white robe-"
"Are you really saying all of that? Aren't you in disguise right now?" Saitama's mouth fell silent as soon as I asked my question, and he glanced around anxiously.
Once Saitama made sure that nobody had overheard his previous comment, he casually resumed discussing the events that had unfolded in the arena. His casual tone gave away a hint of annoyance that he was trying to conceal.
"Why did you give up so easily?... and also, what on earth was going on between you and that girl?"
For some reason, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. It seemed that the bald man was still unaware of my true identity. But, of course, that was to be expected. After all, I had only ever presented myself to him as an ordinary man.
If he discovered that I was the one inside the battle suit, I couldn't even begin to imagine how he would react. But one thing's for sure, it wouldn't be good.
"I'm a bit confused here. I'm actually more interested in understanding why someone as experienced as you, a professional hero, is participating in this martial arts tournament?"
In the midst of all the excitement and noise from the crowd, I couldn't help but keep my eyes fixed on Saitama. And amidst all the commotion, I noticed a subtle reaction from him as his body trembled ever so slightly. His silence played a crucial role in my ability to steer the conversation away from his previous question.
"What an amazing battle! I always try to support our newcomers, but I believe that there's no need to doubt Suiryu's greatness!"
"Hey everyone, no need to worry! I can tell you're still feeling that rush of excitement in your chest, but no need to fret. Just take a 15-minute break, and then we'll kick off the final round to determine the winner!"
The host's words clarified the reality that the audience had already guessed. Mizuki ended up losing the match when Suiryu revealed a glimpse of his true power. Fortunately, she didn't sustain any major injuries. However, as she approached me with her head down, it was clear that she was feeling quite embarrassed.
"I'm really sorry, but I lost... even though we had made a promise to meet in the final."
Mizuki seemed genuinely convinced by what I said, so my next response left her completely shocked.
"Well, it's not a big deal since I lost too. Unlike you, I didn't even try to put up a fight."
I could sense Saitama sitting beside me, his gaze fixed on Mizuki for what seemed like an eternity. Gradually, she started to notice his presence. As she took a seat, she leaned in and whispered something in my ear:
"What is this man doing here?"
"He's Catman, the winner of group A," I replied, keeping it short and simple.
We spent the next few minutes chatting away, Mizuki and I, while Saitama stayed quiet until it was time for the final round to begin.
---***---
The fight between Saitama and Suiryu turned out to be quite underwhelming, to be honest. No matter how intense Suiryu's attacks were, Saitama effortlessly dodged them with what seemed like pure luck.
Then, Saitama finally sent his opponent flying out of the field when he accidentally bumped into Suiryu, who was attempting to remove his cat mask.
Even though Saitama didn't mean to go all out, his insane strength was on full display as Suiryu was sent soaring through the air, only to collide with the hard stadium wall.
"Wow, can you believe it? Surprisingly, the one hiding behind the cat mask was actually a bald man all along! Hold on a sec, if I remember correctly, that guy is Saitama, a class B professional hero!"
I couldn't help but chuckle as I watched Saitama's face scrunch up in confusion when the event committee finally uncovered his true identity. The crowd's mood shifted from being on his side to hurling insults at him.
Saitama suddenly felt a wave of nervousness wash over him as he realized that Suiryu had managed to tear off a significant portion of his mask during their brief exchange.
Previously, the committee had let him join even though he hid his identity, mainly because he managed to intimidate them. Now that the whole arena knows there's no point in trying to hide it anymore is there?