"Hulk!!"
The Hulk's rage was escalating. He was like a relentless bug that couldn't be swatted, but Saitama dodged his furious strikes with ease, which only fueled the Hulk's anger further.
Soon, Saitama stopped and faced the nearly seven-meter-tall Hulk, whose eyes were filled with fury as he swung a massive, iron-like fist.
Light green air currents rippled behind Hulk as he attacked, but Saitama merely watched calmly instead of evading.
To the observers, it seemed like Saitama was in a trance. Some whispered among themselves, wondering if Saitama would obliterate Hulk like he did with the previous foe.
But the reality was far different.
Bang!!
The thunderous impact of Hulk's punch reverberated through the sky. The immense force stirred the air and blasted outward, shaking Times Square. All the glass on distant streets shattered, and dust was blown away.
People's eyes widened in shock, their hearts pounding in terror. The sight was horrifying.
Saitama was struck by Hulk's colossal punch, his head turning slightly to the side, but his body remained unmoved.
Hit?!
Nick Fury, who had been pale aboard the Sky Carrier, began to recover from his shock. The pressure he felt was immense.
Saitama's display was astounding. Just one punch had taken down Hatred, and now he was facing the Hulk with equal calm.
Nick Fury, who had turned the manga magazine upside down and studied Saitama's abilities and weaknesses, found himself frustrated. What was Saitama's weakness? Was it something as trivial as a cat or a mosquito?
And Saitama's ability? Was it simply the power of a single punch?
Despite his exhaustive research, Fury couldn't find any useful information. He was left with more questions than answers. At this point, he could only report to the Security Council.
Fury began to regain some confidence, convinced that no fist could end this world in an instant.
But his confidence wavered again as he watched Saitama turn his head back to face the Hulk, who was now very close, and say, "Your punch has no power at all. It's not even as strong as Poirot's head."
Poirot's head was known to be the strongest entity Saitama had ever encountered. Its heavy blows, astonishing speed, and superb fighting skills were impressive. Comparing Hulk to Poirot was a blow to the Hulk's pride.
No power at all!
The statement hit Hulk's ego hard. No one had ever belittled him like that.
"Hulk!!"
The Hulk roared in frustration, his eyes blazing with fury. He began to pound the ground again, his thunderous fists creating tremors.
Saitama raised his hand nonchalantly, clenched his fist, and swung it towards Hulk's enormous fist.
Bang!!
A surge of unstoppable power exploded from the point of impact, causing Hulk to stagger. His body was momentarily paralyzed, and then his right arm burst apart. The force continued to spread through his body.
Hulk's rock-hard muscles began to disintegrate, and he collapsed to the ground like a fragile porcelain doll. Cracks spread across his right side, his expression turning to one of terror as he let out a pained groan.
Blood sprayed into the air, and General Ross and Betty, who were watching from afar, shuddered in fear.
To everyone's horror, after the two punches collided, Hulk's right arm had been obliterated. The destruction extended to the right half of his body, leaving it nearly blown away. The building behind Hulk's right side was also torn apart, its debris flying hundreds of meters away.
Iron Man watched in cold sweat, while Mr. Fantastic helped the Invisible Woman back onto her feet, her legs trembling.
Air waves spread out, stirring dust and causing everyone's hair to whip around. The sonic boom that followed was so intense that it disheveled everyone present.
Peter Parker, with dry lips, whispered, "It's really another punch."
Nick Fury echoed the same sentiment.
Coulson, glancing at the director, was shaking uncontrollably. He was thoroughly terrified, his worldview shattered.
"Director, are you alright?"
"Detect the power of this punch! What are you doing? Move quickly!" Nick Fury yelled at the panicking agents below.
After shouting, Fury felt a dryness in his throat and swallowed nervously.
"Woo…"
With only half of his body intact, Hulk lay in a pool of his own blood, his condition dire. Blood gushed from his wounds as he whimpered.
"Hey, I actually moved away a little by instinct. Forget it, I can't live anyway."
Saitama remarked nonchalantly and was about to turn away when he noticed something surprising.
Hulk's wound began to heal. From the shattered remains of his left side, cells and blood vessels reconnected, and the muscles regenerated. Within two minutes, Hulk's right side was fully restored.
The audience watching on TV saw Hulk's extraordinary healing ability in action.
Everyone who knew of Hulk's strength fell silent. The military had attempted to capture him multiple times, using all weapons except nuclear bombs. But now, even though Hulk was bloodied and had revived, he would need more than a few punches to stop him.
General Ross, who had repeatedly tried to subdue Hulk, shuddered, and his daughter Betty quickly had the driver approach them.
"Hulk."
Hulk, no longer roaring but speaking weakly, caught Saitama's attention. Saitama noted the Hulk's fear and, considering the situation, decided to deliver a continuous series of punches.
Raising his fist, Saitama prepared for the next attack.
Hulk, seeing Saitama's movement, was terrified. The personality within him recoiled in fear, retreating a few steps. He raised his hands to cover his head and whimpered:
"No… don't hit… me…"