At noon that day, the internet was buzzing. Twitter and various forums were ablaze with excitement as discussions about Hero Saitama, comics, and the decaying Imperial Capital went viral. Phrases like "We are all professional killers" flooded social media, sparking intense debates.
"This comic gives me chills! It's so intense!"
"I have to say, Tazmi has some serious flaws."
"Or should we just call him 'Slagmi'?"
"Did anyone notice that the next episode isn't in a magazine but a weekly single book? That means we get to read it tomorrow!"
"Wow, Marvel Comics is really going all out, especially during an ongoing investigation."
"They're risking a lot, but it's bold. It's been four hours since the release—has there been any response from the investigation team?"
"Why bother? The government won't take action. Publishing comics isn't illegal."
The internet was in a frenzy, with conversations flooding every corner. Many people felt the investigation was baseless and absurd. Even some lawyers in Manhattan publicly declared online that if Marvel needed their help, they were ready to assist. Civil organizations were urging the New York City government to award Saitama the Medal of Heroism, recognizing his contributions.
Saitama quickly became an internet sensation, amassing nearly a million fans who formed support groups and cheered him on. The military was harshly criticized online, with comparisons drawn to Saitama's heroism.
People started recognizing the close relationship between Marvel and Saitama, often referring to him as a friend of Marvel Chairman Xu Mo. Saitama's rise to fame elevated Marvel's status, with some dubbing it the "Hero Company."
In Manhattan Villa One, Xu Mo reclined on the sofa, watching the noon news with interest. The headlines reflected the public's reaction:
"The New York Times: Saitama's appearance suggests the world is not as simple as it seems. Could there be more undiscovered powerful individuals? Are they friends or foes?"
"America Today: The power displayed by Saitama is extraordinary. How should the government manage such individuals?"
"Washington Post: Marvel Comics released a new comic during the investigation, satirizing the government's current actions."
These news reports seemed to downplay Saitama's heroic deeds in Manhattan, avoiding serious discussions.
Lorna Dane sat next to Xu Mo, shaking her head with a sigh. "Even if the public sees Saitama as a hero, the White House doesn't. They'll likely see him as a major threat."
"Of course," Xu Mo replied, handing Lorna an apple and taking a bite of his own. "They don't want anyone above them, but for now, there's nothing they can do."
Saitama, meanwhile, was living a carefree life in Villa Two. Alice, a projection with a human-like expression, reported, "Saitama doesn't care much, but Genos was furious when he heard the news. But Saitama dragged him off to play games again."
Genos, who had some of Kaneki Ken's memories, had initially been harsh on Saitama, but after the first encounter, he softened. Saitama, still unaware of his own strength, believed he was just an average fighter, content with playing video games and avoiding the spotlight.
In this world, far from the chaos of his original universe, Saitama found peace. But Xu Mo couldn't help but wonder, "Will Saitama lose his strength because he's not fighting monsters anymore?"
Shrugging off the thought, Xu Mo turned his attention to Lorna, only to be interrupted by Alice's sudden frown. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"It seems you're in big trouble," Alice responded, waving her hand as a high-definition projection replaced the TV screen. On the road outside, three men were approaching the villa.
One was a large, hairy man with a wild appearance. Another wore a semi-circular red helmet and tights that resembled a wrestling outfit, his body exuding raw power. But it was the third figure, an old man in a helmet and robe, who led them, moving at a deliberate pace as if announcing their arrival.
The high-definition projection perfectly captured their features, and Xu Mo's gaze sharpened as he glanced at Lorna. Her face paled, her hands trembling slightly. She knew who this old man was. For years, she had struggled in New York, desperately searching for him. But now that he was here, she felt no joy, only fear. She was terrified that his arrival would shatter her current life.
Xu Mo reached out, holding her trembling hand with a warm grip. "Leave everything to me, Lorna."
He rose and walked outside, with Lorna following closely. Alice, sensing the tension, quipped, "Don't make it sound like a final farewell. Remember, there's a big bald head inside as well."
Lorna smiled awkwardly, "You're right, it's not a big deal."
"You can't say that," Xu Mo replied with a wave of his hand. "This is family business. I don't want Saitama punching anyone. It'd upset you."
He paused, then added, "And besides, I have a question for him—why did he abandon you for so long? If I don't like his answer, I might just beat him up."
Lorna's heart swelled with warmth at his words.
Soon, they met the approaching trio not far from the villa. The old man, his eyes filled with joy, stepped forward to greet Lorna. But before he could speak, Xu Mo called out, "Hello, father-in-law!"