Vader stepped out of the portal, inhaling the crisp air. Cheers and applause jolted him back to reality. He turned his head to see a young white-haired man locked in battle with a muscular opponent clad in a tank top.
"What is this?" Vader murmured, watching as the young man staggered backward, blood trickling from his nose. The tank top-clad fighter advanced on him, his expression ruthless.
Just as he raised his fist for a crushing blow, a man wearing a bicycle helmet suddenly rushed forward, screaming, and intercepted the punch. The larger fighter recoiled in surprise.
"Mumen Rider?" he exclaimed.
"This man is a fool," Vader mused from the shadows. Yet, as Mumen Rider lifted his battered face to glare at his opponent, Vader sensed something more—unwavering resolve.
"Is this what you call heroism? Beating down a man who can barely stand?" Mumen Rider shouted. "You're not heroes. You're savages!"
"He attacked us first!" the surrounding fighters—members of the so-called Tank Top Army—protested. "He deserves to be punished!"
The leader, Tank Top Master, sighed. "No… Mumen is right. It's dishonorable to beat a man when he's already down." He turned to the wounded fighter. "I'll give you one chance—leave now and never cross paths with heroes again."
The young man feigned compliance, stepping away—only to suddenly turn back, sneering.
"As if! I'm still going to take you all down!"
Tank Top Master narrowed his eyes. "I thought so… Now die!"
He lunged, his massive fist aimed straight for the young man's face. But just as the punch connected, the young fighter twisted, countering with a devastating blow to his opponent's nose. A streak of blue light followed the motion of his fists as he settled into a fighting stance, his eyes blazing with menace.
Vader observed with growing interest. "Impressive."
The young man exhaled sharply. "I didn't want to use this technique… reminds me too much of the old man. But whatever."
With that, he unleashed a flurry of rapid strikes—his Flowing Water, Crushing Rock technique. Tank Top Master had no chance. The final punch sent him crashing into a wall.
A sinister grin spread across the young man's face. "An S-Class hero, brought to his knees. Ha!"
Tank Top Master groaned. "You… were holding back?"
"Of course I was," the fighter sneered. "And now, I'm going to take down every last one of you. The world will learn to fear the name—Garou!"
Vader's eyes narrowed. Garou… the so-called Hero Hunter. A human who claims to be a monster.
As Garou turned toward the terrified Tank Top Army, Mumen Rider made a desperate move. "Justice Crash!" he roared, charging on his bike.
Garou barely glanced at him before snatching him midair and slamming him into the pavement. Mumen Rider coughed up blood, his helmet cracking under Garou's grip as his head was repeatedly smashed against the stone.
"Garou!" Tank Top Master shouted, struggling to rise—only to be silenced by a single crushing blow.
Garou sneered. "Enough of you, Tank Top Master." His gaze shifted toward the trembling Tank Top Army.
From the shadows, Vader watched. If I help them, they'll trust me… make me a hero. I can infiltrate their association… and perhaps learn about this Saitama.
He stepped forward, igniting his crimson lightsaber.
Garou's eyes flickered with caution as he took in the glowing blade. "Who the hell are you, stranger?"
Vader's voice was calm, unwavering. "Leave… or be destroyed."
Garou tensed, ready to strike—but something about Vader's presence sent a chill down his spine. He hesitated, then slowly lowered his fists.
"Fine. But I'll be back," he muttered, disappearing into the night.
Tank Top Master groggily looked up. "You… saved us. Thank you."
Vader extended a hand. "Don't thank me." His voice was steady, calculating. "Take me to your Hero Association. I wish to become… one of you."
Tank Top Master nodded, a weary but grateful smile forming. "Of course. You'll make a great hero."
Vader said nothing. If only you knew… He simply nodded as the scene faded into darkness