#but that Saitama truly is powerful

[jaijaitbinks]

Another AU idea:

Genos and Saitama never meet before joining the Hero Association. Genos joined shortly after it had started—he was sought out by the H.A. and, realizing he could use the benefits they provided to find the Mad Cyborg as well as fighting for justice in general, he agreed. Saitama joins after about 2 ½ because he happened to hear other heroes talking about the H.A., asked about it, and decided to join. Why he joined?

It's because he's a massive Demon Cyborg fan.

Ever since he found out who he was, he though he was the coolest hero ever. Sure, the guy was younger than him, but goddamn, he was badass as fuck! With his Machine Gun Blows and his Incineration Cannons- he was just so amazing. And he inspires Saitama. There's not much content of him out there, the guy isn't on social media much (he only posts things once every few weeks, if that), he doesn't do photoshoots or signings or interviews. He's just a hero wanting to be a hero. And fuck, does that speak to Saitama’s soul.

So Saitama joins. He does his heroing things. Incidents like the Deep Sea King encounter and the Meteor incident happen, but Saitama and Genos aren't together for it. So rumors spread like wildfire, and because Genos isn't there to dispute any of it... he believes it when he hears them. And he hates Caped Baldy for it.

Faking heroic deeds, stealing credit, causing hundreds of millions of yen in damages? Just who the hell let him join the Hero Association?

When they meet for the first time, it's due to a battle with Mosquito Girl. Genos was fighting her, got his ass kicked, Saitama saw, defeated her, the whole shebang. Saitama saw his favorite hero of all time about to die and saved him, so he's reeling, even if he doesn't show it. (His emotions are dulled, and even more so because of the non-stop hate he's been given for the last few months and having no emotional support).

But Genos? His disdain for Saitama is fucking with his head. Cuz how did he do that? And why was Caped Baldy here to begin with? Was he trying to steal credit again? But he just saved his life. What's going on? What just happened? Did he weaken the monster girl and he stepped in for the final blow or was Caped Baldy really strong?

Eventually his hate wins out and he snaps at Saitama. Tells him his "plan" to steal credit for popularity and rank-climbing won't work, how it's disgusting that he does that. He tells him that saving him won't win him favors or respect from anyone.

And as he goes on and on, Saitama's wide and glittery eyes go dull and flat. Genos almost stops talking when he notices, but he's beaten to that when Saitama suddenly asks if he's okay again. When Genos says yes, the bald man turns and walks away. Genos feels a small pang of guilt for a reason he can't place, but he shakes it off and waits to get taken to Kuseno's lab for repairs. He thinks about the interaction (if it could even be called that) the entire way there and throughout the entire repair.

[srraphim]

(𓆩♱𓆪)."𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒"

Watching the new trailers of one punch man got me a massive brainrot. I don't know if anyone would be interested but ehh. I'm just here to ramble.

Imagine yourself as saitama in WHB. You lose all the enthusiasm in life in exchange for this unrealistic strength you never knew was possible to harbor. While it's all good and nice from the start, it's starting to become a burden to you as you feel like walking empty shells. Not to mention, your world doesn't even have any supernatural enemies like in those movies, to satisfy your excitement. In all one word, it's just you who's different.

Years pass and it's only growing worse. You slowly lose touch in your emotion but not entirely numb. Your strength becomes harder to keep in touch as one wrong move, you can send anything or anyone flying. It's quite a surprise that no one still hasn't found out about your strange ability. Anywho, minyheok becomes more cautious when being around you. Not because of you, intentionally hurting him but rather accidentally . One sneeze was enough to blow out something. 'playful' kicks or punch was enough to send someone in a coma. But if you truly got pissed off? Well it seems a city needs to pack themselves. For all of your power, minyheok won't abandon you, no matter. Even when you broke all the bones of his body.

This is more like a prologue because I am still trying to utilize all the scenes in my head when finally meeting Gabriel and the rest of the devils.

[zurka-durka]

What made you start shipping Kingsai? Omg I love them so much and I’d love to hear your thoughts about them too!! Such an underrated ship, thank you for your art of them😭💖

sorry if its a bit clumsy

anyways they're open and honest with each other. it's a rare thing to see when it comes to them (or ngl opm in general, there’re always roles to play) because king no matter how much he craves it cannot fight his fears and let's be real cowardice. but he's getting there. ngl i was very proud of him chapters before cosmic garou appeared. going out of his way to do his best while waiting for saitama. or when he went on a little adventure going from one dojo to another admitting to having little to no powers time and time again. he really grew on me with time

meanwhile no one gets past saitama's front. genos succeeds in a way but with latest wc chapter it's easy to tell that in the end he did have a really spotless and polished image of saitama. which’s gonna hurt them both so bad later i can’t wait to see it

back to kingsai. i like how saitama's presence or few of his stupid silly words of advice is all it takes for king to deflate like a balloon and feel better once again. he literally went from loosing it all to sitting there smiling a little look at him

overall idk i like them both but i love saitama to no end. he's endlessly kind but selfish as any other person, wise and goofy. he's Saitama The Man but sometimes he's silly and a little petty and awkward and lacks self awareness and it's always a pleasure to see him still being appreciated for who he is, especially by king

i think that’s the major reason why kingsai grew on me. king actually cares about saitama and the feeling is truly mutual so idk i sleep better at night knowing they've got each other

also wanted to mention this specific chapter cause i love it a lot and saitama's honest and open interest, king's confession and overall the whole setting felt so fresh and surreal it peaked my interest and is so my favourite

[rants-about-opm]

One thing I truly love about fandom and fic writers in particular is how lovingly we can add to a story without tarnishing it, like adding a wing to a castle or planting a rose bush in a garden.

For a week now I have been obsessed with the undisclosed nuances of Genos' study of Saitama.

Genos states at one point that he can turn food into biofuel to power all the machinery he's working with. In my mind, it stands to reason that as he acquires more extremely powerful high tech equipment, he's going to start needing to eat more to gain more fuel. At some point, intuitive as he is, he's going to start noticing the disconnect between how much fuel it takes to run at full capacity, and how little he and Saitama actually consume with their frugal spending habits.

If a cyborg that can make minor tweaks to improve fuel efficiency still has to eat so much, what kind of god among gods would Saitama be if he didn't just settle for a banana in the morning, and ate even a fraction of the calories a human normally needs to maintain a form like his?

So anyways, yeah, I think Genos has his own reasons for hunting down market deals.

[cosmickmagick]

"You weren't just clinging to him for support? You wanted to save him?"

"Clinging... Me? What WOULD YOU kno---Is that what you're doing, too?"

Ok so I went and watched the YouTube video of this chapter, and this part made me be in awe. I love love love how emotional Garou can be when he just lets himself be. But what really makes me have the feels is just how Garou is staring at Genos' core in Saitama's hand. (God I love it when manga panels are done so right.)

In the end, Garou realizes the consequences of obtaining all of the power he went after, that without people around--life would feel so empty. Tareo's friendship is a focal point in Garou's evolution as an anti-hero. The only reason he can never truly stay a monster, is because his inner child, is still alive. His humanity is what brings him back to his senses.

Then in parallel, Saitama also never fully realized how much Genos' bond means to him, until Garou tests Saitama's fury and power by destroying Genos. What Garou and Saitama realize is there is more to life than power. That there is nothing wrong with bonds that give our lives meaning, and in turn motivate us to be better.

[gofancyninjaworld]

OPM Manga Update 230 Review: Updates

Summary

This is the sort of chapter we've not had in too long: the sort that zips along, catching us up on what's been happening. Finally, the long, dark nightmare of Tatsumaki's tantrum begins to fade. (No, it's not that it's that bad, but 2 chapters would have been plenty).

We start with Flashy Flash trying to find God. No, Manako, who's the next best thing to God. By asking monsters. He's getting nowhere fast, which is anathema to our speedster so he decides to enlist Saitama's help, after he polishes him up. Because what Saitama truly needs in his life is a random drop-in master.

Anyway, on we go. Much less inflated, in both ego and body, we have Tank Top Master. He has finally worked off the fat (phat?) boost that Fubuki gave him. He misses the strength it came with but the rest of the gym like s him back to his old shape. Speaking of the reset, there aren't many Tank Toppers left: many have retired in the wake of the Monster Association showdown. Tank Top Rockabilly starts to curse their cowardice, but Tank Top Master stops him, pointing out that what mattered were those who still showed up. Besides he had a feeling about tank tops -- and on cue, three C-Class heroes come in to sign up as new recruits.

Also in a gym but much less happily, we see Super Alloy Darkshine trying to do what he's done so many times before: work off his insecurity. It isn't doing much for him, and, as he peels off his shirt, we see the livid scars left on his torso and hands. He reflects that he simply cannot quell the fear he feels at the rethought of fighting again. We close out this scene with Captain Mizuki watching him with concern.

The camera moves again (yes, yes, I know -- bear with me; there's method to my madness) and we watch the biggest, fuzziest chick mascot you ever did see help little children cross the road safely. Yes, it's Phoenixman, or Chick Man as he's now known. He catches sight of Child Emperor across the road and the two repair to a cafe. He explains to a very wary Child Emperor that even though he's no longer a chick-sized man, but a man-sized chick, his powers haven't returned and he ekes out a living doing good. Kids love him! It's not too bad at the moment, so what does Child Emperor want with him? Child Emperor wastes no time getting to the point: he wants to know what the monster knew about the bad things happening at the HA, and how.

Feels like just a few days ago since we left Monster Chick Man cheeping in the rubble -- don't they grow fast? Speaking of fast-growing things, we have a problem in City Y. Yes, this is the city where Child Emperor has his lab -- looks like he's too busy interrogating monsters to look after his patch, and in his absence, we have an invasion of trees. Sentient moving trees announcing their divine purpose to restore the Earth's soils to their former fertility -- by using people as fertilizer. We see three heroes trying to cut them down (or blow them up), setting up a smokescreen to confuse the monsters but they're quickly snared by the tree roots. It looks bad, but then Tank Top Master and several of his Tank Toppers come barging through. Tank Top Master urges the heroes not to sit there but to join them in their charge. They charge forward, sending tree monsters flying and it's all looking good until...

...obscured by the smoke, they run straight into the Forest King himself. The monster wastes no time picking up the heroes and, starting to squeeze the lives out of them, announces the arrival of new fertilizer.

Of course, a hero always knows how to pick their moment, and in that moment, all the plant life in the boulevard, even the vines choking the buildings disappear in a flash. Out of that smoke appears a very familiar silhouette. Declaring himself satisfied with Dr Kuseno's work, Genos tells the monster and heroes that he wants a new spar with Saitama (talk about non-useful information!) But first, he had some trash to get rid of. And that is the end of the Forest King, gone too fast to be worth panelling.

We close with a very excited Genos showing his nice new parts to Saitama, who appears to just about have noticed there's something different about his disciple again.

Correction: we close to the Tank Toppers working out frantically to catch up to machine power. Can't call Tank Top Master a quitter.

Meta below the cut.

Meta: So much to catch up on

You know, I was happy to see Flashy Flash looking for Manako... at least until I heard his reasons for it. If he'd protested to someone that he was just looking for her as a witness too valuable to let some random hero kill, I'd have smiled and called him tsundere. As this is him musing to himself, I'm much less reassured. There's something I find deeply untrustworthy about that ninja.

People are like tea bags: you never know how strong they are until they're in hot water

Another chapter, another hero group, another shakedown. Earlier, we had seen the Blizzard Group shaken down to the few members who truly believed in what Fubuki did and were willing to seek to grow stronger in their own rights rather than just propping her ego up. This time, we're seeing a shakedown of the Tank Toppers. The good thing about the Tank Top Army is that with its policy of hard work, wearing tank tops, and just doing one's best, it's not as politically scheming as the Blizzard group and has the advantage that people there really do want to work together to do some good. However, a lot of them have also been hiding behind a Class S hero to get points (and wins) easily. With the long night of the Monster Association raid and all it pulled out of them, it looks like many have honestly looked at themselves and realised that they aren't going to be able to give the world what it needs. Tank Top Master respecting that a hero can only give what they can and letting them leave without rancour or ill word is a real credit to the man.

I've seen Tank Top Master called the Mumen Rider of the S-Class. I don't know if I'd go that far, but he's certainly the sort of guy one could describe as having no side. He's very much of the what-you-see-is-what-you-get persuasion. I loved how he shone in the Monster Association raid. For me the single most impressive thing was him cutting through Mumen Rider's self-deprecating routine and making him the de facto leader of the local rescue operation. And Mumen rose to the occasion without question. Tank Top Master really does know how to pull the best out of people.

This chapter is no exception when he refuses to berate the heroes who have been trapped by the tree monsters and urges them to get up and press on. Life is been tough for Tank Top Master, but heroism isn't measured in wins and losses: it's not a game, but a belief in doing the right thing whatever the odds. I would like things to go well for him sooner rather than later, but as long as his tank top is strong, let's watch him and cheer him on.

It's all in how you see it

Something that's too big and too long a topic to deal with here is the role of the subjective in One-Punch Man. ONE did set out to make OPM not a story with a single definitive narrative, but rather one told through multiple viewpoints, and it seems to exist at all levels of the story. Even the idea of a person turning into a monster is based on that person's subjective view of themselves and their place in the world. So it shouldn't be surprising that there appears to be a lot of characters with body image problems, one shown most graphically by Darkshine. Whether the scars on his body are as livid as they appear to him to a third party is irrelevant: to him, they're there, and all the trauma and shock of having the skin he trusted to keep his fragile self safe being breached is right there in front of him. His donning a t-shirt so as not to see it in the gym mirror is painful to see indeed.

I'd love to say something about Phoenixman/Chick Man but it escapes me for now. In the meantime, I have only questions. How the hell did he grow back to man-size so fast? What exactly has happened to him to so comprehensively depower him? Why is he able to be accepted as a mascot in society? Are there no background checks? Like Child Emperor, I find myself very curious but not one whit trusting.

Back to the grind

I'm not going to say Genos is back. He's been around in the aftermath of the Monster Association raid, helping Saitama find their old apartment, terrorizing the Hero Association, and just hanging out. He's appeared in reasonably good spirits and decent health, and yet, this is a return of sorts. It's more like he's come off sick leave and returned to work.

I know people like to pretend to know nothing for argument's sake, but if you've ever burned wood, you know that wet wood is not easy (or advisable to burn): you need dry wood to get a fire going. Living wood is 60% water and takes a lot of energy, such that to get a forest fire you need high temperatures, prolonged dry weather conditions, and a lot of dry underbrush to keep the fire going… and even there many trees don't burn fully. So for a forest of living trees to not just burn up but to be ASHED in a flash, like they're made of gun cotton speaks to a truly terrifying power.

I'm unsurprised that Genos can do that, and crush a dragon-level monster like it's a bug -- it's been clear he's got the power for a while but it's nice to see him consolidate his hard-won gains.

That said… what the heck is he so keen to show Saitama? I have no idea what Genos thinks he's got to show Saitama that will impress the latter. If nobody else knows, he knows the absurd heights of power from which Saitama looks down on the world. He knows too that Saitama sees him and thinks well of him. And yet he's eager to spar him. Okay, kid. Just don't embarrass yourself, that's all I'm asking.

[theomnicode]

Monsterization & the cure

Blast is thiiis close to figuring out the secret ingredient to monsterization on humans and how to reverse it, though ironically one more secret to reversing monsterization is standing right next to him.

Saitama has a curious ability to reverse monsterization, as seen when he punched Cosmic Garou in the nogging and he lost all power and reversed his monsterization.

Unfortunately, Blast won't be able to just ask Saitama how he does it, because Saitama has forgotten. Otherwise he would ask Saitama to give shock therapy by punching people.

It's pointless to ask Garou either, for he has completely forgotten the secrets of monsterization.

It would appear that great shock to the biological system is enough to destabilize the monster cells on humans turned monsters, though the real key is in the willpower of the individual wanting to transform. It would logically make sense that if the person desires and obsesses over something and becomes inhuman, the reverse would have to be true as well. Hamukichi regrets turning into a monster and he was a promising subject in terms of reversing the monsterization.

Clearly, the desire to turn back into a human would appear to play a large part in reversing monsterization. Those who willingly turn into monsters renounce their humanity, so those who want to become humans again would have to attain back their humanity.

Now if Blast was to apprehend Gale wind and Hellfire flame and ask them questions in how they are capable of turning back and forth in their human and monster forms, he would be that much closer to unveiling the cure to monsterization.

Truly a shame that Bang has also retired; nobody is there to ask him questions about how he managed to reach Garou. He would be able to answer that by genuinely caring about his student, he managed to reach his true heart beneath the monster form.

The pieces are scattered around all over the place, but the players in OPM world are this much closer to bringing together all the keys.

[nyxrev]

New Chapter: 曲がり角

——- 答えは進んだ先に。

——- the answer lies ahead where you go.

He who walks on alone,

I almost thought it was a photo, new pixel art!

Text heavy chapter, fairly quiet plot wise, but the little development we see seems to lay out a recipe for future conflict.

One of which must come to head is Genos and Saitama's master-disciple relationship.

Saitama realized he should probably encourage Genos somehow but we see now comes a time when he really cannot bullshit his way out of an undercurrent serious matter.

The pretend wisdom face did not work, and for the first time I saw Genos seem to truly feel sad and let down about his expectations of Saitama as his chosen mentor, for the first time it seems like the perfect image (illusion) he had conjured of the person he admired and revered has been broken through. And really all I could read of his expression from the next two panels of his slow and silent realization was just, baffled, ridiculed, sad, followed by broken heart and crestfallen.

I almost felt like he could cry, but he would not, he would just try to become stronger. Although he knows Saitama is on another level he doesn't see his own growth has been exponential too, it is just when compared to Saitama, who cannot be compared to, his tremendous growth seems small only bc Saitama is so ridiculously strong it overshadows perception of his own progress.

Now hold on, see any familiar sight?

An aura of conviction, determined to execute all evil who dares stand to the world.

I got thrown back to his early fight with DSK. He has his heart set.

And yet, word of Neo-heroes is not good news. For Genos to be scouted by them concerns me, for him to be persuaded, and only dissuaded by Saitama who does not want to move, concerns me even more. Neo has good tech, yes, and it is precisely bc they possess such excellent tech it would be very dangerous for Genos to go. Org. with mysteriously powerful Cyborg tech poses much suspicion and risk to a lone, young, goal-oriented, thus easy to trick, cyborg.

[abbythewritor]

"Fairness" One Piece x Saitama reader, Ten.

"Just a Normal girl looking for an everyday life. At least, if you call sailing across the seas with idiots with useless dreams a simple task, then you might wanna see a doctor. Seriously."

Warnings: Blood, gore, mentions of Luekimia, and heaps amount of blood and strength. It might be a little cursing, but not bad, and maybe some flirting in there, but it's mostly clean.

Other things:

-You didn't get bald due to your powers; you got bald to an extreme illness.

-You part of the straw hat crew, but others are interested in you and your power.

-Everyone that is a male is taller than you.

-Monsters from the OPM world will appear in One Piece, and I'll make some new monsters you will fight.

Warning: It will be a long chapter today. :)

Enjoy the tenth chapter everyone! :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I've never expected you to be this strong... Cutie!!"

An explosion, after your Haki was formed, as a Tunnel of fire was formed.

Your Haki was able to break Ace's chains, as he was now free, smiling, holding onto your waist.

"You are also stubborn, I guess I'm not surprised since you've been with my brother most of the day!" As he gripped your waist more, he picked you up in his arms, bridal style, before zooming off the platform, going through the tunnel of fire as we heard cheers from the pirates below, shocked faces of Whitebeard, Admrials, and Warlords were shown as Ivankov was crying. "S-She's something else!!" she sobbed, as Luffy was awake slightly, smiling, as some tears strolled down his face. "A-Ace...." he spoke, finally relieved that he was free, as the blonde boy that was with Koby screamed with disbelief. "AHH! THAT IDIOT GIRL DID IT! SHE FREED ACE!!" Koby was smiling, himself now knowing who I truly was, as I was super cool in his eyes as he didn't say anything.

The marines below were getting ready to fire their cannons at us, as he looked at me. "Y/n, we must stay alert, we need to split up for now!" I nodded, as he let go of me, as we both harshly looked at the marines.

Clenching my fist, I pulled my arm back. "NORMAL PUNCH SPREAD!" I slammed the ground, causing many of them to scatter, as Ace pulled off his own move. "FIRE PILLAR!!" Fire shot down from his hands, creating a copy of a pillar, as from the bottom, the fire spread, burning many marines also.

I was surprised by this, his power was as strong as when you landed and looked at him kneeling on the ground, his breaths heavy, your heart raced, as the once clear air was now orange, and smokey, bringing an effect to him that made Ace more incredible.

As our silouhettes shined in the Amber light, the marines pointed more of their guns to us, telling them to not let us get away.

"Y/N-SAN! ACE-SAN!" Jimbei yelled, a smile onto his face as Whitebeard grinned as well. "Don't forget! Fire Fist Ace is a fire--Logia type!" Marines spoke, as Ace looked to me. "Let me be honest cutie. I never thought when I was locked in that cell with you you'd be the one to rescue me, or would I'd thought one day I'd meet a girl like you. Your storng, intelegent, and to think you came her with my brother while taming him, it's rather attractive..." My heart raced while looking at him as he grabbed my hands. "Sorry if this sounds cheesy, but I guess fate has brought us here for a reason, and now, I have an urdge to survive this...with you...Thank you...cutie." My eyes widened, a feeling in my heart came that has never happened beofore, in a long time as I felt this way when I first met Saitama, as I am reliving those moments when I was on wires again.

Both of us were lost in thought, not caring that the war was still going on, as our eyes were just locked with each other, having a moment of thanks with no words, but just by looking at each other. Smirking, he gently touched my bald head. "What's with your bald head? Did my fire do that or something?" I snorted, looking away. "No Ace, your fire didn't do it...I've been bald my whole life..." "I know." My eyes widened. "Y-You knew?" His smirk widened. "It's pretty obvious, Cutie, it's not like I've never seen wigs before, besides, I felt like you had more H/c hair, than what your wig looked like." I chuckled lightly. "You guessed right....do you want a reward?" He laughed. "Oh? A reward from you? How could I resist? Once we get out of here, cutie....i'd love to take you out sometime...how does that sound?" My heart beated. "L-Like a date?" He snickered. "Sure, or we can hang out as friends at first, i'd love to get to know you cutie, and what you like to do in your daily life-"

"DON'T LET THOSE TWO GET AWAY! THIS IS YOUR EXECUTION PLATFORM!" Sighing, both of us looked to more marines surrounding us, all of them having gune.

Smirking again, he just looked to me. "We'll discuss the details later, let's focus on getting out of here." Nodding, I smiled as me and him got in stance, as they started firing their guns.

The bullets didn't effect me, as they bounced off of me, as the bullets just went through body, which turned into flames, as the marines eyes widened, shocked.

Smriking, I bolted, as he just stood their to watch for a second, as two were about ot shoot me again, until my hands grabbed their guns, twisting their arms, breaking it while they screamed as they were tossed away.

Ducking from a sword, I karate chopped a marines neck, nocking him out before moving to the left, kcikign a stumbling marine in the back, lauching him into others as they stumbled like bowling pins.

Quickly turned, I backed away, doging and blocking multiple punches, as a grabbed the mans fist with my hands, chuckling. "Are you ready?" The marin was confused before I tossed him away, Ace burning him above in the air as he screamed with pain, as I punched another one in the gut, making the poor guy explode.

As his guts dropped to the floor, his partners face turned green, as he looked like he was about to vomit, as Ace brought his arms back ,his fist lighting on fire as he was about to slam it on the ground. "FIRE FIST!!" He yelled, slamming his knuckles onto the concrete, burning around 50-100 in front, clearing a more admitted path for us to go through.

As we continued forwards, fighting off m arines, dodging bullets, and punches, as we looked unstoppable.

Some of the whitebeard pirates smirked while watching us, as a man with a large black mustache smirked. "They are unstoppabletogether, never expected this to happen..." A little elf nodded with agreement as he turned. "MAKE A PATH FOR THEM EVERYONE!!!" Pirates yelled with agreement, as Marines wouldn't let ut go without a fight, as we powered through some more, pulling off insane combos and moves.

As bodies of marines showered down like rain, both of us breathed heavily as I turned to him, smirking.

"Your storng, Ace-san, makes me want to surpass you with Luffy." He chuckled. "Hah! Well, I don't mind bieng surpassed by you in the future cutie, your quite strong yourself...tell me hows my brother?" I frowned from his comment. "He's with your ship doctors." His eyes widened. "What happened-" "Some of the vice admirals got to him, nto your grandpa, but...others...he used a lot of his energy..." Ace looked to the floor, his fists clenching... "Luffy...you idiot...." I watched Ace with silence, as he looked up again. "Well, I now know he's in good hands..." He started to smirk again. "When we get out of here, someday in the future I'll make sure to remember to give him a good scolding...yet I should thank him ...without his help..." He went silent, as I smiled, about to say something to him until the air Suddenly felt cold.

Both of us stopped, Ace's teeth gritted as Admiral Aokiji was in front of us, as Ace's arm held out in front of me, as me and the Marine locked eyes. "Cutie, let me protect you, it's the least I can do." My brows furrowed from his comment as Aokiji simply looked to us. "Someday? There's no tomorrow for both of you.." He spoke, his hands going into his pockets. "You think you can escape?" He asked, as my teeth gritted before the Marine held out his hand, ice forming onto it, which made Ace grin with excitement. "Back up, cutie." I paused, looking at him. "But-" He looked at me. "Trust me..." Fire formed onto him, as my heart race, I knew he was strong, and strong against this Admiral as I nodded, turning and running the other way.

Soon enough, more Ice formed on Aokiji, as a pheasent formed, heading to Ace, while more fire came from the boy, heading to the Admiral, as the two clash, flinging upwards to create a powerful blast and energy to surround the area.

My eyes widened with shock, as the two stared intently at each other, as the Ice of Aokiji was vaporized which made since because of the rule of science.

I smiled, as many others on the battlefield were impressed,as Mister three's face was lit up. "Fire fist Ace...is cool..." Buggy Zoomed to him. "STOP BEING IMPRESSED YOU WAX HEAD!!" He snapped. "S-Sorry, but he is. With Y/n and him fighting together, they're almost unstoppable!"

Buggy didn't like his backup answer, as him and mister three agured, while Ace and you continued to fight off marines, until whitebeard spoke up.

"WHITEBEARD PIRATES!!! LISTEN UP!!! I, AS YOUR CAPTAIN WILL GIVE YOU ONE LAST ORDER!!!!" Me and Ace paused, turning to whitebeard as my eyebrows furrowed, Ae's teeth gritting. "P-Pops!" 'All of you and I will split up from here! Everyone, survive at any costand get back to the New World safely!" He yelled, shocking everyone apart of his crew, even you, as one of his allies spoke up. "P-Pops! Are you planning to die here-" Whitebeard stomped the ground, getting in stance. "I'm a remnant from the old times! There is no ship that can bear me in the new era!" His muscles flexed, creating the same light crack in the air as before, as it spread quickly, as the waves began to run wild. "GO, YOU GUYS!!" My heard broke, as I could barely stand due to the large amount of rumbling. I heard Ace grit his teeth with sadness and annoyance, as he saw me stumbling making him grab my waist and cary me again, as I struggled against his arms, making him let go as I bolted to whitebeard, his eyes widening. "C-Cutie!!"

Trying my best to dodge rubble, waves, or anything that could knock me down, whitebeard saw me run to him, as slight tears were escaping my eyes, this shocked him.

As I got close to him, my tiny arms wrapped around his giant leg, as it shcoked his crew, everyone in the war, and him.

Eyebrows raised, his body slightly tensed, but, his heart slightly felt remorse as he saw my shaky breaths, my back shakingly heaved up and down.

From the first moment he saw me, he knew I was storng, and justa rookie, but, once he saw me fight, with my emotions, and glanced at my personality, he saw me not just as a rookie, but a kind, experienced girl, who just wants what's best for other people, not myself.

And he's exactly right, as the way he felt me grip his pant leg, the way he saw tears flooding from my eyes, he knew that he mattered to me, even if I never truly knew him at all, he was like family already to me.

"Brat..." I didn't look up. "We knew how this was going to end. There is no war, that doesn't come with tragidy....." I shook more. "You want fairness for everyone, the weak, the low ranked, the high ranked, even the rich and the poor...but let me tell you something brat...life doesn't always work that way. There's always a point in life where a journy comes to an end...and for me...to be able to take down the marines, to save Ace with my own life...that's a ending to my era..." I didn't like his words, but I knew they were true...I knew something had to be done, I knew someone had to stop the marines...which is why I accepted it...as I look up to him, my eyes are red and puffy.

But instead of speaking to him...I grabbed one of his large hands, and prayed for him, pray that his death won't be forgotten, and that his legacy will be strong and he will be in a better place.

As Marines and other pirates were confused on what I was doing, Garp ordered everyone to stop what they were doing, as out of respect as everyone in the battlefield was silent.

But, even thought Garp ordered a pause on the matter, Admiral Akainu saw this opportounity to Kill Luffy, who was laying to rest.

Ace saw this, as his eyes widened. "Luffy!!!" He yelled, bolting, as I finished praying, looking that way, as Ace got in fornt of Luffy, as Akainu was about to Kill Ace with his devil fruit.

Qucikly acting, I used my speed to try to get to him in time, Ace's back faced Away from the Admiral, to Luffy as he closed his eyes waiting for death to come, until I stepped in front of him, Akainu's lava fist hitting against my skin as I let out a scream of pain, but his fist didn't go thorugh, it just bruned my skin rather badly, as blood escaped my mouth.

Ace heard my screams from behind him, as his eyes widened with fear, Luffy's did as well.

Crocodile, Buggy, Mister three, Mihawk, Mister one, Jimbei, Ivankov, Aokiji, Smoker, Tashigi, Koby, Marco, Doflamingo, Kizaru, and Whitebeard all looked my way, their faces mixed with shock, fear, and anger, as I was protecting Ace, taking the pain from him.

Both him and Luffy couldn't belive this, as Akainu pulled away with a satisfied 'hmm' as I was about to fall to the floor, before Ace and Luffy ran to me, taking me into their arms. "Y/N-SAN/CUTIE!!!" They screamed, my eyes closing as I was passing out, not caring that Akainu was attacking again, until his fist was stopped by Jinbe, as his water and his lava clashed, both Haki's going crazy.

But as he let go, Marco and the large mustache man attack the admiral quickly Marco out of rage as they got a hit on him, but his skin was turned to lava. "How annoying." He simply spoke. "Can you two see it's too late to save the girl? Look?" Both of them looked to me, laying in Luffy and Ace's arms, as a large burn was on my back, my wound from mihawk broke open, as blood spilled down my side, to my hip.

Their eyes widened, as Ace could still feel a pulse, as Luffy's eyes were lined with fear. "O-Oi...Y-Y/n-san...y-you need t-to get treated-" He paused when I coughed, more blood escaping my mouth as Ace's teeth gritted. "Cutie! Stop struggling! We'll get you out of here! Why did you do this?! It was supposed to be me who was in your position, so why did you have to act like an idiot-" "S-S-S-Stop i-i-it..." I brokenly spoke, my tired eyes looking to him. "A-A hero....d-doesn't l-live k-knowing that s-someone else d-dies....a-a h-hero d-dies knowing a person is s-saved...and well." Ace's teeth gritted. "Don't say that! Your not dying! We'll take you to a doctor! You'll be fine!" I chuckled, then coughed up more blood. "I have faith.....don't..." I started to feel even more tired, as more of my weight leaned more on Luffy, as my eyes closed more. "Worry..."

And with that...all I saw was black....as I heard the screams and cries of the two brothers...who was fearful I might die.

"Y/N-SAN!!"

"CUTIE!!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The war was over.

Shanks stopped the war.

Whitebeard died from Blackbeard, who stole his devil fruit.

And Fire Fist Ace, was Alive...but broken without his captain, and me by his side.

I was taken by a new group of pirates, who's captain seemed to be a doctor.

Ace and Luffy went on the ship with me, not leaving my side as Jimbei was injured as well, as he needed to get treated.

The crew of the doctor prepped us for a major surgery, as the man who was quite handsome, with tattooes, black hiar and sideburns was putting on gloves, his eyes glued to me as he could tell I just didn't have burns on my chest, their were internal injuries as well, even for jimbei.

So, the man went to work, doing everything he can to fix any internal injuries on me, and my wound from Mihawk, as there was more wrong than the fragments Marco had gotten out.

As Ace and Luffy where helplessly waiting for the operation to be done, the submarine shook, causing the two to be alert as Ace and him looked out a peaking hold, watching as the sea turned into ice.

"Shit!" Ace grumbled, turning to Luffy. "Hang on!" Both of them hanged onto something, as the submarine changed courses, Sinking lower to try and escape the ice. It was successful, as everything thought things were calming down, until the ship rattled again, as Kizaru send multiple shots with his devil fruit to the submarine, which is impressive, since the Submarine is far away.

But, the person steering the ship was smarter, as he was able to go lower and lower avoiding the attacks with ease, as Shanks and everyone still at Marineford.

Once things have died down, the world knew the war was over, as the marines anounced they won, even though they were the one's who failed to kill Ace, but saw Whitebeards death, who was killed by blackbeard as their victory.

For a couple of hours, once the submarine was in a safe distance, it came up from the water, as on the deck, the walking polar bear came out happy, feeling the cool air hitting his furr with a bright smile.

"It's so refreshing! How nice it is outside!" He spoke, as Ace and Luffy came out as well.

But, to their demise, their was a Navy ship beside the submarine, as the empress Boa Hancock jumped down from it. "Luffy!" She yelled, hugging him instantly. "I'm so glad your ok!" she spoke happily, as Ace's eyes widened with pure shock, as did the pirates and Polarbear.

"HOW DID YOU FIND US HERE?!" Snapped the polarbear as Hancock still hugged Luffy. "WE THOUGHT THE NAVY FOLLOWED US HERE!" She let go of Luffy, as she pointed to her snake. "I apolagize, I made Salome follow you underwater." "I see!" "Don't change the subject furry beast!" "The Polar bear slumped. "So mean.." "SO WEAK!" His crewmates yelled, as Boa continued. "How's Jimbei, and the girl? Will they recover-" She was paused when the doors opened, as the captain of the Heart Pirates, Trafalgar Law came out with a blank face, whiping his hands. "I did everything I could." One of her eyebrows rose. "So, they're alive?" He sighed. "We were able to stabalize btoh of them, However...the girl took greater damager than you think. With the sword slash on her side, and internal injuries, as well as the massvie amounts of cuts, bruises and burns, there is no garantee that she will survive yet." Luffy and Ace's heart broke from his truthfull words, as both of them looked to the ground, anger and sadness travelling through their bodies.

"IT'S NO WONDER!!" A new, familiar voice spoke, as they looked on the marine ship to see Ivankov and her crew. "Y/n-girl didn't back down when trying to Save you Ace-boy!" The Heart pirates were confused when looking to Ivankov, as their heads tilted. "Who are they?" Luffy smiled. "That's Ivan-chan! She helped me and Y/n rescue you Ace!" He confessed, as Ace put a hand to his hips. "I see. Well, I'm greatful." Boa scoffed, crossing her arms. "They have snuck on the ship.." Ivankov jumped, landed on the ship in front of everyone. "I can't belive she pushed herself that hard! With the amount of strength she had, and with how much she could withstand, I'd never thought she'd ever get hurt like this! That's how much she wanted to help you Straw boy, and Ace boy!" Both of their hearts raced, knowin gthe full situation of your kindness, as Ace looked away, his brows furrowing.

"But, when Whitebeard died in front of her eyes....that's when she truly knew the world wasn't fair to people like us. DAMN IT! THE WORLD DOESN'T HAVE JUSTICE! IT PISSES ME OFF!"

Boa hancock felt remorse for me, even though she hasn't met me, as she thought of me as a same species, a strong woman. "It is sad that I never got to meet this girl...she has truly earned my respect." She spoke, looking away. "Everyone on that battlefield wished that was us taking her place."

Ivankov crossed her arms. "Indeed, with how the warlords, marines, and pirates alike watching her fight, and how kind she was, there was no doubt Y/n-san had gathered a unique audience to her! Even with her bald head!" The polar bear looked to Ivankov. "Oh! I've been wondering why she was bald....it's weird to see a human girl with no hair-NOT THAT IT'S A BAD THING OF COURSE-" "She's bald for a reason, which wasn't her fault.." everyone paused, and turned to the deep male voice, as Crocodile was on the ship, as Ace, Luffy, and Laws crew got in stance, as he just sighed with annoyance. "Stop your defense crap I'm not here to hurt nobody....that will come later until I know Y/n is alive...not that I care for her anyway..." Law's head titled. "Y/n?" Crocodile glared to him. "That's the girls name..." "Ah, I see."

Crocodile looked to everyone. "It's not my place to tell you this, but since she probably won't wake up for a while...I guess you need to know what she told me...and Mugiwara...Y/n isn't from this 'world.'"

Everyone's eyes widened, except Luffy. "R-REALLY?! THAT'S MADNESS!" Ivankov spoke, as Ace nodded. "Yeah! What makes you say she told you-"

"If you've seen her powers, their like nothing the world has ever seen, extreme strength, incredible speed, powerful enough to take down a giant with one punch, you all saw it yourselves, the way she fought Hawkeye without hesitation, splitting the sea when almost punchin a marine, how she fought three admirals by herself, you'd see she's not like any devil fruit user, plus, she told me back at Impel down she didn't know what a Devilfruit is..." Law put a finger to his chin. "Your words seem belivable...I'm guessing you escaped with her correct, all of you?"

Luffy nodded. "Yeah, she was a great help. But, she told me much more than from being a different world, she told me her powers were transfered to her by another person." "R-REALLY?!" everyone except Law, Crocodile, and Luffy yelled, as he nodded. "Yeah, by a name of Saitama, who is basically a hero to her."

Ivankov. "So, a man named Saitama, who is also from a different world, gave Abby-girl her powers. It all makes since of why she never heard of a Devil fruit before. But, Why did he do that?" Luffy looked to the ground. "He saw potential and how brave she was, she had a sickness." Everyone paused, brows furrowing. "A sickness?" Ace repeated. "What kind of Sickness Luffy?" Luffy stayed silent for a bit, still looking to the ground. "She told me when she was little, she wanted a life full of fun and Adventure, that is until she got sick, with a disease called luekemia.."

Law's eyes widened. "L-Luekemia! You mean she had a type of Cancer?! That makes much more since...."

Ace's head tilted. "C-Cancer? What is that?" Ivankov sighed. "It is a form of sickeness that is rising in our world, that already exists in her world, it can easily kill a human wihtout the propper treatment, as Luekemia is only active to young children, which Abby-girl sadly faced. I see why this Saitama-man gave her his powers, he saw a warrior behind those eyes. Tell me, Luffy, was she alone during this Cancer phase?" Luffy looked away. "Yes. She also told me, her parents were killed by monsters from her world..." The deck went silent again, as Hancock put a hand over her mouth. "Poor thing...s-so she was fighting alone..."

"Until that man showed up.." Ace finished, as the deck went silent again.

But, the silence was broken when Pirates were scolding for someone to get rest, as Jimbei came out brokenly, looking straight at Law.

"Jimbei!" Ivankov yelled, as the fishmans eyes glared right at Law. "You're Trafalgar Law from the North Blue, aren't you?" Law simply nodded, as Ivankov put her hands to her hips. "Hey, is it ok for you to move around like that" Jimbei ignored her question, as he was still looking at law. "Thank you!" He spoke, then continued. "You saved my life.." He bowed with respect. "You must rest. It could kill you." Law blankly spoke, his arms crossed as Jimbei shook his head. "I can't ease my mind...not when Y/n is fighting for survival...it's impossible!" He contineud. "What she and Ace has lossed was too important to them both, that is why I know that Abby-san must be going through far worse! At least, her instinct, her faith forced her to lose consiousness at that time. Even if she survives...." Tears start to form in his eyes. "I can't stop worrying about the moment when she wakes up." His words struck everyone's hearts, even Crocodiles, as he understood that seeing whitebeard, who aided me died in front of my eyes would effect me someway, as he looked to the ground, his teeth gritted, as Ace's fist clenched, feeling the same way as Jimbei did.

But, as the silence went on, Boa looked to the polar bear. "You, Fuzzy beast, do you have a transponder snail?" Her question made the bear fix his posture. "Yeah..I mean...yes, ma'am! I'm sorry..." He confessed, as she looked to the others. "I'm gonna call the Kuja's ship so we can go across the Calm Belt even with this submarine. If the government finds out that Y/n is alive, they're gonna come after her with how much power she has shown to them. Let us harbor her at the Maiden Island!" Everyone was shocked by her answer, as she continued. "If they still see me as a Warlord....then...."

"She can rest safely!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: YAYYYYYYY! ACE IS RESCUED!!!!!! WOHOO!!!

Author: Sorry this chapter as a bit long, I wanted to put two episodes together, so I hope you don't mind.

Author: I hope you enjoyed todays chapter, and don't forget about the fanart contest!

Author: Remember! When your done drawing both pictrues, please attach it and message me it on Tumblr instantly! There is still time for people to enter!!!

Author: Have a good night everyone, BYE LOVELIES!!"

[arakawa-division]

Alexis's Thoughts on Saitama Division

Sayaka Miyuki

"Sayaka Miyuki, the woman responsible behind the formation of perhaps the most powerful Japanese rap group to ever spawn, TDD. Truthfully, the CIA's file on her is almost extensive, considering she was a former scientist for Chuohku and, as stated, because she helped create The Dirty Dawg. It's a shame she wasn't able to keep the group from splintering. If she had, perhaps things in Japan would not be so bad. But still, she is truly worthy of respect for all the work she has done."

"Besides that, she seems like a nice, kind-hearted woman. She forsook her career to be a housewife and a mother to her only child. Ha, she reminds me a lot of my sister in some ways. Ivelisse tells me she's a frequent student in her yoga class. I wonder if I meet her afterwards, would she be willing to talk? Perhaps doing so will help me find out more about what Chuohku is up to."

Lola Takahashi

"Lola Takahashi. I know of her for two reasons. One: because I know that she was formerly part of the Japanese/Russian mafia that held a lot of power here in Japan before it eventually crumbled. According to sources dug in from the CIA, she was a prominent member of the criminal organization before it fell. She often used her seductive skills and feminine wiles to get her enemies to lower her guard before she finished them off." Alexis looks off to the side. "She reminds me much of Dieu, in that regard..."

"Speaking of Dieu, that's the second reason I know her. Apparently, she, Lola and her partner, Kureha have some sort of history together. Knowing Dieu, she probably wound up betraying them for some obscure reason. After reading up on her and doing some research, it certainly wouldn't surprise me. Besides that, I hear that she and Ace Douglas's girlfriend, Evelyn Rose, have some a fierce rivalry with one another. ...I have to wonder, is this a common thing with most women? If so, I'm glad I avoided it."

Kureha Koizumi

"Kureha Koizumi. She is, perhaps, the most secretive and unknown member of this team. While it is known that she used to work for the Mafia under Lola, everything before that is a complete and utter mystery regarding her. It's known that she was previously in the hospital before then, but for what reason is unknown. After the fall of the Mafia, she was adopted by Sayaka Miyuki, becoming her adopted daughter. The two have a good mother-daughter relationship."

"Besides that, I hear she is quite famous in circles as a renowned painter. I wonder if there is a chance we could collaborate on a project. Although photography doesn't have much to do with painting, I feel we could still do something together. It's something to consider."

Femme Fatale

"Sayaka Miyuki has put together an impressive rap team. Even though they haven't fought as of yet, they are reputed to be the ones most likely to make it to the end of the D.R.B. That proves that we will have to be wary and cautious of them, especially considering that Sayaka was behind the TDD's formation. So she must have some knowledge on rapping. As stated, we'll have to be very cautious of this team going forward."

[fukuokanodivision]

Eko’s Thoughts On Saitama Division

Sayaka Miyuki

“Miyuki, Saitama’s forensic scientist? Mhm. She also passes for a solid division leader in my opinion, Having those traits of protection really take the cake. Being a single mother must be tough, Taking care of a kid and yourself on top of that. However, I imagine she has it out for herself. Wait…She used to work for Chuohku!? Maybe that’s why she’s so familiar… I don’t know when, But I’ll have to face her team of sisters eventually. I’ve been so busy juggling on how to deal with other teams lately, I think I’ve barely thought how to get past Femme Fatale. Or worse, we might not even get there…”

Lola Takahashi

“Aphrodite herself? She’s not looking too bad around here, Meow…~! She really lives up to her name, Being a captivating model and all. My guess is she’s Saitama’s best model out there, Having extreme popularity similar to mine. I guess she’s nice and all…Except, Maybe overbearing? I don’t know, She probably just imagines the world as her playground or something… All in all, There will be more to discover somehow, I think it’s time to dive back into the archive again…And see what ‘true’ spirit Takahashi truly has…”

Kureha Koizumi

“So Koizumi’s the ‘fan favourite?’ I’m not surprised, Anyone can go for art, Let alone prodigies any of these days. Eclipse, Not a bad name to go by, Pretty alluring. Their art seems intriguing, More intricate than Kurome’s I believe. I guess they qualify as an asset? She seems rather blank though…Makes sense for a blank slate. I’ll have to see for more, There has to be more than meets the eye around her, No questions asked.”

Femme Fatale

“Femme Fatale. Saitama Divison, Miyuki Sayaka, Takahashi Lola, Koizumi Kureha, All here. I’ve been dying to get to this one! Not to be boring, But there have been a ton of teams with friendship theming…Even us included, Saying that now feels very hypocritical. Hear me out, Let’s say these gals have it right. ‘Sworn sisterhood’, ‘Nothing can break us down,’ You get where I’m going with that? For once, I actually am excited to face them. Their power levels seem to be burning through the roof, So let’s see how much of a ‘Drive’ they can handle~!”

[madaraservingcunt]

a better ending for Naruto: Shippuden than the actual ending is what if Sasuke died sacrificing himself to save the world alongside Kaguya. Sasuke's sacrifice also revives Neji, Madara, Itachi, Obito, and those nameless samurai ppl from the five kage summit arc and them sasuke haters on reddit can finally shut the fuck up and be satisfied with him dying (eh, i do not hate sasuke or anything but i'm fine with him dying because he's in the way of the great Naruto X Madara ship and I also want to make Sakura suffer because I hate her). Then after mourning Sasuke's death Naruto decides to marry Madara Uchiha, become hokage, and start actually fucking fixing the shinobi system starting with getting rid of those stupid Chūnin Selection Exams, restoring the rain village like he promised konan, and banning slavery in the hyuga clan. Sakura is a stupid bitch who is too busy being a cook at some restaurant spending the rest of her life being a miserable sad bitch who gave up being a ninja because her bad boy crush died and everyone tells her to stop whining and get back in the kitchen because i hate her. Naruto is such a giga chad alpha male hero protagonist of the Konoha village he also ends up marrying more men like Ryu from Street Fighter and Jin Kazama from Tekken who join his harem. They join Madara in giving Naruto all the love and respect after Naruto suffered so much in life. One day, Madara finds out he is pregnant with Naruto's child. Madara is a male hermaphrodite who has a vagina thanks to Indra's chakra. Naruto would be a such loving husband satisfying Madara's cravings for ramen, rubbing his massive pregnant tummy, and feeling their child kicking inside of his pregnant belly. Naruto would hold Madara's hand as Madara keeps pushing giving birth to the hokage Naruto's child. Itachi and Obito would also get harem of bitches and have lots of children, starting a large family. Itachi, Madara, and Obito fufill Sasuke's dying wish of restoring the Uchiha clan. Both Jin and Ryu also end up pregnant with Naruto's babies and give the firstborn more siblings (let's say Jin Kazama is also a male hermaphrodite who has a vagina because he has the Devil Gene). Madara and Naruto's kids would be broken as fuck think about it - rinnegan, healing factors, wood style jutsu, sharingan, Perfect Susanoo, large chakra reserves, Rasengan, shadow clone jutsu. Yes, their son would be so powerful he can beat goku, saitama, unicron, galactus, the one above all, the presence, rimuru tempest, gojo, Anos Voldigoad, bill cipher and can easily one shot all of the stupid lame boruto villains like delta or eida - truly I don't think any anime character stronger than naruto and madara's son. their kid will also not be an unlikable badly written brat asshole unlike fucking burrito and their kid will be grateful for his giga chad daddy naruto's existence. adult naruto will look more like his father minato instead of the ugly ass design he got in boruto. yes this ending would be a million times better than the abomination that is boruto and chapter 700.

[emerald-esper]

@1punch

She had noticed it. Bald- Saitama had been staring off into space more than usual lately. Sure, he had always been a bit of an oddball and she still couldn't really read the guy, but ever since the fight with Garou, she'd noticed his eyes had a bit more depth to them. A bit more emotion.

Something that became apparent during their fight a few weeks back. It was when she had started really studying him. Because when someone stronger than you appears, you tend to give them the respect they deserve. Sure, on the outside, she acted like it was a fluke. That she wasn't trying.

But she wasn't an idiot. Saitama was stronger than her.

Maybe even stronger than Blast.

Thus, it troubled her. The way he acted. Now that she knew he was truly strong . . . a lot of his actions in the past started to make sense. When you were strong, a whole new set of problems would come your way.

The most notable one being.

What if I'm not strong enough?

She didn't know if that was the origin of his dilemma, but sometimes, when she glanced his way, his expression reminded her of herself every time she looked in the mirror.

A hint of self loathing. And regret.

But whereas she hid her sadness with rage and bitterness, he seemed to hide it with indifference.

Therefore, Tatsumaki did something she never thought she'd do. Something that, if Fubuki saw it, she would never let her live it down.

She approached Saitama when she saw him on the street, not even bothering to float. She was shorter than him, but that was fine. She wanted to meet him as herself, not as a hero.

"Hey . . . Saitama" she said, still getting used to using his name. "Want to . . ."

Crap. What did he even like? Didn't Genos ramble on and on about the man's interests?

She racked her brain, trying to think of anything the man might like and then it hit her.

". . . check out the local market with me? I heard things are on sale and I can help carry a lot of stuff with my powers."

Why was she trying to be friendly? Well. Blast had told her to never rely on anyone else.

. . . But he had never told her not to help someone who looked like they needed it.

[gofancyninjaworld]

That thing about King

There’s more than one way to be a victim of circumstance

Hilarious and lovable as King is, if you look at him dispassionately, he is a mediocre white man propelled to his situation on account of his looks. The story makes no bones about it: he's been in the right place enough times and looks the part.

Now nice enough but hapless guy (almost always white) who just so happens to bumble along into serious situations and come out well is irritatingly common as a trope in fiction and get very annoying, especially when the author isn't self-aware enough to realise that's what they're writing. Doubly so when the people actually doing the heavy lifting don’t get the credit because they don’t look the part. Triply so when they’re POCs... like Saitama.

What makes King someone we don't hate for all that is first, who he is, and second, the seriousness of his situation.

Who he is. King does not delude himself for a moment that he somehow deserves his position. He knows his favour is unearned and while he hasn't minded the money, he’s always aware that it could be asked for any day. He isn’t a horrible person being portrayed as a nice guy, as happens in many other stories. He genuinely is a nice person. The fact that he does not delude himself into thinking that he has luck powers and is truly terrified for his life at all times is absolutely key to his continued survival. If he were less afraid, his heart beat less loudly, he quivered less so that monsters and people alike don’t misintepret it as suppressed blood lust, the spell would break and he’d just be an ordinary scared guy.

Second, the situation. If he's found out, what's at stake for him isn't embarrassment. It's death, a very nasty death that you would not wish on your worst enemy, let alone someone as humble and as pleasant as this guy. So a guy whom we should absolutely hate, we root for, to somehow get out of this terrible situation. At least for now. 

 It’s been a good thing to see King decide that if he’s stuck being misunderstood, he may as well find ways to use that misunderstanding positively, but the situation isn’t going to be tenable long-term. You only have to run out of luck once to have it all come falling down in the worst way. 

So the question is whether King finds a way to bow out of being seen as a hero gracefully, or if he steps up and becomes as strong as people imagine he is.

Saitama’s essential question is still valid.

[linuxgamenews]

Meg’s Monster gets ready to release adventure and test you

Meg’s Monster retro turn-based JRPG game on Linux, Mac, and Windows PC soon. Thanks to the epic minds beind developer Odencat. Which is all due to make its way onto Steam. Japan indie publisher / developer Odencat Inc. is gearing up to release their epic, stylized, retro turn-based JRPG game. Which is also creating ripples in its homeland, which is due in the West on March 2nd, 2023. Meg’s Monster is coming to both Linux and Steam Deck. Which has also been in development for the last two years. So now, the final touches are being completed to make this one of Odencat Inc’s most ambitious releases. Which is due to include multi-language options. Coming after successful releases including Bear's Restaurant. Along with amazing community support and anticipation for the game. Meg’s Monster chronicles the story of two very unlikely friends. While encased in a unique, raw, scripted, turn-based battle system. Where the player controls a nigh invincible monster who must defeat enemies. Doing so while protecting a fragile human child with strange apocalyptic powers. Because if she cries, the whole world dies. Meg, the human child, (whose tears just so happen to hold the power to bring forth the apocalypse) winds up in a world full of mutants and monsters. They also eat humans for breakfast. It’s up to a hulking brute named Roy and his pal Golan to help her make it back home. While they scour the Underworld for clues regarding her mother’s location. So the trio slowly warm up to one another. While also uncovering some truly amazing secrets about their world and themselves.

Meg’s Monster Teaser Trailer

Meg’s Monster’s retro style and simple in presentation quickly unfolds into a challenging, amusing, and must-play RPG. The story quickly pulls the player into the story while at the same time giving a real empathy for the characters. Over 50,000 words of dialogue give a rich and compelling story to the many battles coming as you venture forth. Each battle comes with its own unique mechanics and minigames to master. So you can duke it out while protecting and keeping Meg happy with her favourite toys. Yes, keeping Meg calm and happy is just one underlying factor. A nice toy will achieve this. But it’s not that simple in Meg’s Monster. Roy, the monster, has 99999 HP and is almost invincible (as in almost every enemy can’t kill him; think Saitama from One Punch Man). However, when he takes damage, the other protagonist, Meg, takes emotional and mental damage in Meg’s Monster. Since she is a child and can’t bear to see Roy getting hurt. If her mental gauge reaches zero, she’ll cry and the world ends. This means that players will need to balance Meg’s mood, as well as defeating enemies that want to destroy them. Roy will need to use toys to keep Meg happy and prevent her from crying. The Demo for Linux, Mac, and Windows PC is available on Steam. Should you want to test your skill at keeping Meg calm. Also, famed Monster Hunter, Hi-Fi Rush, and Atelier Ryza 2 composer Reo Uratani, and a main theme featuring ethereal, otherworldly lyrics written and performed by Laura Shigihara of Plants vs Zombies™, To the Moon, Rakuen, and Deltarune fame, Meg’s Monster soundtrack has much to offer. Meg’s Monster retro turn-based JRPG game will be live on Steam, March 2nd, 2023. Priced at $14.99 USD / £10.99 / 13,99€. Along with support for Linux, Steam Deck, Mac, and Windows PC.

[rants-about-opm]

Let’s Talk About The Redraw...

I’m gonna throw my hat in the ring here, because I’m just as pissed as the next guy.

So, Murata rewrote the latest chapter to remove Saitama and Garou’s heart-to-heart and instead throw in god...

Fucking Oops.

Look at this!

I cannot understate how much this means for both of these characters and their growth thus far.

Garou up to this point has been doggedly determined to end up on top in this fight from the moment he chose his path several beat up heroes ago. And at long last hes met his match, and when forced to come to terms with the fact that he won’t achieve what hes been striving for, his resolve crumbles and into suicidal thoughts.

I want to stress that acting like his mental state is anything but alarming is disingenuous. We can argue back and forth about the intention of his words here, but as we see him in these panels, he isn’t just upset or sad, he’s actively accepted death and is merely awaiting it at the hands of Saitama. 

That Saitama’s reaction in the redraw is changed from empathetic and concerned to downright undiscerning is a fucking tragedy.

Even before actively admitting that he’s waiting to be killed, Saitama is concerned about Garou, he’s hardly fighting back, he repeatedly tells him it’s time to stop, but now all of a sudden he couldnt care less? Garou is at his absolute lowest point, this is the make it or break it moment for helping this child, this teen, this barely-even-an-adult-man come to terms with himself and get better. Because that’s what this whole arc has been about, Garou’s rampage is an absolutely desperate cry for help from someone who doesn’t know how to use their words. Regardless of his abilities and his confidence in his own skill, this path he has taken is reckless and borders on self harm. In real life (something I’ve always praise ONE for abiding by the rules of when it comes to depictions of mental health in his works) Garou’s actions would be seen as blind violence from someone who is clearly not mentally well. Saitama’s interaction with him here is so important because it was always meant to be the other side of the coin, the flip side of what the heroes Garou has met so far have been. When all his violence has been approached in turn, Saitama is the blinding light in the tunnel, the hand stopping to reach out when no one else could think to. 

So let’s discuss what this change says about Saitama. 

Saitama who’s beginning to learn the importance of words, of being a hero in all your actions and reactions, not just in battle. 

Saitama who not 5 or so chapters ago went running to check on his disciple and assure him of his worth.

Saitama who despite his occasional temper is known to those *In Canon and Meta* for offhandedly offering advice whether it’s appreciated or not.

What does it say about him that suddenly he’s ignoring this, his most desperate case of all, one I’d say is most similar in mentality to him? Because Saitama can be a little dense at times, but he is very intuitive about people’s mental states, because he himself suffers with the highs and lows of mental health, he keenly understands the mind and its workings, even if he doesn’t fully realize it. People don’t just flock to Saitama because of his power. Tatsumaki is powerful. Amai is powerful. What draws people to Saitama as opposed to them is his mentality, his advice, his blunt declaration of the truth and refusal to back down from what is truly right, regardless of whether or not it’s a comfortable truth. It’s why he stands apart from the rabble, and why he is the only one that could ever possibly stand up for Garou. Garou has been up against strength before. Strength does nothing but crush his resolve, seeing yet another unbeatable hero squash the ‘bad guy’ under foot. Words are how you get through to him. Giving voice to those thoughts he could never quite articulate, breaking down the walls of his bias and showing him the truth of what he’s been trying to tell himself all along; he wants to be a hero. A real one.

And you know what a real hero doesn’t do?

Beat down their suicidal opponent until they feel cornered enough to be tricked into the servitude of a cruel and malevolent being intent on using them for unknown personal gain.

It almost makes me wish the webcomic had been completed before the manga started. I feel like Murata’s influence has not been a particularly great one on this series, given his pension for focusing on the grand nature of the story rather than the more important yet minute details of the characters and their individual tales. 

I really son’t understand what the intention for the story is going forward. The conclusion to this arc, a beautiful and heartfelt resolution to Garou’s story was handed to us on a silver platter, and now it’s been stripped down to bare bones and rotting flesh. I am angry about the redraw, so is everyone else, and it’s entirely deserved. Here’s to hoping Murata and ONE realize their mistake and drop the redraw before it’s too late. There is too much potential, too much resting on this single moment in the story for them to screw it up this bad.

On behalf of this abysmal rewrite, I am very sorry to everyone who has ever loved this series, been inspired by it, been helped by it (because I cannot understate the leaps and bounds to which my own mental health has been positively influenced by lessons I’ve learned from ONE’s works and I’m sure i’m not the only one).

 We all deserve the original version.