One Punch Man: Heroics Start with Dual Kamui

Chapter 143: If You Dare Flirt, I’ll Kill Him

The victory banquet was a two-day, one-night hot spring trip. Among the women attending, besides Tatsumaki, there were only two Association staff members. The rest were all older male heroes.

Everyone met at the prearranged spot and prepared to board the charter bus.

Shinji, Saitama, Genos, and Boros rode together.

"Oh! The big shots are already here," Atomic Samurai said with a smile.

By "big shots" he clearly meant Shinji and Boros.

"Indeed. The last alien invasion was mostly resolved thanks to Kamui's efforts, and although Boros was formerly an enemy, he later provided the Association with substantial funds," Iaian nodded.

He had thought he might skip the banquet, but at the request of his master Atomic Samurai, he had come along.

Soon, Shinji greeted Atomic Samurai and the others.

Before long, Tatsumaki arrived.

Shinji greeted her, "Hey, Tatsumaki."

Tatsumaki snorted and threw him a scowl. "Hmph!"

"..."

Shinji smiled helplessly.

Was she still sulking about yesterday?

"Is she mad because you knocked her down in the rankings?" Atomic Samurai elbowed Shinji playfully, looking for amusement.

"Probably not that," Shinji said. He did not elaborate. At least Tatsumaki's grudge was not likely about rankings. The Association had asked her opinion before adjusting ranks.

When the departure time came, they all boarded the bus and set off. No one stayed behind to wait for latecomers.

...

Soon, the charter arrived at the hot spring inn reserved for the banquet. The Association had booked the entire place, so no outsiders would interfere for the next two days.

"Come on in, everyone. The baths are ready," the staff announced at the inn's gate.

Shinji and the others entered the men's baths. Tatsumaki and the two female staff went to the women's baths next door, separated by a wooden partition.

"This feels great," Bang closed his eyes and enjoyed the hot spring.

Though aged, Bang still had lean, well-defined muscles. Only his white hair, beard, and facial wrinkles marked his years.

"The Association is generous. A hot spring trip for a victory banquet," Iaian remarked.

"Some people did nothing and still came," Atomic Samurai teased those S-class heroes who had not contributed much.

"Yeah," Metal Bat added, glaring at them. "You did nothing but still come relax in the hot springs?"

"We had other matters," Flashy Flash said indifferently. He sat with only his feet in the water.

"What could be more important than a god-level disaster?" Metal Bat demanded.

"I have no obligation to answer you," Flashy Flash replied, flicking his soft hair.

"They left to hunt monsters and capture fugitives elsewhere. They probably figured the rest of us could handle the alien problem," someone offered.

At that moment, Bang spoke up to explain for them.

"Even if the crisis was resolved, without Shinji we would not have made it out alive."

Atomic Samurai grinned.

"..."

Boros, the main cause of the incident, stayed silent, eyes closed, soaking in the hot spring.

"I only left because I was hungry," Pig God admitted honestly. Even while soaking, he was still munching on a rice ball.

"I only need to protect my own city," Watchdog Man said calmly. He sat in the hot spring without ever removing his dog costume.

"I take plenty of monster-hunting jobs in my usual work. Don't compare me to you," Flashy Flash said coolly.

"What did you say!" Metal Bat snapped, infuriated by his attitude. "I even missed my little sister's piano recital for this! Do you think you are the only busy one?!"

While that side grew noisy, Shinji's group remained calm.

Shinji and Boros leaned against the edge of the bath, quietly soaking. Shinji draped a towel across his face like an eye mask.

Saitama and Genos sat nearby, the four forming a small, peaceful circle.

"I remember you're a cyborg. Aren't you worried about water damage in a hot spring?" Saitama asked curiously. "No offence, but an oil spa might be better for you, don't you think?"

"No. My waterproofing easily blocks out the spring water. Though I also cannot feel the sensation of soaking..." Genos replied. "And an oil spa, seriously?"

His body was 99% mechanical. Aside from his brain, everything was cybernetic, so at most he could register the water's temperature.

Meanwhile, from the women's baths, the noise from the men's side was easy to hear.

"They're so loud, honestly..." Tatsumaki complained.

"The men sound lively. Should we chat about something too?" one staff member suggested.

"What should we talk about..." the other thought aloud. "At times like this, gossip is probably the best topic."

"True, but there aren't many female heroes in the Association. It's hard to pick someone to talk about."

Though the strongest female hero, Tatsumaki, was right there in the bath, both women knew her temper too well to gossip about her.

"Then let's talk about the men. For example, Silver Fang may look like this now, but I've heard he was very dashing and elegant in his youth."

"Really? I can believe that. He must have been quite handsome when he was younger. Handsome men usually turn out to be playboys, don't they?"

"That's not always true. By that logic, wouldn't Kamui also be a playboy?"

Normally, Tatsumaki had no interest in gossip. But the moment she heard them bring up Shinji, her ears perked up.

"Miss Tatsumaki, what do you think?"

Suddenly hearing her name, Tatsumaki nearly jumped.

"W-what is it?"

"We mean about Kamui. Do you think he's the kind of man who plays around?"

At that, Tatsumaki grew thoughtful. "If he dares to flirt around, I'll kill him!"

She ended with a sharp snort.

The two staff women froze, a little frightened.

S-so heavy presence...

But they also realized something. Could it be that Miss Tatsumaki has feelings for Kamui...?