- ...That's how it is, old man.
Saitama finally finished his story, and Hiruzen frowned, processing what he had just heard from the bald hero.
Outside the Hokage Tower, dawn was approaching. The stars began to fade, the sky noticeably brightened, and the birds started to wake up, filling the village with their cheerful calls.
- Your story is incredible, Saitama-kun, - the Third Hokage began, - and although it's hard to believe, it seems you really did end up in our world without even realizing it.
The Sandaime was astonished by what he had heard. The young man before him was a hero from another world who had achieved unimaginable strength. He had fought against monsters, gods, and who knows what else. The details of the world from which Saitama came-its structure, technology, and culture-also amazed the old shinobi.
The Byakugan had already scanned the Bald Cape multiple times, yet not a single trace of chakra or chakra pathways had been found. No hidden sealing marks were discovered either. All of this pointed to one conclusion-Saitama's abilities were not of the shinobi world.
Hiruzen once again took out his pipe and began packing it with tobacco.
- So, what am I supposed to do? - Saitama asked in confusion. Back home, King, Genos, and... his cactus were probably waiting for him. Yes. He hadn't watered it in a while.
Sarutobi pondered deeply. The Hokage himself didn't know how to handle the young man's situation. The B-Class hero had shared many details that would have been impossible to make up on the spot. And why would he? If someone wanted to infiltrate the village, they could have come up with a much simpler and more believable story.
Just think-the Professor had just witnessed an incursion into his world. Accidental or not, it was still an invasion. One thing was clear: Konoha was fortunate that the Bald Cape had no militaristic ambitions. With his level of strength, Saitama could have caused serious problems not just for the Hidden Leaf Village but for the entire world if he wanted to. Naturally, the head of Root ANBU had already been alerted, and his men were actively gathering information on this newcomer. But the Hokage believed Saitama. He didn't know why, but he trusted everything he had said.
At the same time, he was wary. His shinobi instincts told him that in the forest, this man hadn't shown even half of what he was capable of. An open confrontation with him would be, at the very least, foolish. Sarutobi wasn't sure who would emerge victorious in such a battle. And remembering that this young man's rank was only "B," the Hokage mentally thanked the Shinigami and all the higher powers that they weren't dealing with an S-Class hero, who was supposedly even stronger.
Nonetheless, Konoha had a chance to gain a powerful "shinobi" on the level of a Kage. Even temporarily, such an asset could prove useful in the ongoing tensions between the Five Great Villages. After all, the current period of calm usually only preceded a storm.
- Saitama-kun, I suggest you stay with us, - Hiruzen lit his pipe using a spark of Fire Release chakra and took a puff. - At least until we find a way to send you home.
Saitama didn't have much of a choice, so his agreement was entirely logical.
- Okay, - the Bald Hero yawned and absentmindedly began picking his ear.
"Mhm. His manners are worse than a tailed beast's," Sandaime thought to himself.
- But I do have one question, - Saitama returned a serious expression to his face and crossed his arms.
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow in surprise.
- I'm not an idiot, old man, and I understand that there isn't a trace of altruism in your offer, - the hero said smoothly. - So what exactly do you want from me?
Sarutobi was initially taken aback but then mentally applauded the young man. So that dumb expression on his face was just an act, a distraction.
- Hmm, - the Hokage blew out a couple of smoke rings. - I admit, I didn't invite you here for no reason. First, I'm interested in learning about your abilities...
- Oh, old man, - Saitama rolled his eyes, - I don't have any special abilities. I just trained a lot and became so strong that I can defeat anyone with a single punch.
Hiruzen shook his head in disbelief but continued:
- Alright, we'll leave that aside for now. Second, I want you to be on our side and help defend the village if it ever comes under threat.
- Well, that's easy, - the Caped Baldy waved a hand dismissively. - I've got nothing better to do anyway.
- Good, - the Hokage stated. - You may go now. You'll be escorted to your new... residence, - he chuckled.
***
A few hours later, at the academy.
A swarm of young shinobi-to-be sat in one of the classrooms of the Ninja Academy. The children were listening attentively as their chunin instructor read out the team assignments.
- Team Seven! - Umino Iruka announced. - Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke!
The little blond was happy to be on the same team as the girl he liked. And while having the pink-haired future kunoichi on his team delighted him immensely, that joy was dampened by the presence of a sullen and arrogant brunette. Naruto had disliked the Uchiha from the moment he first saw him. And that dislike was entirely mutual.
Naruto was about to protest the team assignment-why did he have to be in the same team as Uchiha?-but then he suddenly remembered the strange bald guy from yesterday's fight. That guy, named Saitama, had single-handedly taken on a dozen Konoha shinobi and tossed them around like children. Even the Hokage hadn't engaged him in combat.
"I wish I could become Saitama-san's student..." the boy thought dreamily. Naruto wasn't very good at remembering names. He often made up nicknames for people. He wasn't great with honorifics either. But if he respected someone, he would address them properly and even by name.
- Your mentor will be Jonin Hatake Kakashi... - The chunin hesitated slightly. - Though he's currently in the hospital after... um, a certain mission. So, Team Seven, you're free for now.
Iruka had already been patched up after last night's incident. Despite his injuries, he managed to attend the team assignments. But Kakashi Hatake wasn't so lucky. He had suffered a serious concussion, a fractured jaw, broken ribs, an open arm fracture, and numerous bruises. In short, he was lucky his spine was still intact. So for the next week, the Copy Ninja would be under the care of the medical-nin.
The seventh team left the academy grounds. Sakura frowned in displeasure.
- How come? Everyone else is training with their mentors, but our sensei is in the hospital! Is he some kind of weakling? Or a loser?
The pink-haired girl was practically bursting with energy. She wanted to show off everything she had learned at the academy as soon as possible.
- Sakura-chan, don't worry. We can train together... - the blond began.
- Shut up, baka! - Sakura interrupted him. - You're the worst in our class. How did a weakling like you even get a forehead protector?
Naruto wanted to argue, but memories of the last night flashed before his eyes. The moment he was pinned down, he had felt utterly powerless despite his newly learned technique. Yeah, it seemed like he really was weak.
Naruto bit his lip and quietly muttered:
- You're right, Sakura-chan.
- ...Eh? - The girl was at a loss for words at such a change in the blond. He was always so hyperactive, loud, and sometimes overly optimistic. Had someone replaced him?
- I'm weak, and I admit it, - Naruto said, clenching his fists. - But I swear this will change. I will change and become the strongest shinobi in the world. And after that, I will definitely become Hokage! That is my ninja way!
A dark determination flared up in the boy's eyes. He was possessed by an unwavering drive to push forward and never give up. The others stood frozen in shock.
A serious Naruto? Was this a joke?
- I have to go, - the blond said, turning toward his home. He had set a goal and was determined to achieve it. And the first step toward this great goal, Naruto believed, was finding a mentor as great as the new acquaintance he had met.
"Wait for me, Saitama-sensei! I'll do whatever it takes to become your student!"
***
- Achoo! - The bald man barely managed to cover his mouth. - What the heck? Am I catching a cold? I haven't been sick at all since I started those workouts.
Saitama was lying on the bed in his new one-room apartment, provided to him by Sarutobi Hiruzen. Though calling it an "apartment" was a bit of a stretch. The single room served as a bedroom, kitchen, and entryway all in one. Thankfully, the toilet and bathroom were behind a separate door, covered in chipped white paint.
The setup of the apartment was the definition of minimalism: a creaky bed with a wobbly stool nearby, a sink, a leaning cupboard, a wooden table, a small electric stove, and a refrigerator. The latter was empty, but Saitama reassured himself that it wouldn't stay that way for long. The Hokage had promised to send someone to give him a tour of Konoha and help him buy groceries.
Overall, the guy was fine with everything. So what if he ended up in another world? So what if this world was weird-no airplanes, no cars, no computers, and barely any technology? At least they had electricity, and that was something. Of course, it was a shame there was no TV, and such luxuries seemed to be reserved for only the rich. But there were movies. And people actually watched them-though usually only in theaters. Saitama had figured that out earlier that morning when they were settling him into his apartment.
The Caped Baldy drifted into thought. He hoped that Genos and the others in his world were doing okay. And that his world itself would survive-after all, the monsters and enemies had been getting stronger and stronger. But they had powerful heroes in the S-Class, including the enigmatic Blast, who held the number one spot. They should be able to handle things... Probably.
"Ah, it's not my problem anymore. I can't help them, so there's no point in worrying about it..." Saitama thought.
Maybe this was for the best. Maybe here, he would finally find worthy opponents who wouldn't go down in one punch. Or... maybe in this strange world, he would find a new purpose? Not just playing hero for fun or seeking strong opponents, but a truly worthy goal. Who knew?
His thoughts were interrupted by a firm knock on the door:
**Knock-knock-knock**
Saitama immediately jumped up to open it. He was ready to go anywhere-anything to avoid sitting in four walls, waiting for his escort. But when he opened the door, he froze in confusion.
In front of him stood a rather attractive young woman with dark violet hair tied into a short, spiky ponytail. She wore an open coat with pockets and a short mini-skirt. Beneath the coat was a semi-transparent fishnet bodysuit-covering her from neck to thighs-revealing her incredibly alluring figure. Her lower legs were covered in gray shin guards. If not for Saitama's iron will, honed through grueling training, he probably would have fallen victim to his instincts and gotten a nosebleed. But he was the Caped Baldy. His face remained as detached as ever, with only the faintest hint of interest.
- How long are you gonna stare at me, baldy?
His eye twitched, but he managed to suppress the killing intent rising within him, along with his irritation. Maybe he had really been staring at the girl for too long.
"Weird. I don't remember ordering any escorts, and it's not even the right time for that..."
- Who are you? - Saitama asked bluntly. - I'm actually waiting for someone sent by the old man. Sorry, but I don't need any... special services. And I don't have money anyway.
- ...
The girl's jaw clenched, her cheeks flushed red, and her eyes narrowed dangerously. Clenching her fists, she stepped inside uninvited and slammed the door shut. Taking a few steps past the guy, she suddenly spun around and delivered a spinning kick straight to his bald head...
***
**A little earlier**
Anko Mitarashi had finally returned from a two-week mission in the Land of Tea. She had decided to complete the last leg of her journey overnight so she could arrive in Konoha as soon as possible and submit her report. After that, her plan was to grab a bunch of dango, some sake, and celebrate the successful mission before crashing into bed with a clear conscience.
It was around eight in the morning. The sky was clear. The sun wasn't scorching yet, but it was already warming her back through the coat. She slowed her pace and walked calmly through the main gates of the village. She had barely taken ten steps when an ANBU shinobi appeared in front of her.
- Mitarashi Anko, you are ordered to report to the Hokage immediately, - came a muffled voice from behind the mask.
- But I was heading there anyway, - the girl replied irritably. - Did something happen?
- Nothing serious. The Hokage has a new mission for you. Follow me, - the shinobi leaped onto the nearest building and swiftly moved across the rooftops.
Anko cursed under her breath but soon followed. The Tokubetsu Jonin was sleep-deprived, hungry, and therefore in a rather foul mood. But an order was an order, so after a while, upon arrival, she suppressed her irritation and walked steadily into the Tower and then into the Hokage's office...
The conversation with Sarutobi didn't take long. She completed her previous mission and immediately received a new one.
Her task now was to escort a bald guy who had recently arrived in the village. She was to show him around, explain some general things, and hand him a sum of money. She wasn't given any details about the mission. Who was this person, for whom the Hokage was willing to assign an entire Tokubetsu Jonin as a guide? She thought the Sandaime had lost his mind. Most of the men in the village were afraid of her. And now she had to accompany, guide, and (Rikudou help her!) feed some stranger for a whole day.
- Bijuu, do I look like a tour guide? Or a nanny? - Anko hissed through her teeth as she headed to her target's apartment.
After meeting with Hiruzen Sarutobi, she had just enough time to take a shower, grab a quick bite, and put herself together. So now, her irritation level had slightly decreased. But she was still far from achieving Zen-like calmness.
Taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, she knocked on the worn-out door.
It opened immediately. A bald guy in black capris and a white T-shirt stood before her. His expression was blatantly dumb yet indifferent at the same time, making the girl want to smash a brick into his face.
She asked why he was staring at her like that.
For a moment, something ominous emanated from him. The feeling reminded Anko of her teacher, Orochimaru. But in the next second, seeing the same stupid face, she thought she must have imagined it.
- And who are you? - the guy asked. - I'm waiting for someone from the old man. Sorry, but I don't need any escort services. And I don't have money.
The girl nearly lost it (and she could-she had snake summons). No one had ever spoken to her like that before. Did this suicidal idiot just mistake her for some prostitute?
Barely keeping her composure, she stepped inside, shutting the door so no one would see her beating up a civilian. She wouldn't even use chakra in her strikes. A regular beating should suffice. He seemed mentally unhinged, but that didn't excuse him. Anko wasn't going to hold back physically. If she knocked him out-so be it.
At that moment, she was so furious that she completely forgot one crucial detail: she had an assignment from Sandaime to escort this strange guy.
**Thud**
- A-a-a-a-ah... Ouch! Damn you, Bijuu!
***
Saitama stared in surprise at the kunoichi, who was now hopping on one foot, clutching her heel with both hands.
- Idiot, are you made of iron or what?! - the girl hissed.
- Uhh... - the hero scratched his bald head in confusion. - You ran into me yourself. And what are you doing in my apartment?
- Rrrr... - the girl growled uncharacteristically but then remembered her mission.
Letting go of her foot, she continued:
- I'm Mitarashi Anko. The Hokage sent me to you.
- Ahh. Well, I'm Saitama. You said "Hokage"? What's that? Some kind of shadow*? I don't get it. Speak clearly.
The kunoichi's palm instinctively met her face-her own. Though she really wanted to land it on someone else's dumb face. But she still explained:
- I'm your escort. From... the old man.
- Well, why didn't you just say so? - the guy said.
The girl forced herself to stop her eye from twitching. She still hadn't figured out whether this guy was genuinely dumb or just messing with her.
Saitama briskly headed for the exit. On the landing, he stopped and turned around.
- What are you standing there for? Let's go already. I'm starving.
Anko rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath:
- Oh Kami, give me the strength to finish this C-rank mission...
(* - "Kage" translates from Japanese as "shadow.")