Negative Publicity Is Still Publicity
"Do you think that, aside from Blast, Tatsumaki, the second-ranked S-class hero, would agree to let a random newcomer sit on her head and become the first?"
"Since that's the case... I'll tell you something, something I've kept secret until now."
Sekingar closed his eyes, interlaced his fingers, and continued, "The entire process of this matter has been reviewed and recorded by the Association, so it is not something I made up. You can verify its authenticity."
After speaking, he looked at his bespectacled subordinate beside him and nodded.
The latter understood immediately and began projecting classified footage.
"It's not just about getting a perfect score on the physical fitness test... these two people."
"God dwells within one body..."
"The other one is itself a synonym for mystery."
There were also some senior executives and managers in the Association who did not participate in the meeting.
Even images of Saitama and Oboro's physical examinations have begun circulating within the Association.
In the many hero evaluation assessments in the past, there have been those who have passed with full marks, but no one has ever been able to achieve the impact of C-class hero Saitama and the ease of S-class hero Oboro. These two seem to be two extremes, but they undoubtedly demonstrate terrifying strength.
The kind that's awe-inspiring...
"Sir, the A-class hero Sweet Mask has requested that we send him the video recordings of these three people."
One of the staff members looked at the senior executive who was expressing his amazement and said.
"Give it to him."
"Yes."
Meanwhile, Oboro had already returned to his apartment.
He parted ways with Saitama.
The bald man said he wanted to take a walk and clear his head.
Genos then went back to find Dr. Kuseno.
As expected, Saitama will be targeted by the A-class hero Sneck.
In the latter's eyes, Saitama is clearly a complete novice and not worthy of being a hero at all.
As soon as she entered the house, Long's phone rang.
In this world, there are only three people who have his contact information: Saitama, Genos, and Zhu Li, the leader of the Neo Heroes.
Now there's another one Sekingar.
When he answered the phone, the person on the other end was Sekingar.
He simply informed Oboro that he had become the 18th S-class hero, ranking behind Genos.
The reason Sekingar called personally was simply to appease Oboro, fearing he might be unhappy with the ranking.
But Oboro didn't care at all. He only participated in the hero evaluation because of Saitama's "face." Now that he's become a hero and has seen Saitama get his comeuppance, the matter is over. Anyway, even becoming a hero doesn't mean he has to carry out missions. He can choose to refuse, and at most he'll be "deducted points and demoted," unable to get promoted.
At worst, I'll just be kicked out of the ranks of heroes...
"Don't worry, I told you... I'm not interested in being a hero. Compared to S-rank, I'd actually prefer you to demote me to C-rank."
Sekingar's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly explained.
He didn't want Oboro, whom he had finally managed to win over, to leave just like that.
In fact, Sekingar was already trying his best to get Oboro to fill the S-rank No. 1 position during the days when Blast was 'disappearing'... However, although he was the leader of the Association on the surface, his voice was not as powerful as one might imagine.
The Hero Association... is truly dominated by the heroes.
Rather than their support staff.
Moreover, the Association's backers are wealthy individuals.
Therefore, today's meeting, even though he explained that Tatsumaki and Flashy Flash had been defeated by Oboro, still failed.
The other high-ranking officials meant very little.
If Oboro is that powerful, she will definitely make a name for herself after joining the Association. Her achievements will surely convince the other S-class heroes. At that time, with a certain 'record', if Sekingar then recommends Oboro as the number one S-class hero, they will have no objections.
"That's all for now... I'm hanging up."
After giving a few perfunctory replies, Long, unwilling to listen to Sekingar's rambling any longer, hung up the phone.
Sekingar is a very smart person. To become a leader, he must be quite intelligent... Saying that he wants to become the number one S-class hero is nothing more than wanting to use fame, status, and identity, along with the sense of responsibility that comes with the hero's title, to force him to become a member of the Association.
Over time, people develop a sense of belonging.
After all, Sekingar knew that Oboro wasn't interested in heroes.
He also understood why Oboro suddenly participated in the evaluation... and changed his mind.
It's thanks to Saitama and Genos.
His concern for Oboro stemmed entirely from the prophecy of Granny Shibabawa ...
The sudden appearance of two S-class heroes in the Association quickly attracted attention from all sides. Many people were inquiring about Genos and Oboro's backgrounds and information, while Saitama was completely ignored.
The news gradually spread throughout society.
After all, the Hero Association's official website has already published photos of Oboro, Genos, and Saitama.
It's fair to say that everyone is eagerly anticipating the performance of the two new S-tier heroes.
However... no one expected that, compared to the diligent Genos, the other S-class hero's level of laziness in his work was simply outrageous.
Long's life continued as always.
They were completely unaffected by becoming heroes.
I just stay at home every day, playing video games and watching TV... Occasionally I go out to buy some things or go to the supermarket.
On one occasion, a strange man suddenly appeared on the street, causing panic among the crowd. Oboro was right there in the crowd, and he simply walked away on his own! You know, once you become an S-class hero, it means that Oboro is already a 'big star', and many people recognize him... There were even people at the scene calling his name, with expectant eyes, hoping that he would take action and kill the monster.
But to everyone's astonishment, Long remained unmoved and calmly left.
Within a few days, many strange people appeared in Z-City. Because it was relatively close, the Association immediately wanted to notify Oboro to deal with them, which was also a chance for him to show his abilities.
Unexpectedly, Long's phone was switched off, and he couldn't be reached at all.
During this time, Deep Sea King also appeared in City J, causing disasters and turmoil just like in the original story. The Association also tried to contact Oboro, but all attempts failed.
In the end, Deep Sea King was defeated by Saitama with One-Punch Man.
As a result, during this period, both public opinion and the Association itself have expressed great dissatisfaction and doubts about Oboro's abilities and sense of responsibility as an S-class hero.
Log in to the Association's official website, and you'll find countless posts and complaints about Oboro. Some people have even dug up a video that went viral online some time ago, showing Oboro freefalling from a great height, completely naked.
More and more people began to complain to the Association, requesting that Oboro be disqualified as a hero.
Originally, Sekingar wanted to build up some popularity for Oboro, so he put up posters on the street for promotion, but they were torn up or vandalized.
Now, Oboro has a well-known heroic nickname: the Heartless Hero.
"He has no heart" means that he is not worthy of being called a hero.
As for the rumors and gossip from the outside world and the attitude within the Association, Oboro ignored them all.
He was peacefully, unusually, enjoying his ordinary life, just like he had been on Earth several lifetimes ago.
He didn't want to interfere with the plot or do anything else during this short 'vacation' in One-Punch Man.
He is very satisfied with his current life... and thinks it's pretty good.