Just after Gawain and his group decided to meet Atomic Samurai.
When they turned their gaze back to Atomic Samurai, he looked back at them with equal wariness.
Upon seeing Bang, Atomic Samurai breathed a sigh of relief, then simply pursed his lips and walked towards Bang.
"Hey, Bang, no wonder the air tonight is making my blood boil, it almost made me want to go up into the ring and have some fun."
So it was you, old man, who ran into the bar and ignited my fighting instincts!
After giving himself a simple excuse, Atomic Samurai, sword in hand, approached Gawain and his group, arms crossed, and surveyed them.
First, he gave Agoni a disdainful sneer, then looked at Fubuki with even more disdain.
Atomic Samurai scoffed lightly, then spoke arrogantly.
"What's going on with this good-for-nothing old man and that woman, Bang? Aren't you supposed to be in charge of your dojo? Why are you here leading your disciples to fight in underground boxing matches?"
Does your presence mean we'll go bankrupt?
Pshaw, if you really go bankrupt, then send your address to me to practice your swordsmanship.
"At least they'll have something to eat!"
"Haha, do you want my disciple to starve while following a drunkard like you?"
I could never do something like that.
In addition, let me introduce it to you.
This is Gawain, an incredibly strong junior whom even I might not be able to defeat.
As for that old guy you mentioned who's nobody, if that old guy isn't me, then it should be Agoni, the president of the Commercial Alliance.
We've come here today because we have some things we want to discuss with you.
This isn't a suitable place to chat. Let's find somewhere else, a more spacious place.
As soon as he finished speaking, Bang turned and left. Given his personality, he was actually already furious with Atomic Samurai.
Gawain followed Bang and turned to leave, while Fubuki turned back and gave Atomic Samurai a cold glare before leaving.
Looking at Fubuki's big eyes, Atomic Samurai scoffed disdainfully, then shook his head in boredom.
"I thought something was really going on, but it turns out you're planning to use me to pave the way for your good apprentice?"
I don't know when you started teaching a new disciple, but the guy you're praising so much must be quite skilled.
But I won't give you any face, even if you're much older than me.
They want to save face and also want a good reputation.
Ultimately, we still have to earn it with our own hands!
As they spoke, Atomic Samurai proudly tucked his katana into his pocket and followed the others out of the bar.
His two disciples, seeing their master walk away in a mysterious and admiring manner, hurriedly followed him.
There was nothing they could do; they were already used to similar situations.
Atomic Samurai's personality is just like his attire: wooden clogs, a ronin's robe, and a straw hat—a pure, old-school ronin style that blends seamlessly into Rurouni Kenshin without needing a change in art style.
Such wanderers, after a little drinking, become so dissolute they disappear without a trace.
The disciples had long been accustomed to Atomic Samurai's sudden disappearances.
After leaving the house and seeing their master get into the car, the apprentices finally felt relieved.
After getting into the car, Atomic Samurai, holding his sword, stared intently into Gawain's eyes.
Agoni was discussing the Hero Association's plans with Atomic Samurai.
Having heard enough, Atomic Samurai gently waved his hand.
"You powerless old man, there's no need for you to talk so much to me. What kind of bullshit Hero Association is this? Just defeat me and I'll naturally join!"
I only Koby me to give me orders; otherwise, even if it's just a simple command, I won't listen.
Promise me, everything is negotiable. Even stronger individuals than me are willing to join, and I am no exception.
But if you can't beat me..."
At this point, Atomic Samurai flicked his right thumb, which was resting on his katana, and the sword immediately emitted a rhythmic hum.
Accompanied by the whistling sound of the blade, Atomic Samurai grinned.
He looked at Bang expectantly.
"Bang, before today, I remember challenging you to a duel more than once!"
Unfortunately, every time I challenged you to a duel, you ruthlessly rejected me, citing your lack of sword practice!
That's good, haha, today I can finally have a proper fight with you!
"Let me see if you, who have dominated the highest position in martial arts for decades, really have the strength to live up to your reputation!"
Atomic Samurai was slightly excited; he had been looking forward to this situation for far too long.
His personality was indeed like that of a samurai who had been rescued from before the Taisho Era, to the point that in his mind, ranking or face was more important than West City.
In his mind, the weak have no right to talk to him.
And his eyesight...
At least in terms of eyesight, he's far inferior to Bang.
Bang saw through Gawain's strength at a glance. Even if the future Bang couldn't see through Saitama who had unlocked his limiter, he would at least know that Saitama was very strong, extremely strong.
But just as Atomic Samurai cannot see through Gawain now, he will not be able to see through Saitama in the future.
Considering his initial refusal to join the Hero Association unless defeated, and the fact that after joining, he showed Bang exceptional respect...
Gawain probably figured it out: when he wasn't around, it was likely Bang who invited Atomic Samurai to join him.
In that battle, Atomic Samurai probably suffered a crushing defeat, so much so that he became extremely respectful to Bang.
So after today, oh.
Even Atomic Samurai would probably treat me with utmost respect.
Aside from Saitama, a god-level Monster in this world, Gawain really didn't think anyone else was qualified to defeat him.
Especially Atomic Samurai; without Haki, even if Gawain just stood there and let him cut him, he probably wouldn't be able to live up to his name, right?
While secretly chuckling, he parked the car in the middle of nowhere.
As Fubuki opened the car door for Gawain, she whispered something in Gawain ear.
"Master, we must beat that arrogant guy!"
The way that guy looked at people was like he was standing on top of a pyramid; it was disgusting!
Ugh, there are just too many disgusting people in this world!
As she spoke, Fubuki turned and rolled her eyes at Atomic Samurai, who was looking at her with displeasure.
Faced with Fubuki's Byakugan, Atomic Samurai coldly snorted, feeling that he had gained even more reasons to beat up Gawain.
Seeing that Atomic Samurai was getting increasingly annoyed, Agoni clapped his hands with a chuckle.
"We are all strong, and the Hero Association that I want to create is also based on the idea of serving the strong."
Therefore, I will fully respect the opinions and suggestions of every strong person, and at the same time, I hope that your conflicts can be limited to mere sparring.
Be sure not to get really angry; always remember to stop when you've made a move.
Then we can start anytime!
"I know, old man, who needs you to dawdle around like that?"
Do you think reality is like reading JoJo's Bizarre Adventure manga, where you need commentary during every fight scene?
"No way, you guys actually read comics?"
Atomic Samurai sneered, but his words startled the disciple behind him.
"Wait, Master."
If you say that, doesn't that prove you've read JoJo's Bizarre Adventure?
"Shut up!"
Atomic Samurai roared, interrupting his apprentice, and then drew his sword directly at Gawain and Bang.
"Although I'd much rather fight Bang than some random guy like you."
However, since Bang thinks you're not qualified to challenge me, then show me what you're capable of and let me see your magnanimity.
Even if failure is inevitable, one should still strive and fight!
In addition..."
Atomic Samurai turned to look at Bang.
"Also, after I take care of this kid, Bang, you have to personally join the fight. I don't want to miss out on this opportunity."
You've grown old, your hair is completely white, and your body is hunched over.
If you die in a few years, I don't want to miss the chance to even spar with you!
As soon as he finished speaking, Atomic Samurai held his swords in both hands, pointing the tips at Gawain's heart.
Then, he closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath and searching for his own rhythm to sever all things.
Seeing that Atomic Samurai had already begun his pre-battle meditation, Fubuki worriedly left Gawain's side.
Although deep down he still believed in Gawain's strength, Atomic Samurai was, after all, the Sword Saint of the Council of Swordmasters, a title that carried considerable weight in the world today.
While cheering on Gawain, he approached Agoni and Bang with a slightly worried expression.
She really wanted to ask who had a better chance of winning, her master or Atomic Samurai.
But fearing that the answer to this question might affect Gawain's performance, she ultimately kept her mouth shut.
With no one else around, Gawain unbuttoned two buttons on his shirt and then waved to Atomic Samurai.
"You're quite proud, samurai, but you should know that I'm even prouder than you."
You are the one who should fully showcase yourself, and I will give you ample time and space to do so.
So what are you waiting for? To let me make the first move?
Trust me, you should attack me directly.
"How arrogant!"
Hearing Gawain's words, Atomic Samurai sneered disdainfully, then stepped forward in his wooden clogs!
In just one step, the instant his wooden clogs touched the ground, he had already flashed in front of Gawain!
"A flash...!"
He murmured, Atomic Samurai stepped forward while simultaneously slashing horizontally with his sword.
In the blink of an eye, his gleaming blade had already drifted like the wind to Gawain's chest!
As the blade of the Fit approached, Gawain stretched out his right hand, chuckling as he reached out to grab Atomic Samurai's sword.
Seeing that Gawain actually dared to attempt a one-handed attack, Atomic Samurai's disdain was almost overflowing.
To disarm a swordsman with bare hands is understandable; it would prove that the opponent's reaction speed might surpass that of the swordsman himself.
But can one-handedly deflect a blade?
That's something that can only be achieved when one's strength reaches a level of complete dominance!
So, you think you're a whole dimension better than me?!
Fueled by rage, Atomic Samurai's blade accelerated two points.
But in reality, even though he was even angrier inside, his knife softened a little.
Looking into the distance, Bang couldn't help but nod.
"Although this guy seems unreliable, he's actually quite kind at heart."
He didn't even want to cut off Gawain's fingers.
As expected of the Sword Saint of the Council of Swordmasters, even though he is an alcoholic, a wanderer, gamblers, and participates in underground boxing matches.
But deep down, he was still a righteous person.
It's just his taste...
He's probably been wandering for too long and has forgotten how to deal with stronger people.
Even if someone stood right in front of him, he couldn't tell how strong that person was.
Just as Bang making his assessment, Gawain's fingers had already gripped Atomic Samurai's sword.
Atomic Samurai's power was unexpectedly great, reaching the level of an elderly Rayleigh.
As for his swordsmanship...
If he hadn't deliberately gone easy on him, Gawain would have had a bit of a hard time getting to him.
And now his waterproof sword strike...
Gawain's clenched fingers suddenly tightened, firmly blocking Atomic Samurai's sword blade in front of his chest.
Across from him, Atomic Samurai, who couldn't budge the blade no matter how hard he tried, glanced at Gawain in surprise, then shut up completely and said no more.
I misjudged him; this guy really could block my sword with one hand.
I was just using basic attacks, but no matter what, I shouldn't have been so easily controlled, right?
This guy is strong!
In the blink of an eye, Atomic Samurai spun his katana with all his might, barely managing to break free from Gawain's fingers.
He then waited a moment while the car stopped, then switched to holding his knife with both hands.
As he slightly tilted the sword god to the side, Atomic Samurai frowned and spoke.
"You're stronger than I thought, maybe even stronger than Bang, you can even hold my sword!"
"So, please forgive me for having to fight like a sword saint from now on!!!"
With a low growl, Atomic Samurai moved forward at lightning speed, and in the blink of an eye, he raised his sword and slashed at Gawain's fist.
Before the blade could touch Gawain's fist, Atomic Samurai took a deep breath and abruptly withdrew his sword.
After briefly spinning the katana half a circle in his hand, Atomic Samurai suddenly ducked down.
"The path of a swordsman is nothing more than forging ahead relentlessly!"
A swordsman who can only exchange a dozen or even dozens of blows with an enemy is never a qualified swordsman!
But I can cut through everything in front of me!
Atomic Slash!
On the other side, seeing Atomic Samurai unleash his ultimate attack with just one move, Gawain couldn't help but purse his lips.
This is indeed the style of Atomic Samurai, because in the manga, Atomic Samurai almost always wins with a single move.
Although in the comics, Atomic Samurai mostly encounters enemies that can split into multiple parts and are immune to sword damage.
But even against enemies who are not immune to swords, there are only two possible outcomes for Atomic Samurai.
One possibility is that the Atomic Samurai wins the game the moment Atomic Slash.
Another possibility is... once the Atomic Slash unleashed, the Atomic Samurai will be unable to fight anymore.
It's not that Atomic Samurai's single move is the only factor; rather, if his single move fails to defeat the enemy, he's unlikely to be able to defeat the enemy at all.
Although Atomic Samurai is a sword saint, he actually doesn't have any special swordsmanship.
Or rather, most of the characters in One-Punch Man are like this; they all do their best to develop their most powerful move!
Saitama's Serious Punch, Blast's Maximum Output: Gravity Knuckle, Tatsumaki's maximum power superpower, Atomic Samurai's Atomic Slash, and even Tanktop Master's Princess Carry Kill.
Everyone makes a living using this trick...
The reason Atomic Samurai chose to go into seclusion for training after suffering a setback in the manga...
It's also because he felt that King had surpassed him in his area of expertise...
In short...
Faced with such a refined and masterful Atomic Slash, Gawain shook his head regretfully.
"A sword technique that lasts for several seconds, but unfortunately, without the Haki... it's useless."
Atomic Samurai, there's something I need to say that you might not understand, but you should still listen carefully.
My art style... might be better than yours...
Gawain suddenly raised his right hand, which formed a crane's beak shape as he grabbed at the Atomic Slash that was almost invisible to him!
Meeting the Atomic Samurai's gaze, which remained completely unmoved by anything.
Gawain let out a soft cry, then suddenly gathered all his strength into the fingers of his right hand!
Clang!!!
After a sharp crack, Atomic Samurai stood frozen in place, sword in hand.
His eyes were fixed on the blade of his sword.
His sword blade... was Gawain!!!