The first step

"I'm Baicang. You got here later than I expected, Genos."

After casually sending the delivery guy on his way, Baicang planted his hands on his hips and assumed the air of a senior disciple.

"I'm terribly sorry, Senior Brother Baicang! I came across a lost child on my way here and was delayed. Please forgive me."

Genos immediately bowed to Baicang in apology.

"Ahem, it's no big deal. Let's get going!" Baicang turned to close the door, then motioned for Genos to follow him.

"Ah, Senior Brother Baicang, where are we going?"

Genos obediently followed behind Baicang, looking a little puzzled. He hadn't even explained anything yet.

When he had been overwhelmed in his last fight with the mosquito monster, a man named Saitama had saved him, letting him witness Saitama's terrifying strength.

Genos believed that if he could become as strong as Saitama, he would surely be able to destroy the rampaging cyborg who had taken his family's lives, fulfilling both his own wish and Dr. Kuseno's.

Unfortunately, Master Saitama hadn't agreed to take him as a disciple. Instead, he had told him to find someone named Baicang, saying he would only qualify to become his disciple after earning Baicang's approval.

So, as soon as his body was repaired, he had rushed to the address Saitama had given him.

Seeing that Baicang still wasn't saying anything,

Genos finally couldn't hold back any longer. Following behind him, he said, "Senior Brother Baicang, the reason I came to see you is actually..."

Smack!

Baicang's hand landed heavily on Genos's shoulder, cutting him off.

Having watched the anime, he knew perfectly well how long-winded Genos was at the beginning, and he had no intention of standing there listening to a lengthy speech.

If he remembered correctly, the House of Evolution would soon send monsters to attack Saitama's home. He needed to get there quickly.

"Genos, I know what you want to say. You have my approval!"

"But I...?"

"Say no more. I can tell from your eyes that you're someone with a story. You must have a reason for being so determined, carrying so many people's hopes on your shoulders, just as I do this to protect my little sister and world peace."

Genos stared blankly at Baicang. Senior Brother Baicang was actually just like him! He could even see into his heart. As expected of Master Saitama's first disciple.

Baicang continued pulling the wool over the single-minded Genos's eyes, his stern expression tempered with gentleness.

"So, you have my approval! I only hope you'll study diligently under Master Saitama and make good use of what you learn and the strength you gain. Don't let me down!"

Hearing Baicang's encouragement, Genos suddenly felt the arm resting lightly on his shoulder grow incredibly heavy.

He immediately bowed ninety degrees to Baicang and shouted, "Yes! I will remember your teachings and won't disappoint you, Senior Brother Baicang!"

Now here's a teachable disciple. Baicang nodded in satisfaction.

Although Genos was known as the legend who never won, he still had real strength. As long as he wasn't fighting a boss, he was very useful for dealing with small fry.

Especially with Dr. Kuseno backing him-that man was an expert in mechanical weaponry.

Unfortunately, Baicang didn't have many leads at the moment. He could only wait and see whether he could get more information out of Genos later.

As he drove Genos to Saitama's home, Baicang kept teaching him how to deal with Saitama.

For instance, he could rent a place next to Saitama's, bring tasty food every day, buy manga to share with him, help clean his home, do his laundry, cook for him, and so on.

To sum it up in one phrase: relentless persistence!

He told Genos to look after Saitama with the same meticulous care he would give a girlfriend.

"What? You've never dated anyone?"

"Hmm... then why not try making Saitama your first?"

"Ahem! Anyway, just focus on working hard to become Saitama's disciple."

Knock, knock, knock!

"Who is it...? Why is it you two?" Saitama looked in surprise at the smiling Baicang standing in his doorway, with Genos beside him.

Saitama let Genos go inside first, then pulled Baicang aside.

"Why did you bring him here?!"

Looking at the irritated Saitama, Baicang gave an awkward smile. "I think he has a lot of potential. And he's got a pretty strong sense of justice."

Saitama held a fist the size of a sandbag up to Baicang's face.

"I bet you did this on purpose! Having you as a disciple is enough trouble already. I can't handle a second one."

"Have I actually caused you any trouble? I even paid for your noodles yesterday."

Saitama paused, then thought about it. That was true.

Ever since Baicang had become his disciple, he hadn't asked him for advice on anything. Instead, he was always inviting him to play video games and eat snacks, and occasionally treating him to meals. Saitama had been pretty confused at first, but eventually stopped bothering with those troublesome questions and simply treated Baicang like a friend.

"Right? Anyway, just see what you think of him first. You might end up liking him."

Baicang cautiously moved away from Saitama's fist. Although he knew Saitama was joking, he still felt it was better to keep his distance from that red glove.

When the two returned to the room, Genos was already kneeling neatly on the tatami.

Saitama and Baicang sat down facing Genos. Saitama signaled with his eyes for Baicang to say something, but Baicang pretended not to notice and turned his head away.

Damn it! What kind of disciple does that?!

With no other choice, Saitama spoke up himself. "Having this one guy is annoying enough. I can't stand a second... huh?"

As he spoke, he noticed Genos's brand-new body and asked in puzzlement, "Huh? Your injuries healed that quickly?"

"Yes. Most of my body is mechanical, so as long as I have spare parts..."

Baicang listened quietly from the side. Taking part in a scene from the anime felt incredibly satisfying, and he had an inexplicable urge to sit back and enjoy the show.

Soon, Genos reached the part where he explained his past, and Baicang discreetly plugged his ears.

On and on he rattled...

"Damn it! Sum it up in twenty words or less!" Saitama roared, unable to take it anymore.

Just then,

Genos's eyes flashed yellow. He leaped to the doorway in an instant and scanned his surroundings warily. "An object is approaching at high speed... it's here!"

Crash!

The ceiling above Saitama's head suddenly shattered, and a mantis-like monster burst into the room. Brandishing the enormous scythes on its arms, it screeched, "My name is..."

Before it could finish its line, the enraged Saitama punched it into splattered pulp.

"You're paying for that ceiling!"

Baicang hurriedly dodged out of the way, narrowly avoiding a spray of green blood. When he looked back, Saitama had already vanished.

"There are two more outside. Master, please leave them to me."

Sensing more enemies, Genos immediately opened the door and leaped stylishly straight down from the corridor outside, leaving Baicang alone in the room.

Looks like the monsters sent by the House of Evolution are here. I can finally put my plan into motion.

Baicang gave a cold chuckle, then turned and headed along the corridor to take the stairs down.

Come on, this is the fourth floor. Jumping down would leave my legs numb...