One Punch Man: Heroics Start with Dual Kamui

Chapter 126: Psykos’ Expectations

"No, she's more like someone… I know." Shinji quickly explained to Boros.

Hearing that, Fubuki's pupils trembled slightly, and her expression shifted in a subtle way. Strictly speaking, she really was just someone he knew, yet for some reason an emptiness welled up in her chest.

Was it because… she wasn't even considered a friend? Or was it something else? Fubuki herself couldn't be sure.

"I see. It seems I still don't understand this planet's culture… Earth's culture." Boros looked as though he was trying to gauge the situation.

"Yeah, you'll need to take some time to learn." Shinji gave an awkward smile. "Especially to read the mood."

"Well… I'll head back first." Fubuki spoke up then. She couldn't explain that brief pang of disappointment, so she quickly pushed it aside.

"Alright. See you." Shinji nodded.

....

For the time being, Boros settled down in the abandoned district of Z-City.

It wasn't wise for him to be out in public now. Everyone on Earth already knew his appearance, and showing up on a busy street would cause panic. Until he officially joined the Hero Association, it was better for him to remain in the deserted area.

"Most of the houses here are empty. Just pick any one to stay in."

Shinji then asked, "By the way, do aliens even need to sleep?"

"It isn't a necessity, but it helps. Rest keeps us in peak fighting condition." Boros answered matter-of-factly.

Shinji nodded slightly. "Makes sense. Then find a place to stay."

"Any house next door will do." Boros walked out.

But when he went to push open the door of the house to the left, he misjudged his strength.

Crash!

With just a casual push, the entire door shattered, flew off its hinges, and slammed directly into Saitama's bald, shiny head.

That's right. This was Saitama's home.

The door rebounded off his smooth, round head with a loud clang, flying off again.

"The hell..." The sudden destruction of his front door made a vein pop on Saitama's forehead. "Are you looking for trouble, mate?"

"No… I thought this place was empty. Sorry, I didn't control my strength." Boros apologized at once.

Shinji, hearing the commotion, rushed over to explain. "Sorry, Saitama. I forgot to tell him this was your place. I just told him to find a random house nearby."

"Oh, if it's you then." With the reason clear, Saitama's expression returned to normal. "The house further left is empty. You can stay there."

"Got it." Boros nodded and turned to leave, but Saitama stopped him again.

"Hold your horses, Mr. Cosmic Dentist. You broke my door. Shouldn't you at least offer something in return?"

"You mean compensation?"

Boros thought for a moment, then pulled out a fist-sized crystal that sparkled like a gemstone. "This jewel is worth ten million cosmic credits. I don't know how that converts into Earth currency, but it should more than cover the cost of a door."

If anything, cosmic credits were likely worth far more than yen.

"T… ten million…?" Saitama froze, stunned by the number. Man, with this much money, he wouldn't even need to worry about a decade's worth of groceries.

Boros placed the jewel directly on Saitama's table and left.

Shinji didn't comment. For Boros, even though the gem was worth ten million cosmic credits, it was probably nothing of consequence.

Instead, the one left troubled was Saitama.

The jewel's value was far too high, completely out of proportion compared to a door. If he accepted it, he would feel guilty. If he refused, it felt like a waste.

....

In the end, Boros chose to settle in the house next door.

That same day, Saitama returned the jewel to him. After wrestling with the decision, he decided it was inappropriate to keep something so valuable. Instead, they agreed Boros could repay him by treating him to a few meals.

When he had free time, Shinji thought of Psykos, who had been left alone underground. He hadn't checked in on her for several days.

The Monster Association, aside from Garou, was one of the most important forces to pay attention to. Shinji naturally gave them weight, especially since the true mastermind behind them was "God."

Now that the Dark Matter Thieves incident had come to an end, Shinji's focus had shifted again.

What weighed on him most was the mystery of how he had traveled back to four years ago, when he first gained the Rinnegan. And now… he already possessed it.

Before long, Shinji arrived at Psykos' hidden chamber.

She sat on the sofa, a book in one hand, her other hand propping up her chin. Eyes closed, she seemed to be resting.

Man, it was the sight to be seen.

"Psykos..." Shinji called her name softly.

Her senses were sharp. She opened her eyes at once, and her expression carried a trace of unease from the sudden sound. Living in such conditions meant she always had to guard against being discovered by outsiders or even members of the Monster Association, leaving her mind constantly tense.

But when she saw it was Shinji, her expression relaxed.

"Vice Chairman, you're here. I heard you already defeated that alien who called himself the conqueror of the universe." Psykos spoke gently.

"Yes. That incident kept me busy these past days." Shinji rubbed his hair.

"It doesn't matter. The fact that Vice Chairman Shinji still remembers me… is enough." Psykos smiled faintly. "By the way… Vice Chairman Shinji, your eyes have turned gray-violet again."

She had noticed his Rinnegan.

"Just like in your memories, right?" Shinji asked.

"Yes. Because they're so unusual, I remember them clearly. Not only the color, but even the pattern is identical." Psykos properly explained.

"...This…"

Shinji hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Boros, the conqueror of the universe, is preparing to join the Hero Association. Are you still set on fighting against the Hero Association?"

"…You were the one who recommended Boros to the Association, weren't you?" Psykos was a little surprised, but she could guess the situation.

"That's right." Shinji gave a small nod.

She wasn't angry, nor did she find it strange. She knew Shinji's memories hadn't fully returned yet, and as a top-ranked S-Class hero, it was natural for him to put the Association first.

"Vice Chairman Shinji, I understand. But… how I wish you could regain your memories sooner..." Her tone carried a quiet sadness and a sense of loneliness. Until or unless Shinji's memories return, nothing will fit right with her.