One Punch Man: Heroics Start with Dual Kamui

Chapter 135 135: Pardon My Rudeness

"Yes, I know her, but saying our relationship is unusual would be too much. At most, we're just acquaintances." Shinji gave his answer.

"Really?"

Tatsumaki looked half-doubtful, half-skeptical. "Let me make this clear first, you are not allowed to lay a hand on my sister."

"I don't know which kind of 'laying a hand' you mean, but either way, I wouldn't do it." Shinji felt a little speechless. "So, do you want me to call your sister to come pick you up?"

"You even have Fubuki's number? Just being acquaintances is enough for you two to exchange contact information already...? Yet with me, you never..."

Tatsumaki's voice trailed off abruptly. Shinji asked curiously, "Never what?"

"Nothing!"

She changed the subject right away. "Anyway! I don't have the strength to fly home now, and I don't want anyone else coming to pick me up either."

She was clearly hinting at something again.

"So, you're saying you want me to take you back?" Shinji finally understood what she meant.

Given that Tatsumaki was currently at her weakest, and considering his sense of responsibility, there was no way he would actually leave her behind. Still, another thought crossed his mind. "Or do you mean if you rest a bit longer, you'll be fine on your own?"

"…Ha…"

Tatsumaki remained silent, standing in front of him as if waiting for something.

Seeing her like this, Shinji seemed to realize what she wanted.

"Then pardon my rudeness..."

With that, he scooped her up in his arms in a classic princess carry. After all, that position was the most natural and convenient.

She was so light it was as if she weighed nothing at all, yet the sensation of holding her was very real. Her delicate figure gave off a fragile, boneless softness.

Though Tatsumaki kept her hands protectively over her chest, she didn't resist. Her cheeks were tinged with red, making her look more nervous and shy than anything else.

"So, where's your home?" Since he had no idea where to go, Shinji lowered his head to ask.

"My place in City A was destroyed by that guy Boros and his ship, so I moved to City B. Once we're there, I'll give you directions." She explained calmly.

"Alright."

Before the words were even fully spoken, Shinji used his Flying Thunder God technique and appeared in City B.

Tatsumaki instantly noticed the world around her shift drastically, changing from a desolate wasteland to the middle of an urban district in the blink of an eye.

They were standing on top of a building.

"This is already City B?" Tatsumaki asked in shock.

"Yes. Look around and point me in the right direction." Shinji nodded.

"...Alright, let me see."

Still stunned by his speed, Tatsumaki quickly scanned the surrounding buildings to confirm their location. Although she knew how strong Shinji was, seeing him instantly move from a remote area outside City A's border to the heart of City B still left her astonished.

"Okay, I know where we are now. Go that way about three thousand meters." She pointed with her finger.

"Got it."

With a short reply, Shinji dashed across the rooftops, his body flickering as he used his instantaneous movement.

In just a few moments, they reached the place Tatsumaki had indicated.

"My temporary place is in that hotel. I'm staying there for now since I haven't decided on a permanent residence yet. They've also invited me to move into the Hero Association's fortress base. I might consider it, but for now, I'm here." She pointed toward a particular hotel.

Shinji carried her straight to the entrance of the hotel.

"Then I'll be heading back."

Just as he was about to say his usual farewell, Tatsumaki interrupted him.

"Wait..."

"What is it now?"

"Why are you in such a rush to leave? Are you really that impatient with me?"

She questioned him unhappily while taking out a phone. She didn't explain further, seemingly waiting for him to figure out her intentions on his own.

"What's this about now? You want to exchange contact information?"

That was the only possibility Shinji could think of.

"Since you know, then hurry up." Tatsumaki urged him.

Shinji didn't overthink it. He pulled out his phone and exchanged numbers with her. Once it was done, Tatsumaki finally looked satisfied.

"This way, if there are any difficult missions in the future, we can contact each other right away. Besides, only exchanging numbers with Fubuki... that's way too sneaky..."

The first half of her words sounded perfectly normal, but the second half became quieter and quieter. After "only with Fubuki," her voice turned so faint it was practically a whisper, barely audible at all.

Even with good hearing, Shinji couldn't catch what she said afterward. "What was that about Fubuki?" he asked.

"Nothing. Just go. If something comes up, I'll call you directly."

With that, Tatsumaki turned and walked into the hotel.

"Alright then..."

Shinji also prepared to leave, feeling the soft sensation on his hand. Maybe Psykos was affecting him in someway he didn't understand for now.

.....

In the blink of an eye, Shinji was back home.

"Oh, Shinji, you're back. Genos was just looking for you," Saitama said, sipping tea comfortably in the living room.

"Genos? What is it?" Shinji turned to where Genos was sitting.

"Today, some strange man calling himself 'Speed-o'-Sound Sonic' tracked me down somehow. He asked me to deliver a message to sensei, saying he wants to test himself against true ninjutsu..." Genos reported with a serious expression.

"Speed-o'-Sound Sonic? Why does that name sound so familiar? Isn't he the guy who caused me trouble before? That sick freak in tight perverted outfit?" Saitama asked, vaguely remembering such a nuisance.

"...Did he say anything else?" Shinji pressed.

He hadn't expected Sonic to come looking for him. Normally, that guy should still be stubbornly chasing after Saitama.

"He also said he'll come by tomorrow morning, and he hopes sensei will be around then." Genos's tone darkened as he added firmly, "If this is some suspicious character with malicious intent, I can deal with him outside. I won't allow him to take a single step through sensei's door."

"That won't be necessary..."

Shinji gave an awkward smile. "Let him come inside. I'd like to see what exactly he wants from me. Claiming he wants to test real ninjutsu... it sounds more like an excuse."

"Understood." Genos nodded.

Just then, Shinji's phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he saw the name Tatsumaki.