One Punch Man: Heroics Start with Dual Kamui

Chapter 122: A-City Reconstruction Plan

The Hero Association was pushing forward at full speed with the reconstruction of A-City. However, they were not restoring the old residential areas. Instead, the focus was on building around the Hero Association's headquarters tower.

The headquarters was set to undergo major reinforcement, reconstruction, and expansion, transforming into a fortress-like base of steel and stone. All heroes ranked A-class and above had the right to relocate to the headquarters fortress. As long as they applied, approval was almost guaranteed.

There were also plans to construct highways, rail systems, and other routes branching out from the fortress, allowing heroes to reach any city as quickly as possible. But before any of that could happen, the ruins of old A-City needed to be cleared, along with filling in the massive basin left behind by the "Super Shinra Tensei."

According to the Association's initial projections, if the project were handed entirely to the government, it would take decades to fully complete.

"Of course, that's only if it's given to the government…"

One of the staff members working on the design blueprints raised both hands and spread his fingers. "Ten years! We could complete the entire project in just ten years!"

"What… isn't that a bit exaggerated? Could the difference really be that huge?"

The others in the room found it hard to believe.

"If we used traditional construction methods, no way. But this time, the entire project is going to be entrusted to a single person, and that is…"

Before he could finish, the building began to shake.

Vrrrmm… Vrrrmm…!

The staff, unaware of what was happening, panicked immediately.

The last time Boros had attacked, it had scarred them deeply. Although this tremor wasn't as strong as that one, it still triggered their fears.

"Something's wrong! A massive weapon is approaching the headquarters!!"

At that moment, a worker burst in with the report.

"What?!"

"Don't tell me it's another spaceship like last time?!"

"Turn on the monitors! Show us what's outside!"

…

Everyone braced for the worst.

When the external feed appeared on screen, what they saw was a mechanical monster larger than the entire headquarters tower.

The violent shaking just now was caused by its landing.

"What… what is that thing?! It's enormous!!"

They immediately thought it was a mechanical monster attack, their faces twisted in fear.

"It's not a spaceship, but that thing doesn't look any easier to deal with…"

"Call the heroes right now! We can't let the headquarters fall again!"

"At the moment, the only S-class hero in the building is Tanktop Master. He and some members of the Tanktop Army are training in the gym on the 23rd floor!"

"Tanktop Master… there's no choice. Send them out!"

It was obvious they didn't have much faith in him. After all, Tanktop Master was ranked low among the S-class.

…

Headquarters tower, 23rd-floor gym.

Tanktop Master was in the middle of training while talking with his men.

"Just a few days ago, I realized Kamui's psychic power holds nearly world-ending force. If I don't get stronger soon, I won't stand a chance against something like that…"

He spoke in a deep voice. "But I know a way to overcome psychic powers. The answer lies in the tank top itself. The tank top is the source of strength, and to wield that power, one must become a man worthy of wearing it!"

The moment his words fell, a staff member rushed in, face pale with urgency.

"Tanktop Master, sir! A massive weapon is approaching the headquarters! Please intercept it at once!"

The worker didn't say it outright, but in truth, they only hoped Tanktop Master and his men could stall until reinforcements arrived.

Upon hearing the news, Tanktop Master charged out of the building without hesitation, leading his squad.

Then they saw it: a colossal steel beast that took their breath away.

Its shape resembled a mechanical dog, standing on four legs, its back dome-like like a turtle's shell. But what was most terrifying was its sheer size, even larger than the headquarters itself, giving the impression that it could flatten the tower with a single push.

"…It's huge! But compared to that spaceship from before, it doesn't even come close!" Tanktop Master immediately powered up, ready to charge the steel beast.

"All of you, stand back!"

He dashed forward and pressed both hands against the monster's leg, trying to stop it with sheer physical strength.

"Stay right where you are, aaahhh!!" Roaring, he unleashed his full power.

Just then, the steel beast's head released a swarm of spherical drones.

"What are those?!"

"Don't tell me this giant thing is actually a mothership?"

The Tanktop Army rushed to intercept, but those drones, though called small, were much larger than an average human. One after another, the men were knocked aside.

"Ughhh!!"

Only Tanktop Master managed to grapple with one drone, flipping it overhead and slamming it to pieces.

"Just watch, Kamui… one day, the power of my tank top will surpass even you!"

His men cheered, and his fighting spirit burned hotter. But at that moment, the one controlling the steel beast, Metal Knight, finally took notice of him.

"Tanktop Master… what are you doing?"

"It… it spoke?!"

Hearing the steel monster's voice, Tanktop Master and his men froze in shock.

"You… you're Metal Knight?!" Tanktop Master raised his head in disbelief.

"That's right. I've taken full responsibility for the reconstruction project here." Metal Knight replied calmly. "And I'm very busy. That's why I'll be using the fastest approach. The work will be completed in ten days at most."

"…."

Tanktop Master was stunned, his worldview shaken. Rebuild all of old A-City's ruins in just ten days?

That… that was impossible. If it were up to him, it would take several days just to clear part of the debris. So this… this was the power of machines?

"Step aside. Don't get in the way."

Since Tanktop Master was blocking the path, the steel beast under Metal Knight's control casually kicked him away.

"I… I lost again!"

He shouted as his body was sent flying. But the very next day, Tanktop Master was back in the headquarters gym, pushing himself through brutal training.

He showed no trace of discouragement. If anything, he was even more determined and relentless.

"Seventy-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine!"

"Eighty thousand!"

"Eighty thousand and one!"

For squats alone, he was training in sets of one hundred thousand.

He had even hung a banner on the wall behind him:

[Defeat Psychic Powers!!!]

[Defeat Mechanical Power!!!]

That day's result: Tanktop Master lost.