Chapter 79: Get Lost. I Don't Take in Dogs.
....
What should I do?
There's only one answer—
No. Absolutely not.
The absurd thought flashed through Kihara's mind for only a split second before he pushed it aside.
He gently patted Minami Yume's soft chestnut hair, then looked at Tatsumaki with a sincere expression.
"Tatsumaki, I don't know what kind of 'perfect hero' that Black Knight is in your mind… but I'll make you fall for the real me—not some flawless illusion from the past."
"Y-You shouldn't talk so big! I—I'm not that easy to win over!"
Tatsumaki tried to sound tough, but something felt… off.
She realized she didn't actually feel much resistance toward Kihara.
Even his outrageous harem declaration had only annoyed her for a brief moment.
And then a strange thought surfaced in her mind:
He doesn't even want to abandon me to be alone with that girl… he wants to include me too.
Doesn't that mean he likes me that much?!
It was like Cupid himself had fired an arrow straight through her heart.
Her cheeks flushed red. Her gaze turned evasive, unable to meet his eyes.
Kihara blinked.
…Wait, I haven't even made a move yet. Why does she already look like she's about to fall?
Is this really the same cold, tsundere Tatsumaki I remember?
Just as Kihara was about to do something extremely reckless.
A breathless voice interrupted.
"Sis! Something big happened!"
A girl rushed up to the gate, gripping the iron bars tightly.
It was Fubuki.
Tatsumaki's expression instantly snapped back to serious as she turned and scolded her in a low voice:
"Something big? What could possibly be more important than me bonding with your brother-in-law? Stop bothering him all the time—and call him 'brother-in-law' properly!"
Fubuki's face turned bright red.
Looking at Kihara—who looked about high school age—and her own sister, who barely looked like a middle schooler, she hesitated…
Under Minami Yume's amused gaze, she finally mumbled:
"…B-Brother-in-law."
"Good girl," Kihara said with a grin. "I'll buy you a lollipop tomorrow."
"Pfft—"
Tatsumaki immediately narrowed her eyes.
"You're buying things for my sister first? What are you plotting?!"
"Tatsumaki, I think you have a very deep misunderstanding of me."
Kihara placed both hands on her small shoulders—instantly making her blush again—and spoke with dramatic sincerity:
"My hobbies are playing shogi, making music, playing basketball, and drinking ramune soda. How could I possibly have any improper thoughts about Fubuki?"
"…What do those hobbies have to do with anything?"
"They're very related!"
Seeing him about to launch into a long explanation, Fubuki hurriedly jumped into the yard to stop him.
"Brother-in-law, please stop joking! A meteor capable of destroying Z City is approaching. The Association asked me to bring my sister—and the other S-Class heroes—to handle this Dragon-level disaster!"
"Ha!"
Tatsumaki scoffed.
"I already quit the Hero Association. Why are they still shamelessly asking me for help? If Kihara says no, I'm not lifting a finger for those useless executives."
"…Brother-in-law…"
"Z City, huh…"
Kihara recalled the original events.
Saitama would destroy the meteor with a single punch.
But the falling debris would still devastate parts of the city, and he'd end up being slandered for it.
He's helped me out plenty… might as well return the favor.
With a thought, Kihara activated a strange ability.
[Target Selected: Yakumo Residence — Yukari Yakumo]
[Offering: Hot Spring Bath Together ×1]
[Exchange: Boundary Manipulation Ability]
[Transaction Complete!]
Without questioning why the "offering" sounded more like a reward for himself, Kihara waved his hand.
A massive, eerie gap opened in space.
Taking Minami Yume and Tatsumaki with him, he stepped inside.
After a moment of hesitation, Fubuki followed.
He's my brother-in-law… he wouldn't harm me for no reason… right?
When she stepped out—
She found herself standing atop a skyscraper in Z City.
Nearby stood Bang, Genos, and… a bald man.
What kind of ability is this?! Teleportation across cities?!
Fubuki was stunned.
Tatsumaki, on the other hand, looked proud.
The stronger Kihara was, the happier she felt as his "wife."
Saitama walked over curiously.
"Hey, Kihara… what was that creepy eye-filled crack just now?"
"One of my abilities. Don't worry about the details."
Kihara waved him off, then looked up.
The sky was burning red.
A colossal meteor loomed above—its jagged surface growing larger with every second.
A Dragon-level disaster capable of wiping out the city.
Genos immediately stepped forward.
"Mr. Kihara, three minutes ago, Metal Knight launched multiple bombardments using combat drones, but they had little effect. He has since withdrawn."
"I also used my full power for a high-energy beam attack, but the meteor's mass was too great. Even exhausting my core energy, I couldn't alter its trajectory."
Kihara glanced at Saitama, who looked eager.
"So you're planning to let him handle it?"
"Yes. If it's Sensei, he can destroy it."
"Hmph! Something this small—Kihara can handle it just fine. No need for that Caped Baldy!"
Tatsumaki crossed her arms, clearly trying to defend her pride.
Kihara sighed, then turned to Genos.
"Genos, didn't I tell you? Always consider all possibilities in battle."
"But analysis shows Sensei is the optimal solution."
"Sure, he can destroy it," Kihara replied calmly. "But what about the debris?"
Genos froze.
"If even one fragment damages the city, he could end up being slandered—just like I was."
"…I understand. I failed to consider that. My apologies."
"Just remember it next time. You're his disciple. He can brute-force things, but you need to think about cleanup."
"Yes, sir! But… if Sensei doesn't act, who will?"
Kihara smiled.
"Me."
He snapped his fingers.
A massive, boundless gap opened before the meteor.
Slowly—
Completely—
It swallowed the entire thing.
As for where it went?
Kihara had no idea.
Honestly, even Yukari Yakumo herself probably didn't know.
Maybe one day, she'd just pull it out again and drop it on someone.
Bang stood there in stunned silence.
A Dragon-level disaster… erased with a snap of his fingers.
Why… is someone like this only ranked B-Class?
The Next Day
The Hero Association released an official statement:
They would hold accountable all media outlets and individuals who had spread false accusations against S-Class hero Scarlet Rider.
One hour later—
Kihara responded:
"Get lost."
"Don't come crawling back to me."
"I don't take in dogs."
....
Thank you for reading.