Chapter Text
"Has Kuseno gotten back to you about Kuros' results?" Saitama asked, curiously. A few days have passed since the whole 'almost changed the future' fiasco and the trio was back to their everyday routines. Kuro was still being trained by Saitama and Genos was still being called away by the Hero Association. This was the one-day Genos' phone wasn't being pinged by the HA every hour.
"Dr. Kuseno says that he's still analyzing the results but it may take some time still," Genos answered, they looked toward Kuro who was invested in the news report that was on the T.V. before looking at each other. "Sen- Sensei, I was wondering if-if there was a way to test if you were a monster... would you do it?"
"What?" he asked, blinking in surprise at the unexpected question but he thought carefully about his answer. "Maybe, I'm not sure I want to truly know the answer though," Saitama replied, truthfully. What if he turned out to be a monster? Could he continue to be a hero or would he have to quit being the one thing he strived so hard to be? "Do you think there might be a way?"
Genos looked unsure as he answered his teacher, "there may be a way to find out but you might be uncomfortable with it."
"Okay, what is it?" Saitama asked, looking at Genos with controlled anticipation. If there was a way, he'd be willing to try just about anything to find the answer.
"Dr. Kuseno will need your saliva and he'll need to do a series of physical tests," Genos answered cautiously.
Saitama raised a brow in confusion, "isn't that exactly like a medical exam?"
"Yes, except ordinary hospitals don't examine monster blood on the daily like Dr. Kuseno does," Genos replied. "Plus, the physical exams that Dr. Kuseno wants you to do is more like the hero exam than a medical exam. He'll be testing your strengths and if you have any weaknesses. You'll need to go all out."
"Impossible," Saitama responded immediately, shaking his head.
"Saitama-sensei, Dr. Kuseno needs to examine everything about you, so he has to see what your limit is and whether or not it activates anything in your blood," Genos explained, but still Saitama shook his head. There's no possible way he'd ever go full power.
"I can't, Genos. Remember when we first sparred, the very first time, and I attacked you like you wanted but never landed the punch," Saitama reminded. Genos searched through his memory and came upon the one his sensei was talking about. When Saitama saw his expression fill with realization, he nodded, "that wasn't even half my strength. Imagine if I did go all out."
If Genos' face wasn't anything but advanced robotics covered with false skin, he would've been paler than snow. He was in awe, but at the same time, truly frightened by his teacher's undefinable limit. Was there a limit or just nobody who could truly be of challenge to this god of a man? If he found that match, would he continue to get stronger and stronger?
"Maybe Dr. Kuseno can find a way to analyze you when your using your power. That way he can get a read on if anything changes within your body," Genos mused, almost to himself.
Saitama watched as his student thought about all the technicalities and incredibly difficult things. It never ceases to amaze him how someone younger than him can be so ahead of him and still want his guidance. The older man had a feeling that if Genos wasn't so focused on revenge, he would make a better teacher than him. There wasn't much for him to teach except the ways of couponing. That, and how to stop being so quick to jump headfirst into danger even though he has no place to talk. Though, he has a better grasp of his strength. Genos was always quick to throw his life away. It worried the bald man over the time they've known each other.
"Why don't we go patrolling? The HA hasn't contacted you all day today, and it's only been Kuro and me since he got here," Saitama suggested, trying to be nonchalant or seem disinterested like always. Which he's been having trouble doing. Kuro being here has brought out his emotions in a way nothing has in a long time.
"Yes, S-sensei!" Genos stuttered around the title. They've gone back to normal, except now Saitama needs to tell Genos that he wants him to remain his student. That's why he'd proposed going patrolling together. "Well, we should get going-"
His phone began ringing, the default tune coming out of small speakers loudly. They looked over at the small device and watched as it rang and rang before cutting off. When it started again, Genos reached over to pick it up. Saitama snatched it up before Genos could and almost crushed the delicate annoyance. He was irritated.
"Why is the HA calling you in so much Genos?"
"They are investigating the emergence of more monsters. It seems there has been heightened amounts of them appearing all over and a lot are congregating here in City Z, again. They believe it's because there is a powerful monster living here like Orochi. However, a few are starting to suspect that it's because there is someone powerful living here and they believe it is you."
"What? You're saying monsters are attracted to strength?"
"I think it has more to do with the reputation," Genos mused, a thoughtful look on his face. "If I was a monster, and heard there was an incredibly strong being not taking credit for their work, I'd want to be seen as that being. After all, it's easy to claim to be something you're not when nobody knows any better."
"Is that you subtly trying to make me take claim for my hero work? Because you know I've tried to, I'm not anybody's ideal hero, so I'm a cheater, a poser, a liar," Saitama tried to remain neutral. It shouldn't have been so hard, but that's what having kids does Saitama supposed. They get under your skin and before you know it, you're doing things you've never done before or enjoying things that were once insignificant, Saitama pondered. Or maybe that's just me.
Kuro showing up has turned Saitama's entire world upside down. Just like a certain nineteen-year-old had. Like father, like son. Saitama's face pinked.
"No, Saitama-sensei, I understand your reasons. It is pointless to convince people who won't listen," Genos' may have been attempting to seem calm, but Saitama has learned his tells after living together for so long.
His eyes dim, his body starts making noise, and his arms start to glow just the tiniest bit. Despite Saitama's repeated disregard for his hate mail, Genos still doesn't handle it well nor the fact that some people on the street talk behind his back.
Saitama's sure that if Genos was given permission, he'd scream from the top of his lungs, "Sensei is the strongest man!" "Saitama-sensei is honest and kind!" Along with a multitude of other embarrassing declarations from the highest building with the most people around.
"It would take a lot for-" Saitama was interrupted by Genos' phone going off. A hole was put into the floor by Saitama trying not to crush the phone to dust.
"Wait, Sensei, that's Dr. Kuseno. I set a different ringer for him. He must have the results already," Genos hastily informed the bald man. Saitama sighed, handing over the phone and cursing the timing.
Genos answered the phone, greeting Kuseno and speaking in a rapid-fire speech. His usual way of talking. Kuseno was the only one able to understand and keep up with him. Saitama envied that a bit. He wanted to have more to talk with Genos about.
"Thank you, Doctor," Genos bid farewell to his guardian. Turning to Saitama, his face was hard to read. "It seems the results were inconclusive. Dr. Kuseno said he detected monster DNA, but it's muddled by something else. He needs to look at your DNA. He said it might help having it from the source of the irregularity."
"If it helps Kuseno figure this out, I don't mind," Saitama replied. He wondered if they'd ever find the answer or would the results stay the same. "But before that, are you up for some heroing?"
Genos paused and looked up from his phone where he was composing a message for the Doctor. He took in Saitama's relaxed state and the easy smile on his face.
Adopting the same expression, he answers his teacher, "yes, Saitama-sensei."