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“Anyone not related, it’s time to leave!”
That is what Saitama-sensei had told everyone else in the household after they had enjoyed hotpot together. And then went on his way to escort Fubuki out of the inner Z-city because sensei was also chivalrous like that. Leaving him, Genos, behind to stew on the day’s happenings.
What did he mean by that comment? Was sensei annoyed that he, his disciple, hadn’t ushered everyone out faster? He’s displeased at himself for not realizing sooner that sensei wanted people out of his house, not accounting himself of course, but he should have been more forceful in commanding people out when sensei told them to. In the past sensei has had difficulties being assertive with his wants, so he has needed to step in. Maybe it was a lesson that he failed to properly handle and he bunches his fists in dismay.
There is another thing that keeps bugging him. What did sensei mean by “not related?” He doesn’t know anybody in sensei’s immediate family because sensei does not talk about them at all. And as far as he knows, Bang, Bomb, Fubuki, King and Doctor Kuseno are not blood related to Saitama-sensei.
Did sensei mean not family? What does it mean?
The front door suddenly opens. “I’m back,” Saitama quips as he pulls off his boots and puts them in the hallway.
Genos barely registers the fact that Saitama-sensei is back, because he’s been in such deep thought. He has to ask for clarification.
“Sensei, what did you mean when you said “anyone not related, it’s time to leave”? He turns and pointedly asks his master.
Saitama blinks. “Oh. Just that anybody not in the family should get going. I’m tired of having so many people inside the house.”
“You did not address me when you said that, sensei. What exactly do you mean by “family?”” Genos presses.
Saitama ponders for a moment. “Well I mean…I guess I consider you family now. Found family. Not a sibling nor a partner, but someone I could still call family.”
Saitama-sensei explained that so easily, but Genos still cannot wrap his mind around the idea. He looks down at his feet and thinks.
He’s family to Saitama-sensei? New family? The concept is so foreign to him after he lost his own family that he hasn’t ever considered being part of a new one. He’s been afraid of forming bonds in general, afraid of losing them immediately. The thought of belonging makes him strangely warm inside. Hopeful, not as desolate as he normally feels.
“Sensei’s family…” He mumbles to himself.
“What are you mumbling, Genos?” Saitama asks.
“Nothing, sensei,” Genos smiles.
The warm, fuzzy feeling in his artificial chest does not fade as he leaves for Doctor Kuseno’s place for repairs.