Chapitre 26: 26 The Gap Between Ideal and Reality
"I am the 38th-ranked hero in class A... Sneck. First of all, congratulations to the three of you for passing the test!" Hero Sneck, dressed in a snakeskin suit, forced a smile despite feeling slighted and somewhat annoyed. "Although one of you may have passed by luck, I hope this lucky individual will cherish this opportunity and strive harder."
Saitama chewed on his bubblegum, while Genos stood with his arms crossed, looking proud.
Roy, on the other hand, maintained a respectful attitude.
To be honest, Saitama and Genos did have attitude issues. However, considering their qualifications, Roy decided it was best not to say anything.
And, Saitama, where did he get that bubblegum? And why didn't he get any?!
"But! Remember not to be complacent!" Seeing that the audience below showed no signs of restraint and even seemed to become more reckless, Sneck's tone turned stern. "In the future, you must have a sense of responsibility as heroes! Lead a moderate lifestyle, and do not forget this! Because your appearance is now publicly available on the Hero Association's official website!"
'Seniors can naturally reprimand juniors in this society where age takes precedence.'
Here, seniors refers not to age but to the length of time spent in the job. Those who joined earlier are considered seniors and can exert more influence over their younger colleagues. This is a typical Japanese workplace situation.
Seeing that Saitama and Genos still seemed indifferent, Sneck felt it necessary to show off.
He leaped from the podium onto the desk. After flamboyantly performing a series of punches, he struck a snake-like pose and exclaimed with vigor, "If you don't want to embarrass yourselves, aim to become outstanding heroes like me!"
Saitama blew a huge bubble. If Saitama had only blown it within his own area, Roy wouldn't have paid any attention. But as Saitama kept blowing it bigger and bigger, if it were to burst, it would definitely splatter onto him. Not wanting to get splattered with saliva, Roy felt he needed to take action.
Just as it was about to burst, Roy slapped it away, sending Saitama's bubblegum flying to the wall.
The bubblegum on the wall turned into a beautiful message that says dirty, scram.
"How did you do that?" Saitama saw that gaping in confusion.
"Thats my secret technique."
"But didn't you just hit the bubblegum with your hand?" Saitama retorted.
"No, I used inner energy. After all, I'm someone who values hygiene and cleanliness and wouldn't do something like that. Besides, I was aiming for your cheek." Roy replied while wiping his hands with a handkerchief.
"Although I don't quite understand, you're pretty impressive."
"Flattery will get you nowhere."
"By the way, what's inner energy...? I think I saw a transparent white mist."
"It's a bit complicated to explain. We'll talk about it another time. By the way, you've definitely seen that white mist before."
Thunk!
Feeling pushed to his limit, Sneck, veins bulging on his forehead, gritted his teeth and said, "As an A-class hero, I'll have some influence within the association. So, for those who behave improperly, I can always deduct their points or even lower their rank. Remember this!"
Ah, the A-class hero senior is angry.
Since there was nothing left to play with, it was time to behave.
However, except for Roy and Genos, who were listening attentively, Saitama's mind was occupied with thoughts of what to eat tonight.
Although Sneck wasn't very perceptive and his message wasn't very effective, the content of his speech was still valuable. Apart from brainwashing-like hero experiences and hero guidelines, he also talked about the Hero Association's operating mechanism, professional hero ranks, disaster levels, compensation systems, benefits, and so on.
This guy was quite proud of himself as a professional hero.
He also had a great deal of respect for professional heroes. Therefore, when it came to professional ranks, with the intention of giving rookies a glimpse of what lay ahead and to understand the vast difference in capabilities, he focused on introducing S-class heroes.
"Listen up, as an A-class hero like me, I'm probably the pinnacle for most professional heroes. S-class heroes, on the other hand, are beyond the realm of humanity, possessing incredible and fantastical powers... the ultimate weapons of the Hero Association! They can truly shake the whole world if they moved.
Actually, Sneck wasn't necessarily in awe of S-class heroes.
But as the pinnacle of actual professional heroes, it was necessary for him to intimidate these newcomers a bit.
Anyway, boasting doesn't incur taxes, so Sneck vividly described the power of S-class heroes.
After Sneck boasted that a certain S-class hero could pause the rotation of the Earth for five minutes, Roy couldn't help but comment, "Is that Accelerator?"
"Who is Accelerator?" Saitama curiously asked.
"A genderless, white-haired, arrogant, and eccentric lolicon esper." Roy replied casually wondering if that person was here, because if that person was here, he might have to question his current life, whether he was only moving based on that certain person's manipulation.
"Stop whispering down there! Pay attention to the class! S-class heroes are all powerful fighters with a combat power of up to 5.8 million. They can transform three times. This is the key point you need to focus on!" Sneck roared while hitting the table in front of him.
"So, in many ways, it's quite strange! Are you just boasting so much that you've started to believe it yourself?"
Ignoring Sneck's private opinions was the best course of action.
The qualified seminar lasted for about an hour or two, and by the time they came out, it was already dusk.
Walking home, Saitama complained, "Ugh, that seminar was so boring."
"But as long as the goal is achieved, it's fine. After becoming a professional hero, relevant information will be posted on the official website and affiliated journals." Roy chuckled because he thought so too, that people mostly bragged about the achievements of heroes.
Saitama felt a bit disinterested.
"Yes, and I can also become Saitama-sensei's true disciple." Genos said with excessive enthusiasm.
Hearing Genos's words, Saitama froze.
'Oops, I forgot about this... But since I've already said it, there's no reason to refuse. But I really don't know how to teach others, I shouldn't have casually agreed to accept disciples.'
Sweat dripped from Saitama's clean forehead.
"Please guide me in the future."
"Uh, sure."
"Well then, I'll go home first today."
"Ah, okay, see you."
Watching Genos's retreating figure, Saitama felt a bit frantic.
Roy patted his shoulder sympathetically, everything was understood without words.
"Although I said that in the heat of the moment, there's nothing I can do about it now. But I always feel like this isn't quite what I wanted to become as a hero." Saitama sighed,
"I advise you not to have too high expectations for professional heroes." Roy said as he looked at the road in front of them which was quite deserted.
Saitama was puzzled for a moment at the words spoken by Roy.
Roy looked at Saitama and then slowly said, "Saitama, you are... arrogant."
Saitama didn't understand, but Roy didn't explain further.
"Saitama, your understanding and admiration for heroes are almost idealized. But professional heroes are different from your ideal heroes. It's more appropriate to understand them as a security profession that practices hero culture and has a certain idol-like nature. So, preparing to act as a professional hero, you may encounter many things you don't like."
Saitama glanced at Roy, "You seem to understand it quite well. In that case, why did you become a professional hero? You clearly don't lack money."
"I'm just using the Hero Association to pass the time."
Saitama pondered for a moment, "I see, in that case, I'll also use the Hero Association to indulge my interests."
"Perhaps that's the best way to understand it." Roy smiled upon hearing that.
Not seeking rewards, not caring about gains and losses, just doing things that make oneself feel psychologically happy. So, Roy stretched lazily. He didn't notice that, while he closed his eyes, Sneck, who had just finished the seminar, suddenly appeared from somewhere, shouting, "This is the cruel competition of the workplace!" trying to attack Saitama and Roy, but was swatted away by Saitama like a fly into the nearby haystack.
"Anyway, to celebrate our successful induction, let's go eat out." Roy said with a smile, knowing that Saitama wouldn't turn down a free meal.
And sure enough after hearing that Saitama wasted no time and eagerly answered.
"Time waits for no one, let's go!"
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone