One Punch Man: "The hell!! Did I transmigrate as King?"

Half an hour later, the four finally reached the mountaintop.

On the cloud-shrouded peak stood an ancient wooden building, silent and dignified. Above its entrance hung a plaque inscribed with "Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist," written in bold, vigorous strokes.

"Welcome, welcome!"

Bang was already waiting for them at the door. Behind him stood a young man with an afro—Bang's only disciple, Charanko.

"Elder, sorry for the trouble." Kaito set Fubuki down and bowed to Bang.

"Not at all, it's my pleasure." Bang chuckled, stroking his beard. His gaze lingered on Saitama for a few seconds before he called out, "Charanko, go bring the things out."

"Yes, Master." Charanko turned and headed into the inner room.

A moment later, he returned, laboriously dragging out a huge foam box from which cold air still poured.

"What's this…?" Saitama leaned in curiously.

Bang smiled mysteriously and personally lifted the lid.

Inside, neatly arranged, were more than twenty large Australian lobsters. Each was about the length of a forearm, their greenish-black shells glinting with a metallic sheen under the sunlight.

"These were sent by my elder brother, Bomb, from overseas. The dojo is sparsely populated now—just Charanko and I—and we can't finish them all. So, why not share them with everyone?"

This little scene was no coincidence—it was thanks to Kaito's reminder to Bang the day before when everyone parted ways:

Brother Saitama has almost zero resistance to high-end ingredients… especially seafood.

Saitama's eyes locked onto the lobsters.

"Cough… Since Elder Bang is so enthusiastic, I can't refuse~ I'll… reluctantly help solve some!"

In his mind: So many expensive-looking lobsters!! This is great! Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!

Bang's smile deepened. "Saitama-kun, these lobsters… do you think they'd be better as sashimi, or…?"

"Sashimi is good!" Saitama immediately interrupted. "But with this much? Let's have hotpot! Hotpot's the best—it blends all the flavors together!"

Genos, ever the diligent student, pulled out his small notebook and started jotting things down.

Bang nodded. "Charanko, go down the mountain and buy hotpot ingredients and utensils."

"Yes, Master!" Charanko bowed and quickly left.

While lunch was being prepared, Bang invited everyone to the dojo's training hall.

It was a spacious wooden hall, lined with martial arts equipment and thick straw mats at its center.

"Since you're all interested in Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist, I will humbly demonstrate."

Bang removed his jacket, revealing lean yet well-defined arms. He stood still, took a deep breath, and in that moment, his entire demeanor shifted—from a kind elder to a sharp, disciplined martial artist.

"The essence of Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist lies in the words: overcoming hardness with softness."

He raised his hands, moving slowly but with a peculiar rhythm—arms fluid like water, yet carrying astonishing strength.

"Watch closely—"

Before the sentence was complete, his movements suddenly accelerated.

His strikes flowed like water, yet each held the impact of a crashing wave. The air itself seemed to carry the sound of rushing water, as if a great river surged through the hall.

[Ding! Host seems to have gained insight from observing Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist. Current insight value: (1/3)!]

Kaito's pupils contracted slightly.

In his vision, each of Bang's movements broke down into countless frames, etching themselves into his memory.

Is this another hidden function of the system? Directly learning skills from observing a master's demonstration…?

Suddenly, Bang's technique shifted. The soft, flowing movements became fierce. With a sound like tearing air, his fist struck a wooden stake as thick as a bowl—

Bang!

The stake split cleanly, its cross-section smooth as glass.

"Water, though soft, can also smash rock." Bang withdrew his stance, breathing steady. "That is the true meaning of Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist."

Silence filled the training hall.

Even the well-traveled Kaito was impressed by the exquisite display.

Saitama picked his nose. "Uh… very impressive. But I think it's simpler to just punch it directly…"

Bang's smile froze for a moment.

Kaito cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Elder Bang, may I give it a try?"

Bang's eyes lit up. "Oh? Mr. King is also interested in martial arts?"

Kaito didn't answer. Closing his eyes, he recalled the images the system had recorded. Slowly, he took the starting stance—his movements already seven-tenths similar to Bang's.

"This is…?" Bang's eyes widened.

Kaito began to move. His motions were still slightly stiff, but the rhythm and flow were there. Each strike sought precision, as if he were replaying Bang's demonstration in his mind.

[Ding! Host seems to have gained insight from observing Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist. Current insight value: (2/3)!]

When he completed the final move, warm applause filled the hall.

Bang stepped forward, eyes shining. "A genius! Absolutely a genius! To be able to imitate to this degree after just one demonstration—Mr. King truly lives up to his reputation!"

Kaito smiled modestly.

"It's just the basics—still far from the true Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist."

Bang shook his head repeatedly.

"No, you've already grasped the essence! I dare say that with time and practice, Mr. King's achievements will not be inferior to mine!"

In Bang's heart, the martial talent Kaito had just displayed was already enough to rival his rebellious eldest disciple—Garou.

Saitama yawned from the side.

"Uh… so, when's the hotpot ready?"

Everyone: "..."

Just then, Charanko burst in.

"Master! The ingredients and utensils are all ready!"

"Great!" Saitama sprang to his feet, energy instantly restored.

Bang could only smile helplessly.

"Then let's eat first. Martial arts training is not something to rush."

They moved to the dining room.

A huge copper hotpot sat at the center, steam gently rising. Around it were neatly arranged plates of fresh ingredients—tempting Australian lobsters, top-grade Wagyu beef, crisp seasonal vegetables, handmade tofu, and more.

Just as everyone was about to begin the feast, a sudden clamor erupted from the dojo's entrance.

"Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist? Nothing but an outdated trick!"

The sharp, cutting voice sliced through the wooden walls.

A moment later, more than a dozen martial artists in black training uniforms, each with 'Cool Way' embroidered on their chests, roughly shoved the doors open and stormed inside.

At their head stood a man in his forties. He had an exaggerated mohawk, a jagged scar slashing across his right eye, and a body packed with bulging muscle—clearly not someone to take lightly.

Patreon Rene_chan, for extra chapters and early release