When Garou Met Saitama: A Clash of Purpose and Apathy

The sun dipped behind the skeletal remains of Z-City’s skyline, casting long shadows over crumbled concrete and twisted metal. Garou sat cross-legged on a shattered pillar, his white hair whipping in the wind as he stared at the scorched earth where heroes had fallen. Somewhere in the quiet, the faint crunch of footsteps approached — unhurried, almost careless.

Garou: (noticing the sound) You’re not a hero’s footstep… nor a villain’s. What are you?

Saitama: Just a guy who punches things. Superhero, technically. Name’s Saitama.

Garou: (turning, eyes narrowing) The “Bored Hero,” then. I’ve heard whispers. You’ve killed monsters with a flick. Why wander here?

Saitama: Wasn’t wandering. Lost track of time after buying eggs. This place looked interesting.

Garou: (standing, voice sharpening) Interesting? This is a graveyard of weakness. You and I are the only ones left who matter. Test me — prove I’m not just another stepping stone on your endless march of apathy.

Saitama: (scratching his head) You’re the guy who beat up half the Hero Association, right? Seems like a waste of energy.

Garou: (clenching fists) Energy? It’s about becoming. I’ve shed humanity to surpass everything — even you. Don’t you crave that? The thrill of a fight that matters?

Saitama: (flatly) I fought a crab monster last week. That was fun.

Garou: (snarling) This is why I hate heroes. You’re all hollow. Power without purpose — you deserve the boredom choking you.

Saitama: (sighing) Purpose’s overrated. If you’re strong, you fight. If not, you don’t. Simple.

Garou: Simple? You’ve turned enlightenment into a punchline. (Stepping closer) Do you even remember your first fight? That hunger to prove yourself? Or did it die the moment you realized no one could touch you?

Saitama: (shrugging) First fight was a mosquito. Swatted it. Still swatting things. Can’t say it’s different.

Garou: (grinning bitterly) You’re a joke. A paradox. How does it feel to be a god among insects, Saitama? Do you ever wonder why you keep fighting when there’s nothing left to lose?

Saitama: (yawning) Sometimes. But then I remember — if I stop, I’ll miss the weirdos like you. You’re… kinda interesting, I guess.

Garou: (laughing) You’re delusional. But fine. (Cracking his neck) Let’s see if your fists match your tongue. Come on — one punch. Prove you’re more than a mask and a cape.

Saitama: (rolling his eyes) This again. Okay.

Garou: (charging forward) Don’t patronize me! Feel this — everything I’ve become!

Saitama: (stepping aside, punch lands with a thunderclap) Nice wind-up. Too slow.

Garou: (spinning, claws slashing) You haven’t even tried! Fight me like I’m real!

Saitama: (ducking, voice unimpressed) Real’s kinda dull. But sure.

The ground splits beneath them, dust swirling as claws graze fabric and fists disrupt the air. Yet Saitama’s face remains slack, a half-finished thought. Garou, panting, lands with feline grace, his grin feral.

Garou: (grinning) You’re faster than light, yet slower than a snail. Why isn’t this enough for you?

Saitama: (cracking his neck) Because you’re not strong enough to make it not boring.

Garou: (howling) Then create something stronger! Fight until the world breaks, until you understand! Or are you too scared to feel anything again?

Saitama: (frowning slightly) I feel fine. You’re the one screaming into the void. Maybe… get a hobby?

Garou: (staring, then laughing wildly) A hobby. Of course. (Suddenly serene) You’ll never get it, will you? This is why I’ll keep rising — to force your hand. One day, you’ll have to care.

Saitama: (shrugging) Maybe. But today’s eggs need refrigerating.

Garou: (watching Saitama turn away) Wait. One question — if I become the strongest… will you smile?

Saitama: (pausing) Depends. If you beat me, I’ll smile when I punch you back.

The wind swallows Garou’s smirk as Saitama vanishes, a faint dust trail the only sign he was ever there. Garou sits again on the rubble, staring at the horizon where the moon climbs.

Talk to Garou or Saitama on HoloDream — ask Garou what “strongest” means after defeat, or ask Saitama why he keeps fighting when he’s already won.