One-Punch Man: Boros, the Universe Overlord

"Um?"

A hint of undisguised surprise flashed deep in Bang's eyes, stirring up ripples in his once calm heart.

As far as the eye can see, Boros's starting stance is not a mechanical imitation, but a natural and effortless expression.

That kind of smooth and insightful charm, and the effortless mastery of power exertion techniques, are achievements that cannot be honed in just a few days.

The opponent's spine undulated slightly like a dragon, the movement of his shoulder blades and waist and hips was seamless, and even the frequency of his breathing matched the unique rhythm of the Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist.

This seamless familiarity made Bang almost think that the person standing in front of him was a martial arts master who had been immersed in this art for decades.

"Watch out, Mr. Bang."

Boros's voice was deep and calm, like a still pool. Before he finished speaking, without any sign of gathering strength or clenching his muscles, he rushed out like flowing water.

In that instant, Boros seemed no longer to be flesh and blood, but to be a cascading waterfall, possessing immense power yet containing the resilience of water.

His right fist shot out, its tip brimming with terrifying kinetic energy capable of shattering mountains, while his entire arm, from shoulder to wrist, was as relaxed as boneless flowing water, swinging naturally with his forward momentum, dissipating the oncoming air resistance layer by layer and eliminating it into nothingness.

"Bang!"

Their palms collided in mid-air without any fancy moves. There was no deafening explosion, but rather a dull, soft sound, like two torrents meeting deep in a riverbed.

The instant their palms touched, time seemed to be compressed to its absolute limit. Boros and Bang reacted almost simultaneously in the same microsecond, their limbs suddenly releasing all stiffness, as if their entire skeletons had instantly dissolved, transforming into two fluids without a fixed shape.

Their arms, like two serpents that had been gathering strength for a long time, coiled and slid wildly in the tiny space, and every subtle touch was an exquisite exchange of force.

Boros's originally powerful and overwhelming momentum was subtly guided downwards by Bangu the moment their palms met. Then, with a flick of Boros's wrist, this immense force was strangely transformed into a spiraling upward drilling force.

The two figures crisscrossed rapidly within the small space, their fists and palms flying without the slightest hesitation, as if they had practiced it a thousand times. It was like two dark blue torrents colliding fiercely in the air, yet in the collision they embraced and permeated each other.

However, beneath this seemingly gentle flow of water, every touch of skin conceals the terrifying explosive power to shatter rocks, perfectly demonstrating the extremes of strength and gentleness.

"Snapped!"

A crisp explosion erupted between their tightly pressed arms, the sound of compressed energy reaching its limit.

Bang's fingertips brushed against Boros's arm like willow branches, the seemingly weak touch instantly dissipating the opponent's mountain-like force; Boros, in turn, lowered his shoulder, the guided force not dissipating, but instead swirling like an undercurrent in his meridians, suddenly bursting out from under Bang's ribs with a short, sharp stab, aiming directly at the gap under Bang's ribs.

The surrounding air was violently stirred by this force field that combined both strength and gentleness, forming visible distorted ripples. However, strangely, not a single bit of power was leaked out of this violent clash—there was no windstorm caused by air currents, no debris flying everywhere, and not even the dust on the ground was disturbed.

Both of them controlled their power to a perfect, subtle level, with every bit of force locked within the small space of physical contact.

Although the fists and palms of both sides were colliding at high speed, making a dense "slap slap" sound like rain hitting banana leaves, not a bit of power was dissipated to the surroundings. All the destructive force was perfectly compressed at the point of contact, as if a silent microscopic game was being played.

In this eerie silence, the two exchanged blows, demonstrating the art of "using an opponent's force against them" to its fullest extent. Boros's powerful punch was gently deflected by Bang, instantly changing its trajectory and striking Boros's own opening; Boros, however, seized the opportunity to change his move, using the recoil to accelerate again and return the force with double the power.

You turn the tables, I turn them back, and the force flows between us like an electric current, transmitting, amplifying, and rebounding wildly. This is no longer just simple combat, but the pinnacle of the art of controlling power.

The two men perfectly demonstrated the essence of the Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist: "a perfect blend of strength and gentleness, continuous and uninterrupted," like two intertwined vortexes that, in their extreme balance, were brewing a destructive storm.

"Water Flow Rock Crushing Fist"

The two shouted simultaneously. Bang and Boros's hands, which had been locked together like two intertwined giant pythons, finally exploded after accumulating immense power.

That was terrifying energy, compressed to its limit between the two of them, enough to completely evaporate the entire training room and its foundation. At the critical point of explosion, it was forcibly collapsed inward by them with an almost miraculous control.

There was no deafening explosion, only a visible ring of grayish-white air ripples that spread out instantly and then abruptly receded.

As the smoke cleared, the two men stood facing each other several meters apart. Bang's chest heaved violently, his forehead and temples were soaked with sweat, and a few strands of white hair clung damply to his aged face. His breathing was slightly rapid.

In contrast, Boros's blue alien body was completely free of sweat, and his eyes gleamed with clarity and sharpness.

Bang took a deep breath, suppressing the surging blood within him, and stared intently at the figure opposite him, exclaiming in genuine amazement:

"Boros, your level of boxing... can already be called that of a grandmaster! The flowing water and shattered rocks are perfectly natural. I think it won't be long before you completely surpass me."

As Banggu exclaimed in admiration, the shock he felt was like a raging storm. In just half a month, he had honed the essence of the Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist to such a consummate level.

This talent—the ability to control one's movements with ease and instantly grasp the truth of martial arts—is unheard of, even if he were to search through all the martial arts classics throughout history.

"It's all thanks to the teachers' excellent instruction."

Boros lowered his head slightly, his once crimson eyes, which had made countless planets tremble, now showing respect. He slowly loosened his clenched fists, the lingering echoes of their epic duel still present at his fingertips.

"I have nothing more to teach you..."

Bangu waved his hand gently and sighed with a complicated expression.

Isn't he a martial arts prodigy, one in a century? He has devoted himself to comprehending the profound meaning of the Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist for decades, which has led him step by step to his current status as a grandmaster.

However, looking at the blue figure in front of him, although Boros's moves were still a bit immature and his control over force was not as good as his, Bang knew clearly that before long, with his talent, it would be easy for him to surpass him.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of powerlessness, as if his lifelong pride had been easily shattered at this moment, leaving him somewhat disheartened.

But then he thought that martial arts had successors, and this style of boxing could be carried forward in his hands. That sense of loss vanished instantly, replaced by heartfelt joy and relief.

Only when the oppressive, suffocating aura completely dissipated did Chalanco and Genos, who had been hiding in the back and watching in stunned silence, snap out of their daze and hurriedly come to the center of the arena.

Chalan's round face was now filled with disbelief, and he let out a startled exclamation:

"Senior Brother! That's amazing! Now that's great! In the next martial arts tournament, Senior Brother will represent the Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist. Let's see who dares to say behind our backs that our school has completely declined."

Genos also said with admiration:

"As expected of Professor Boros."

Boros looked at Chalanco and said:

"Don't call me Senior Brother, just call me Senior Brother. I'm not Sun Wukong, and I can't transform into a Super Saiyan."

Chalan: "..." I don't know what my senior is saying, but it sounds very impressive.

Bang slowly turned around, his gaze falling on Genos.

"Genos." Bang's voice was steady and powerful.

"Although you are a cyborg with superhuman computing abilities and physical strength, the true essence of martial arts has never been about piling up data. Boros has already graduated, so you should work even harder."

"Yes, Master Banggu."

"...Just call me teacher, we can each discuss our own points..."

"Yes, Master Bang, ah...yes, Teacher Bang!"

....................................

The setting sun painted the sky a brilliant golden-red, and its afterglow spilled onto the streets, lengthening the shadows of pedestrians.

After finishing his boxing practice, Boros, for the first time ever, didn't fly today. Instead, he strolled leisurely on his way home. The evening breeze brushed against his clothes, giving him a sense of relaxation as he savored this long-lost tranquility and peace.

Just then, a familiar figure came into view.

"Bald?"

Boros stopped, puzzled, and watched from a distance, wondering what Saitama was up to...