Chapter 22: The Hunt for the Bald Hero
Muzan Kibutsuji had lived for centuries, ruling the night with fear, manipulation, and absolute dominance. But now, for the first time in his existence, he felt powerless.
A single punch—it sounded absurd even in his own mind—had erased one of his strongest creations, Abyssal Moon Zero. Muzan's pride burned hotter than ever. Whoever this bald human was, he needed to be eliminated before the balance of power completely collapsed.
The Upper Moons assembled before him, their faces grim.
"Find the bald man," Muzan's voice slithered through the air. "Bring me his head. Or bring me proof that he's been destroyed."
Upper Moon One, Kokushibo, knelt with deep reverence. "If such a man exists, it will be my honor to face him."
Upper Moon Two, Doma, smiled brightly, but even his usual playfulness felt forced. "A hero who kills with one punch? Sounds like my kind of entertainment."
The hunt had begun.
---
Back at the Demon Slayer Camp
Saitama was crouched beside a small stream, washing a cabbage he had somehow found lying around.
"Kind of miss supermarkets," he mumbled.
Tanjiro sat nearby, carefully cleaning his sword. His face was calm, but his mind was still racing with the events of the previous night. "Saitama-san," he said softly, "where did you learn to fight like that?"
"Hmm?" Saitama looked up, water dripping from the cabbage. "I just trained a lot."
Tanjiro's eyes sparkled with admiration. "How much training does it take to punch a demon into nothingness?"
"About… three years?"
"Three years?" Zenitsu's scream echoed through the forest. "Are you saying if I train for three years, I can do that too?!"
"Probably not," Saitama said bluntly.
Zenitsu collapsed in despair.
Inosuke, however, took it as a challenge. "I'LL TRAIN FOR THREE YEARS! SHOW ME HOW, BALDY!"
"No thanks."
---
The Demons Arrive
Unbeknownst to the Demon Slayers, the Upper Moons were already on the move. Kokushibo, Doma, and Akaza traveled separately, each using their own methods to track down the 'Bald Hero.'
Akaza, ever the battle maniac, hoped this so-called hero would be a worthy opponent. His fists itched for a fight.
"Maybe this will finally be a challenge," he grinned, the air around him crackling with his blood demon art.
Doma, on the other hand, was more curious than anything. "A human stronger than Muzan-sama? What a delightful little twist!" He giggled, his fans twirling gracefully in his hands.
Kokushibo, silent and grim as always, sensed the shift in fate. The presence of someone so overwhelmingly powerful could only mean one thing—this era was coming to an end. Whether it would end in Muzan's victory or his downfall, Kokushibo could not yet say.
---
Saitama's Unbothered Life
Meanwhile, Saitama, still blissfully unaware that literal legends of darkness were converging upon him, sat down near the fire. Tanjiro had prepared a simple stew using the cabbage Saitama found and some wild mushrooms.
"This tastes… decent," Saitama said.
Tanjiro beamed with pride. "I'm still learning! But cooking helps me focus."
"Eh, it's better than the crap I make at home."
"Wait," Zenitsu leaned in, eyes wide, "you cook for yourself? Do you have a family?"
"Nope."
"Friends?"
"Sort of. A cyborg guy. And a ninja who keeps trying to fight me."
Everyone stared, unsure if they should believe him or not.
---
Nightfall
As the fire crackled and the group settled down, a cold presence swept through the forest. Tanjiro's nose twitched.
"Demon…"
The group leapt to their feet. Inosuke brandished his swords, Zenitsu immediately began trembling, and Nezuko peeked out of her box, her demon instincts on high alert.
From the shadows, a figure stepped forward—Akaza.
"Yo," Akaza grinned, eyes glinting with excitement. "Which one of you is the bald guy?"
Everyone pointed at Saitama.
"Wow," Akaza's grin widened. "You don't look like much."
"Yeah, I get that a lot," Saitama replied flatly.
"Let's fight," Akaza declared.
"No thanks."
"WHAT?" Akaza blinked in confusion. "You're just gonna refuse?!"
"I'm tired."
Akaza's eye twitched. "You're tired? You—"
Before he could finish, Saitama casually flicked a pebble at him.
The pebble hit Akaza in the chest.
Akaza exploded.
The forest fell silent. Zenitsu fainted. Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Nezuko just stood there, mouths hanging open.
"Well," Saitama stretched, "I'm going to sleep."
He lay down on the grass, closed his eyes, and immediately began snoring.
The Demon Slayers could only stare, wondering if they were dreaming or if the legend of the Bald Hero had just reached a whole new level.
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End of Chapter 22