Chapter 41: Subjugating the House of Evolution

"Alright, ten thousand yen should be enough for you."

Shinji casually pulled a 10,000-yen bill from his pocket and handed it to Vaccine Man, not thinking twice about the amount. Even though he had a bank card, he preferred carrying some cash around for convenience. After all, he made decent money, between monster subjugation rewards from the Association and his modest monthly salary, finances weren't really a problem anymore.

"I think it's enough? I don't really know," Vaccine Man muttered, clearly confused. He had no clue about the cost of video games or what yen was worth.

"Ten thousand's more than enough. You could grab a whole stack of games with that," Saitama chimed in.

"Got it, I'll go buy them now."

Vaccine Man turned to leave but hesitated, spinning back around. "By the way, am I allowed to leave the restricted zone now?"

"You can. I'll come with you," Shinji replied and followed him out the door.

Moments later, Shinji walked back in. Fubuki inside the house was just starting to observe the house and that bald head when Shinji returned in no time. Did he even leave the apartment?

"Didn't you go out shopping with that monster?" Fubuki asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I did. I sent a clone with him," Shinji said with a nod, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Clone...?" Fubuki blinked, clearly taken aback. Did he just say clone?

"Yeah."

He didn't bother elaborating, which left Fubuki even more surprised. A clone? Just what kind of ability was that?

Earlier, Shinji had used the "Wood Style: Wood Clone Technique," unlocked after progressing far enough with Hashirama Cells, to create a perfect wooden clone. It looked just like him and had decent combat ability too. It could even use Kamui and summon Susanoo, making it an incredibly versatile backup.

"By the way, I've never seen this person before. Is she your friend?" Saitama asked, finally noticing Fubuki.

"No, this is our first meeting. She's Blizzard of Hell, number one in B-Class," Shinji explained.

"Oh. Never heard of her, but she looks kinda strong," Saitama said with his usual blank tone.

Fubuki stayed silent, still trying to process everything. This guy had Genos, an S-Class hero, calling him "master" and talking to Saitama like an old friend. How could a B-Class hero manage that?

The more she observed, the more she realised she had underestimated Shinji. But what truly dominated her thoughts at that moment was one overwhelming desire: she wanted to be part of this group.

"Fubuki."

"Fubuki?"

Shinji called her twice before she snapped out of it.

"Ah, what is it?" she asked quickly, a bit embarrassed.

"You zoned out. Saitama was talking to you," Shinji said with a faint smile.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't hear clearly just now. Could you repeat it?" Fubuki asked, offering a quick apology.

"I was just saying, earlier, when I was playing games, I heard a lot of noise outside. Were you fighting with Shinji?" Saitama asked again, his expression as calm as ever.

"...!"

Fubuki was caught off guard. Considering how close he seemed to be with Shinji and the fact that he was an S-Class hero, his question felt less like curiosity and more like subtle judgment.

"...Yes," she admitted after a brief pause, unable to come up with an excuse.

"I thought so. So, are you two good now?" he asked, unfazed.

"I guess... kind of."

Unsure of how to explain, she offered a vague answer.

"As long as you're good now. Otherwise, you two were really disturbing the neighbourhood," Saitama added with a casual nod.

"Well... it mainly happened because monsters came to attack Master Shinji. Most of the noise was probably caused by them," Genos interjected at that moment, stepping in to explain.

"Huh? Seriously? There really were monsters?" Saitama's eyes widened a little, clearly surprised.

"Yes. They were working with that mosquito monster from before. They've set their sights on Master Shinji's body... oh, and on yours too, Mr. Saitama," Genos reported with a serious tone.

"Mine too?" Saitama blinked, then quickly clarified, "I'm not interested in monsters."

"No, that Dr. Genus wants to use your and Master Shinji's bodies for research. So, we're planning to eliminate the House of Evolution as soon as possible. Otherwise, they'll keep sending people to bother us," Genos explained.

Saitama nodded slightly. "Got it. Do you need my help?"

"If possible, Saitama, it'd be best if you could come with us," Shinji said, glancing at him.

The House of Evolution only had one remaining major threat: the Dragon-level Carnage Kabuto. Shinji wasn't too worried about defeating him, but he wanted Saitama along to break Dr. Genus's spirit and put a full stop to this whole mess.

"Sure. When are you planning to leave?" Saitama asked.

"Whenever. Tomorrow, or even right now," Shinji said casually.

"Then let's go now and get it over with. I can't miss the supermarket super sale the day after tomorrow."

His tone turned unexpectedly serious.

The weekly sale offered massive discounts, and even though Saitama wasn't strapped for cash anymore, the habit of rushing to those events had stuck with him. It was practically part of his identity now.

"Then let's move."

Shinji stood up, ready to go.

On the other hand, Fubuki, still seated, hadn't moved. Both Shinji and Genos turned toward her.

"Fubuki, aren't you going back?" Shinji asked.

"Master and I are heading out to destroy the House of Evolution. You should get going too," Genos said, his tone flat and direct.

"Oh, right."

Snapped out of her thoughts, Fubuki quickly got up.

They all left together, and Shinji made sure to lock the door behind him. Even in an abandoned area, it was just good practice.

...

Deep underground, in the House of Evolution's main research facility,

"This can't be! How could this happen?! All the elite fighters we sent out were wiped out! Even Beast King!"

Dr. Genus's face twisted in disbelief. He couldn't comprehend it. His most powerful creations, the pinnacle of his experiments, the very tools he intended to use to eradicate outdated humanity, had been completely destroyed.

"According to Armored Gorilla's report, that red-eyed boy and the cyborg are on their way here. If we don't act now, everything we've built will be lost..." one of his clones warned from behind.

The room was filled with identical copies of Dr. Genus. They all wore the same plain lab coats, the only difference between them being the numbers stitched into their uniforms.

"If that's the case..." Dr. Genus's eyes narrowed, a mix of anger and desperation flaring in them. "Then we'll have to use our last resort. Prepare to release the Carnage Kabuto."

 ===

Please read my new book: My Monster Evolution in One Punch Man