I Didn’t Become a Hero to Get Your Approval

Even though *One Punch Man* is often seen as a comedy, filled with absurd humor, it also has moments that make readers think deeply about real-world issues, like the nature of heroism and the realities of human nature. For example, in Chapter 7, a disaster-level Dragon crisis strikes City Z when a massive meteor from space suddenly heads toward the city.

The Hero Association sends out an urgent call for S-Class heroes to deal with the threat, but even they are powerless against the meteor, and the situation seems hopeless.

In this dire moment, even the heroes themselves begin to evacuate. But why? Because in this manga, heroes aren't just heroes—they're professional heroes.

In most stories, when faced with a city-destroying crisis, heroes usually stick around and somehow find a way to save the day. But in *One Punch Man*, being a hero is just a job. As Bang (aka Silver Fang) points out, "Some of them are just cold-blooded animals who avoid trouble when it's inconvenient."

While many heroes are genuinely altruistic, the professionalization of hero work also attracts those who are in it for the money, the status, or just because it's a job. It's a rather harsh reflection of reality, isn't it?

The harshness continues in this chapter when Genos decides to give it his all to protect the city where his mentor Saitama lives. Despite his best efforts, Genos only manages to slightly push back the meteor before being burnt out.

Then Saitama steps in.

Without fear, he leaps up and shatters the giant meteor with a single punch.

"Of course, even a meteor is no match for Saitama!" Readers feel exhilarated at this moment. Everyone knows that meteors are powerful enough to wipe out dinosaurs, so seeing Saitama effortlessly destroy one is thrilling.

But then something unexpected happens.

Although Saitama destroys the meteor, its fragments and the resulting shockwave still wreak havoc on City Z. The devastation isn't complete, but it's enough to cause significant damage.

Instead of being grateful, the people of the city, led by heroes Tanktop Tiger and Tanktop Black Hole, begin to blame Saitama for the destruction. The citizens, who just moments ago were saved from certain death, now accuse Saitama of causing the city's ruin, forgetting that they had been seconds away from annihilation.

They even go so far as to suggest that other heroes would have done a better job if given the chance.

"Wow, these people are the worst!"

"What a bunch of ungrateful jerks!"

Readers can't help but feel anger, frustration, and disbelief at the ingratitude of the citizens. Many readers feel that the city should have been left to its fate rather than being saved.

But will this experience make Saitama lose his will to be a hero?

As readers watch Saitama standing silently, they begin to worry. Could this be the moment where Saitama gives up on being a hero? Or, could this be the turning point where he becomes a villain?

Some readers even start to look forward to the possibility of Saitama going down a darker path.

But then, Saitama surprises everyone with his response:

"Shut up already! If you have a problem, take it up with the meteor! I didn't become a hero to get your approval! I do this because I want to!"

That's right.

After hearing this, readers suddenly realize the truth. Saitama is a hero for fun. His actions aren't about others; they're about staying true to himself.

A true hero, when faced with criticism, stays true to their purpose. Saitama didn't become a hero for glory, gratitude, or money—he did it because he wanted to.

Saitama's attitude resonates with fans, igniting their spirits. Many readers wish they could step into *One Punch Man*'s world and become Saitama's disciple.

This chapter also made readers think about real-life situations where people's efforts go unappreciated or even criticized. There are instances where those who work hard and prevent disasters are less appreciated than those who respond after a disaster occurs, simply because the latter's efforts are more visible.

Sometimes, people forget the value of what's been done to prevent harm, focusing only on the immediate, visible damage. They overlook the countless unseen sacrifices that have been made to keep them safe.

The Sea King arc later in the series echoes similar themes. When Saitama defeats the Sea King, people begin to downplay his victory, claiming the Sea King wasn't that strong and that the heroes who fought before Saitama were just too weak.

In the end, Saitama diffuses the situation by claiming that he just got lucky and that the other heroes had worn the Sea King down first. This prevents any further slander and allows the truth to remain hidden.

Despite being misunderstood and unappreciated, Saitama never wavers from his path. He continues to be a hero, not for the approval of others, but because it's what he wants to do.

While many readers might curse Saitama for not learning from his experiences, they can't help but be charmed by his unwavering resolve and that shiny, bald head of his.

Because that's the Saitama they've come to love.

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