Chapter 173 (Online)

"Secret Intel" (秘匿情報, Hitoku Jōhō, Tonari: 218) is the 173rd chapter of the One-Punch Man manga series.

Summary
After his defence system's failure, Bofoi discovers the man responsible is A-Class Rank 39 Caped Baldy. He combs through the association's database and finds that Saitama had been rapidly rising in rank through various battles, as well as being named the new record holder for physical tests. Seeing how easily he destroyed his robots, Bofoi judges that Saitama is probably stronger than even an S-Class hero, and decides to track him.

In a meeting held two days before this, Sitch proposes that the previous attacks that nearly destroy the Hero Association are linked with the prophecy that the Earth is in danger, asking the heroes present to keep all information confidential. Genos agrees, but Zombieman and Flashy Flash find it unusual to be secretive now. Zombieman begins the discussion and brings up that the cadre he fought, Homeless Emperor, had mentioned "God" before dying. Sitch, Amai Mask, and Sekingar are shocked at the mention of God. Flashy Flash states that he had previously encountered something that tried to offer power and spoke telepathically. Amai Mask proposes that "God" might just be a leader of the Monster Association, like Gyoro Gyoro's identity being a human.

Flashy Flash states an ordinary monster cannot give someone such power, citing that they would not be strong enough to gain Blast's attention. He then faces Sitch and mentions that Blast had asked him to send his regards to the Association leader. He confesses that he had been holding a secret for 20 years; he had known that Blast had been searching for God, shocking everyone. Blast and several heroes had previously found a cube and believed it to be a communicator to God. But during a battle two years ago with Elder Centipede, Blast was offered power by God directly. He denied the offer and faced the entity alone. As the Association was not in condition to face such a grave threat, Blast decided it was best only a few would know God's existence.

Genos then states that if only Sitch had talked to Saitama about God, he could have dealt with the issue. Sitch is confused, as it was Blast's power to manipulate space-time that helped him survive. The hero brings out his depleted core and says that Saitama had spoken to them. After a four-hour discussion is given by Genos, with Amai Mask leaving over his schedule, everyone is exhausted. Though they all claim Genos' intel is dubious, Sitch mentions they must confer with Saitama for its authenticity. Genos then claims that Saitama has no memory of the events, leading Flashy Flash to call Genos' explanation a lie, enraging the cyborg.

With all info laid out, they conclude that the safest bet is Blast's belief that something on Earth is drawing God's attention, and to avoid drawing attention is unity and solidarity without weakness in all heroes. Genos angrily leaves, saying that it is instead paramount that Saitama be informed. Zombieman suddenly remembers Dr. Genus' words about someone losing their hair in exchange for removing their limiter, realizing it may have been Saitama. Flashy Flash, after seeing Genos' intense devotion to Saitama, thinks he may be a supremely powerful hero waiting for the right moment. Amai Mask, also noting Genos' abilities as an S-Class hero and seeing him captivated by the Caped Baldy, believes Saitama to be an ideal hero.

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