Supreme Hero Arc

Supreme Hero Arc
Information
WebcomicChapter(s)	Chapter 119 - 123
MangaChapter(s)	204 (Online) - 218 (Online)
Debut Characters
Characters	Emperor Giant Anteater Great Giant Anteater A Blue Destro Elimin Infelsinave Kokou Mars Leo Wavygyaza Zaedats Pesky Clown Mr. Dunno
Chronology
Previous	Ninjas Arc
Next	Neo Heroes Uprising Arc

The Supreme Hero Arc is the twentieth arc of the One-Punch Man series, and the fifth arc of the Neo Heroes Saga.

Plot

Suiryu leaves the hospital after recovering.

Suiryu is discharged from the hospital. On his way, he comes across the rampaging Great Giant Anteater and effortlessly defeats the monster. Shortly after, he witnesses Wavygyaza's display of strength in defeating Emperor Giant Anteater, which leads him to apply to become a hero for the Neo Heroes. He does this for investigative purposes, believing the Neo Heroes to be a rival organization opposed to the Hero Association. At the Neo Heroes Headquarters, within the exam hall, Suiryu accidentally damages a battle suit and, as a result, is forced to work for the Neo Heroes until he can repay the debt. Following this, the Neo Leaders, who are the top heroes of the newly formed organization, are introduced, with Suiryu among them.

Blue revealed to be Blast's son.

It is then revealed that several S-Class heroes from the Hero Association have switched to the Neo Heroes, each for their own reasons. Raiden spars with Superalloy Darkshine but backs off after sensing his unease. Mars Leo and Kokou, frustrated by not being chosen as Neo Leaders, confront the leaders but are quickly overpowered by Suiryu before being escorted away by Destro and Elimin. The meeting concludes with the revelation that Blue, a top figure in the organization, is the son of Blast.

Saitama meets up with Genos on a street near the ruins of former A-City. Genos, visibly damaged, explains that his condition is the result of a fight with a powerful Demon-level monster when Saitama asks, and requests another spar. He then mentions that Dr. Kuseno has taken great interest in Saitama's physical abilities and wants to collect data. Saitama asks Genos what he bought, and Genos lists the items, adding that he got them at a low price. Saitama is impressed and compliments him, saying he has mastered the art of bargain hunting, even admitting he missed out on some AAA batteries at half price. Suddenly, the two encounter Sweet Mask, who invites them for tea tomorrow at noon, wanting to discuss something face to face. Genos declines, assuming Sweet Mask is talking to him, but it turns out Sweet Mask is actually speaking to Saitama.

The next day, Saitama and Sweet Mask are sat on a table in a cafe. A waiter approaches them and asks what they would like; Saitama orders a coke and Sweet Mask orders a lemonade, but Sweet Mask orders a ginger ale for Saitama instead of the coke, which irks him.

Later, Sweet Mask has lunch with Saitama and tries to teach him how to be a good hero. Saitama ignores most of what Sweet Mask has to say, so Sweet Mask decides to move somewhere else to continue his talk. They walk to a carnival and sit in a Ferris wheel cabin. Now able to speak in secrecy, Sweet Mask reveals his past to Saitama. He explains that he was born an unsightly human, so he adhered to strict moral principles to compensate for his ugliness. He started working as a hero, but his overwhelming loathing for his looks resulted in a transformation that turned him into a monster with a beautiful face. Sweet Mask then tells Saitama that he is the one person he found worthy of carrying on his legacy and becoming the ideal hero. Saitama turns down the offer and jumps out of the cabin to meet King (in the webcomic, it is Genos instead).

Suddenly, a commotion on the fairgrounds catches Sweet Mask's attention. The cause of the ruckus is Pesky Clown, who had taken down several guards that had attempted to stop him. The clown monster swings his mallet to hit a civilian, but Sweet Mask shows up and stops the attack. The two engage in combat.

Sweet Mask battling Pesky Clown.

Sweet Mask has the upper hand at the start of the battle and destroys three of the monster's life balloons. However, the monster draws power from the attention of the crowd and transforms, becoming powerful enough to overpower the hero. Sweet Mask then decides to unveil his monster side in order to defeat Pesky Clown.

Sweet Mask defeating Pesky Clown.

Sweet Mask continues his battle against Pesky Clown. Meanwhile, Saitama runs across Genos, who is on his way to the scene. During this time, news broadcasts reveal Sweet Mask's identity as a Mysterious Being, making both of them aware of the situation. Back at the park, Sweet Mask overpowers the clown-like monster after releasing his true monster form. The surrounding civilians, horrified by his appearance, begin to question whether he is still human. Seizing the massive attention Sweet Mask is drawing, Pesky Clown channels it to further boost his power, transforming into an even more monstrous form. Ultimately, Sweet Mask finishes the monster with a single devastating punch, marking his victory.

Saitama catching a rock thrown at Sweet Mask.

Afterward, Sweet Mask seemingly loses control and furiously continues punching the monster's corpse, sending the crowd into a panic. People push and shove to flee the scene. Blue Fire arrives to calm the situation but fails to recognize Sweet Mask at first until Sosshi points him out. Unsure how to respond, Blue Fire watches cautiously, concerned about Sweet Mask's state of mind. Soon after, Saitama appears and catches a rock thrown at Sweet Mask. Unlike the others, Saitama does not condemn him; instead, he tells him that "You are really cool."

Saitama taking Sweet Mask and jumping away from the scene.

Sweet Mask begs Saitama to kill him, believing it would make Saitama famous and give rise to the "ideal hero" he has always envisioned. Saitama refuses and continues to encourage him. Sweet Mask lashes out and grabs Saitama by the head to demonstrate his power, but Saitama leaps away, carrying him with him. News of Sweet Mask's monstrous appearance spreads rapidly, causing the public to lose trust in him and, by extension, the Hero Association. The scandal is soon regarded as the beginning of the Association's downfall.

At the Neo Heroes headquarters, Metal Bat and Sekingar discuss the events surrounding Sweet Mask. They note that the times are shifting, and the Hero Association's dominance over public opinion is fading, while support for the Neo Heroes continues to grow rapidly.

Story Impact

• Blast's son is revealed as Blue.
• Sweet Mask reveals his past to Saitama.
  • Sweet Mask is exposed as a Mysterious Being to the public, forcing him to retire from hero activities.

Battles and Events

• Sweet Mask vs. Pesky Clown