- This article is about the chapter. For the volume, see Volume 33.
"Squared" (二乗, Jijō, Tonari: 211) is the one hundred seventy-first chapter of the One-Punch Man manga series.
Short Summary
With his newfound power, Garou wreaks havoc on the heroes. Blast arrives to stop the Hero Hunter, but when Saitama returns, he finds Genos and many heroes already killed by Garou, with only Blast still standing. Overwhelmed by the tragic scene and feeling responsible for his late arrival, Saitama unleashes a Serious Punch. Garou counters, while Blast realizes the immense energy in their clash could destroy the Earth.
Long Summary
Child Emperor and Waganma collapse after bleeding from their noses. Zombieman and Sekingar rush to help, with Zombieman noticing clumps of hair falling from the young hero’s scalp. Bang confronts Garou, declaring that his former student harbors evil and demanding his return. Garou insists he acts on his own free will, but their exchange is interrupted when Blast suddenly arrives through a portal. Skipping formalities, Blast tells Garou he is under the control of "God" and warns that any attack he unleashes could threaten all life on Earth. When Garou refuses to answer, Blast demonstrates the consequences of his actions.
Nearly every hero present has collapsed from the cosmic radiation radiating off Garou. Blast concludes that Garou still retains some humanity and may be reasoned with to avoid further conflict. Instead, Garou laughs, reveling in the destruction caused by his "divine power." He proclaims himself the Ominous Future of humanity, "Disaster Level: God." With no choice left, Blast urges Bang to step aside, but Bang declares that Garou must kill him to pursue his evil path. Manako seizes the chance to flee with the others incapacitated but soon collapses from the radiation. Using her last strength, she looks up and sees Tareo, unconscious and alone.
Suddenly, a voice commands Bang and Blast to move aside. Genos appears, charging at Garou with his remaining energy. Garou seizes him, realizing that Saitama must be powerful if someone like Genos is his apprentice. Blast responds with Dimension Cannon, firing a miniature singularity, but Garou dodges. Blast then opens a portal above Garou, engulfing him and Genos, before striking with Gravity Knuckle to punch Garou through another portal and free Genos. Garou is trapped in a loop of portals as Blast bombards him with punches. Blast links the portals and seals Garou in a pocket dimension, but soon Garou emerges through his own portal, having copied Blast’s abilities. He counters with Nuclear Fission: Gravity Knuckle, forcing Blast to create multiple portals to divert the attack skyward, preventing collateral damage.
Realizing the released energy could devastate the planet, Blast shifts his focus to evacuating everyone. Though impressed by Blast's prowess as the top S-Class hero, Garou dismisses him, knowing Saitama will return. Believing he can defeat Saitama by fully copying his power, Garou grabs the helpless Genos and impales him through the chest.
As black rain falls, likely from the nuclear fallout of Garou's attacks, Saitama reappears, having returned from being launched away by Garou's Gamma Ray Burst, with only Blast still standing. Saitama is visibly distraught, realizing he is too late to save his disciple and the other heroes. Garou throws Genos's depleted core at him, which Saitama catches, blankly recalling Genos's words about being punctual, which he denies. Now furious and serious, Saitama unleashes a Serious Punch at the Hero Hunter. Garou responds with a Serious Punch of his own, having incorporated Saitama's striking power once again through his supernatural copying power, Mode: Saitama. Sensing the tremendous energy in both fists, Blast is startled, fearing that their collision will destroy the Earth.
Characters in Order of Appearance
Gallery
Trivia
- The cover of this chapter showcases the famous Horsehead Nebula on Garou's body, a small nebula from the constellation Orion bearing resemblance to an equine animal's head.
References