- This article is about the chapter. For the volume, see Volume 34.
"Daybreak" (夜明け, Yoake, Tonari: 214) is the one hundred seventy-fourth chapter of the One-Punch Man manga series.
Short Summary
After losing his divine powers, Garou is cornered by heroes. Genos receives memories from the Ominous Future through the core Saitama is holding. Tareo tries to protect Garou from execution before the Hero Hunter escapes on his own.
Long Summary
Stripped of divine powers, Garou is weakened and surrounded by several heroes. Saitama and Genos discuss the core Saitama holds. Genos connects the core to himself to confirm its authenticity but is overwhelmed by the flood of data. Having traveled through time with Saitama, the core reveals pivotal events: heroes dying from Garou's radiation, Genos' own death at Garou's hands, and Saitama's battle on Io.
Genos soon confirms that the core belongs to him from another timeline. He asks Saitama if he remembers anything, theorizing that both Saitama and the core came from the future. Genos speculates about a parallel world or multiverse, suggesting the core might have come from an alternate timeline created by Saitama's actions. Although the exact point of divergence remains unclear, he explains that a new version of Saitama separated from the original and merged with the past Saitama in this timeline. Genos believes the timing of that merging could reveal when the two timelines split. He further reveals that in the future where the core came from, Garou killed him. Amazed by the discovery, Genos concludes that no matter the existence of parallel worlds or the many heroes who died, Saitama's ability to transcend and alter causality proves his selfless heroism.
As Genos tries to explain his theory on time travel, Saitama struggles to follow the lengthy explanation. Ultimately, Genos feels content knowing Saitama went beyond time and space to save everyone.
Meanwhile, Tareo awakens from a vision of Garou calling to him, only to see lower-ranking heroes attacking the weakened villain, who does not resist. Metal Bat intervenes, ordering them to stop. Sweet Mask bursts out in anger, recalling Garou's rampage and demanding execution. Metal Bat and Saitama oppose this.
When Saitama asks who defeated Garou, Flashy Flash describes a naked man who struck Garou and flew away, noting the move resembled something Blast would do. Sweet Mask and Sekingar are shocked to hear of Blast's involvement. Genos insists only Saitama has the right to decide Garou's fate, though Saitama allows the others to vent their frustrations on him. Zombieman questions Garou about his power, recalling a deceased cadre once mentioned "God". Garou laughs and claims full responsibility. As Zombieman wonders if Garou has lost the will to live, Sweet Mask prepares to kill him, but Tareo steps in. He defends Garou and urges him to run. Sweet Mask accuses Garou of manipulation, but Tareo insists heroes should treat him fairly. While the heroes argue, a powerful rumble interrupts them.
With his King Engine resounding, King silences the group. Bang declares Garou must face consequences and redeem himself by saving others. Garou stays silent, while Saitama ironically remarks that "Absolute Evil" is good at saving people, pointing out how everyone has shown Garou his true self. Garou warns that Saitama will regret letting him go, but Saitama remains unfazed, even thanking him for saving Genos and King from Platinum Sperm and Evil Natural Water. King recalls how he and Saitama previously discussed Garou's fate, with Saitama explaining Garou had saved them. Before leaving, Garou tells Saitama that he is an irritating guy. His high-speed escape shocks everyone, and Sweet Mask rages at Garou's getaway, but Saitama remains composed, confident that Garou will be fine.
Suddenly, Metal Knight arrives in a massive drill. Once he confirms the threat is over, he sends out thousands of drones to repair the destruction. Speaking to the heroes, Metal Knight explains he received reports of nuclear fallout in the area and insists on testing and decontamination for everyone. As Saitama leaves with Genos' damaged upper body, he sighs, lamenting the search for their destroyed apartment once Dr. Kuseno repairs Genos.
Characters in Order of Appearance
- Garou
- Tanktop Rockabilly
- Tanktop Al Dente
- Tanktop Swimmer
- Tanktop Jungle
- Tanktop Racer
- Tanktop Hatter
- Tareo
- Tanktop Mask
- Tanktop Doctor
- Tanktop Girl
- Saitama
- Genos
- Hyottoko
- Metal Bat
- Red Nose
- Sweet Mask
- Flashy Flash
- Sekingar
- Bang
- Zombieman
- Child Emperor
- Waganma
- King
- Smile Man
- D-Pad
- All Back-Man
- Shoulderpads
- Poison
- Death Gatling
- Bunbun Man
- Battery Man
- Horse-Bone
- Ecolo G
- Shooter
- Mohican
- Mushroom
- Water Gun
- Studless
- Platinum Sperm (Flashback)
- Evil Natural Water (Flashback)
- Bomb
- Skunk Boy Gasmask
- Metal Knight
- Funeral Suspenders
- Heavy Kong
- Sneck
- Lightning Max
- Grave Eight
- Red Muffler
- Armored Chief Clerk
Gallery
References