Saitama’s strength is unmatched, leaving him without a true rival. Every opponent he faces is defeated with a single punch, making his battles one-sided. While this immense power is the foundation of his character, it also creates an unusual problem—he lacks the thrill of a real challenge.
If he had an arch-nemesis, the story would take a different turn, giving him something he has never experienced before: a fight that truly tests his limits. A real rival could bring a level of tension that has been missing from his battles.
Could a villain with endurance finally make Saitama break a sweat (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)It would also change the dynamics of his character development, forcing him to take combat more seriously. The presence of such an enemy could introduce fresh conflicts, emotional stakes, and possibly even a long-term goal beyond his current boredom.
The Qualities of a Worthy Arch-Nemesis
For someone to be considered Saitama’s true rival, they would need more than just overwhelming strength. The usual formula of powerful villains has never been enough to shake him, so his arch-nemesis would require something unique.
Intelligence could be one of their greatest weapons, allowing them to outthink him in ways that brute force never could. A villain who constantly evades direct combat while creating challenges that frustrate him could keep Saitama on his toes.
Another important factor is endurance. Since Saitama defeats opponents instantly, a rival who can withstand multiple attacks would be unlike anything he has faced before. This would mean finding a way to match or counteract his power, either through regeneration, absorbing his strength, or bending the laws of reality itself.
A character with these traits could force Saitama into a prolonged battle, something he has never had to experience.
How a Rival Could Change Saitama
Saitama’s greatest struggle has never been physical—it has been emotional. His overwhelming power has led to boredom, making every fight predictable and uninteresting. The existence of a rival could change this, introducing a reason for him to take combat seriously again.
A nemesis who continuously escapes defeat or finds ways to push him past his usual nonchalant approach could make him more engaged. This could also lead to deeper character development. Saitama rarely shows concern for his opponents, but a long-term rival might force him to think differently.
If this enemy manages to hurt his friends or create chaos that he cannot ignore, he may find himself facing emotions he has not explored before. Frustration, determination, and even fear are all things he has been shielded from due to his strength. A nemesis that can bring out these emotions would add depth to his story.
The Best Type of Rival for Saitama
A rival could come in different forms, but certain types would work better than others. One possibility is a being who grows stronger each time they are defeated. This would make Saitama’s usual approach of finishing fights with one punch less effective, as each victory would only make the enemy more powerful.
This kind of opponent would challenge him to think beyond brute force, forcing him to develop new strategies. Another possibility is an enemy who can manipulate time or reality. If someone could rewind damage, avoid attacks by bending space, or alter the flow of time itself, they could make Saitama’s strength irrelevant.
A battle against such a character would require more than just physical power—it would demand problem-solving and adaptation. This would be a rare situation where Saitama’s usual tactics would not guarantee an instant victory.
How Other Characters Would React
The introduction of a true rival would not only affect Saitama but also the people around him. Genos, who sees him as an unbeatable mentor, might struggle with the idea that his master is finally facing a challenge.
The Hero Association, which has always overlooked Saitama, might start paying attention to him if they realize he is fighting an opponent unlike any other. This could also lead to conflicts between heroes and villains, as both sides might see Saitama’s rival as a threat—or an opportunity.
If his rival were a villain, heroes might band together to support Saitama, recognizing that his power is now necessary for survival. If they were another hero or a neutral force, there could be debates about whether Saitama should be stopped before things escalate.
The presence of an equal opponent would change the balance of power, affecting everyone in ways they never expected.
The Impact of One Punch Man’s Story
One of the biggest changes that would come from introducing an arch-nemesis is the change in tone. While One Punch Man thrives on comedy and parody, a true rival could introduce a more serious atmosphere. The stakes would be higher, and fights would carry more weight, making each battle feel more intense.
While humor would still have its place, Saitama having a genuine challenge could make the series more dramatic. This would also open up new story possibilities. Instead of simply waiting for the next monster to appear, Saitama could have a long-term goal of stopping his rival.
There could be a buildup to a showdown, something the series has never had before. With a strong enough nemesis, Saitama’s journey could evolve beyond just defeating opponents effortlessly.
Could Saitama Ever Lose?
A major question that arises when considering a rival is whether Saitama could be defeated. Since his entire identity is built around being unbeatable, it would take something extraordinary to challenge him in a meaningful way.
Outsmarting Saitama might be the only way to truly challenge him (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)His rival would need abilities that go beyond strength, perhaps introducing concepts like immortality, cosmic-level intellect, or divine intervention. Even if Saitama remained the stronger fighter, a nemesis who could outthink, outlast, or outmaneuver him could make the fight unpredictable.
The idea of a battle that does not end in one punch would already be a drastic change from his usual encounters. Whether he wins or not, the struggle itself would be enough to shake his usual routine.
Saitama having an arch-nemesis would drastically change the direction of One Punch Man. It would challenge his mindset, introduce new stakes, and redefine his role in the story. A powerful enemy who could survive his punches, counter his abilities, or keep escaping would force him to engage in ways he never has before.
Such a character could make battles more engaging, bring emotional depth to his journey, and alter how other heroes and villains perceive him. While the series thrives on Saitama’s overwhelming strength, a true rival could be the one thing that finally makes him take a fight seriously.