Since the inception of One-Punch Man, Saitama has been at the center of the story as its lead character. However, the newest chapter of the manga raises questions about whether he is truly the hero many have perceived him to be. For a large portion of the series, the Monster Association has been the main threat.
But with their downfall, there is no room for a fresh adversary to take that role—one that Saitama himself could fill. Created by ONE with illustrations by Yusuke Murata, One-Punch Man tells the tale of Saitama, a superhero with such immense strength that he can defeat any opponent with a single strike.
The unsettling power behind Saitama’s rage (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)Because he can neutralize enemies with minimal effort, the manga often keeps him occupied elsewhere during major battles, allowing other characters to take the spotlight and maintain suspense.
Saitama’s Strength as a Double-Edged Sword
This approach has provided an opportunity for a deeper analysis of another central character, the hero hunter Garou. When Saitama does show up, his role is largely comedic. However, the latest chapter hints that his presence in the story may be headed in an entirely new direction—potentially as a formidable antagonist.
The long-awaited showdown between Saitama and Garou finally unfolds in chapter 161 of the manga. Despite the high expectations surrounding this encounter, the battle itself is rather anticlimactic, as Saitama effortlessly sends Garou flying with his signature single punch.
However, the chapter includes one of the most unsettling moments in the series. When Saitama explains why he engaged the Monster Association, he reveals that his initial reason for stepping outside was to complain about the noise.
But after witnessing the destruction of his home in the chaos, his frustration escalated to the point where he felt an overwhelming rage, as though he could annihilate the world, leading him to confront the Monster King as a way to vent his emotions.
For someone of Saitama’s immense abilities, such a statement is deeply unsettling. In this instance, he managed to release his anger by fighting a tangible enemy, but the real concern arises when there is no clear target for his frustration.
If he were to reach such a state of fury again without an obvious opponent, the consequences could be unimaginable. Given the sheer scale of his strength, he possesses the potential to bring about large-scale devastation if he ever chooses to.
As demonstrated in this chapter, even Garou—one of the most formidable characters in the series—would stand no chance against him if he ever decided to embrace villainy.
The Potential for a Dark Turn in One-Punch Man
While some readers might dismiss Saitama’s statement as mere humor, the manga strongly suggests that there is an underlying reality to his words.
His expression at that moment is particularly striking, with one-half of his face cast in shadow and his eyes appearing bloodshot, portraying someone on the brink of an outburst.
Should he ever lose control and turn against the heroes, Saitama would undoubtedly become the most dangerous adversary One-Punch Man has ever seen. Such a transformation would bring about a massive change in the trajectory of the series.