Battle: Cosmic Fear Garou vs. Saitama In the vast expanse of a desolate landscape, the air crackled with energy as two titans of combat prepared to face each other. Garou, transformed by the essence of the cosmos, stood poised and focused. Each muscle in his body thrummed with potential, the infinite possibilities of Shakkei echoing in his mind. Across from him, Saitama, the legendary hero known for his casual demeanor and unmatched strength, stretched lazily, his eyes betraying a hint of boredom. "Hey, you look pretty serious," Saitama remarked, scratching his head. "What's with the intense vibe?" "Don't underestimate me, Saitama," Garou replied, his voice steady. "I've come to transcend beyond even your limits. I can replicate your strength and match your power. You may have defeated many, but I will not fall easily." Saitama smirked. "Alright then, show me what you've got. I don’t want to wait too long; I have grocery shopping to do later." With that, Garou summoned his powers, feeling the surge of cosmic energy coursing through him. The atmosphere around him shimmered as he manipulated gravity, pulling the very essence of space towards him. "Shakkei: Cosmic Awareness!" he declared, his vision unfurling to witness Saitama’s potential. In an instant, as if synchronized with Garou’s thoughts, Saitama felt a shift. You subtle grin crossed his lips, "Wow, that’s... different. I wonder how long you’ll last." With a burst of speed that blurred the line between dimensions, Garou lunged forward, fists imbued with the power of gravity manipulation. He aimed a punch directly at Saitama, who stood still, eyes closed, unimpressed by the oncoming force. Saitama opened his eyes at the last moment, raising a single hand to intercept the blow effortlessly, the shockwave sending ripples through the ground. "Not bad, but you’re gonna have to do better than that," he said casually. Garou grit his teeth, feeling the pressure but refusing to be discouraged. "You’re strong, but it’s not over yet!" He called upon his Gamma Ray Burst, launching a radiant beam of energy that illuminated the battlefield, designed to overwhelm Saitama. With the mere flick of his wrist, Saitama redirected the energy harmlessly into the sky, the explosion echoing across the barren landscape. "Okay, it’s getting a bit noisy. Can we keep it down?" he said, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone. Garou's resolve hardened as he sensed Saitama’s apathetic demeanor. "This isn't just a game for me! I can adapt—watch!" As if to prove his point, Garou shifted his mode, replicating Saitama’s Limitless Strength. He charged again, powered by the replicative essence, moving faster than ever before. Saitama tilted his head, intrigued by the transformation. "Hmm, that’s impressive. But I still haven’t gotten serious." In a blink, Saitama moved, appearing directly in front of Garou with a silence that spoke volumes, his right hand cocked back, ready to unleash his Serious Punch. Garou’s senses screamed at him, but he was unable to react in time. "No! I have to—!" Before he could finish the thought, Saitama's fist rocketed forward, striking Garou with an unyielding force. The impact sent him flying, crashing into the remnants of a nearby mountain, fragments scattering like leaves in a storm. Garou staggered, feeling the immense pressure inside him. He looked up, determination burning brightly in his eyes. "You think I’ll give up? I can grow more powerful!" He focused, channeling Cosmic Radiation, surrounding himself with a protective aura that pulsed with energy. "You little more interesting," Saitama noted, his voice devoid of concern. "But I’m still not feeling challenged." "Then allow me to show you!" Garou roared, manipulating the very fabric of reality around him, creating portals at will, attempting to catch Saitama off guard from multiple angles. "I can phase in and out! This will confuse you!" But Saitama leaned back, a bemused expression on his face. "That won’t work on me, but nice try." He leisurely sidestepped every portal as Garou jumped through, consistently at least one step ahead. "This can't be happening!" Garou exclaimed, frustration creeping into his voice. "I am the ultimate life form! I can surpass you!" "I don't doubt that," Saitama replied, shrugging. "But maybe you should dial down the theatrics." With his characteristic nonchalance, he launched a single Serious Sneeze, an unexpected eruption of force that devastated the vicinity, catching Garou completely off guard. As the dust settled, Garou staggered back, completely unprepared for the sheer absurdity of it all. "What? Did you really just sneeze?” "Yup," Saitama replied, scratching his face as if nothing had happened at all. "So, are we done here? I’ve got to get home." In that moment, it became painfully clear that Garou, despite all his powers, had underestimated the true nature of Saitama's strength and resilience. He pushed himself up from the debris, panting, a hint of defeat flashing in his eyes. "I can still—" "I know you can keep going," Saitama interrupted, a hint of sympathy in his otherwise indifferent tone. "But I'm really tired of this." With that, Saitama drew back his fist once again, effortlessly echoing the intent of his Serious Punch. No more distractions, no more delay. Winner: Opponent Saitama's limitless strength, timing, and innate absurdity ultimately overwhelmed Garou's impressive abilities. While Garou’s power adaptations were formidable, they couldn't compete with the sheer simplicity and overwhelming force of Saitama's casual combat style. The comedic yet serious nature of Saitama's character ironically won the day, rendering even the most complex strategies futile. Garou's attempts to match and best Saitama only further emphasized Saitama’s unparalleled dominance in battle.