One-Punch Man: The Powerful Generous Morality of Que Sera Sera

One of the most charming relationships in One-Punch Man is Saitama's relationship with King. King is a Class-S hero who became that type of hero largely by accident--in fact, he appears to have become Class-S in large part due to Saitama, Saitama's deeds being mistaken for King's. 

King doesn't want to be a hero. He tries to get out of hero situations. In many cases, he sneaks away. 

Saitama is one of the few who figures out King's actual personality and perspective. The 29-year-old man would rather play video games and has a soft spot for cute ones (though he will play just about anything--and beat everyone, including Saitama).

Saitama, by Volume 23, is slowly collecting a Scooby gang, though he appears unaware of the fact. Although Genos appointed himself Saitama's disciple, King is largely--and unexpectedly--Saitama's recruit. It is Saitama who begins to hang out with King and then pull him into various adventures. 

It is never entirely clear what Saitama thinks of King's position and attitude--except that Saitama seems to entirely accept it. He doesn't expect King to fight. Unlike Saitama's treatment of Child Emperor--Saitama hangs back until he is sure Child Emperor can succeed on his own, though he does take out the multi-headed dragon monster chasing them--Saitama never forces King to do what King doesn't want to do. 

However, he does rather cleverly employ King. One of the funniest aspects of King is that his reputation "proceeds him," as the saying goes. The most benign comments by King will be perceived as meaningful and threatening by those he meets, including villains.

Consequently, when Saitama goes to confront Centichoro and help Genos, he convinces King to "front" for him. 

It produces one of my favorite images in the manga series. (See below.)

Interestingly enough, there is some indication that King may have more moral influence on Saitama than anyone else. That is, the hero who doesn't want to be a hero may be the one person Saitama might actually listen to. 

Saitama allows that others have their own opinions--he just doesn't see the point of most other people's advice. King's honest appraisal of his own abilities and interests lends him some gravitas. Saitama takes him seriously precisely because King doesn't pretend anything to himself. Que sera, sera.