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Early History
As a child, Garou was a loner and faced widespread rejection from his peers. At school, while he quietly read a book, a popular boy named Tacchan and another student were engrossed in a game of playing heroes. Observing their play, Garou tried to point out the danger of Tacchan kicking another student from a high vantage point. Rather than heeding Garou's warning, Tacchan mockingly declared Garou the new villain and named himself Justice Man. Tacchan attempted to kick Garou but missed and injured himself. Despite Garou apologizing, Tacchan responded with disdain, accusing Garou of being a monster. This declaration escalated into Tacchan kicking Garou in the face, inciting other children to pin him down.
Later, Garou attempted to confront Tacchan, challenging him to a fight to put an end to the bullying. However, the other children rallied to defend Tacchan, dismissing Garou's protests as spoiling their game. Tacchan, proving his cowardice, called for the other children to hold Garou down while he fetched the teacher. This experience left a deep mark on Garou, as he watched Tacchan bask in admiration, being liked by everyone despite his cruelty. In contrast, Garou was alienated, labeled as gloomy and friendless.
When Garou brought his concerns to the teacher, he received no sympathy. The teacher ignored Garou's perspective, instead scolding him for fighting and accusing him of blurring the lines between reality and play. Adding insult to injury, the teacher forced Garou to apologize in tears and notified his parents about the incident. This culmination of injustice pushed Garou over the edge, shaping his belief that so-called heroes were little more than bullies disguised as paragons of virtue. To him, they upheld a social order that celebrated the powerful while trampling the weak, like himself, underfoot.
In another instance, Garou became frustrated while watching the Justice Man television series. He found himself rooting for the villains, only to grow annoyed when Justice Man predictably foiled their plans. When he asked his father if there would ever be a villain capable of defeating Justice Man, he was met with disappointment. This planted the seeds of rebellion in Garou’s mind. He reasoned that monsters, who fought valiantly against overwhelming odds, were treated unfairly. No matter their effort, they were always defeated simply because they were monsters. Refusing to accept this narrative, Garou vowed to become the strongest monster, one that would never lose, and to overturn the unjust status quo.
Tired of being weak and powerless during his formative years, Garou set his sights on becoming stronger. During his adolescence, he traveled great distances to seek out the renowned martial artist, Bang. Upon reaching Bang's dojo, Garou, fatigued from his journey, rudely demanded to know if Bang was truly strong. Before he could receive an answer, Garou collapsed from exhaustion. Sour Face, another student at the dojo, suggested throwing the boy out, but Bang, impressed by Garou's determination, instead instructed Sour Face to feed him when he awoke.
Once revived, Garou was taken under Bang’s wing and quickly rose to the rank of top student at the dojo. During a training session, Garou witnessed Sour Face struggling to smash a stack of ceramic tiles. Confident in his abilities, Garou not only matched the challenge but added more tiles to the stack and successfully shattered all but the last tile at the bottom. While Bang praised his performance, he used the lone unbroken tile as a lesson, reminding Garou that his technique was still far from perfect.
Six months before the Super Fight martial arts tournament attended by Saitama, Garou concluded that he had learned all he could from Bang. Believing he had surpassed his teacher, he went on a rampage through the dojo, defeating many of Bang's students, including Sour Face. However, his rebellion ended with Bang himself delivering a thorough beating, leading to Garou's expulsion from the dojo.
Before leaving, Garou stole secret technique scrolls from the dojo's safe, gaining knowledge of the Exploding Heart Release Fist. In the aftermath, Garou sought to test his strength at the Super Fight tournament, disguising himself as Wolfman after incapacitating the real competitor and taking his mask. His unmatched skill led him to victory, though his true identity remained a mystery.
Alien Conquerors Arc
Bang mentions Garou when Genos questions him about the apparent lack of skilled fighters in his dojo, particularly after defeating Charanko, who claimed to be Bang’s “best disciple.” Bang explains that his dojo was once home to numerous talented martial artists until his true best disciple, Garou, went on a rampage. During the incident, Garou defeated and permanently disabled many of the dojo’s fighters, instilling fear in the remaining students and causing them to abandon their training. As a result, Bang took it upon himself to punish Garou personally, delivering a decisive beating before expelling him from the dojo.
Garou Introduction Arc
During a Hero Association meeting convened amidst a coalition with a large group of villains, Garou makes a dramatic appearance. Introducing himself as an exceptionally powerful individual, he confidently declares that he could defeat everyone present, even if they were to team up against him. Garou reveals that his sole purpose for being there is to seek out strong opponents and punish those he deems cowards.
Three heroes step forward to challenge him, but during the confrontation, Garou's disdain for heroes becomes apparent. He expresses his long-standing preference for monsters, empathizing with their ambitions and struggles. This sentiment ties back to his earlier flashback, where he resolved to become the strongest monster and overturn the current order.
Garou then attacks three powerful A-Class heroes, all bordering on S-Class in strength, and soundly defeats them alongside everyone else present, sparing only Sitch and Speed-o'-Sound Sonic, the latter having left the meeting before the chaos began. As Garou departs, he declares this moment as the "epic intro of Garou the Human Monster" and vows to return in six months after completing his training journey. He also muses about the prospect of one day battling King, whom he considers the Hero Association's strongest member, as he embarks on his self-imposed path of evolution.
The Blizzard Group Arc
Following his rampage at the Hero Association meeting, Garou earns a reputation and the moniker "Human Monster" within the organization. Despite this, most members of the Association do not perceive him as a significant threat, with the exception of Sitch, who takes his potential seriously.
Later, Garou encounters Tanktop Vegetarian, an upper A-Class hero, in a deserted alleyway. Their confrontation ends swiftly, with Garou effortlessly defeating the hero. However, he finds himself dissatisfied with the lackluster challenge. When Tanktop Vegetarian attempts to intimidate him by warning him against targeting heroes, Garou nonchalantly knocks him unconscious. Before leaving, he expresses his eagerness to take on a monster-class hero, showcasing his relentless drive for worthy opponents.
Hero Hunt Arc
Garou later encounters Mumen Rider, a C-Class hero, and threatens to attack him. Before any action can take place, Tanktop Vegetarian—whom Garou had defeated and spared the previous afternoon—summons his Tank Topper Army to take revenge. The situation escalates when S-Class hero Tanktop Master arrives and strikes Garou after witnessing Tanktop Vegetarian get knocked out by him.
Mumen Rider attempts to defend Garou from Tanktop Master's assault, but Tanktop Master, aware of Garou's malevolent intentions and growing threat, prepares to land a finishing blow. Garou counters with the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist, a formidable martial arts technique, and effortlessly defeats Tanktop Master. Realizing Garou had been holding back the entire time, Tanktop Master is left stunned. Garou then proceeds to defeat all the other heroes present, including Mumen Rider and Charanko, whose unconscious bodies are later discovered by Bang and Bomb.
Continuing his rampage, Garou interrupts a conversation between three C-Class heroes and swiftly defeats them. Shortly afterward, he encounters Tareo, a young boy carrying a catalog with detailed information about heroes and monsters. Although Garou initially demands the catalog, Tareo refuses to hand it over. Intrigued, Garou becomes interested when he learns the catalog includes data on monsters as well. He reads through it, using the information to locate Golden Ball.
Garou finds Golden Ball at a bar and challenges him to a fight. Golden Ball accepts, and the two head toward a parking lot for the battle. Attempting to gain the upper hand, Golden Ball attacks preemptively in an alley leading to the lot. Garou evades the first two attacks, prompting Golden Ball to attempt a ricochet shot that successfully pierces Garou’s leg. Believing he has the advantage, Golden Ball uses his Golden Breakout technique, unleashing a barrage of shots. However, Garou skillfully dodges every bullet, disproving Golden Ball's assumption that his movements were predictable. In a final effort, Golden Ball fires one last shot directly at Garou, who not only deflects it but redirects the remaining bullets, neutralizing them.
Before Garou can finish off Golden Ball, Spring Mustachio intervenes, launching a counterattack. Spring Mustachio forces Garou on the defensive with his swift movements and sword techniques, eventually attempting his secret move, Tomboy. Although Garou dodges the attack, his left hand is stabbed in the process. Undeterred, Garou retaliates, landing a powerful punch that sends Spring Mustachio flying into nearby trash cans. He then reveals that he had anticipated Spring Mustachio’s techniques and is now accustomed to fighting armed opponents.
Afterward, Garou sets his sights on targeting Sweet Mask. By chance, he overhears a corrupt Hero Association official abusing his power to impress women and beats him up out of frustration. Dissatisfied with the encounter, Garou’s annoyance grows—until he spots Saitama emerging from a wig shop nearby. Mistaking Saitama for an insignificant wannabe hero seeking fame by capturing him, Garou attacks. However, Saitama casually counters with a single chop to the back of Garou’s neck, knocking him out instantly. Unfazed, Saitama continues his errand, leaving Garou unconscious atop a pile of garbage bags. When Garou eventually regains consciousness, he finds himself disoriented and with a hazy recollection of the events.
Monster Raid Arc
Garou retreats to his hideout, tending to his injuries while examining a wall of photographs featuring heroes he plans to challenge. Later, he reconnects with Tareo, the child carrying the hero and monster catalog. Garou inquires about the S-Class hero Watchdog Man, expressing his desire to fight him. Their conversation is interrupted by an alert from S-City reporting a Demon-level threat and the involvement of Metal Bat. Garou tells Tareo to flee while he eagerly anticipates a showdown with Metal Bat.
Garou arrives at the scene just as Metal Bat is sent hurtling hundreds of meters across the city. Initially, Garou assumes Metal Bat was defeated by Elder Centipede and begins heading toward Watchdog Man. However, when Metal Bat rises and moves to confront Elder Centipede again, Garou takes the opportunity to engage him instead.
The two clash in an empty section of the city. Garou expresses disappointment that Metal Bat isn’t at full strength due to his previous battle with Elder Centipede. Metal Bat counters by launching a furious attack, but Garou skillfully evades. Impressed by Metal Bat’s resilience despite his injuries, Garou notes that Metal Bat appears to have reached his limit. Suddenly, Metal Bat charges at Garou with incredible speed, his strength and intensity noticeably heightened. Garou, surprised by this surge in power, inquires about the cause. Metal Bat attributes it to his "Fighting Spirit" and challenges Garou to finish the fight quickly. Garou agrees to continue, curious to see how long Metal Bat can sustain this momentum.
Garou hurls a manhole cover at Metal Bat, who bats it back with ease. However, by the time Metal Bat follows through, Garou has closed the distance. Metal Bat goes on the offensive, but his strikes fail to land. Garou mocks Metal Bat, questioning how long he can keep fighting. Metal Bat counters by declaring he’ll fight until victory, continuing his relentless assault. When Garou attempts a kick, Metal Bat deflects it and attempts a finishing move. Garou manages to repel the technique and lands a decisive blow to Metal Bat’s chest, knocking him down. Reflecting on the fight, Garou acknowledges that while he successfully countered Metal Bat’s techniques, his own bones are rattled. He admits that even one clean hit from Metal Bat could have spelled disaster.
As Metal Bat prepares to deliver a powerful strike, he is interrupted by his sister Zenko, who shouts for him to stop. Garou seizes the moment to strike Metal Bat, commenting that the fight might have ended if Metal Bat hadn’t hesitated. Before the battle can continue, Zenko steps between them, declaring the fight over, as Metal Bat promised not to fight in her presence. Though reluctant, Garou respects her demand and departs, resuming his search for Watchdog Man.
While leaving, Garou is observed by Phoenix Man and Sludge Jellyfish, members of the Monster Association. They discuss Garou’s potential usefulness and approach him. Sludge Jellyfish attempts to capture Zenko but is immediately attacked by Garou, who warns them against interfering. Phoenix Man intervenes, claiming they mean no harm and inviting Garou to join the Monster Association. Garou declines, insisting they leave. The monsters depart, hinting that they will meet Garou again if he continues his hero hunt. Watching them leave, Garou mutters in disgust, “Disgusting,” before continuing on his way.
Super Fight Arc
Garou arrives at Watchdog Plaza, where he encounters Watchdog Man, who sits atop the remains of a defeated Monster Association invasion force. Spotting his target, Garou attempts to launch an attack while the hero remains seated. However, his underestimation of Watchdog Man leads to a shocking turn of events.
Watchdog Man's incredible speed, power, and unpredictable movements overwhelm Garou entirely. The hero’s wild, beast-like combat style proves unreadable, rendering Garou unable to counter or defend effectively. Despite his extensive training under Bang, Garou finds that his techniques are ill-suited for battling a fighter with monster-like instincts and movements. Watchdog Man effortlessly counters Garou's every move, leaving him severely injured. Unable to match the hero's ferocity, Garou retreats. Watchdog Man ceases his pursuit once Garou exits his territory.
Although defeated, Garou finds himself exhilarated by the experience. The battle gives him newfound insights into fighting monster-like opponents, fueling his determination to grow stronger.
Soon after, while wandering injured, Garou encounters King and Saitama. Fixating on King, Garou decides to attack despite his weakened state. Confidently analyzing King’s movements, Garou prepares to strike. However, he fails to notice Saitama, who intervenes with a single kick that sends Garou flying through a wall. Once again, Garou is left battered and unconscious, further highlighting the gap between himself and Saitama.
Monster Association Arc
Garou, recovering from being knocked into a wall, unintentionally encounters Death Gatling. Recognizing his dire state after the battles with Watchdog Man and King (Saitama), he attempts to retreat to recover. However, Death Gatling notices him as he stumbles away.
Later, in his hideout, Garou is seen nursing his injuries when he re-encounters Tareo. The child explains that he must leave, though Garou suspects Tareo was bullied into this decision. Garou advises Tareo to become strong if he wants to stand up to his peers, which Tareo acknowledges. At that moment, Garou senses that heroes have surrounded his hideout and asks Tareo for his hero catalog to identify his attackers.
After identifying the group of heroes led by Death Gatling, Garou exits the shack to confront them. Death Gatling declares their intention to capture Garou, but the Hero Hunter confidently retorts that this fight will push his count of defeated heroes past 100. Gun Gun initiates the assault by firing at Garou, who dodges with ease. Despite managing to evade coordinated attacks from heroes like Stinger, Shooter, and Chain'n'toad, Garou starts sustaining injuries as the heroes’ relentless teamwork begins to wear him down.
As the battle intensifies, flashbacks of his childhood resurface, fueling Garou’s frustration with the injustice of villains being overpowered by superior numbers. Drawing on his martial skill, Garou starts countering with devastating precision. He intercepts Chain'n'toad’s attack, redirects Smile Man’s kendama against his allies, and systematically neutralizes Wild Horn, Shooter, and Smile Man. Death Gatling, refusing to relent, uses his ultimate attack, Death Shower, but Garou intercepts the bullets, ensuring the safety of the building behind him, which houses Tareo.
Following an emergency call from the injured heroes, Genos arrives to confront the heavily weakened Garou. The two engage in an intense battle, with Garou adapting his techniques to mimic Watchdog Man’s style, catching Genos off guard. Despite ripping off Genos’ arm, Garou is trapped by the hero's mechanical appendage. Genos taunts Garou, calling him a mere thug unworthy of attention compared to the Monster Association. Garou frees himself but remains at a disadvantage until a horde of monsters emerges from underground to protect him.
The monsters attempt to recruit Garou on behalf of the Monster Association, but he rejects their offer, preferring to remain independent. Genos swiftly defeats the monsters and prepares another attack, declaring his resolve to grow stronger under Saitama’s teachings. When Garou questions Genos about Saitama, Genos proudly declares his master as the mightiest hero.
Before Genos can finish Garou, Bang and Bomb arrive, surprising everyone. While Genos and Bomb deal with the remaining monsters, Bang confronts his former disciple. Disappointed by Garou’s current state, Bang challenges him to a one-on-one fight. Despite Garou’s best efforts, Bang’s mastery of martial arts proves overwhelming, and Garou is brutally beaten by his former teacher.
Garou, battered and outmatched, attempts to retaliate against Bang but finds himself continuously overwhelmed due to the stark difference in their mastery of the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist and Garou's weakened state. Realizing that victory is unattainable, he tries to escape using Watchdog Man’s agile fighting style, using Death Gatling's unconscious body as a shield. However, Bomb intercepts him mid-flight, delivering a sharp kick to his face that sends him hurtling toward a group of nearby monsters. The collision results in the monsters being obliterated by Bomb's razor-sharp Whirlwind Iron Cutting Fist.
Bomb and Bang then combine their martial arts techniques, launching a relentless assault on Garou. Wracked with pain, Garou is suddenly flooded with memories of his traumatic childhood, recalling the bullying and misunderstandings he endured. Fueled by his anguish, he musters a desperate counterattack, utilizing Tanktop Master's Tanktop Blow and ripping a massive tree from the ground. Swinging the tree with immense force, he momentarily forces Bang and Bomb to retreat.
As the battle intensifies, Phoenix Man arrives, creating a powerful air current that sends Garou, Bang, and Bomb flying. Phoenix Man seizes the opportunity to grab Garou midair, calling upon Elder Centipede to facilitate their escape. Despite Garou’s protests, Phoenix Man's grip holds firm. Genos tries to intercept them, but Phoenix Man’s speed and Elder Centipede's interference allow him to escape with Garou.
Now within the Monster Association’s headquarters, Garou observes the group's brutal operations, including the trial of Narinki's Private Squad and the introduction of the enigmatic G5. A voice, presumably Psykos', advises Garou to remain low-profile until the trial concludes. Afterward, Do-S brainwashes the captured squad for the association’s purposes. Meanwhile, Royal Ripper detects Garou's presence and calls him out, prompting Garou to reluctantly engage with the association’s leadership. Gyoro Gyoro, along with the other members and their leader, Orochi, offers Garou the role of an executive member under the condition that he kills a hero within a day to prove his allegiance. However, Gyoro Gyoro covertly assigns Royal Ripper and Bug God to monitor Garou, doubting his commitment to the monster cause.
Later, Garou encounters a group attempting to capture a civilian who disagrees with their ideology. Garou easily dispatches them, mocking their underestimation of true monsters. As chaos spreads across society due to the Monster Association’s actions, Garou reflects on humanity's decline while eating at a nearby restaurant. His ruminations are interrupted when he frightens off a delinquent threatening an elderly patron, highlighting his disdain for both human frailty and heroism. After leaving the restaurant, Garou encounters Tareo again and scares off the boy’s bullies. However, when Tareo thanks him, Garou dismisses the gratitude, disgusted by the notion of being seen as heroic.
Garou soon crosses paths with Saitama, who unknowingly lets him off with a warning, further frustrating Garou. He interprets the act as pity and resolves to take Saitama's head as proof of his strength. Before he can act, Saitama inadvertently knocks him out with a casual punch. Upon waking, Garou inquires about the hero, only to be confronted by Royal Ripper and Bug God, who accuse him of not fully embracing his monstrous identity.
Royal Ripper demands that Garou kill Tareo to prove his loyalty. When Garou questions the order, Bug God explains that abandoning humanity is essential to becoming a true monster. Refusing to harm the boy, Garou instead berates Tareo and orders him to leave. Royal Ripper takes advantage of Tareo’s hesitation and attacks the child, but Garou intervenes, hurling Royal Ripper into the air with a powerful kick. Though Royal Ripper quickly recovers, Garou urges Tareo to flee.
Royal Ripper and Bug God declare Garou an enemy, launching a coordinated assault. Garou manages to injure Bug God slightly but hurts his hand in the process. He deftly evades Royal Ripper’s frenzied slashes while redirecting some toward Bug God. Despite his skill, Garou is soon overwhelmed when Bug God pounds him into the ground and hurls him into electrical cables, briefly incapacitating him. Regaining his footing, Garou holds his ground against the two monsters, confidently stating that they are no match for Bang.
The battle reaches a stalemate until Sludge Jellyfish appears, capturing Tareo. Distracted by the boy's predicament, Garou is brutally slashed in the back by Royal Ripper and struck in the torso by Bug God. Bloodied and barely conscious, Garou collapses as Bug God halts Royal Ripper’s attack, citing Gyoro Gyoro's orders to keep Garou alive. As Garou lies motionless, Royal Ripper menacingly invites Tareo to join him, promising to be his “friend” with a sinister grin.
Garou’s transformation continues to take a significant toll on him both physically and mentally. With each passing moment, the effects of his monsterization grow more intense, and he becomes a grotesque reflection of the very things he sought to fight against. As his body mutates, his once-human features become distorted, and his monstrous form begins to embody the very fear and aggression he once aimed to master. The more he succumbs to his transformation, the more detached he becomes from his original self. This internal war intensifies, with Garou struggling to balance his desires for vengeance with his lingering human emotions.
During this time, Garou is confronted with the realization that his previous ideals were misguided. His quest to become the ultimate monster, to embody power without fear, was built on a foundation of pain and rage. This realization forces him to grapple with the question of whether his journey for strength was truly worth the sacrifices. His childhood trauma of being an outcast and bullied is no longer the sole driving force behind his actions. Instead, he begins to see the futility in his pursuit of an ideal that is ultimately hollow.
As Garou’s monstrous form continues to take shape, his inner conflict becomes more pronounced. Despite his newfound power, Garou starts to question the very nature of his transformation. At the height of his monsterization, Garou recognizes that his desire for revenge has turned him into the very thing he despised—an embodiment of fear and terror. He starts to understand that his pursuit of strength has isolated him even further from humanity. The monsters around him, such as Gyoro Gyoro and Orochi, have become symbols of this descent into darkness. They represent the monster he thought he wanted to become, but their callousness and manipulation only reinforce his doubts.
Even as his body becomes more monstrous and his abilities grow, Garou begins to acknowledge the cost of his transformation. His emotional and psychological turmoil reaches a breaking point. The more monstrous he becomes, the more he feels alienated from his original self—the compassionate, albeit flawed, individual who once sought to change society. His battle with Darkshine, and later with Orochi, highlights this internal divide, as Garou struggles to maintain control over his emotions and actions. The physical pain he endures throughout these fights is a constant reminder of the toll that his transformation is taking on his body.
Despite these challenges, Garou remains resilient. He fights through his doubts and pain, still determined to carve out a path for himself in a world that has cast him aside. This determination fuels his actions in the Monster Association's underground lair. After being imprisoned by the association, Garou experiences a moment of clarity when he breaks free from his chains and attacks Puri-Puri Prisoner. His violent outburst serves as a reminder of the monster he’s becoming, but it also reflects his desire to break free from the constraints placed on him by both the heroes and the monsters around him.
As Garou continues to fight, his growing power becomes undeniable. He easily overpowers Superalloy Darkshine, a feat that shocks both himself and his opponent. This marks a turning point in Garou’s journey, as he realizes that his growth as a fighter is not just a result of his physical strength, but of his internal battle to reconcile his humanity with his monstrous transformation. The fear he instills in Darkshine is a reflection of the fear that Garou himself once felt as an outcast. This fear, however, no longer controls him—it drives him to fight harder and push past his limitations.
Throughout these battles, Garou’s power continues to surge. His fighting style evolves, with Garou subconsciously adopting new techniques, such as the Cross Fang Dragon Slayer Fist. This new technique allows him to move faster, hit harder, and fight with an intensity that overwhelms his opponents. However, this newfound power comes at a cost: Garou’s emotional stability begins to deteriorate. As he continues to face more formidable opponents, the line between man and monster becomes increasingly blurred. His transformation into a monster is not just physical; it is mental and emotional as well. Garou’s inner turmoil reaches its peak when he begins to reflect on his own desires and what kind of monster he truly wants to become.
In a moment of reflection, Garou’s thoughts shift toward a larger question: what kind of legacy does he want to leave behind? The fear and destruction he spreads may have given him power, but it has also isolated him from the very thing he once desired—connection with others. His growing awareness of this inner conflict forces Garou to pause and reconsider his path. His desire to be the ultimate monster, to embody absolute strength, begins to clash with his longing for redemption and meaning.
Garou’s epiphany comes in the form of a flashback to his younger self—a time when he called himself a monster out of desperation. This moment serves as a catalyst for Garou's final transformation. He realizes that to truly become the ultimate monster, he must unite people through fear, chaos, and destruction. His transformation into the ultimate evil is not just about power—it is about creating a force that can bring people together under a single banner of terror. This realization marks the culmination of Garou’s journey, as he becomes a creature of immense power and influence, capable of shaping the future of the world with his newfound abilities.
As the battle between Garou and the heroes continues, Garou’s transformation reaches its final stage. He now fully embodies the monster he once feared, and the world will feel the weight of his choices. His internal conflict may never fully resolve, but Garou’s journey has led him to a place where he can no longer turn back. The question remains: will Garou find redemption in his monstrous form, or will he remain trapped in the cycle of fear and rage that has defined his existence?
After Garou regains consciousness, he emerges above ground in front of Bomb and Fubuki. With remarkable speed, he charges at them, engaging Bomb in a fierce battle. They trade blows, seemingly on equal ground, but Garou tries to strike Fubuki as well. Bomb intercepts his punch, pushing Garou away with a body slam. The fight continues a short distance apart, with Bomb noting Garou's increasing skill. When Garou lunges forward, Bomb shatters the ground beneath him and unleashes his signature Whirlwind Iron Cutting Fist, but Garou counters with the same attack, following up with a devastating elbow that knocks Bomb down. Soon, Bang arrives, and the two face off once again.
The two warriors clash, with Garou showing his improvement by landing a blow that causes Bang to bleed, prompting Bang to acknowledge that Garou is now more worthy of being trained than ever before. Their fight intensifies, and Garou surprises Bang by adopting the Exploding Heart Release Fist style, one of Bang's former techniques before developing Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist. Garou’s adaptation of this style overwhelms Bang, injuring him severely. Nevertheless, Bang refuses to surrender, expressing his desire to teach Garou once more after his retirement from heroism.
The battle rages on, with Garou gaining the upper hand but momentarily being thrown back by Bang’s powerful counterattack. Garou then demonstrates his Roaring Aura Sky Ripping Fist, shocking Bang, and the two engage in a rapid exchange of blows, each attempting to land a decisive strike. Bang manages to land a punch to Garou's face, drawing blood and damaging his face, while Garou’s strike only grazes Bang’s chest, but its shockwave causes significant damage. The impact of their attacks leaves Bang incapacitated after a grueling exchange.
Though Garou is left in pain from Bang's final blow, his resolve strengthens. His face begins to crack, revealing his left eye. As Bang’s voice echoes in his mind, urging Garou to follow his heart, Garou regains his senses. At that moment, Fuhrer Ugly approaches Bang, ready to deliver the final blow with his Full Body Melting Punch. Garou roars furiously, stopping Fuhrer Ugly with a powerful kick that creates a hole through his body before the monster can strike Bang. Garou then turns his attention to Platinum Sperm, who is attacking King, and knocks him away with a single punch before quickly dispatching Evil Natural Water with a series of swift strikes.
As Garou stands there, reflecting on his fight with Bang, a black wormhole opens, and Saitama, Flashy Flash, and Manako are teleported to the surface by Blast. Garou prepares to face Saitama, but the hero bypasses him and heads straight for Genos. Left confused, Garou recalls his time underground and his dream of one of Bang’s lessons. Flashy Flash attempts a surprise attack, but Garou easily dodges it, recognizing him as the 13th rank S-Class hero and criticizing his underhanded approach. Flashy Flash asks if Garou is the Monster King, but Garou declares his intention to ascend to a higher rank—disaster level God—and reshape the world.
Platinum Sperm interrupts, attacking Garou and expressing disappointment that Garou refuses to join the monster side. Garou and Flashy Flash stand firm, preparing to face Platinum Sperm together. As the three move at unimaginable speeds, a dazzling geometric light structure forms above the battleground. Garou, after pretending to agree with Platinum Sperm’s suggestion to team up, punches him in disdain and mocks the idea of following orders from a monster. The battle intensifies, with Garou perfecting his fighting style, briefly overpowering Platinum Sperm and Flashy Flash.
The battle continues until Flashy Flash is knocked out by Platinum Sperm, leaving Garou to face the fusion monster alone. The two push their speeds to the limit, colliding in a flurry of strikes so fast that the light structure above them densifies. After a rapid exchange of blows, Garou delivers a decisive strike that sends Platinum Sperm flying before finishing him off with a powerful double spear hand that causes the fusion monster to explode.
With Platinum Sperm defeated, Garou now faces the monstrous Sage Centipede and Evil Ocean Water, who declare their intention to destroy the "Abominable Fist That Has Turned Against God." Garou wastes no time, charging at Sage Centipede and landing powerful blows. He briefly pauses to watch a helicopter carrying Tareo, breathing a sigh of relief upon seeing the boy escape the Monster Association’s headquarters. Sage Centipede orders Garou to stop moving, threatening to destroy the helicopter, but Garou hesitates for a moment. The delay allows Evil Natural Water to strike, sending Garou flying back, though he quickly recovers.
Metal Bat then appears, coming to Garou's aid despite their past animosity. Together, they battle the two monsters, but Garou is frustrated by Metal Bat’s ineffective attacks. He proposes a coordinated strike, but Metal Bat suggests that they would need help from S-Class heroes. Garou reluctantly agrees, and the two continue their battle, eventually catching up with the helicopter. Garou is caught by Sage Centipede but escapes when One Shotter causes a distraction. With Metal Bat's assistance, Garou delivers powerful blows to the centipede, eventually freeing the captives.
The two unlikely allies work in tandem, their combined efforts amplifying their strength, but Metal Bat is soon defeated. Garou lands a blow on the monster, ripping out its regenerative core and sending it into the air. As Sage Centipede reaches for its core, Garou jumps off it and uses the opportunity to destroy the core before delivering a final, decisive blow to the creature, splitting it in half.
After defeating Sage Centipede, Garou observes that all the heroes around him have been defeated. He reflects on how it's finally time to pursue his goal of becoming "Absolute Evil." As he wonders about the whereabouts of Evil Natural Water, Saitama unexpectedly appears and asks him who he is. Garou responds by claiming he is a monster, one who will plunge humanity into despair and achieve the status of "Absolute Evil." Saitama, confused, questions whether Garou is truly evil, given that he previously saved a helicopter from Sage Centipede. Garou explains that he needs witnesses to spread fear and to prove he is stronger than both heroes and monsters alike, stating that true "Absolute Evil" is tied to absolute strength. He then tells Saitama to leave his hero work, claiming that he will soon destroy both the Monster Association and Hero Association.
Saitama, uninterested, begins walking away without acknowledging Garou as a monster, which causes Garou to doubt if the hero is really listening. Saitama, with an annoyed expression, remarks that he had complained about the noise earlier and his house got destroyed as a result. He says he's so frustrated that he'd rather destroy the entire planet, a comment that causes Garou to shiver. As Saitama walks away, Garou warns him that he will pay if he underestimates "Absolute Evil" and charges at him with a punch. However, Saitama easily knocks him back with a single, swift punch before Garou can land his blow. Afterward, Garou remembers Saitama, recognizing him as the bald hero he's encountered several times before.
The battle begins, but Garou quickly finds himself outmatched by Saitama's overwhelming strength. The situation becomes even more complicated when Tareo, a boy who admires Garou, interrupts the fight. Garou, infuriated by Tareo's mistaken belief that he's a hero, becomes even more agitated. Saitama, understanding the boy’s concern for Garou, reassures him that he will stop Garou without killing him. Despite Garou's continuous power-ups, Saitama remains unbeatable. In their intense exchange, Garou unintentionally causes heroic incidents, which only adds to his frustration. He realizes that Saitama is the one true obstacle standing in the way of his ambitions. Eventually, Garou is defeated and, in his frustration, laments how unfair it is to be beaten by someone with such overwhelming power.
At this point, "God" appears in the form of Bang and approaches Garou, offering him divine power to help him defeat Saitama. Although Garou recognizes that this is not the real Bang, he unknowingly receives power from "God" when he slaps its hand away, causing a surge of energy that nearly knocks him unconscious. Empowered by this newfound strength, Garou confronts Saitama once again, adopting a new appearance: Awakened Garou: Cosmic Fear Mode.
Now equipped with cosmic power and an understanding of universal forces, Garou unleashes a barrage of nuclear explosions toward Saitama, who withstands the attacks. Garou also demonstrates the ability to replicate Saitama's strength and techniques, even using Consecutive Normal Punches against him. The two collide, resulting in a massive shockwave that sends them both flying backward. Garou reveals that not only can he copy others' fighting styles, but he can also improve them to surpass their original proficiency. To demonstrate his superiority, Garou prepares to unleash his Gamma Ray Burst, a devastating energy blast aimed at Saitama. Saitama jumps into the air, avoiding the blast’s impact on Earth, and Garou lands a direct hit on him, sending the hero flying far away.
With Saitama temporarily absent, Garou confronts numerous heroes in the devastated remains of Z-City, including Bang. Garou recounts his encounter with "God" and the power he gained, declaring that it's time for him to begin his evil mission, slowly approaching the heroes. His body emits dangerous radiation, putting the nearby heroes at risk. Bang suspects that Garou may be under external control, which is confirmed when Blast, the top-ranking hero, arrives and reveals that Garou is being subconsciously manipulated by "God." Blast urges Garou to stop, pointing out the unconscious heroes around them due to the radiation. Garou, however, laughs and boasts that he now embodies true fear, as his presence causes death. As Bang prepares to confront Garou, Genos, using his remaining energy, rushes to Garou and headbutts him, though it's ineffective. Garou picks up Genos, ready to kill him, but Blast intervenes and attacks Garou, leading to a fierce battle.
At first, Garou struggles against Blast's unique abilities but soon adapts by copying the hero’s fighting techniques. With access to Blast’s powers, including the ability to open hyperspace portals and manipulate gravity, Garou goes on the offensive, forcing Blast to defend himself. After a brief exchange, Garou acknowledges Blast’s strength but shows little interest in him, shifting his focus to Genos. To provoke Saitama into fighting at his full potential, Garou picks up Genos and impales his chest, tearing out his power core and killing the cyborg.
Saitama, upon realizing that Garou has killed Genos and many other heroes, is overcome with grief. Blast, still unharmed, warns Saitama to stay back as Garou prepares for another battle. Fueled by rage, Saitama charges at Garou, launching a Serious Punch. Garou attempts to counter with his own copied Serious Punch, and realizing the immense power behind their fists, Blast quickly teleports them into space to prevent the Earth from being destroyed. In space, Saitama and Garou’s punches collide, creating devastating waves of energy that threaten to destroy the planet. Blast, along with three other heroes, helps redirect the energy, and Saitama and Garou are sent flying to Io, one of Jupiter’s moons.
On the moon, Garou questions how he can return to Earth. Saitama, uninterested, dismisses Garou’s concern and suggests they finish their fight first. The battle continues on the moon, with Garou utilizing his abilities to hold his own against Saitama. Despite his powers, Garou ultimately succumbs to Saitama's overwhelming strength. At the mercy of the Caped Baldy, Garou is reminded of the death of Tareo, who perished from the radiation he unleashed. Filled with remorse, Garou decides to teach Saitama his most powerful technique: the ability to manipulate time, hoping that Saitama can use it to travel back in time. Just after performing the technique, Garou is killed by "God," but Saitama successfully acquires the technique and begins his journey through time.
Saitama returns to the past, carrying Genos’s core from the future. He arrives at the moment Garou is confronting the heroes after his Gamma Ray Burst. Saitama punches Garou in the face, defeating him instantly and preventing the ominous future from unfolding. After altering the timeline, Saitama is sent back to his past self, merging with his previous identity, erasing all memories of the altered future. In a final, confusing moment, Garou cries out in agony as the divine power of "God" leaves his body, shocking the watching heroes.
The heroes, watching Garou, prepare to attack him, but Garou allows them to strike, urging them to finish him off. Just as Amai Mask is about to deliver the final blow, Tareo intervenes, stopping him and insisting that the heroes leave Garou alone. Once the heroes begin to calm down, Saitama expresses his gratitude to Garou. However, Garou quickly flees from the scene. Later, Bang finds Garou and takes him to a restaurant, insisting that he apologize for his dine-and-dash behavior. Additionally, Bang demands that Garou apologize to all the heroes he hunted down.
Garou explains to Bang that he only rejoined him to relearn his own fighting style, as he had forgotten it due to the impact of Saitama's punch. Garou then inquires about Tareo's condition and is relieved to hear that he is doing well. This news brings Garou some comfort. He also asks Bang if he could have some sparring partners to help him relearn his style, this time without resorting to his monstrous behavior. In a final revelation, it is disclosed that Bang has resigned from his position as a hero and has introduced Garou to the Hero Association.
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