Saitama’s incredible strength is undoubtedly at an S-class hero level, if not more, yet he has not received an official S-class ranking from the Hero Association, which is responsible for categorizing and ranking heroes based on their abilities. Nevertheless, Saitama remains dedicated to his hero work for the pure enjoyment of it, recognizing that being an S-class hero is only a label, and what truly makes a hero is their commitment to helping others.
Reasons Why Saitama Isn’t S-Class:
- Saitama’s Low Ranking in the Hero Association
At the beginning of the series, in episode 1 of season 1, we saw Saitama play the role of a hero as a mere hobby when he saved the young girl and confronted Vaccine Man, who was wreaking havoc in the city. He admitted to himself that he was only a hero for fun, but he still helped and saved people who were in trouble.
During this time, despite defeating a lot of monsters and protecting humans from them, hardly anyone recognized and acknowledged his good deeds and accomplishments, as he was not officially registered as a hero. It was only in episode 5 of season 1 that he and Genos went to the Hero Association to take the assessment test, which was the proper way to become an official hero.
In the assessment, they took two tests: a fitness test, which evaluates one’s physical attributes such as speed, flexibility, strength, and power; and a written exam, which was an essay. In the fitness test, Saitama got a perfect score of 50 as he demonstrated outstanding performance in overall physical attributes that make him worthy of becoming a hero. His immense strength even destroyed the equipment used in the fitness test.
On the other hand, Saitama did not do well in the written exam, as he only got 21 over 50 and was barely able to pass as a hero thanks to his perfect score on the fitness test. In the end, when they finally received the results, Genos achieved an S-class hero ranking, while Saitama only earned a C-class ranking.
- Saitama’s Lack of Notoriety in the Hero Community
S-Class heroes are typically those who have achieved great feats and gained recognition for their abilities, but Saitama’s tendency to defeat his opponents with a single punch often leads to his enemies being killed before they can spread the word of his strength. As a result, Saitama is not well known among the heroes, and the Hero Association is unaware of his true capabilities.
As evident in episode 6 of season 1, Saitama managed to easily defeat Kombu Infinity, who was classified as a tiger-level monster and the one who defeated Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio. Originally, Golden Ball, an A-Class hero ranked 29, and Spring Mustachio, an A-Class hero ranked 33, were assigned to investigate Z-City Ghost Town as the Hero Association speculated that a potential disaster was brewing in that area. And just like the Hero Association had thought, a mysterious being suddenly appeared in City-Z. After sensing the appearance of a monster, the two A-Class heroes rushed to the location of the monster to confirm its identity. However, not so long after meeting the seaweed-like monster, Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio were defeated.
Unintentionally, Saitama encountered the monster that had defeated two A-Class heroes while returning from grocery shopping. The details of Saitama’s victory over the seaweed-like creature remained undisclosed, but it was evident that he had slain the monster and used it as a soup ingredient for his midday meal.
- Saitama’s Unconventional Approach to Heroism
Saitama is a hero for fun and does not seek recognition or rewards for his actions. People often see him as a comedic character, and they view his lack of seriousness and over-the-top expressions as unbecoming of an S-Class hero. He stayed humble despite being so overpowering that all he needed was a single punch to defeat all types of monsters.
In the ninth episode of the first season, Saitama vanquished the Deep Sea King with just one blow, leading a bystander to question the monster’s strength. The civilian suggested that the other heroes, who had risked their lives but failed to defeat the creature, might not have been genuinely heroic in their efforts.
The man asserted that the wounded heroes were ultimately feeble and only served to stall the Deep Sea King until a powerful hero arrived to conquer it. Saitama, in response, deceived the onlookers by stating that the heroes had weakened the monster through their valiant efforts, which allowed him to defeat it. He also encouraged those who witnessed the battle to spread rumors that he had not contributed much, and to credit the other heroes instead. This implies that Saitama truly doesn’t seek recognition or rewards for his actions. Heroes ranking does not matter to him because, at the end of the day, it is just status and does not define what a true hero is.
In conclusion, Saitama’s immense strength and heroic deeds should make him a prime candidate for an S-Class ranking, but his overall character traits have prevented him from being recognized as such by the Hero Association. Despite this, Saitama continues to be a hero for fun, and his unwavering commitment to helping others is what truly defines him as a hero.
Read more: What Are Saitama’s Weaknesses in One Punch Man?
Saitama’s Ranks:
| C-Class Rank 391 | Initial rank after joining Hero Association |
| C-Class Rank 342 | Boosted 49 ranks after capturing Sonic |
| C-Class Rank 5 | Rank after destroying Z-City meteor |
| C-Class Rank 2 | Before the Seafolk invasion event |
| C-Class Rank 1 | After the Deep Sea King incident |
| B-Class Rank 101 | Saitama moves up again after the Deep Sea King fight |
| B-Class Rank 63 | Rank during Dark Matter Thieves’ attack |
| B-Class Rank 33 | After Dark Matter Thieves |
| B-Class Rank 7 | Current rank in anime |
| A-Class Rank 39 | The highest rank reached in the manga |
Some of Saitama’s S-Class Feats:
- Saitama VS Geryuganshoop
In episode 11 of season 1, Saitama, the protagonist of the anime One Punch Man, decided to infiltrate the ship of the Dark Matter Thieves. His intention was to find their leader, Boros, and finally experience the kind of fight that would satisfy his craving for a challenging battle. However, before he could meet Boros, he encountered Geryuganshoop, the general of the Dark Matter Thieves and Boros’ right-hand man.
Geryuganshoop, who appeared as an alien octopus with psychic abilities, was a mysterious dragon-level being. During their fight, Geryuganshoop unleashed his powerful attacks, including gravity manipulation and a telekinetic shower of rubble that could pierce through the ship’s thick metal. Despite this, Saitama remained unfazed and unharmed by Geryuganshoop’s attacks.
Saitama quickly defeated the alien Geryuganshoop with just a single blow, making their fight short-lived. With his extraordinary strength, Saitama hurled a piece of rock that effortlessly penetrated Geryuganshoop’s head, instantly killing him. This encounter once again demonstrated Saitama’s incredible power and invincibility, as he effortlessly defeated a powerful enemy without breaking a sweat. Despite his victory, Saitama remained unsatisfied, as he was still looking for a worthy opponent who could challenge him to a fight that would push his limits.
- Saitama VS Boros
In episode 12 of season 1 of One Punch Man, the much-anticipated battle between Saitama and Boros, the leader of the Dark Matter Thieves, finally took place. Boros, classified as a dragon-level or higher threat, had traveled for 20 years in search of a worthy opponent who could give him the satisfaction he craved in a fight. He had destroyed 99.8% of the city in an instant upon arriving on Earth with his group, but Saitama remained unfazed by his story.
During their fight, Boros demonstrated his overwhelming speed, superhuman strength, and regeneration, as well as his most powerful attack, the Collapsing Star Roaring Cannon. He even sent Saitama flying from the Earth to the Moon, but Saitama received minimal damage.
Despite Boros’ impressive abilities, Saitama still held back in the fight, as he knew that Boros wanted a good fight. In the end, Saitama used his killer move, the Serious Punch, which was powerful enough to deflect Boros’ strongest attack and cause his demise. Although the battle was intense and epic, it ultimately ended in a single punch, showcasing once again Saitama’s unbeatable strength and invincibility.
- Saitama VS Gouketsu
In episode 9 of season 2 of One Punch Man, Saitama faced off against Gouketsu from the Monster Association, who was classified as a dragon-level monster. Gouketsu had caused chaos during the Super Fight tournament by offering monster cells to other contestants, transforming them into monsters themselves. Suiryu, one of the most powerful contestants in the tournament, was humiliated by Gouketsu when he defeated him with just a flick of his fingers. Gouketsu was also responsible for turning Bakuzan into a dragon-level monster, who in turn almost killed Suiryu, but was stopped by Saitama’s arrival.
Later, Suiryu heard loud sounds echoing in the arena and saw Gouketsu’s head flying and landing in front of him, indicating that Saitama had defeated him with ease. This highlights Saitama’s incredible strength and skill, as he was able to defeat dragon-level monsters without breaking a sweat. It also demonstrates how he stands out even among the other S-class heroes, who are known for their exceptional abilities and fighting prowess. Saitama’s unmatched power is a recurring theme throughout the series, showing that he is truly a force to be reckoned with.
- Saitama’s VS Elder Centipede
In episode 12 of season 2 of One Punch Man, Saitama faced off against Elder Centipede, another dragon-level monster responsible for the mass destruction in Z-City. The hard shell of the Elder Centipede prevented attacks from damaging his body, making it almost invulnerable to the attacks of S-class heroes: Bang, Genos, and Bomb. Even though Bang and Bomb almost succeeded in destroying his body, the Elder Centipede was able to bring it back together and move as if nothing had happened. To defeat the monster, Genos decided to sacrifice himself, but King appeared and announced the arrival of Blast, causing the Elder Centipede to rush toward King’s location.
However, it was Saitama who appeared, waiting for the perfect moment to deliver his killer move, the Serious Punch, which finally ended the life of Elder Centipede. This once again demonstrated Saitama’s unbeatable strength, as he defeated a dragon-level monster just like that. It also highlighted his strategic thinking and patience, as he waited for the right moment to strike, rather than immediately jumping into battle like the other heroes. Saitama’s unique approach to fighting and his incredible power make him one of the most compelling characters in the series.
Read more: Does Genos Die in One Punch Man?
