One of the fights that shows the power scaling in One Punch Man is between Elder Centipede and the S-Class heroes he battled one by one, or two by one.
A massive Dragon-level threat, this monster proves to be a near-unstoppable force, demanding extraordinary effort from the heroes to subdue.
Sure, it was easy for Saitama to obliterate him but it made me question just how much the gaps of power these heroes have.
Nonetheless, it was the best ending for Season One of the anime.
The Fighters
Elder Centipede
- Strengths: immense size and strength, durable exoskeleton, regeneration, and molting.
- Weaknesses: gullible as he easily falls for King’s bait, Saitama.
- Key Attack: Centipede Undulation
Blast
- Strengths: space-time manipulation, immense strength.
Up to this point, Blast’s full abilities and background remain shrouded in mystery.
As a powerful Rank 1 S-Class hero, Blast is known to have defeated Elder Centipede.
However, his weaknesses and signature attacks, have yet to be revealed.
Metal Bat
- Strengths: unyielding fighting spirit and increased strength and resilience as he takes more damage.
- Weaknesses: overconfidence, recklessness, and being susceptible to physical attacks.
- Key Attacks: Brutal Tornado
Metal Knight
- Strengths: advanced technology, missiles, remotely operated.
- Weaknesses: over-reliance on technology and lack of adaptability as he relies on pre-planned strategies.
- Key Attacks: Missile Barrage
Bang and Bomb
- Strengths: mastery of martial arts, immense strength, speed, agility, precise strikes, powerful techniques, hand-to-hand combat, teamwork.
- Weaknesses: stamina and endurance limit due to old age.
- Key Attack: Whirlwind Flowing Water Roaring Aura Sky Ripping Fist
Genos
- Strengths: powerful cybernetic body, superhuman strength, speed, durability, vast array of weaponry, advanced analytical capabilities, and unwavering determination.
- Weaknesses: emotional vulnerability, overconfidence, damage susceptibility, and limited energy reserve.
- Key Attack: Super Spiral Incineration Cannon
King
- Strengths: reputation as the strongest man and intimidating presence.
- Weaknesses: lack of actual power and fear and anxiety.
- Key Attack: Bluffing and Delaying, King Engine
Saitama
- Strengths: strength that defies all limits, invulnerability, indifference to reputation, and effortless speed and agility.
- Weaknesses: lack of challenge in his battles, emotionally detached.
- Key Attack: Serious Series: Serious Punch
Fight Breakdown
Blast versus Elder Centipede
Not much is revealed between Blast and Elder Centipede’s battle 2 years ago until Sitch spilled it during their special meeting with the other S-Class Heroes.
In their fight, Blast didn’t manage to fully defeat Elder Centipede. The city around them was flattened into rubble as the colossal monster laid waste to it.
Then God appeared to Blast to offer him power but he refused.
Elder Centipede, realizing he is on the brink of death, escapes underground.
Metal Bat versus Elder Centipede
After defeating Demon-Level monsters Lafreshidon and Senior Centipede, Metal Bat faces Elder Centipede, a Dragon-level monster intent on kidnapping Waganma.
Undeterred by the overwhelming threat, S-Class hero Metal Bat charges headfirst into battle.
His initial strike sends the colossal centipede crashing to the ground, but the monster remains undamaged.
Elder Centipede retaliates with devastating force, slamming Metal Bat into a building. Yet, the hero refuses to back down.
He climbs onto the monster’s head and unleashes his Killer Move: Dragon Thrashing, dealing significant pain.
However, Elder Centipede counters with Giant Centipede Tidal Wave, hurling Metal Bat into the path of Garou.
Metal Knight versus Elder Centipede
S-Class hero Metal Knight appeared after Metal Bat was preoccupied with fighting Garou.
He immediately fired a missile barrage at Elder Centipede but realized it didn’t leave a scratch on the monster.
Knowing this, he kept the monster busy and finally managed to stick to its shell as it escaped underground, as he planned to obtain skin samples and gather more data about the enemies.
Bang and Bomb versus Elder Centipede
With the help of Genos, S-Class hero Bang and his his brother Bomb counters Elder Centipede’s tackle with their combo technique called Whirlwind Flowing Water Roaring Aura Sky Ripping Fist.
They repelled the giant monster and launched a barrage of attacks that made its whole exoskeleton crack.
Thinking they defeated the enemy, Elder Centipede molted with a thicker, bigger, and more refined shell.
Genos versus Elder Centipede
After Bang and Bomb’s attempts, S-Class hero Genos takes on Elder Centipede alone. He leaps into the air, firing energy blasts while evading the monster’s sharp blades.
Realizing his attacks are ineffective, Genos activates his boosters, soaring high before dashing toward Elder Centipede.
He strikes its eyes with a flurry of blade attacks, causing severe pain.
Elder Centipede retaliates, biting Genos’ leg, ensnaring him with tendrils, and cutting him in half with its scythes.
Genos quickly repairs himself and launches inside the monster, incinerating it from within.
However, the monster’s corrosive body nearly melts him as it spits him out.
Exhausted and severely damaged, Genos watches as Elder Centipede regenerates and prepares to resume its relentless attack.
King versus Elder Centipede
As Bang prepares to sacrifice himself to allow Bomb, Genos, and the other injured heroes to escape, S-Class Hero King takes a bold step.
Using a megaphone, he calls out to Elder Centipede to draw its attention.
To provoke the monster, King mentions its archnemesis, Blast, triggering Elder Centipede’s past grudge and desire for revenge.
The enormous monster, convinced that Blast might be nearby, immediately redirects its focus toward King.
Elder Centipede charges at full speed, intent on crushing King, but he remains unfazed.
Despite the overwhelming threat, he stands his ground, confident that Saitama will arrive in time to save him.
Saitama versus Elder Centipede
Just moments before Elder Centipede reaches King, Saitama arrives and counters with his Serious Series: Serious Punch!
The devastating attack instantly obliterates the massive monster from head to tail.
Elder Centipede had no chance to escape or regenerate, marking its swift and definitive defeat in a single, overwhelming blow.
What do you think? Does this fight rank among anime’s greatest battles? Share your thoughts below!
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