One-Punch Man has continued the conspicuous absence of its most beloved hero. Still, a recent glimpse at Yusuke Murata's new rendition of the Neo Heroes Saga teases a major Saitama moment. As the Ninjas Arc takes a mild break and the Hero Association's popular new rival takes center stage, fans might wonder what Caped Baldy is up to, or what he could soon be fighting. But eagle-eyed fans were quick to note the newly-released One-Punch Man manga chapter's cover page teases a moment that could be Saitama's first proper fight with God.

God is an enigmatic presence in One-Punch Man, with powers to corrupt, empower, or communicate with individuals to bend them to his will. His influence was enough to reshape Garou into a strong enough fighter to the point where he faced Saitama to get serious in their climactic battle. Still, he's never fought Saitama directly, merely alluded to. But with such a powerful and influential being in One-Punch Man, fans hope it means an eventual climactic clash and a fitting opponent for Saitama.

Latest One-Punch Man Chapter Teases Saitama Approaching God's Chambers

Reincorporating Rewritten Chapters from the Ninjas Arc

While One-Punch Man has had several months of extended rewrites to adjust its story structure, one moment before the rewrites, chapter #196 (VIZ numbering) is referenced in chapter #202 in Tonari no Young Jump. The cover features Saitama in a cave theorized to house the Rock Door of Heaven, home to "another dimension where God lurks." Saitama is seen standing next to an ominous cave entrance, with a massive dark silhouette suspected by readers to be that of God, but due to this moment being a fleeting glimpse, fans will likely be left waiting awhile.

The Rock Door of Heaven moment has since been rewritten, so the latest One-Punch Man chapter cover is a pleasant surprise for fans, suspecting that Yusuke Murata is pacing out the lore behind God's home dimension.

Initially, Empty Void was propped up to be the only character in the series with the power to open this entrance, and it asks whether this will be addressed when the story returns to the Ninja Village. Until then, this momentary glimpse, usually reserved for character portraits on the cover page, is endlessly compelling for readers.

One-Punch Man Cover Is Among Multiple Hints at God's Presence

The Series' Most Ominous Villain

This isn't the first enigmatic, cave-based tease for God, with him appearing in a prophetic mural from the redrawn confrontation with Orochi in the Monster Association Arc. While it might be a stretch to conclude that the silhouette from the newest chapter is indeed the same character and could just as well be a strangely angled view of Saitama's shadow, it's not outside the realm of reason. However, it begs the question of when fans will see the moment. It's also the most fans have seen of Saitama, with God surprisingly being featured more aggressively in recent One-Punch Man chapters.

While Void is a more fitting opponent for Blast, Flash, and Sonic than for Saitama, the one pulling the strings is surely to be the ultimate opponent for the protagonist.

Given recent Void uses them to carry out massive interdimensional attacks, the series clearly has plans to reveal a confrontation with God. While Void is a more fitting opponent for Blast, Flash, and Sonic than for Saitama, the one pulling the strings will surely be the protagonist's ultimate opponent. Whether this means multiple other arcs showcasing God continuing to function behind the scenes or more hints at a fateful confrontation in One-Punch Man is anybody's guess for now.