Redrawn One Punch Man chapter 197 sets up Flash vs Sonic as Blast remains on standby to fight Empty Void

With the newly released redrawn version of One Punch Man chapter 197, the manga delved into the Ninja Village founder’s significant increase in strength. Additionally, the chapter foreshadowed the upcoming battle between once-comrades Flashy Flash and Speed-o’-Sound Sonic.

In the previous chapter of the manga, Blast refused Flash’s appeal to join forces against God. However, he later disclosed his past partnership with the founder of the ninja village, Empty Void. As the story continued, Blast saved everyone from an assault orchestrated by his ex-partner.

This article contains spoilers from the One Punch Man manga. Please note that there may be spoilers ahead.

The Limitless Power of Empty Void: Blast Reveals the Truth in One Punch Man Chapter 197

Garou and Saitama as seen in redrawn One Punch Man chapter 197 (Image via Shueisha)

The latest installment of One Punch Man, chapter 197, titled What only I can do, began with a flashback of Saitama unleashing a powerful punch on Garou. The impact caused cosmic rays to erupt from Garou’s body, prompting Blast to intervene. In an effort to minimize the destruction on the ground, Blast redirected the cosmic rays into a different dimension. However, this energy was instead absorbed by Empty Void, resulting in a surge of power for the ninja village founder. Despite Blast’s attempts to stop his former partner, he managed to escape.

In One Punch Man chapter 197, the story returned to the present as Blast recounted the previous events. Additionally, an S-Class Hero mentioned that Empty Void possessed the ability to travel between dimensions, similar to Blast. This revelation suggested that the founder of the ninja village may have been preparing for his attack plan.

Empty Void as seen in redrawn One Punch Man chapter 197 (Image via Shueisha)

Immediately after, Blast described Empty Void’s Dimension Slash, a power granted by God that enabled attacks to ignore distance, energy, and size. The effectiveness of this ability varied based on the individual’s capabilities.

Just as Sitch was about to check up on Wild Emperor, Sekingar, and Metal Bat, one of his staff members approached him with a letter for Flashy Flash. The letter, which was from Speed-o’-Sound Sonic, informed Flashy Flash about The Great One’s return.

Nevertheless, prior to the ninja village founder taking action, Sonic was determined to resolve their conflict. Therefore, he requested that Flash meet him at a secret location mentioned in the coded message.

God as seen in redrawn One Punch Man chapter 197 (Image via Shueisha)

Flash quickly recognized the spot. As kids, Sonic and Flash had made a pact to create a new village for the orphans, where they could live freely. It seemed that Sonic had requested to meet Flash at that very spot.

Before Flash left to meet Sonic, Blast provided him with a call button in case they were ambushed by Empty Void. Meanwhile, Saitama and Manako made plans to go eat curry udon together.

Manako and Saitama as seen in redrawn One Punch Man chapter 197 (Image via Shueisha)

Despite going solo, Flashy Flash was able to find Sonic waiting at their designated meeting spot. Unfortunately, the location was now littered with industrial waste, as companies had been using it for illegal dumping. Despite this, Sonic saw the garbage as a symbolic representation of the end of their dreams.

Immediately after, Sonic and Flash unsheathed their swords in preparation for their duel. Prior to engaging, Flash double-checked with Sonic if he had been commanded by The Great One to fight.

After seeing Flash the other day, Sonic was still determined to challenge him in a fight and prove once and for all which of the two ninjas was stronger. Therefore, he immediately dismissed any thought of giving up on his desire to face Flash.

Flash and Sonic as seen in redrawn One Punch Man chapter 197 (Image via Shueisha)

Flashy Flash felt relieved that Sonic had not succumbed to the influence of Empty Void or God. However, it was impossible to rival the immense abilities bestowed by God. In spite of this, Flash accepted Sonic’s challenge, determined to resolve their conflict without any lingering doubts. It was a task that only Flashy Flash was capable of accomplishing for Speed-o’-Sound Sonic.

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