WARNING: The following article spoilers for One-Punch Man Chapter 124.1, by ONE, Yusuke Murata, John Werry, James Gaubatz, available now in English from Viz Media.
One of the biggest theories surrounding just why Saitama is so powerful posits the hero actually broke past his limiter, making the upper limit of his strength theoretically infinite. While there's been no official confirmation that's actually the case, One-Punch Man Chapter 124.1 may have just added more credence to the theory, as Garo -- the Human Monster -- has broken his own limiter.
At the start of Chapter 124.1, Superalloy Blackluster and Garo are facing off after the latter wrecked Puri-Puri Prisoner. At first, Blackluster is absolutely dominate, which makes sense considering the S-Class hero is among the manga's strongest. However, it's then revealed Garo was actually just asleep, and the last thing he remembers is fighting Lord Orochi. The two continue their battle, and they're much more evenly matched. Still, Blackluster's incredible muscles make him nearly invulnerable, and Garo never quite ends up in a dominant position.
As the battle progresses, Blackluster remains unshaken, but he notices Garo getting faster at an incredible rate. One-Punch Man's occasional narration then kicks in to explain just how talented Garo is at martial arts, and how he grows to meet new challenges. Blackluster, realizing he may be in trouble, unleashes his full power on Garo: The Superalloy Bazooka punch. However, the move doesn't work as intended, as Garo blocks it with a punch of his own. Blackluster is left stunned, and as Garo's clothing strips away, the narration reveals the villain has surpassed his limiter.
Previously when Garo and Saitama had a confrontation, the latter easily batted the former away. But Garo breaking his limiter is a major gamechanger. If it's indeed true Saitama's power is a result of having a broken limiter that puts no upper end on his power, Garo may be able to provide the unstoppable hero with the challenge he's long been looking for. For the first time in the history of One-Punch Man, Saitama may actually find himself squaring off against a worthy opponent -- and that could prove disastrous for everyone, as two fighters with no conceivable limits may just prove an apocalypse-level event.
The next chapter of One-Punch Man in English releases May 27 from Viz Media.