The long-awaited One Punch Man chapter 197, titled "Duel," has been released and it is packed with exciting elements that will captivate readers. As the title implies, the chapter revolves around the intense battle between Speed-o’-Sound Sonic and Flashy Flash, former members of the Ninja Village, in a secluded location known only to them.
Building off the momentum of the previous chapter, which provided valuable backstory and insights into their connection, this latest installment delivers the highly anticipated showdown between the two skilled fighters.
Disclaimer: This article contains massive spoilers from One Punch Man chapter 197.
A detailed breakdown of One Punch Man chapter 197
Speed-o’-Sound Sonic and Flashy Flash assume battle position
Flash and Sonic prepare to fight (Image via Shueisha/Yusuke Murata and ONE)
Both Flashy Flash and Speed-o’Sound Sonic unsheathed their swords and assumed their stances.
Receiving a sudden letter from Speed-o’Sound Sonic caught Flashy Flash off guard. However, Speed-o’Sound Sonic responded, expressing his desire to settle their score. Flashy Flash was confident that the outcome would be in his favor.
However, Sonic asked Flashy Flash not to get overconfident since it was Sonic who taught him to wield a sword.
A brief flashback of Flashy Flash and Sonic’s childhood
The childhood of Flash and Sonic is depicted in One Punch Man chapter 197 (Image via Shueisha/Yusuke Murata and ONE).
Chapter 197 of One Punch Man then delves into a flashback to when Flashy Flash and Sonic were just children. A young Sonic is seen giving Flashy Flash some tips on swordfighting.
Sonic's presence in Squad 5, known for its failures, surprised the latter. He couldn't understand why Sonic would help Flashy Flash, as there seemed to be no benefit. Flashy Flash also reflected on the loneliness of life in the Ninja Village, where only 6 hours were given for sleep and recovery out of the 72-hour day, and interactions between people were prohibited.
This implies that Speed-o’Sound Sonic was the only individual conversing with him. The villagers were viewed as mere instruments, and those devoid of emotions were deemed the top ninjas.
Flashy Flash and Speed-o’Sound Sonic showcase their ultimate techniques
In the image above, Flash and Sonic showcase their ultimate techniques (Image via Shueisha/Yusuke Murata and ONE)
A striking parallel is drawn in One Punch Man chapter 197, depicting the two characters engaged in battle both in the past and the present.
Sonic's excitement was evident as he unleashed his ultimate technique, the Ten Shadow Funeral. He moved with such speed that 10 afterimages were left in his wake. Despite this, Flash easily anticipated the move and countered with Flash Kicks. Sonic's skill in combat had clearly improved, as Flash, a top S-Class hero, was surprised to have been forced to use his own ultimate technique.
Heavenly Ninja Party interrupts the battle
Heavenly Ninja Party interrupts Flash and Sonic's fight (Image via Shueisha/Yusuke Murata and ONE)
Flash was grinning as he prepared to speak, but before he could utter a word, the members of the Heavenly Ninja Party gathered at the battlefield. Sonic was insistent that the battle belonged to him and Flash alone, and he urged the Heavenly Ninja Party not to interfere.
Flash and Sonic team up in One Punch Man chapter 197 (Image via Shueisha/Yusuke Murata and ONE)
The group shared their distrust of Sonic and their desire to punish Flash for betraying the village. In One Punch Man chapter 197, a major twist occurred when Sonic defeated a member of the Heavenly Ninja Party.
Sonic and Flash joined forces to confront the entire group, including some of the most elite ninjas from their village. The next chapter of the series will reveal the outcome of this epic showdown.
Stay tuned for more One Punch Man anime and manga news as 2023 progresses.
Editor's P/S
Chapter 197 of the One Punch Man manga, titled "Duel," delivers an exhilarating battle between Speed-o’-Sound Sonic and Flashy Flash, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. The chapter delves into the history between the two characters, showcasing their childhood connection and the impact it had on their lives. The fight between Sonic and Flash is intense, with both characters showcasing their impressive swordsmanship and techniques.
The twist in the chapter comes with the arrival of the Heavenly Ninja Party, interrupting the duel and creating an uncertain situation. The tension builds as Sonic and Flash are forced to team up against their former comrades. Overall, chapter 197 is a thrilling addition to the One Punch Man series, leaving fans eager for the next installment to see how the battle unfolds.