Saitama beats Garou on Io, and the dying Hero Hunter hands over a time-leap technique so Saitama can undo the catastrophe. Saitama travels back, ends Garou in a single punch, and merges with his past self while holding Genos' core from the future.
Summary
On Jupiter's moon Io, Saitama steadily overwhelms Garou, who realizes the hero is copying his own moves. A freezing Io atmosphere and torn clothing prompt a Serious Sneeze that devastates the moon and rips into Jupiter itself, flinging both fighters into deep space. Garou spots Earth within teleport range, but after he opens a portal home, Saitama appears behind him, having drifted through in time thanks to a cold-induced stomachache and a well-timed fart.
Saitama punches Garou back to the exact spot where the battle began. Confronted with the fact that Tareo lies dead from radiation, a guilt-ridden Garou breaks down, and he asks Saitama to copy his final technique so it can be surpassed.
Key Events
Saitama tells Garou he never intended to kill him, honoring a promise to Tareo, only for the boy's death to shatter Garou. Grieving that Tareo perished from being too near him, Garou calls the loss the price of being the Ominous Future. He realizes that beings of immense power like himself and Saitama need others to anchor them, a truth underscored by the depleted core of Genos still in Saitama's hand.
Garou asks Saitama to learn his technique, and Saitama agrees. As Garou demonstrates it, the voice of God declares his powers forfeit and begins turning his body to salt, so he urges Saitama to watch closely. With the time-leap mastered, Saitama travels back to the moment Garou first faced the heroes.
Arriving in the past, Saitama fells Garou with a single punch as the astonished heroes look on. The future Saitama fuses with his past self, leaving one Saitama holding the core from the other timeline. Remembering only being hit by the Gamma Ray Burst, he is baffled by the core and the hole in his suit before Genos tackles him, apologizing for losing control.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Chapter 168 (Online) of One-Punch Man?
In Chapter 168 (Online), "Awakening of the Gods," Saitama finally defeats Garou on the moon Io, and the dying Garou teaches him a time-leap technique so he can undo the catastrophe; Saitama then travels back in time, ends Garou with a single punch, and merges with his past self while still holding Genos' core from the altered timeline.
How does Saitama learn the time-leap technique?
As God's power strips away Garou's abilities and begins turning his body to salt, the dying Garou teaches Saitama his time-leap technique so it can be surpassed, and Saitama uses it to travel back to the moment Garou first faced the heroes.
Why does Garou break down in this chapter?
Garou is devastated to learn that Tareo, the boy who called him a hero, has died from the radiation of their battle, and he realizes that even beings of immense power like himself and Saitama need others to anchor them.
What happens when Saitama travels back in time in Chapter 168 (Online)?
When Saitama arrives in the past, he fells Garou with a single punch in front of the astonished heroes, and the future version of Saitama fuses with his past self, leaving one Saitama holding a depleted core from the altered timeline.
What is the Viz Media title for Chapter 168 (Online)?
Chapter 168 (Online) is titled "Awakening of the Gods" online, and Viz Media renders it in English as "The Awakening of the Gods."
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Chapter 168 (Online): Awakening of the Gods? The Dragon Ball Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Dragon Ball anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
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