The Monoma household was busy getting ready. Today was the visit to U.A. High. It still felt surreal—Neito was only four years old, and yet here they were, preparing to step into the most prestigious school in Japan.
It wasn't enrollment, just a meeting. But still—Neito had passed the genius grading exam, and U.A., as the top authority on education, had responded.
"Neito! Are you ready? The representatives could be here any minute!" his mom called out from downstairs.
Neito stood in front of the mirror, fixing his hair with sharp focus. He was a little nervous but kept calm. This wasn't a battle.
_Knock knock_
"...Oh crap, the representatives are here," his dad muttered, but as he opened the door his tone changed.
Neito raised an eyebrow. He noticed a sudden shift in his dad's voice—something felt off.
'Why did the air become quite?'
Neito finished getting ready and crept to the stairwell, peeking down.
Standing at the door, dressed in his tiny suit, was none other than Principal Nezu.
"...This is the Monoma household, correct? I believe I've found the right address," the small creature asked.
For a split second, no one moved. Then Neito's dad laughed—quickly and cheerfully.
"Ah—yes, yes! This is us. Welcome, Principal Nezu!"
Neito narrowed his eyes slightly. That wasn't his dad's true voice. It was Mockingbird. His dad was mimicking a normal tone. Without the support of his quirk mockingbird, he wouldn't be able to hide his disgust for Nezu.
"We weren't expecting... you personally," his mom added, recovering quickly. Unlike her husband, she didn't have an instinctive problem with Nezu.
"No need to apologize," Nezu said, smiling as he bowed his head. "I wasn't supposed to come here today, but there was a change of plans."
Neito's dad had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. Yeah right, change of plans. He had a feeling this rat came here deliberately.
"Neito! Get down here already, the U.A. representative has arrived!" his dad called, clearly trying to change the subject.
"I'm coming," Neito replied, stepping down quickly.
"Good morning, Principal Nezu."
"Ah, there you are." Nezu beamed at him. "Come on, let's not waste time, punctuality is important."
The Monoma family climbed into an armored black car parked outside. Nezu sat beside Neito in the backseat, with his parents flanking him.
"Neito-kun," Nezu began, "I wasn't originally on the schedule for today, but I specifically requested to come. I hope you don't mind."
Neito's mother smiled politely. His father didn't say a word, expression unreadable.
"You requested to come here?" Neito asked curiously; he hadn't done anything to gain Nezu's attention. He just skipped a grade and gave some online exams.
Nezu's eyes twinkled. "Yes, I've reviewed the IQ tests you gave recently. The U.A. prep series. I had made those tests personally."
That raised eyebrows around the car.
"Wait," Neito's mom said, "you monitor those public test sites?"
"Not regularly," Nezu said. "But occasionally, when someone catches my eye. Like your son did with his results."
He reached into a small case at his side and pulled out a set of papers.
"You started off average, but each attempt showed logical and consistent growth. Your adaptability is exceptional—even surpassing many adults."
Neito's mom took the papers, flipping through them. His dad leaned in to scan them silently.
Nezu continued, "What intrigued me most is that your quirk doesn't directly enhance intelligence. That prompted me to take a closer look."
Neito glanced at his father, whose jaw had subtly tightened with unease.
"I noticed your unique quirk and wanted to meet you," Nezu said gently. "Your combination of intelligence and the ability to use multiple quirks reminded me of someone... from the past."
Neito's dad finally spoke.
"You don't mean All For One, do you?"
Principal Nezu paused. His smile didn't falter, but it softened.
"Yes. That's the comparison I had in mind. How do you know about this villain, Mr. Monoma? He isn't common knowledge."
Neito's mom gasped quietly hearing this. But Neito's dad didn't look surprised at all.
"I thought so," he muttered. "I read every old thread, forum, and subnetwork that mentioned people with multiple quirks—especially after Neito's copy quirk manifested. That name kept coming up."
He folded his arms.
"So you're here to size him up? See if he's a threat like that All For One person?"
"No," Nezu said curtly. "I believe Neito-kun isn't a threat, but his potential is undeniable. That's why I'm here—with an offer."
He met Neito's gaze calmly.
"You wanted to skip grades, right? Then I can mentor you personally, providing whatever resources you need. In exchange, you will work for U.A. after graduation. How does that sound?"
His words were deliberate, measured. Not persuasive but analytical. Although Neito's dad still didn't look convinced.
"Forgive me for being blunt, Principal Nezu," he said evenly, "but you talk like you're preparing a business investment."
"You can say that," Nezu replied calmly. "I'm preparing to invest in your son's future. What Neito becomes isn't certain. But he has a great quirk, that's why I want to invest early."
He pulled out a sealed folder and handed it over.
"This is a mentorship agreement. It's not very binding. If you agree, Neito won't have to take more tests. He'll study directly under me."
"U.A. will monitor his progress and assist with quirk development. I will personally supervise his studies."
Neito's dad didn't respond. He flipped the folder open and began reading silently. Page by page, detail by detail. Neito, meanwhile, looked out the window thoughtfully.
Since suppressing the jealousy that once ruled the original Monoma's personality, Neito had improved rapidly. His mind adapted swiftly, and his emotions stabilized.
That change had altered the entire course of his story. Without jealousy holding him back, his intellect blossomed—drawing the attention of Nezu.
Nezu was right: quirks shaped minds and personalities. Now that Copy's side effects were controlled, Neito's growth potential was immense.
He remained calm and sat silently. He didn't know what his father's decision would be. But in his heart, Neito had already decided.
If Nezu or the Public Safety Commission tried to control him forcefully—like they had with Nagant and Hawks—he would follow the path of All For One and become the next generation demon lord.
Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that.