Coming out of the test room, they are greeted by the director of the orphanage. The doctor tells them to follow him, and all three of them make their way to a higher floor of the hospital.
Kaito raises an eyebrow as he sees the elevator go up instead of down.
"I thought we were done for the day?"
The director looks at him and shakes her head.
"We have one more matter to sort out before we go," she says, glancing at his missing forearm.
This doesn't escape his attention as he makes a guess.
'A prosthetic? I didn't expect this at all... Where did they get the funding?'
Kaito is about to start reconsidering his previous plans when he comes to a realization.
'Well, nothing's really changed — kickboxing still seems like the way to go. Maybe incorporate some Muay Thai... opens up more weapon options, too.'
Just as he finishes deciding, they arrive at the Orthotics and Prosthetics department. It seems as though the type of prosthesis was already decided beforehand, as Kaito is immediately pulled into taking a scan of his left arm. After being told their next appointment is in a week, Kaito and the director leave the hospital.
Once outside, he turns to her and asks, "Where did the orphanage get the money for this?"
She glances at him, letting out a slight laugh.
"Hohoho, you're only four — it's not for you to worry about. But if you're curious, we have quite the rich and famous backer supporting us."
Kaito wonders who this mysterious person might be but gives up shortly after.
'If I ever find out, I'll thank them.'
He continues his days until the appointment like normal, focusing on cardio.
Leaving things like martial arts for later — maybe even getting lucky and being allowed to sign up for a gym down the line.
He continues his research, focusing on weapons, where he chances upon someone interesting.
Rubbing his chin, Kaito contemplates the information.
"Hero Eraserhead... A relatively new hero, using a capture weapon resembling tape..."
The 'weapon' really intrigues him, but Kaito knows it's not feasible. The material that makes its use possible definitely isn't cheap, so he puts it into consideration for the future.
While he's at it, Kaito considers his options for a hero school but ultimately comes to one decision.
'It's gotta be U.A., not only is it the best, it's the closest as well...'
The commute taking around 30 minutes by train.
His thoughts are interrupted as Itsuka rushes into the room.
"Here you are, Kaito! Come on, let's go!"
He can't help but sigh at her enthusiasm.
"Coming, coming."
Turning off the computer, they make their way outside for their daily training. As they run, Kaito asks her,
"Why do you want to be a hero?"
Itsuka smiles brightly, declaring confidently in turn,
"Because I want to help people!"
Kaito gives her a sideways glance, shaking his head slightly.
'What did I expect...?'
"What about you?" Now it's her turn to ask him.
He considers lying but ultimately just stays honest.
"For the money, and because heroes seem relatively free."
Itsuka frowns at his answer.
"That's no good, Kaito! A hero should want to help people!"
He gives her a sideways glance as he answers, matter-of-factly.
"Well, I will help them — but I don't want to be a hero because of it."
Itsuka gives him an angry look as she distances herself slightly, but Kaito doesn't take it seriously.
'Hmm... seems she's throwing a tantrum.'
Shrugging slightly, he continues his routine.
Nighttime...
Kaito is in his usual spot near the pond. It's become a place he visits most days, mainly using it to train his Quirk, since the caretakers don't allow him to do so during the day.
"Stupid rules..."
As Zorua cycles through different moves — training both of their endurance — Kaito contemplates his latest discovery about his Quirk: a number.
"'8'... What the hell does that mean?"
Scratching his head in frustration, he stops trying to figure it out, as nothing seems to be working. The reason and purpose of it remain a mystery.
Kaito smirks slightly as he murmurs,
"Well, it's more fun that way..."
Realizing they're both already tired, he decides to wrap up.
"Okay, that's enough, Zorua. Let's go sleep."
Okay!
Three days later...
As Kaito and the director make their way inside the hospital, she turns to him, looking slightly worried.
"I heard from the caretakers. Did you have a fight with Itsuka?"
He raises an eyebrow and turns to her.
"Not a fight, she just didn't like what I said."
He can't help but think,
'I guess I underestimated her anger.'
Even if they're not talking, Itsuka still follows his routine — of course, doing so from a distance.
"Didn't like what you said? And what's that?"
As they ride the elevator up, he replies nonchalantly, highlighting the part that made her angry.
"I said I wanted to be a hero for the money."
The director raises an eyebrow at what he says — not because she thinks it's a bad reason, but because it's a four-year-old saying it.
She can't help but voice her thoughts.
"Kirameki often says you seem mature for your age. I can see what she means now..."
Kaito shrugs as he smirks slightly.
At the Orthotics and Prosthetics department, Kaito is led inside.
After a short while, the prosthesis is brought out, and he raises his eyebrows in shock.
'Just who the hell is the sponsor for this orphanage?'
Expecting something body-powered — or even just cosmetic — he hadn't gotten his hopes up for this appointment.
But instead of what he imagined, he's presented with a myoelectric prosthesis. Bringing him out of his spiraling thoughts is the doctor holding it — a man whose Quirk appears to have turned parts of his own body mechanical. Following the instructions, the prosthesis is fitted carefully, ensuring it isn't uncomfortable as the sensors are calibrated.
The doctor nods as they finish setting it up.
"With technology advancing thanks to Mr. Nezu, the sensors will allow you to move the prosthetic like you would a regular hand — almost no delay."
Kaito asks him, hearing the familiar name.
"Mr. Nezu? Who's that?"
"Someone really smart."
He deadpans at the answer fit for a child.
'Fine, I'll confirm it myself...'
Moving the prosthetic around, he can't help but marvel at how responsive it is. The whole prosthetic is completely black — Kaito requested this himself.
He turns to Zorua, sitting on the ground next to him. Thanks to her technically being his 'Quirk,' they don't separate them from each other.
Grinning widely at her, he shows off the new limb.
"Look at this, Zorua! Good as new, hahaha."
She nods her head with a strained smile.
'She doesn't look as guilty anymore... That's good.'
The doctor leads Kaito and Zorua out into the lobby and once again explains to the director,
"Just like we discussed — as Kaito gets older and the prosthetic starts to feel uncomfortable, you'll need to bring him back to the hospital for adjustments. With the current modular design, we can handle most of them in a single day. Eventually, though, he'll need a larger one once this unit reaches its limits. But since everything's already been paid for, there shouldn't be any issues."
Both of them bow to the doctor and make their exit.
Outside the hospital, Kaito asks once more,
"Just who is this sponsor?"
And the director once again gives an elusive response.
"Hohoho, I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise for when you meet him."
Banishing his thoughts of sneaking into her office, Kaito continues walking.
'Fine, have it your way.'
Back at the orphanage, Kaito is eating his lunch, mainly using his prosthetic for everything to get used to it.
Just as he picks up his cup, he's surprised as a tray is placed opposite him.
Staring at the orange-haired girl in front of him, he hears a clink. Turning to the sound, he sees that it was the cup he was holding in the prosthetic.
'Having no feeling in the hand is quite a challenge...'
A caretaker comes and helps him clean up.
Done with the little mess he created, Kaito turns to Itsuka.
"You're not mad at me anymore?"
She shakes her head.
"...I asked Miss Kirameki about your reason to become a hero... and I think I understand a little now..."
Kaito nods his head and continues eating. He doesn't think much about this situation — just a child throwing a tantrum.
Now it's Itsuka's turn to ask him. She appears slightly bashful as she opens her mouth.
"...W-What about you?"
"Hmm?" He looks at her, eyebrow raised.
"A-Are you mad at me?" she clarifies.
Kaito scoffs and responds,
"Pfft. Why would I be?"
They eat in silence, as Itsuka still feels a little awkward. A few days is all it takes to remedy the situation, as she goes back to her cheerful self.
The days pass as their routine continues, and the longer time goes on, the more restless Kaito becomes — his nature constantly demanding he satisfy his curiosity. One day, he can't handle it anymore and convinces the caretakers to take him shopping with them, somehow succeeding — which satisfies him, for now.
A month later...
In his nighttime hideout, Kaito tries to figure out the purpose of the number he sees, as it has gone up by one — now showing a '9'. But the only thing different from a month ago is that Zorua and he are stronger. He chalks that up to their training and gives up once again.
'Maybe once it's a lot bigger, I'll notice something...'
Walking back toward the building, he glances at the fence surrounding the property, shaking his head to clear stray thoughts.
The next day...
Kaito is sitting in front of the director in her office as she quickly informs him,
"A family has expressed interest in adopting you."
Thinking back, he remembers seeing some adult couples watching the children on some of the days.
'So that's who they were...'
With a neutral expression, Kaito states,
"Refuse them."
The director stares at him wide-eyed, disbelief clear on her face.
"...What?"
"Refuse them."
"..."
Just as Kaito gets ready to stand up and leave, the director asks,
"Why?"
Looking up at her, he can't help but feel slightly surprised seeing the neutral expression on her face.
'Wouldn't someone in her position normally panic? Try to convince the child?'
"...I just don't want to be adopted."
Kaito decides to omit his reasons, as they would require revealing more than necessary.
She looks at him for a long time before eventually nodding.
"...Very well. We will talk more at a later time."
Bowing his head, Kaito makes his way out.
The director looks at the door in silence for a long time.
Two weeks later...
Kaito is eating his lunch when Itsuka drops a bombshell.
"I'm getting adopted..."
He freezes mid-bite and stares at her for a moment before quietly resuming his meal.
'Is this the consequence of me refusing...? Well, it's good. While I don't want to be adopted, she probably does.'
"Seriously? Congratulations."
She pouts at him.
"Yeah, now you'll probably keep being a loner."
The words are like a dagger through his heart as he nearly spits out his food. Looking at Itsuka in confusion, he asks,
"Since when are you so mean?"
She just huffs and turns her head away.
Itsuka becomes more and more restless as the day the adoption process is finalized approaches.
Eventually, the fated day arrives, as a friendly-looking couple in their 30s enters the orphanage. Kaito and she stand off to the side as the adults converse.
"...I'm leaving..."
Kaito smiles slightly.
"Yeah, good luck out there."
Slightly teary-eyed, she turns to him.
"I-I'll visit you..."
This time he can't help but smirk in amusement as he shakes his head.
"You don't have to do that, you crybaby. Let's meet once it's time for us to go to U.A."
Bringing out his fist for a fist bump, she promptly returns it.
"I'll show you just how great of a hero I'll be!"
Itsuka declares to him.
Kaito smiles at her.
"I'm sure you will."