After school hours, Principal Nezu gathered some of his staff in his office. All Might, Eraser Head, Midnight, and Cementoss stood or sat in thoughtful silence. Nezu folded his paws together atop his desk and spoke calmly.
"I have received the report from the police and their conclusion on Junsei's state," he said. "They believe him to be dangerous to society. I have no doubt things would not have ended this peacefully if he were not a student of U.A. I am sure you agree, based on his answers, that he shows a complete disregard for other lives except for those he considers close, and that is a dangerous trait."
No one spoke. Each teacher retreated into their own thoughts. Nezu continued "However, I do not see this as badly as the police do. According to Detective Tsukauchi, no lies were detected from Junsei. The boy does not lie. That alone suggests he harbors no true malice. His rush to save someone he deemed a friend reveals that there is a good side to him."
Nezu leaned back slightly. "What we are dealing with is a child with stunted emotional growth due to his past. From the information we gathered, he often refers to people as 'humans,' and he actively disengages himself from others. What we need to do is make him feel part of a group, perhaps help him form more connections, more people to care about."
Cementoss spoke next. "The problem is his resistance to that very idea. He actively avoids his classmates."
Nezu waved a paw dismissively. "Of course. I didn't forget that and I have no plan to force such a thing. We start by understanding his thoughts, how he feels about different matters, his likes and dislikes. From there, we can arrange for him to join groups based on those."
He turned his gaze to Midnight. "I would like to leave this task to you."
Midnight's lips curved into a smile. "Oh my. I haven't dealt with such a boy before. That's a little exciting."
Nezu nodded enthusiastically. "Indeed. And I would like you to bring Miss Yaoyorozu along."
Midnight raised an eyebrow. Nezu explained, "If my understanding is correct, Junsei lacks trust toward unfamiliar individuals. Having someone he already trusts nearby may help him open up."
Midnight nodded in agreement. Aizawa, who had been leaning against the wall, finally spoke. "Wouldn't I be a better choice?"
Everyone looked at him. He continued evenly, "Nemuri is… too energetic for him."
Nezu chuckled. "Oh, but that is exactly why I want her to handle this. Her personality and his are exact opposites, it will make for unique interactions."
Aizawa frowned. "Please take this seriously."
Nezu clasped his paws dramatically. "Oh my! You doubt my judgment? That's so unlike you. But fear not, I only ever act in the best interests of my students." He then turned to All Might. "Moving on. Toshinori, how strong do you believe Junsei truly is?"
All Might considered this carefully. "He is equal to me in my current state, or perhaps slightly below. When I arrived at USJ, I was already tired and running out of time. Even so, for a student to keep up with me under those conditions is… beyond impressive."
Nezu nodded thoughtfully. "I suspect our student did not give his all."
The words caught everyone off guard. Aizawa frowned. "He was clearly trying."
"Perhaps," Nezu replied. "But according to reports from his first encounter years ago in the forest, he was capable of taking down heroes with a single touch. It was suspected he could generate electricity, an ability not observed during the recent incident, to our knowledge."
He continued, eyes sharp with interest. "Additionally, based on your observation and All Might's, the destruction of the Nomu's head would have required far greater strength than what he otherwise displayed. It may be that he can briefly increase his power output and chose that moment for a decisive blow, or there may be a drawback to that power he wished to avoid."
Nezu folded his paws once more. "This incident has shown that our student possesses far greater potential than we initially believed. He can monitor and detect abnormalities from miles away, move at supersonic speeds, exert strength beyond that of most heroes, and strategize his actions to achieve his goal" His gaze hardened with resolve. "I want him to become a hero. He could do so much good for the world."
——————
Early the next morning, Momo and Junsei were summoned to one of the staff rooms. Inside the room, Midnight was already waiting for them, leaning casually against a desk. She waved brightly when she saw them.
"Hello, you two," she said. "How is your school life treating you so far?"
Momo smiled politely. "It's more than we expected."
Junsei said nothing.
Midnight gestured for them to sit.
"I agree. You've been through far more than the school ever anticipated." Her tone softened. "That's exactly why I called you here. What you experienced was difficult, and we want to make sure our students weren't harmed, physically or mentally." As she said the last word, her eyes rested on Junsei.
Momo straightened. "We're fine!"
Midnight smiled kindly at her. "That's what we hope. But I'd like to hear from Junsei as well. You went through things far beyond what your peers did. How do you feel now?"
Junsei looked at her, puzzled. "About what?"
"In general," Midnight replied patiently. "Are you sad? Angry? Happy?"
"Normal."
Midnight nodded slowly. "What about during the incident? When you discovered the attack? were you afraid? Worried?"
"No."
"When you rushed there," she continued, "did you fear you might be too late?"
"I knew I would make it."
Midnight studied him more closely. "And the Nomu? When you faced it, did you feel fear, worry… or excitement?"
Junsei shook his head.
She raised an eyebrow. "I've heard from the other teachers that you seemed angry when talking about it."
"I hate the one who made that thing," Junsei replied.
Midnight tilted her head. "The one who made it? Not the monster itself?"
"It was a disgusting existence," Junsei said evenly, "born of pitiful and twisted stolen life."
A spark of interest crossed Midnight's face. "That's a unique way to put it. But I agree, one should pity the victim and blame the perpetrator."
Momo glanced at Junsei. She had the distinct feeling that his words carried far more meaning than any of them truly understood. Yet he offered no explanation, perhaps because he thought no one could understand it anyway.
Midnight moved on. "Do you have a dream you're working toward? I'm curious, why did you choose the General Studies department?"
"One day I will live alone in the forest," Junsei replied.
Midnight raised an eyebrow. Momo quickly explained, "He doesn't like living in the city. Or among people."
Midnight nodded slowly. In truth, this was the first student she had ever encountered speak or act like this, antisocial to an almost startling degree.
"That's… interesting," she said. "I don't think I've ever met someone quite like you. Do you have any hobbies?"
"No."
"Anything at all?" Midnight pressed. "Reading, playing games, walking?"
"I like being away from humans."
Midnight glanced at Momo. "Do you agree with him? Does he really not enjoy anything?"
Momo hesitated. "He likes sweets," she admitted at last. "To an unhealthy degree."
"And?" Midnight asked.
"That's all."
Midnight looked back at Junsei's blank expression.
[This boy is a hundred times worse than a depressed Aizawa] she thought.
After a moment, she smiled lightly. "What about romance? Do you have anyone you like?"
Junsei didn't respond.
Momo frowned. "Sensei, what kind of question is that?"
Midnight ignored her, watching Junsei carefully. Receiving no reaction at all, she stood up and spoke in a deliberately playful tone, trying to provoke some response.
"What do you think of my body? I do think my curves are quite the sight, don't you agree?" She traced her body sensually and slowly as she spoke.
Momo's frown deepened.
"Sensei," she said firmly, "that's inappropriate."
Midnight waved her off. "Hold on." She leaned closer to Junsei, lowering her voice. "Do you not feel anything at all?"
"No."
Midnight straightened at once, her expression turning serious. "Do you understand the difference between genders? Between males and females?"
"Are you referring to reproduction?" Junsei asked. "Intercourse?"
She blinked. "So you know about those things?"
He nodded.
"And you don't feel any attraction toward females?" she asked carefully. "Those thoughts never cross your mind?"
"I am repulsed by humans," Junsei replied calmly. "I would never reproduce or contribute to increasing their numbers."
Midnight stared at him. So did Momo. That was the strangest answer anyone could give.
"I see," Midnight said at last. "Thank you for your time. You may both leave."
Junsei stood and walked out without another word. Momo followed, glancing back once before closing the door.
Left alone, Midnight sank into her chair, staring at the ceiling. She wondered whether there was even a way to help someone like that at all. She needed to let the principal and the others know of this.