On that front, Midoriya passed with flying colors. If he hadn't been training until his Quirk appeared, it meant he had reached this level with only ten months of frantic preparation. The UA Hero Course entrance exam isn't easy enough for an ordinary child to pass on a whim.
It meant he possessed an incredible capacity for concentrated effort. Beyond just working hard, he likely had the intellect and flexibility to analyze and refine his methods.
Of course, I didn't think he'd done it entirely alone. He likely had a master—someone guiding him. But the luck to find a good master, and the eye to choose one, is a talent in itself. I wouldn't press him on it.
More importantly...
"I've said a lot of harsh things, but I want you to know that I think your heart is magnificent. I believe you'll become a fine hero."
His presence was filled with a certain light. I chose to believe in him.
"Th—thank you! I... I think you'll be a great hero too, Mashie-san!"
"Heh. Thank you. Though, in your case, we should probably start with you learning how to actually control your power."
"Haha... yeah, you're right. I've only just earned the right to stand at the starting line."
Midoriya gave a messy, tearful laugh.
But then, I caught a glimpse of anxiety beneath the surface. He was terribly bad at hiding his feelings—a genuinely good person through and through. He simply couldn't lie to save his life.
"I understand how you feel, but haste is your enemy. Growth doesn't happen in a single leap."
"H-how did you know I was feeling rushed...?"
"I can read the emotions of those I face to some extent. Though, even without that, any keen observer could see it written all over your face."
I said it to comfort him, but I knew Master Eraser Head would likely expel him without mercy if his growth was too slow. Knowing the teacher's personality, he probably only kept Midoriya around because he saw a non-zero glimmer of potential.
Furthermore, the world won't wait. Time is the only thing that is equal for everyone. Telling him not to rush might be asking the impossible. In fact, Master Eraser Head would probably tell him the exact opposite: "Get a move on."
"Still... I understand the pressure. Only one year since your Quirk awakened? That's a steep climb."
"It really is... even during the entrance exam, I ended up breaking my bones..."
"I heard from Iida and Uraraka. I suppose the lecture Master Eraser Head gave you was justified, then."
Midoriya slumped visibly.
What a transparent boy. Seeing him get discouraged so easily made me want to look after him.
"Well, you can always come to me for advice. I can't promise I'll have all the right answers, but as they say, three heads are better than one. You should start by learning to rely on others. Fortunately, I can provide first aid—and even actual healing—if necessary."
"Y-yeah... you're right. Thanks. ...Wait, b-by the way, Mashie-san, what is your Quirk? You had amazing scores on all those tests... and you can even heal? How does that work...?"
Suddenly, the air shifted. His anxiety vanished, replaced by a wall of sheer curiosity. He was quick to pivot—a good trait.
I gave him the same explanation I'd given in the locker room earlier.
"That's such an incredible Quirk! Not only can you use it for physical enhancement, but you can apply it to cellular regeneration and even use it on others? That makes you incredibly versatile for team-ups or as a sidekick—you'd be in high demand no matter who you partnered with!"
He said all of that in a single, breathless burst. I could only stare, stunned by the sheer momentum of his speech.
"Ah—! S-sorry! Just a habit!"
"No... it's fine. Analytical skill is vital. It will serve you well in any situation."
So this is the 'Otaku' I've heard so much about, I thought. I've learned something new today.
"But... it must be hard, knowing you could starve if you use your Quirk too much. ...Oh! Uh, s-sorry to ask, but for my own reference... how did you learn to control it?"
He was quite shrewd, pivoting back to a topic that could help his own growth while satisfying his thirst for knowledge. He seemed to be doing it unconsciously, though. I wished he'd show this much hunger in his daily life.
"Mental imagery and repetition," I replied. "Since my Quirk is dangerous to practice recklessly, I was told to build a solid foundation first."