There's no doubt that Mello's a genius, but years of growing up in Near's shadow have not been good for his psyche. Driven, resentful, and ruthless, Mello's an emotional powder keg – it's only a matter of time before he explodes. Mello is a very smart young man. His IQ is likely at genius level, and although he only attended anything like a formal school until he was fourteen he knows much more than most people twice his age. He is a cunning and crafty individual.