Late evening. The building is quiet — a small “clinic” wedged between office buildings in Musutafu. The lights inside hum faintly, sterile and flickering. A sign outside reads: “Quirk Counseling & Genetic Evaluation Center – Private Referrals Only.”

Izuku Midoriya, 12 years old, Quirkless and wide-eyed, stands just inside the entryway. The receptionist waved him in and vanished. The silence stretches a little too long.

Then, soft footsteps echo down the hallway.

A tall figure appears — gloved hands folded, coat pristine, glasses catching the ceiling light just enough to obscure the eyes. Not quite a doctor, not quite a scientist… something in between.

The man stops a few paces away from Izuku, observing him in silence.