What appeared before Etsuha was a completely different kind of genetic structure.
Unlike ordinary humans, the Nomu's body contained countless fragmented gene strands. With a glance, Etsuha could tell that these were failed transplantation attempts. It was precisely these damaged and mismatched genetic chains that had twisted what was once a normal human body into the grotesque form of a Nomu.
Amid the chaotic tangle of broken genes, he occasionally spotted intact quirk gene strands—the true source of the Nomu's power.
"So that's how it works… Is this the gene chain for High-Speed Regeneration? It looks like it evolved from basic human genes. I wonder if it could be transplanted into me…"
Etsuha continued scanning, analyzing the three Nomu in detail. Each possessed different abilities. Among the gene strands, he identified quirks related to hardening, regeneration, and absorption.
"If I could copy these… would that mean I could gain all three of their abilities?"
The idea struck him suddenly.
However, the sheer volume of genetic information was overwhelming—far too much to memorize in a single glance. As he stared deeper into the structure, something unexpected surfaced in his mind.
Sharingan.
It was an ability from Naruto, characterized by blood-red eyes and the appearance of tomoe within the pupil.
What interested Etsuha most wasn't its visual prowess or genjutsu—but its copying ability.
According to its lore, the Sharingan could perfectly replicate techniques it observed, including ninjutsu and taijutsu. Etsuha didn't care about copying those—but what if that same ability could be applied to genetic structures?
Could it record and replicate quirk gene sequences?
"…Then my next ability is already decided."
Etsuha's thoughts settled.
He had only spent two or three minutes examining the Nomu, and fortunately, no one had noticed anything unusual. Before leaving, he asked the police officer whether he could return to observe the Nomu again in the future.
The answer was yes.
As long as he wished, he would be allowed access.
Relieved, Etsuha left the station and returned to U.A. alongside his sister, Yu Takeyama.
…
Due to the League of Villains' attack, the training camp had been forcibly canceled. Considering the risks, U.A. decided to suspend all further escort activities. The potential social consequences were simply too great.
Fortunately, there had been no casualties, and the incident was quietly contained.
With no immediate classes scheduled, the three escort students were sent back home to continue their training independently. At the same time, they had to keep up with academic studies through supplemental lessons—a rather exhausting situation.
Meanwhile, Etsuha continued working tirelessly on Naruto.
With several months remaining before U.A.'s entrance exam, things were relatively peaceful. Occasionally, he would visit Takoba Seaside Park to check on Midoriya Izuku's progress clearing debris. The rest of his days were spent in a steady routine of training, studying, and drawing manga.
Time passed in a blur.
Before he knew it, only one day remained before U.A.'s entrance exam.
"…It's finally here."
Etsuha flipped through Naruto and turned to Sasuke's memories, focusing on Uchiha Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan.
At this point in the story, the Mangekyō Sharingan hadn't appeared often—only through Itachi.
"…Mangekyō… that's dangerous."
For once, Etsuha hesitated.
The Mangekyō Sharingan was a double-edged sword. While immensely powerful, each use came with severe side effects. Overuse could even lead to blindness—unless one possessed the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, which was far beyond Etsuha's current reach.
"…Forget it. I'll treat the Mangekyō as a last resort. The standard Sharingan should be enough."
Having made his decision, he placed a hand on the manga.
In an instant, he sank into it.
A hazy light covered his eyes. In one eye, black flames flickered faintly. In the other, a blood-red moon emerged—both hidden beneath the surface.
"—!"
Etsuha's eyes snapped open.
They had turned a deep crimson. The three tomoe spun and merged into a shuriken-like pattern. His vision sharpened drastically—down to the level where even dust particles in the air were clearly visible.
"So this is the Sharingan… It's even stronger than I imagined."
He paused, sensing something more.
"…I also gained 'Amaterasu' and 'Tsukuyomi'? I wonder how destructive those abilities would be in this world…"
Muttering to himself, Etsuha allowed his eyes to return to their normal black color.
The extraction had drained a tremendous amount of energy—nearly all he had accumulated over the past six months. Recovering enough power to extract something of this level again would take a long time.
"…Right. The genes."
He suddenly remembered the Nomu still held at the police station. While their quirks weren't top-tier, they were still valuable research material. He had no intention of letting that opportunity slip away.
Just as he reached for his phone to contact the officer—
It rang.
"Aizawa?" Etsuha answered.
"Shina. U.A.'s entrance exam has begun," Aizawa Shouta's voice came through.
"I don't need to participate, right?" Etsuha asked.
"No," Aizawa replied. "But the school needs your help with something."
"…What is it?"
A brief pause.
"Come serve as the final boss of the exam."
..
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