According to U.A's regulations, both parts of the exam were broadcast live, with teachers monitoring the entire process. After all, this was still just an examination—if anyone suffered irreversible harm, it would severely damage U.A's reputation. Because of this system, every moment of the earlier battle had been observed.
Unfortunately, it wasn't peak viewing time. There weren't many people watching the broadcast—aside from teachers and a handful of candidates, most students hadn't tuned in. Even so, Shina Etsuha's performance was more than enough to draw attention.
"…Is the exam over?"
Shoto Todoroki slowly regained consciousness. The moment he woke up, he recalled being struck by Shinso Hitoshi and couldn't help snapping in frustration:
"Who hit me earlier?!"
"That punch wiped out our entire formation!"
"More than fifty people, and we still couldn't defeat a single student at our level… this is humiliating!"
"Damn it, I lost again!"
"A third of our points are gone… how can U.A have someone this strong? This is beyond abnormal—it's monstrous talent!"
Voices of frustration and disbelief echoed all around as the defeated candidates struggled to accept reality.
At that moment, Etsuha stepped forward and spoke calmly:
"Shinso Hitoshi didn't attack intentionally. His Quirk is… unusual. No—more accurately, if I hadn't reacted in time, his ability would have been the greatest threat to me. It might have even secured your victory."
He paused briefly before continuing,
"At the last moment, I used a special method to reflect his Quirk back at him. That's why he fell into a dazed state… and ended up attacking Shoto Todoroki."
Mental-type Quirks were extremely rare, and Shinso Hitoshi's was among the most dangerous. His ability could manipulate a person's mind without warning—nearly impossible to guard against.
That was precisely why Etsuha had chosen the Sharingan as one of his abilities. Not only did it compensate for his vulnerability to mental attacks, but techniques like Tsukuyomi offered an entirely different form of offensive capability—especially effective against mentally weaker opponents.
"Huh?"
Everyone turned toward Shinso Hitoshi in surprise.
"His Quirk is really that powerful?"
Shinso himself hadn't expected such high praise. For a moment, he was stunned—and then deeply moved.
In the past, his Quirk had been mocked relentlessly. People often told him he was better suited to becoming a villain—or even a criminal. But despite that, he had always wanted to become a Hero.
"...Thank you," Shinso said quietly, nodding toward Etsuha. Yet regret lingered in his heart.
His Quirk was useless against robots. The boss battle had been his only chance to prove himself—and he had failed. Being eliminated now felt inevitable.
What a waste.
Etsuha glanced at him briefly, then turned and walked away.
As the boss of the second exam, he still had one final responsibility: to evaluate every candidate who had participated in the battle and assign them a score. These evaluations would contribute additional points—meaning that even those who hadn't defeated a single robot could still earn marks based on their performance.
"Shinso Hitoshi… a Brainwashing Quirk. Definitely worth watching."
Murmuring to himself, Etsuha exited the examination area, leaving the others behind.
"The two exams are now complete. Please return home and wait for further notice!"
Present Mic's voice echoed over the speakers.
"It's over…"
Midoriya Izuku jolted upright. Only now did it truly sink in—he hadn't earned a single point.
Watching other students leave in lively conversation, a deep sense of helplessness settled over him.
It would take several days for the results to be announced. In the meantime, candidates could only wait at home.
Etsuha, however, had additional responsibilities.
He was required to submit a freshman evaluation report directly to Principal Nezu. The report involved assessing each participant's performance and assigning appropriate scores. This aspect of the exam hadn't been disclosed publicly—it was considered a hidden benefit for those who chose to challenge the boss, though still secondary to the significance of the zero-pointer.
Naturally, his report included both Shoto Todoroki and Bakugo Katsuki. Having fought them directly, Etsuha had a clear understanding of their abilities. Their performances had been impressive, even managing to trouble him briefly. For that, he awarded them high evaluations.
When it came to Shinso Hitoshi, Etsuha paused for a moment—then decisively gave him an even higher rating.
There was no doubt: Shinso's Quirk held immense potential. Letting someone like that slip through the cracks would be a waste.
"Good enough. I can't give him too many points… but my comments should still influence Principal Nezu's decision."
With that thought, Etsuha submitted the report—passing it along through Aizawa Shouta.
"Shinso Hitoshi…"
As the teachers reviewed Etsuha's evaluation, thoughtful expressions appeared across their faces.
They had all witnessed Shinso's Quirk firsthand. They understood exactly what it meant—and that understanding made them hesitate.
"A Brainwashing Quirk is… dangerous," one teacher said. "And his performance in the first round was poor. Is it really appropriate to admit him into the Hero Course based on Shina's recommendation alone?"
"The important thing isn't the Quirk," All Might said firmly. "It's the person who uses it."
Principal Nezu glanced over Etsuha's report and smiled faintly.
"Shina is correct. Our first exam does have its shortcomings. A Quirk like Shinso's is bound to perform poorly in that format. Since Shina gave him such a strong evaluation… there's no reason we can't consider him for the Hero Course."
"…I suppose that's true."
"…Agreed."
Principal Nezu took a sip of tea, then picked up another document.
This one contained Shina Etsuha's personal file.
"Shina Etsuha…" he murmured, eyes narrowing slightly.
"What exactly is your Quirk?"