The 'Essence' of Uraraka Shige

In the end Uraraka Shige, with a strange expression, decided to stay here temporarily.

That guy with the bright green mushroom haircut went on to say a bunch of random things, and since it concerned 'Quirk,' Uraraka Shige was somewhat skeptical...

He wasn't entirely convinced because even if this claim was related to 'Quirk,' it was still far too absurd... According to Mushroom Head, this 'Quirk' was practically capable of allowing someone to gain something for nothing...

Although Mushroom Head explained that he was simply letting others get what they were destined to have earlier...

But the excuses she used to seduce Uraraka Shige were just too... exaggerated.

The reason why he didn't completely distrust the idea is... after all, Uraraka Shige doesn't understand the essence of "Quirk" at all, just like how humans are to cells, or objects are to particles... and so on.

Since she didn't understand, Uraraka Shige naturally had no way of judging whether what this guy with the green mushroom haircut said was correct or not.

In short, it was precisely because of this skeptical attitude that Uraraka Shige was unable to refuse when Qu Zhi's sister rode her brother to Uraraka Shige and invited him to stay for a while longer.

He had to admit that he had indeed been tempted...

Although upon calm reflection, it can be seen that this lush green mushroom-headed man used the same method called 'temptation' from beginning to end... but it must be said that this 'temptation' was indeed very effective.

It was precisely because of this level of effectiveness that Uraraka Shige ultimately couldn't help but lean towards the possibility that this mushroom-headed guy truly possessed a 'Quirk' capable of seeing the 'essence' of humanity.

Otherwise, why would his simple words so perfectly touch people's hearts?

Even if it's not 'seeing through the essence', it at least has a 'Quirk' of 'reading between the lines' or even 'mind reading'. In that case, it will inevitably be able to help Uraraka Shige become stronger again.

After staying there for three days, and being constantly tempted and influenced by the man with the lush green mushroom haircut, Uraraka Shige finally couldn't resist asking him a question:

"... So-called 'essence,' then what is your 'essence'?"

Upon hearing this, the boy with the green mushroom-shaped haircut visibly paused for a moment before lowering his head and giving his reply.

"I don't know... I can't see my own 'essence'. When I look down at myself, I can't see anything. Even when I look in the mirror, I can only see a reflection... Maybe it's because the reflection in the mirror isn't a 'person'?"

Uraraka Shige remained skeptical of this explanation, as he had no way of proving that Mushroom Head's words were true, nor could he prove that the explanation was false.

So Uraraka Shige simply stopped worrying about the answer and the question himself, and instead asked:

"So how can you prove that you can truly see a person's 'essence'? How can you convince me of your proof and make me believe this?"

Mushroom Head replied:

"Many family members around here can attest to this, but I don't think you'd believe it... In that case, why don't we just let you experience it for yourself..."

As Mushroom Head said this, he suddenly fell silent, seemingly deep in thought. Meanwhile, Uraraka Shige quietly awaited Mushroom Head's confirmation, without saying a word.

The air became somewhat quiet for a moment.

After a long pause, Mushroom Head finally spoke again.

"I mentioned before that you're feeling lost... so let's verify that here."

Mushroom Head looked at Uraraka Shige and pushed up his nerdy glasses perched on his nose... These glasses looked so clumsy that they even covered most of Mushroom Head's face, making it impossible for Uraraka Shige to discern Mushroom Head's expression at that moment.

Mushroom Head said this:

The reason you feel lost is because you don't yet have a firm enough and suitable "belief." Right now, you're just "living" for the sake of "living," and the only difference between you and a walking corpse is that you have "habits," "desires," and "thoughts," and your body isn't entirely filled with only "instinct."

Mushroom Head paused for a moment, then gave a summary that sounded like a truism.

Simply put, you still have a 'soul'.

However, despite the fact that this sentence seemed like utter nonsense, Uraraka Shige understood from this summary that the 'instinct' that Mushroom Head mentioned earlier was not the 'desire instinct' that follows desires (Spring is here, it's time for the animals to...), but rather a 'physical instinct' like a knee-jerk reflex.

Mushroom Head didn't give Uraraka Shige much time to think, but continued speaking:

"But it is not enough for a person to have only a 'soul' and 'instincts'; they also need a 'belief' that suits them so that they can 'live' in a more beautiful way. They need to constantly strengthen this 'belief' and strive towards the goal of this 'belief' in order to embark on the 'path' that leads them to their own 'essence'."

"Therefore, this 'belief' is crucial. Once a person finds the wrong 'belief,' they will go astray and eventually reach the end of this 'wrong path,' a dead end. They will then lose their 'belief' and become confused. They may then either find a new 'belief' or remain 'confused' forever."

Mushroom Head's attitude was very cautious. Although Uraraka Shige n't see his expression clearly, she could tell from his tone of voice.

"I can tell you the 'beliefs' that best suit your own nature, thus proving that my words are not false."

Upon seeing this, Uraraka Shige's expression became slightly more serious... After all, although Uraraka Shige didn't know whether what the mushroom-headed man said was true or false, there was no doubt that it was closely related to her.

Mushroom Head said:

The 'belief' that best suits your true nature is 'effort'. You must firmly believe that you must work harder to 'train,' 'learn,' and 'accept' in order to reach your 'essence'.

Uraraka Shige stunned upon hearing this.

Effort... isn't that obvious? I know I'm working hard! I'm working hard! And you're telling me the 'belief' I need most is effort?

I was all set for you to say something amazing, and this is what you say to me???

However, Uraraka Shige did not comment on this, but remained silent for a moment before asking Mushroom Head:

"Since that's the case... then I suppose you wouldn't mind telling me directly what my 'true nature' is?"

Mushroom Head nodded, not bothering to conceal Uraraka Shige's true nature, but rather telling him quite frankly.

"Your 'essence' is one of thirst and exploration; you greedily crave to satisfy yourself while simultaneously exploring the 'unknown' within yourself."

Uraraka Shige curled her lip.

"So... does that mean everyone's 'essence' is like this?"

In response, Mushroom Head simply adjusted his glasses and gave an example.

"Like Brother Qu Zhi said, his 'essence' is the pursuit and proof."

As for what Qu Zhi was trying to pursue or prove, the green mushroom-headed man didn't say.