Bro, he ain't stupid nor is he being controlled. He's just holding himself back because 1) he does not want to endanger howoo, 2) he does not want to expose howoo being the one person who can guide him and, 3) he just, does not care.
Because if he wants to he can just kill off the mayor and his bitchy daughter and the entire facility and make it seem like an accident. But he won't, because that would mean howoo would know his true personality.
Its because it was government, if he turn his back to government, they will use public opinion or spit shit like ml is on edge on explosion or something, then ml cant do nothing, thats why he keep his head cool and wait until he become the president of esper/guide association.
I don't think he's being controlled. He's probably just going along for now and fight back later on. After all, he can't blatantly fight them because they have authority.
He is stupid for being controlled like that, thought he is strong? *blechk* I wanna vomit.