Key Insights on Deku’s Shift from Hero to Teacher
- Deku’s choice to not pursue a full-time hero career stems from his aspiration to mentor future heroes rather than a loss of One-for-All.
- Equipped with advanced super armor that emulates the abilities of One-for-All, Deku can still engage in heroic endeavors.
- His transition to part-time heroism while focusing on teaching mirrors the successful balancing act of other U.A. High School instructors.
Although My Hero Academia has officially concluded with the release of chapter 430 in August 2024, author Kohei Horikoshi has continued to delight fans with new chapters serving as teasers for upcoming films, such as chapters 430.5 and 430.6. Chapter 431 stands out as an expanded continuation of the impactful epilogue presented in chapter 430.
In this new chapter, readers are drawn into the evolving lives of beloved characters, with particular emphasis on Midoriya, or Deku, who has made the unexpected choice to step back from full-time heroics. Given his lifelong aspiration to be a hero, this revelation raises intriguing questions regarding the motivations behind this shift.
It’s Not Because of One-For-All
When fans hear about Deku’s surprising decision, many assume it stems from his loss of One-for-All (OFA). However, this assumption oversimplifies the situation. Remarkably, Deku has received a state-of-the-art super armor that enables him to remain active in hero duties despite this setback.
The Super Armor
Although losing One-for-All presented a significant challenge for Deku, the introduction of new super armor has revitalized his ability to fight. This armor, inspired by All Might’s iconic gear, was crafted using combat data from both Deku and All Might by a collaborative research team led by Mei Hatsume and Melissa Shield. Impressively, this armor can replicate many of the quirks associated with One-for-All, with funding generously provided by Class 1-A students.
He Can Be a Pro Hero
This groundbreaking armor allows Deku to perform nearly all the heroic feats he achieved with One-for-All. Coupled with the invaluable combat experience gathered from battles against formidable foes like Shigaraki and All-for-One, Deku’s capabilities remain robust. Therefore, it is clear that losing One-for-All isn’t the crux of his decision to limit his hero work.
He Wants to Emulate His Heroes
As Deku navigated the challenges posed by the eight years between losing his quirks and acquiring super armor, he was compelled to introspect deeply and redefine his future goals. This reflection led him to embrace the role of a teacher in the Hero Course at U.A. High School. His experiences in teaching profoundly influenced his current perspectives and ultimately informed his choice to become a part-time hero while committing most of his focus to education.
All Might and Eraser Head
Throughout Deku’s journey from receiving One-for-All from All Might to his confrontation with Shigaraki, both All Might and Eraser Head have been pivotal figures. They saved him from numerous perilous situations, often prioritizing his safety over their own.
However, the most impactful moments occurred beyond the battlefield. During Deku’s struggles to harness his abilities and define his path, All Might and Eraser Head provided vital guidance during times of vulnerability, not merely as heroes but as compassionate mentors, Toshinori Yagi and Shota Aizawa.
Different Kinds of Heroes
Deku’s education at U.A. High profoundly shaped his development. He learned early on that heroism involves more than simply defeating villains; it encompasses a variety of vital roles. He observed classmates and teachers dedicating their lives to empowering students and enabling their success, reinforcing his understanding of heroism’s diverse expressions.
The realization that educators such as All Might and Eraser Head greatly influenced him, led Deku to aspire to take on the role of mentor. His goal now is to educate and inspire the next generation of heroes, mirroring the support his own mentors provided him. This path, while less glamorous than classic heroism celebrated in media, is deeply heroic in its own right.
Being a Part-Time Hero Might Not Be So Bad
The years leading to the readiness of Deku’s super armor provided him ample time to embrace his role as a teacher. He found fulfillment in guiding his students and never looked back on his choice to shift careers.
A Part-Time Hero
When Deku first donned the super armor, it reignited memories of wielding One-for-All. His movements reflected the agility and finesse of his youth, making it seem as though he never paused in his hero journey.
Despite this, Deku has committed to prioritizing his role as an educator. When asked by Bakugo to join his newly formed Hero Agency, Deku declined flatly, expressing contentment with his part-time hero status.
“The armor made me very happy, but my feelings haven’t changed. I think I’d enjoy being a teacher even if I still had One For All. Work doing what I love, and now I’m back being a hero with you guys! That makes me so, so happy! Thank you, Kacchan and Kirishima!”
—Izuku Midoriya, Chapter 431
A Full-Time Teacher
Deku’s dual focus on teaching and part-time heroics isn’t an isolated case. In fact, many U.A. High educators juggle similar roles, embodying both qualities successfully.
Teachers like Eraser Head, Midnight, and Present Mic provide guidance while also responding to critical hero responsibilities. Deku, therefore, follows a well-trodden path, allowing him to engage in both of his passions: educating aspiring heroes and safeguarding the innocent.
Fans can catch up on the latest episodes of My Hero Academia, now available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Leave a Reply