My Hero Academia: Quirks That Would Suit Deku The Most if He Didn’t Have One For All

This list contains spoilers for My Hero Academia

At the start of “My Hero Academia”, Deku was determined to become a hero no matter what, which explains why he eagerly accepted the opportunity to acquire One For All when it was offered by the renowned All Might. Initially, however, Deku, who lacked the physical strength and durability required to wield One For All effectively in combat without causing harm to himself, seemed an unlikely candidate for this incredibly powerful Quirk.

In a universe where powers, known as Quirks, can vary greatly, certain abilities throughout the “My Hero Academia” series seem particularly well-suited to Deku for various reasons. Though Deku has demonstrated that he’s deserving of the powerful One for All by the story’s end, these other Quirks listed below would also have been fitting for our determined hero.

Invisiblity

Deku Could Obscure Himself To Avoid Getting Flustered

User: Toru Hagakure

From the outset of this thrilling series, I, being freshly endowed with my quirk just before enrolling in U.A. High School’s prestigious Class 1-A, harbored a lot less self-assurance in my abilities compared to many of my peers. Consequently, though I was always ready to engage in combat with a villain for the sake of saving others, I often found myself petrified at the thought of unleashing my power, as I well knew it could inadvertently bring harm to my own limbs. However, if my quirk were Invisibility, it would grant me the element of surprise against a villain, leaving them clueless about my presence. This stealth aspect would perfectly complement my strategic mindset that has been evident since the very first episode.

Instead of charging into battle and punching wildly like many shonen protagonists, Deku usually takes time to assess his enemies before engaging in combat. While it’s challenging since villains immediately attack him once they spot him, he can stay out of sight and provide valuable information to other Pro Heroes without putting himself at risk by playing a supportive role.

Jet

Jumping In And Rescuing Civilians Would Be A Piece Of Cake With Jet Equipped

User: Gran Torino

Even though Gran Torino seems far beyond his prime, he can zip around faster than the blink of an eye, all thanks to his Jet Quirk. This incredible ability lets him release air from the soles of his feet at lightning speed!

As for Deku, he might come across as a bit timid and green at first in the series, but don’t let that fool you. If someone’s life is on the line, this young man won’t hesitate to dive headfirst into danger! His instinct to protect others is so strong that having a Quirk that boosts his mobility would make saving civilians a breeze for our hero.

Given that Deku isn’t incredibly strong physically, this ability would allow him to protect those in danger without getting hit by villainous attacks. Since the Quirk is quite straightforward in its function, he could master it quickly, unlike the complexity of handling One For All.

Search

Deku’s Fascination With Learning About His Enemy Would Be Much Easier With Search

Users: Ragdoll / All For One / Shigaraki

Originally, The Search Quirk belonged to Ragdoll, a Wild Wild Pussycats member who joined the Forest Training Camp. However, it was later taken from her by All For One. This unique Quirk grants the user access to extensive information about someone just by looking at them – their Quirk abilities, vulnerabilities included. Given Deku’s keen interest in documenting details not only about his opponents but also his allies, as evident during the initial exams, this Quirk seems tailor-made for him.

Instead of having to laboriously jot down details, Deku can quickly obtain necessary information about an opponent just by looking at them. Additionally, he can function as a vital team member by promptly conveying critical information back to the heroes once he’s analyzed their adversaries.

Muscle Augmentation

If Deku Bulked Up With This Deadly Quirk, He Could Overcome One Of His Biggest Weaknesses

User: Muscular

Instead of a villain like Muscular exploiting his Muscle Augmentation Quirk for mass destruction, a hero with the same ability could efficiently neutralize numerous dangerous foes using minimal attacks. As suggested by its name, this Quirk enables the user to significantly increase their muscle mass upon activation, transforming them into an immense, powerful being whose physical strength and resilience are amplified to extraordinary levels.

During the Forest Training Camp storyline, Deku encountered the full brunt of this ability, but if he had possessed it instead, it could have addressed one of his major shortcomings: his limited physical strength. Since Deku’s prowess largely stems from One For All, the toll it takes on his body is immense, making the capability to increase his size without endangering himself a valuable asset that would have made him an impressive hero from the outset.

Stress

If Deku Could Control Stress, He Could Become A True Powerhouse

User: Re-Destro

Deku is quick to feel overwhelmed, which is undeniably a negative emotion. However, if Deku had the Stress Quirk that Re-Destro possesses, it could have been transformed into a beneficial trait. This unique ability causes its user to morph into a colossal monster when they become agitated, gaining immense strength and speed in the process. Given Deku’s tendency to feel stressed during challenging encounters, having this Quirk would provide him with an immediate edge in combat by supplying him with a powerful boost precisely when he needs it.

Witnessing Re-Destro’s epic clash against Shigaraki, it became evident that this form could absorb an immense amount of damage, even from formidable adversaries. Had Deku been equipped with this ability right from the start of the series, he might have handled some of his tougher opponents more effortlessly.

Zoom

The Perfect Quirk To Compliment Deku’s Strategic Mind

User: Mei Hatsume

Zoom is a tool that delivers on its promise, as it grants the host the extraordinary capability to detect details from afar, which are typically invisible to regular individuals. While Mei may utilize this for designing and inventing her own gear, Deku would apply it to his habit of carefully examining every detail of his target before launching an attack, thus enabling him to strategize rather than rushing in recklessly.

Instead of merely aiding him against villains, Deku could utilize Zoom to observe his classmates closely, noting how they innovatively apply their individual Quirks. Inspired by those around him, Deku stands to gain significantly as he can learn every detail of a person’s latest attack or technique. This knowledge would undoubtedly boost his own combat style.

Brainwashing

Deku Wouldn’t Even Need To Get His Hands Dirty To Defeat An Opponent

User: Hitoshi Shinso

In the early stages of the narrative in “My Hero Academia”, Deku is largely preoccupied with building up his physical strength to overpower any malevolent forces that endanger society. However, around halfway through the storyline, his perspective starts evolving. While he acknowledges the importance of physical power, Deku also becomes increasingly concerned with having the ability to rescue villains instead of merely defeating them. Characters like Gentle and even Shigaraki serve as examples of this shift in focus; Deku doesn’t aim to eliminate these individuals but rather intends to demonstrate to them that they can find an alternative to the destructive path of villainy they have chosen.

Shinso’s brainwashing power could greatly benefit Deku because it allows him to render a villain immobile without resorting to excessive violence. Although Deku was embarrassingly manipulated by this power during the Sports Festival, surprisingly, mind control might be an ability that he would welcome, given its compatibility with his own character and approach towards villains.

2025-09-01 18:35