My Hero Academia: The Endeavor Agency Arc, Explained

Key Takeaways

Endeavor’s journey to redemption through mentorship and personal growth with his interns.
Hawks acts as a double agent to gather critical information on the impending villain threat.
Interactions between Endeavor, his interns, and family lead to personal reflection and change.

As someone who has watched My Hero Academia for years and seen its characters grow and evolve, I must say this arc was particularly impactful. The Todoroki family dinner turned out to be a powder keg of emotions, with Natsuo’s anger at his father boiling over, and Todoroki grappling with whether or not to forgive him. It’s heart-wrenching to see these complex familial relationships unfold, especially when you know the depth of Endeavor’s past mistakes.

The vast majority of fans of “My Hero Academia” are acquainted with Endeavor; while they may not admire him, they are certainly aware of his existence. In a world brimming with heroes, Endeavor ascends to the top rank in Japan following All Might’s retirement. For years, Endeavor has strived to attain this position, dreaming that he would surpass All Might and, if not himself, his progeny. Sadly for Endeavor, neither scenario came to pass, and he inherited the title due to All Might’s retirement. This infuriated Endeavor, but he assumed the role because of the many sacrifices he had made to attain it.

In the anime “My Hero Academia,” the “Endeavor Agency Arc” commences in episode 13 of season 5 and concludes in episode 18. This arc serves as a pivotal moment in the series, unfolding after the Meta Liberation Army Arc. The story primarily focuses on the journey of Midoriya, Bakugo, and Todoroki as they undertake an internship under Endeavor. This period is not only about their training but also delves into Endeavor’s quest for redemption. Furthermore, it sheds light on shifts within hero society as they brace themselves for the war instigated by the Paranormal Liberation Front, revealing evolving dynamics among them.

Hero Work Studies Continues

Todoroki Invites His Friends To His Father’s Agency

My Hero Academia: The Endeavor Agency Arc, Explained

Under the revived Hero Work Studies initiative, U.A. high school pupils are now able to intern at hero agencies during the academic year. The purpose of this program is to help students enhance their abilities and prepare them for their future roles as heroes, while also preparing them for the potential perils that lie ahead.

In a familiar scenario, both Midoriya and Bakugo, like their classmates, were on the hunt for internship opportunities. Unlike many others who already had a place to work, our duo was undecided. Some students planned to return to their previous agencies, while Midoriyas sought change. Unfortunately, Bakugo couldn’t go back to Best Jeanist’s agency as the pro-hero is still missing. Fortunately, Todoroki extended an invitation for them to intern at his father’s agency, which they gratefully accepted.

When Todoroki escorts Midoriya and Bakugo to his father, he feigns happiness about the decision Todoroki made without discussing it with him, yet he ultimately goes along with it. Endeavor is merely pleased that his son took action, assuming that Todoroki wishes to repair their relationship, though he’s unaware. Endeavor intends to focus solely on Todoroki, dismissing Midoriya and Bakugo in the process. However, as this storyline unfolds, Endeavor undergoes a transformation in his thoughts.

Hawks As A Double Agent

Building Trust With The Villains

In this storyline, viewers witness Hawks functioning as a secret agent for two sides. The Hero Public Safety Commission successfully persuades Hawks to spy on the League of Villains following their alliance with the Meta Liberation Army. Later, this group transforms into the Paranormal Liberation Front under Tomura Shigaraki’s command.

It’s clear that Hawks is ideal for this risky assignment due to his composed temperament, sharp intellect, and knack for managing circumstances. The Paranormal Liberation Front has something major brewing, and our heroic group must brace themselves for what lies ahead, or else the consequences could be disastrous. Since being kept in the dark is not an option these heroes can afford, they’ve sent Hawks to try and earn the trust of the villains and gather crucial information that will aid them in formulating a defense strategy against this looming menace.

As a follower of the Paranormal Liberation Front’s activities, I noticed Hawks was always one step ahead. Amazingly, he managed to tip off Endeavor about their strategy by subtly gifting him a book penned by Destro. He praised the book and Destro’s ideology to no end, making it sound like a must-read.

As Hawks’ message hits my inbox, I can’t help but feel the weight of impending danger looming large. If we’re not ready for this, it could be disastrous. It’s clear that more allies are needed for the battle ahead. With just four months left before the storm, I decide to make a change. My heart shifts gears and I commit myself to training every one of my interns – Bakugo, Midoriya, and Todoroki. No one will be left behind in this quest for strength. The time has come to prepare, and together, we’ll face whatever lies ahead.

Life In Endeavor’s Agency

The Training Begins

Fans owe the transformation in Endeavor’s demeanor to the Hawks, as they played a significant role. Initially reluctant, Endeavor now takes on the task of educating his trainees, demonstrating effective teaching skills by offering personalized guidance. Earlier, he sought opinions from Bakugo and Midoriya regarding their goals. While Midoriya strives to enhance his control over One For All, particularly Blackwhip, Bakugo aspires to identify Endeavor’s shortcomings as the top hero, so he can surpass him in abilities. Recognizing their motivations, Endeavor resumes training until Todoroki intervenes.

In this critical instance with his pupils, Endeavor’s primary shortcoming surfaced when he neglected to inquire about Todoroki’s aspirations, revealing a prolonged disregard for what his son desired and instead focusing on what he believed was optimal for his son. Despite Endeavor’s ambition for Todoroki to master Flashfire Fist, his ultimate technique, Todoroki harbors distinct plans. In a frank conversation with his father, Todoroki expresses that he is only at the agency to leverage and educate under him. He further clarifies that he holds no grudge towards his father, instead admiring All Might as his inspiration rather than himself.

In this encounter with Todoroki, Endeavor felt a deep sorrow. He believed Todoroki had joined his agency as a means to forgive him. Despite bearing the consequences of his past mistakes, Endeavor acknowledges them and continues his training diligently. Endeavor often takes his trainees out for practical sessions, showing them how to effectively employ their abilities to swiftly capture a villain. As the storyline unfolds, viewers witness these three trainees attempting to surpass Endeavor when a criminal is at large.

Endeavor’s Redemption

A Difficult But Necessary Journey

It takes time to heal the wounds caused by Endeavor’s actions, particularly for his family. Fortunately for Endeavor, his daughter, Fuyumi, is deeply committed to mending their fractured relationships. In this storyline, readers are given a glimpse into Todoroki’s household as Fuyumi prepares dinner and brings everyone together, including Midoriya and Bakugo.

This meal sparked a series of uncomfortable discussions, particularly in the presence of those outside the family. Natsuo harbors intense resentment towards his father for all his past misdeeds, attributing Toya’s demise to him, and storms out of dinner due to his inability to tolerate him. Todoroki too has doubts about his paternal figure and grapples with whether or not forgiveness is the appropriate course of action. Midoriya advises him that he is prepared to forgive his father and should let go of this internal struggle.

As Endeavor navigates the storyline, he grapples with the repercussions of his past errors, particularly his treatment towards his family. His relentless pursuit to surpass All Might led to the tragic loss of his son, Toya, and displayed abusive tendencies, notably towards Shoto. He also neglected his other children, Fuyumi and Natsuo, but is making efforts to rectify past wrongs. Endeavor has attained his goal of becoming the top hero, however, at a heavy personal cost.

Viewers realize that beneath Endeavor’s tough exterior lies a man striving to be better – a hero and father. The dinner at the Todoroki residence reveals Endeavor’s earnest desire to improve his relationships, particularly with his family. He appreciates Fuyumi taking the initiative to arrange a family gathering, despite the displeasure of his son, Natsuo. Endeavor aims to rectify past mistakes and fosters a sense of peace within his family, even if it means being absent himself.

The Ending Incident

Showcases Endeavor’s Students Growth And His Lost Relationship With His Son

Towards the climax, a character named Ending attempts to grab Endeavor’s focus by abducting Natsuo in an attempt to make Endeavor kill him. With Natsuo’s kidnapping, Endeavor finds himself unable to act as he typically does due to his son’s frightened expression. Fortunately, Endeavor’s apprentices, who he has spent time honing their skills, intervene and confront the villain in a showdown.

In a remarkable display of unity, Midoriya, Todoroki, and Bakugo joined forces to thwart the villain and rescue Natsuo without requiring Endeavor’s assistance. Their triumphant mission not only underscored their ability to confront genuine threats but also fortified their bond as a team, demonstrating their growing competence in handling real-world perils together.

For Endeavor, the current scenario recalls the price he paid for his previous decisions. Upon seeing Natsuo again, he recognizes a deep-rooted animosity towards him. In a sincere talk with Natsuo, he admits his past mistakes and takes responsibility for neglecting his family, including Natsuo, Fuyumi, and their mother, Rei. He also acknowledges his role in Toya’s outcome. Natsuo voices his wrath, declaring he will never forgive Endeavor, and Endeavor accepts that forgiveness might never be granted, but he still yearns to make amends. The antagonist, Ending, observes this emotional exchange, showing that indeed, Endeavor is on a path towards redemption.

What Is To Come After?

This chapter concludes with Midoriya, Bakugo, and Todoroki becoming more powerful and self-assured in their skills, demonstrating that working under Endeavor was a wise decision. Meanwhile, Endeavor, though still having a long way to go, starts to earn redemption in the eyes of his family and community.

The arc not only foreshadows the upcoming major conflict among heroes and villains, but it also leaves the faith of society in its heroes uncertain.

My Hero Academia is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.

2024-10-18 20:34