My Hero Academia: Why Deku Doesn’t Want to Be a Full-Time Hero

Key Takeaways

  • The reason behind Deku’s decision to not be a full-time hero is not due to losing One-for-All, but his desire to teach future heroes.
  • Deku gains a super armor that simulates most of the One-for-All quirks, enabling him to continue hero activities.
  • His decision to be a part-time hero and full-time teacher follows the example of other U.A. High teachers who balance both roles successfully.

As a seasoned observer of the world of superheroes and their daily struggles, I find myself deeply moved by the journey of Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku. His story is not just about gaining superpowers or saving the world; it’s about the power of determination, resilience, and the profound impact teachers can have on a student’s life.

Despite wrapping up with chapter 430 back in August 2024, “My Hero Academia” has kept going thanks to its author Kohei Horikoshi. Many of the subsequent chapters, like 430.5 and 430.6, have been sneak peeks for upcoming films. However, chapter 431 stands out because it’s an extension of the epilogue from chapter 430 – essentially an expanded version if you will.

It’s always great to see the lives of our beloved characters years after the final fight. That being said, there is one particular part in chapter 431 that pique our interest. It’s about Midoriya and the fact that he doesn’t really want to be a full-time hero anymore. For somebody who always wants to be a hero his whole life, this is certainly quite surprising. So, what leads him to this decision?

It’s Not Because One-For-All

Upon learning about Deku’s unexpected choice, it might initially seem like he’s giving up due to no longer having One-for-All (OFA). However, that assumption isn’t entirely accurate. Even though he lost OFA, Deku can still function as a hero, thanks to his newly acquired super armor.

The Super Armor

Despite the painful loss of One-for-All, Deku’s situation seems to be improving significantly. In fact, after years of research and development, Deku has been granted a super armor modeled after All-Might’s armor used against All-for-One in their final battle. This innovative armor, developed by the combined efforts of Mei Hatsume, Melissa Shield, and their team, is designed to mimic many of the quirks within One-for-All, thanks to the integration of both All Might and Deku’s combat data. Notably, this high-end armor has been entirely funded by the generous contributions of Class 1A students.

He Can be a Pro Hero

Thanks to this cutting-edge armor, I’ve got the ability to perform feats that were once only possible with One-for-All. To top it off, the battle expertise I’ve earned throughout my clashes against Shigaraki and All-For-One has equipped me to take on the role of a professional hero anytime I wish. Contrary to popular belief, giving up One-for-All isn’t what’s driving my decision.

He Wants to Emulate His Heroes

Instead of just accepting defeat in One-for-All, the eight years I’ve spent without my quirks and gaining super armor have profoundly influenced my choices. This lengthy gap made me introspect deeply about myself, leading to essential transformations for my future. One such transformation was deciding to teach at U.A. High School’s Hero Course. The years I spent teaching molded my perspective significantly, eventually guiding me towards becoming a part-time hero and a full-time teacher.

All Might and Eraser Head

Over the course of Deku’s journey, from receiving One For All from All Might to defeating Shigaraki and losing his quirks, it has always been All Might and Eraser Head who have stood by his side. These two individuals have rescued Deku numerous times from perilous and potentially fatal situations, often putting their own health and safety at risk.

In contrast, it’s often the ordinary moments away from the battlefield that hold the greatest significance for Deku. This includes his struggles to master his new abilities or moments of self-doubt about his heroic journey. During these critical yet everyday periods in Deku’s life, both Toshinori Yagi and Shota Aizawa stand by him, offering support and sharing insightful advice. Not as the heroes All Might and Eraser Head, but as teachers, they are always there for him: Mr. Yagi and Mr. Aizawa.

Different kinds of Hero

Deku’s years at U.A. High School significantly shaped, if not topped, the most impactful phases in his life. In this educational institution, he discovered that heroes aren’t just those who don disguises and fight villains to save lives; instead, there are various types of heroes within its walls. Teachers who dedicate themselves to helping students reach their full potential can be equally heroic, even while keeping them grounded.

Indeed, his experience at U.A. High School has led him to view Yagi and Aizawa as his most inspiring role models. Consequently, when he loses One-for-All, his deepest desire becomes to follow in their footsteps by becoming a teacher for the upcoming generation of heroes. His goal is to provide the same guidance that his teachers once gave him. Although it might not garner the same level of fame as other public heroes who are often featured on television, this career choice remains just as heroic.

Being a Part-Time Hero Might Not be So Bad

In the epilogue’s conclusion, it’s clear that the super armor isn’t completed for quite some time. Meanwhile, Deku has already taken up the role as a teacher at U.A. High’s Hero Course. He cherishes every moment with his students and has never had second thoughts about his choice to become a teacher.

A Part-Time Hero

As soon as Deki dons the super armor for the first time, his body recaptures the sensation of controlling One For All (OFA) that it had years ago. He moves with the agility and coordination of the young Deki who used to perform multiple quirks simultaneously. It’s almost as if he’s always been a hero in motion.

Despite this, Deku resolved to continue his hero work alongside his main occupation as a teacher. Consequently, when Bakugo proposed that Deku join him in his new Hero Agency as a partner, Deku politely declined. Instead, he’s content with maintaining his part-time hero status.

I was overjoyed to receive the armor, but my feelings towards it haven’t altered. Regardless, I believe teaching would bring me joy even if I still possessed One For All. Pursuing what I love, and now being a hero alongside you two again, is incredibly fulfilling! This fills me with immense gratitude, Kacchan and Kirishima!

—Izuku Midoriya, Chapter 431

A Full-Time Teacher

It’s not all that surprising that Deku chose to be both a full-time teacher and a part-time hero, as many instructors at U.A. High School and similar institutions with Hero Courses also juggle their teaching duties with part-time hero work.

Characters like Eraser Head, Midnight, Present Mic, Ectoplasm, and Cementoss serve dual roles – they are teachers first and heroes second. Throughout the narrative, their ability to excel in both professions has been evident. Deku mirrors this pattern by following in his mentors’ footsteps. What brings Deku immense joy is that he can now pursue two passions he cherishes the most: teaching and protecting innocents as a hero. And he wouldn’t trade these choices for anything else.

My Hero Academia is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

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2024-12-11 05:36