Summary
The centuries-old conflict between All For One and One For All has finally ended inMy Hero Academia, putting a closure to the series' main narrative. However, the culmination of the series also came withrepercussions that will likely never be healed. Though Izuku Midoriya’s dream of becoming the world’s Greatest Hero is fulfilled, the protagonist has lost his powers much like All Might did when he passed on his powers to young Midoriya. Since Deku is now powerless and the current state of the world is in desperate need of a “Symbol of Peace”,the mantle must be passed to someone else.
The current hero who satisfies all the needs of becoming the next symbol of peace, much like All Might, is none other than Deku’s classmate and close friend,Shoto Todoroki. Among all the heroes that have been featured, none have strength comparable to Todoroki’s, except for his classmates Deku and Katsuki Bakguo. This trio has repeatedly demonstrated their strength, often surpassing many pro heroes, even during their internships.
While it could be argued that any of the three could have become the next Symbol of Peace, the recently released chapter #424 ofMy Hero Academia, “Epilogue,” reveals a surprising truth:the two primary protagonists of the series, Deku and Bakugo, are no longer in contention for the role of powerful heroes in the future.
Shoto Todoroki Fits All the Criteria for Becoming the Next Symbol of Peace
Todoroki’s Potential of Becoming the Symbol of Peace Is Outside the Charts
My Hero AcademiaChapter #424 confirms that, alongside Deku, even Bakugo is going to have a tough time due to scars from the battle that will likely never be healed.Alongside Bakugo’s arm, the young hero’s heart’s functionality is also in question. The doctor has specifically mentioned that Bakugo’s recovery will be prolonged and that taking bed rest should be his priority. These revelations indicate that becoming a Symbol of Peace, which asks for a hero to be stronger than anyone, is going to be a tough road for Bakugo, while Deku is entirely out of the running due to his loss of powers.
Whereas theaftermath of the war inMy Hero Academiafor the half-cold and half-fire quirk user is different from Bakugo and Deku.Todoroki didn’t sustain any lifelong physical injuriesthat could become a hindrance for him on the path to becoming an even greater hero. Shoto’s wounds are emotional instead. These emotional scars are likely to become a driving force, motivating him to push himself further and become an even better hero. Todoroki’s desire to become a hero like All Might may have stemmed from his hatred for his father, but it is now evident that he will strive to become the next Symbol of Peace out of pure selflessness and for the betterment of the world.
Who Else Could Become a Symbol of Peace inMy Hero Academia?
Mirio Is a Strong Contender Too
While Todorki best fits the match for becoming the next Symbol of Peace, another fan-favorite character fromMy Hero Academiahas the potential to fill this role. This character, while not nearly as strong as Todoroki, possesses the same charm that made All Might the embodiment of peace, and was even the previous potential successor to All Might’s One For All:Togata Mirio. Despite losing his powers, Mirio regained his quirk thanks to Eri’s abilities. Mirio’s potential is immense because, in addition to his strength and hard work, he has a sense of humor very similar to All Might’s, a unique quality that perhaps gives him an edge in becoming the Symbol of Peace.
His charm and desire to save others around him arguably may have already made Togata a Symbol of Peace, which is especially highlighted when Mirio gives his all to protect Eri in his fight against Overhaul, even after losing his quirk. These subtle hints laid throughoutMy Hero Academiaby Kohei Horikoshi may have theoretically already indicated the identity of the next Symbol of Peace, if Deku is truly out of the contest.
My Hero Academia
Cast
Anime series My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where most have them. Despite his lack of abilities, he enrolls in a prestigious hero academy, striving to learn the true essence of heroism and fulfill his dream of becoming a hero.
