My Hero Academia: Did Aoyama Achieve His Dream of Becoming a Pro Hero?

Essential Insights

Aoyama was compelled by All For One to act as a mole at UA, yet he aspired to redeem himself and embrace the life of a hero.
During the Final War, Aoyama played a pivotal role in distinguishing between heroes and villains, assisting his allies significantly.
Once Aoyama’s guilt was resolved following the war, he chased his ambition and successfully became a Pro Hero.

When it was revealed that Yuga Aoyama had been the traitor at UA from the start, Class A was left stunned and dismayed. Despite their shock, they continued to stand by Aoyama, who expressed deep remorse and sorrow for his past actions.

Under the orders of All For One, Aoyama was instructed to infiltrate UA High School and provide intelligence. Initially, his commitment to practical training was questionable, suggesting a lack of genuine effort. Nonetheless, Aoyama was resolved to transform into a hero, aiming to redeem himself for his earlier misdeeds. Did Aoyama achieve his goal of becoming a Pro Hero in My Hero Academia?

Has Aoyama Always Dreamed of Becoming a Hero?

Aoyama’s Enrollment in UA High School was Mandated by All For One

Yuga Aoyama has consistently exhibited an eccentric persona throughout My Hero Academia. Initially, his desire to outshine others was evident, reflected in his hero name, Can’t Stop Twinkling. Like Midoriya, Aoyama was born without a Quirk, but unlike him, Aoyama came from a privileged background.

His parents recognized the stigma surrounding Quirkless individuals and wished for Aoyama to be happy, leading them to explore a rumor that he might receive a Quirk at no charge. Consequently, they reached out to All For One, believing this decision would allow them to lead a comfortable life.

However, All For One soon coerced the Aoyama family into enrolling Yuga in UA High School. In Chapter 425, Aoyama admits that he had no choice in the matter, suggesting that becoming a hero was never part of his vision—he was merely trying to live a happy life with his family. Out of fear of All For One’s reprisals, he willingly acted as a spy, providing the necessary intelligence.

Although Aoyama was initially forced into UA, once he joined the heroics program and forged friendships with Class A, his desire to become a hero likely blossomed from his own volition. This growing ambition may explain his earlier lack of dedication and why Ida motivated him during the Provisional Hero License Exam arc. As the story unfolds, Aoyama’s commitment to his training becomes increasingly evident.

Did Aoyama Manage to Become a Pro Hero?

After Making Amends, Aoyama Succeeded as a Pro Hero

Aoyama, along with his family, played an instrumental part in the Final War against All For One, Tomura Shigaraki, and the League of Villains. As the source of information at UA High School, Aoyama provided vital intel about both Midoriya Izuku and All Might. Although the identity of the spy was unknown at the time, following the revelation of Aoyama and his family being All For One’s agents, it became clear how they had maneuvered to gather intelligence and lead All For One into a trap.

Previously, battles against All For One and Shigaraki were dictated by the villains, leaving heroes in a defensive and protective stance. Meanwhile, All Might, Eraser Head, and Tsukauchi strategized a plan to isolate All For One and his minions during the Final War.

With support from Hitoshi Shinso, who had maximized his Brainwashing Quirk, an elaborate ruse was set up to deceive All For One into thinking Aoyama had escorted Midoriya to their meeting point. This tactic was designed to fracture the villains’ unity, creating a more favorable battlefield for the heroes. Aoyama’s contribution during the Final War was indeed significant; he engineered a scenario that allowed heroes to capitalize on their advantage, facilitating their victory alongside Hagakure Toru.

As mentioned, Aoyama’s enrollment at UA was a direct consequence of All For One’s directives. Following the graduation ceremony, when Class A advanced to their second year, Aoyama announced his intention to depart from UA High School. His intense shame regarding his involvement in All For One’s plot weighed heavily on him. Even though Aizawa Shota and Tsukauchi granted Aoyama permission to stay at UA, he felt undeserving of remaining there due to his earlier actions.

Yet, despite initial coercion, Aoyama genuinely aspired to become a hero after making amends for his past. Fast forward eight years after leaving UA, in Chapter 430, he is depicted alongside the rest of Class A as a Pro Hero.

What Impact Did His Traitor Status Have on His Hero Journey?

Aoyama First Needed to Confront His Guilt and Forgive Himself

Upon his enrollment at UA, the burden of being All For One’s mole constantly haunted Aoyama. He lived in unending trepidation, fearing that his compliance with All For One’s orders would endanger his parents and himself. In Chapter 337, Aoyama openly reveals how he descended into profound despair during this period.

As he cultivated relationships within Class A, his guilt only deepened as he observed the repercussions of his actions on his peers. Though Aizawa and Tsukauchi ultimately cleared him of his transgressions following the Final War, Aoyama remained resolute in his intention to atone by leaving UA High School. Even outside the prestigious institution, he remained focused on his goal of becoming a hero as he sought redemption for his past.

My Hero Academia can now be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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