Essential Insights
- All Might would have continued to be Japan’s beacon of peace if he hadn’t lost his quirk.
- The hero community’s reliance on All Might would have intensified, stunting the development of emerging heroes.
- Midoriya’s path as a hero would have taken a significantly different shape if All Might had not suffered the loss of his quirk and subsequently passed it on.
All Might, whose true name is Toshinori Yagi, epitomized peace in Japan. His unparalleled power and authoritative presence provided a sense of security to the people while instilling fear in wrongdoers. Even though All Might was initially quirkless, his life transformed dramatically after his encounter with Nana Shimura, who bequeathed him the One For All quirk, establishing him as the beloved hero of the nation.
Nonetheless, every good chapter must conclude, and All Might’s legacy was no exception. Following his ultimate battle with All For One, where he depleted the last remnants of One For All to achieve a fleeting victory, he returned to his quirkless state. The beginning of All Might’s decline was marked by his initial confrontation with All For One, which resulted in severe injuries that rendered him unable to continue his hero duties, although he fought on valiantly. This injury marked the onset of his impending retirement and instigated a search for his successor. Fans often speculate on how the universe of My Hero Academia would have unfolded had All Might retained his quirk, physical stature, and combat capabilities.
The Path to Quirklessness
The Transition from Hero to Vulnerable
All Might’s reign over Japan was a dream he always cherished. As a child, his aspiration was to be a hero who instilled terror in evildoers. Fortunately, with Nana Shimura’s guidance, he accomplished this objective. However, he faced a formidable foe in All For One, who matched his strength and posed a significant threat.
All For One had been wreaking havoc in Japan since All Might’s childhood, and even as All Might matured, the country continued to feel the repercussions of All For One’s malevolence. However, All Might’s presence effectively maintained some order against various villains. The inevitable clash between the two titans was marked by an intense battle that left All Might in critical condition. This realization prompted him to urgently seek a successor as he became increasingly aware of his limited time, sparking the beginning of the end for All Might as Japan’s leading hero.
By the time of his second confrontation with All For One, All Might had already designated Izuku Midoriya as his successor by transferring the One For All quirk. Consumed by the remnants of the quirk, All Might pushed his limits in the fight against All For One. The aftermath left him stripped of his title as the symbol of peace, effectively marking a period of uncertainty for Japan, but also officially entrusting Midoriya with the legacy.
However, the scenario would have been remarkably different if All Might had not incurred the life-altering injury or if he had retained his quirk to pass on at a later stage.
All Might’s Continued Legacy as the Symbol of Peace
The Impact of Losing His Quirk
If All Might had not lost his quirk, a critical outcome would have been his sustained presence as Japan’s emblem of peace. He would have continued to dominate the hero rankings, ensuring societal stability and tranquility.
His mere existence as the premier hero deterred criminal acts, instilling fear in wrongdoers and a sense of security among citizens. A longer tenure at full strength would likely cemented hero society’s dependency on All Might, potentially obstructing the rise and recognition of new heroes.
Had he stayed as the symbol of peace, All Might would not have been compelled to pass on One For All, leading to a delay in the development of Midoriya and other aspiring heroes who would have gained from the transition.
Intensified Dependence on All Might in Hero Society
It is evident that the hero society would maintain a heavy dependence on All Might, which could have escalated over time, further stunting the growth of other heroes. Emerging heroes might have struggled to establish their identities, relying instead on All Might’s legacy. Endeavor, for instance, who ascended to the forefront following All Might’s departure, might not have felt the same urgency to evolve and confront his shortcomings without the impetus of All Might’s retirement.
Villains could adopt a strategy of restraint, postponing their moves, anticipating that All Might’s eventual aging would weaken him. This buildup could lead to a major increase in villainous activity once All Might is finally removed from the equation, potentially leaving hero society on the verge of a crisis without their key figure. This scenario mirrored the spike in crime rates and public outcry for better preparedness once All Might hung up his cape.
Midoriya’s Path Would Take a Different Trajectory
If All Might had retained his abilities, Izuku Midoriya’s narrative would have unfolded in a dramatically altered manner. Midoriya’s acquisition of One for All stemmed not just from All Might’s recognition of his heroic potential, but also from the necessity that arose from his declining abilities. Had All Might remained robust, he may have chosen not to pass on the quirk to Midoriya at such an early stage or might have had other candidates in mind, such as Mirio Togata.
This shift would mean that Midoriya might not have seen his aspirations of heroism come true. Without One for All, his role within U.A. High School would have pivoted entirely. Instead of preparing as All Might’s successor, he might have leaned into tactical acumen or rigorous physicality, lacking the extraordinary power that has largely defined his growth throughout the series.
Bakugo’s Evolution Might Have Stagnated
All Might’s retention of his quirk would have also had a significant impact on Katsuki Bakugo’s journey, as it is intrinsically linked to All Might and Midoriya’s dynamic, especially with the transfer of One for All. Without Midoriya receiving the quirk, Bakugo would likely maintain his superiority complex longer, unchallenged by his childhood rival, Midoriya.
In the absence of their rivalry due to One for All, Bakugo’s character growth could potentially occur at a slower pace, lacking the level of introspection and development that fans have come to appreciate in the series.
The Aftermath of All Might’s Decision
The Significance of Everything Happening for a Reason
All Might’s transition to being quirkless, while unfortunate, was a pivotal moment that was necessary for the future of hero society. While it was beneficial for Japan to have All Might’s protection, the lack of contingency plans for his retirement rendered them vulnerable to malevolent threats.
Had All Might not lost his quirk, the landscape of My Hero Academia would look remarkably different. His extended dominance would have delayed critical events within the series, thereby reshaping Midoriya’s journey, the progress of his peers, and even the emergence of villainy. Ultimately, All Might’s choice to bestow One for All marked a transformative moment for both Midoriya and the broader realm of heroes and villains.
My Hero Academia is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Image Credits: Gamerant.com
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