Essential Points
- Shigaraki’s potential to become a hero could have significantly impacted the League of Villains’ structure and All for One’s schemes.
- In the absence of Shigaraki, the formation of the League might have been altered, leading to a reduced threat to society.
In anime storytelling, pivotal moments often define a character’s trajectory, whether it’s an encounter with a wise mentor or a traumatic event. These elements serve as critical junctures in their narratives. This idea is exemplified in My Hero Academia, where the motivations and decisions of a single character can alter the entire landscape. Imagine if Tomura Shigaraki, the series’ infamous antagonist, chose a different path. What if he abandoned his fate as the leader of the League of Villains and instead pursued heroism at U.A. High School? Let’s explore the possible outcomes of such a scenario.
Shigaraki’s tragic past steered him towards a dark destiny under All for One’s influence. However, if his circumstances had been different, he might have aligned more closely with the heroes. This opens up intriguing questions about the possible evolution of the League of Villains, the trajectory of All for One’s ambitions, and the growth of Shigaraki as a character.
An Unexplored Path
What If He Had a Stable Family?
If All for One had never interfered in Tenko’s family life and if his father hadn’t subjected him to abuse, Tenko Shimura’s destiny would have been drastically altered. Prior to gaining the Decay quirk from All for One, Tenko’s initial ability likely wasn’t as destructive. Given his lineage linked to heroism and being the grandson of Nana Shimura, it’s plausible that his natural quirk might have manifested as something more supportive or emotionally oriented, akin to his grandmother’s Float quirk.
In a scenario free from the trauma of paternal abuse and a hatred for heroes, Tenko’s quirk may have emerged in a healthier environment, allowing for more control. With his family intact, he could have been inspired by his grandmother’s hero legacy rather than rebelling against it. At U.A. High, Shigaraki would have found companionship among fellow heroes-in-training like Izuku Midoriya and Shoto Todoroki, who each faced their own challenges, creating a supportive network. Influential teachers like Aizawa and Recovery Girl could have helped him navigate his past traumas and transform his powers into forces for good.
A Throne Without a Successor
How Would the League of Villains Fare Without Shigaraki?
Absent Shigaraki’s leadership, the League of Villains may never have fully formed or may have developed in entirely different ways. All for One, who envisioned Shigaraki as his successor, would have lacked the heir he so desired for his nefarious plans. The organization may have struggled without a strong leader, possibly being directed by someone with contrasting ideals.
Figures such as Dabi, Spinner, Toga, and Twice might never have united, as their motivations were heavily influenced by Shigaraki’s chaotic aspirations. Originally, the League’s identity was deeply intertwined with Shigaraki’s presence. Without him, these characters could have branched off into smaller villain groups, which would pose a diminished threat to society, thus leaving the heroes with fewer organized resistances.
A Regime Without a Dark Heir
All for One’s Schemes Without Shigaraki
All for One’s master plan to dismantle society built around heroes involved Shigaraki, initially Tenko Shimura, as the central figure intended to succeed him. Without Shigaraki to manipulate, All for One might have sought alternative young individuals to train as his apprentice. Characters like Dabi or even Nine from My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising could have been contenders, but none could rival Shigaraki’s unique potential.
Alternatively, All for One might have opted for immediate measures to realize his ambitions, circumventing the need for a successor. This shift in strategy could have accelerated the conflicts between heroes and villains, allowing All for One, once recovered, to confront All Might and U.A. much earlier in the timeline. Without Shigaraki’s involvement, All for One would likely face a dire situation to secure the downfall of the hero society.
The Path of a True Hero
Who Might Have Mentored Tenko?
If All for One had not encountered Shigaraki, the question arises: who would have guided him? Gran Torino, with his connections to Tenko’s grandmother and All Might, alongside his instinct for recognizing troubled youth, might have been an ideal mentor. Alternatively, Aizawa’s straightforward approach could have been effective in teaching Shigaraki how to manage his abilities.
The supportive framework of U.A. would have provided Shigaraki with a fresh sense of direction. Surrounded by peers grappling with similar struggles, he would have been encouraged by both mentors and fellow students. With this newfound support, he’d have a strong chance to redeem his past and utilize his formidable powers for constructive purposes.
An Alternate Reality
The Inevitable Yet Nurtured Fate
If All for One had manipulated events leading Tenko Shimura to become Tomura Shigaraki, yet never returned to claim him post-tragedy, the narrative might have shifted dramatically. Following the heart-wrenching incident of Tenko accidentally taking his family’s lives, rather than being discovered by All for One, a hero—possibly All Might or Gran Torino—might have intervened. These heroes, being close to Tenko’s grandmother, would likely show compassion and provide him with the guidance he desperately required.
If only someone had reached out… perhaps the pain could have ceased. – Tenko Shimura
Under the care of heroes, Tenko could have learned to harness his quirk, whatever it may have been before All for One’s influence, channeling his abilities toward positive outcomes rather than descending into villainy. With the guidance of All Might or Gran Torino, he would have been on a trajectory toward becoming a hero, living in honor of his grandmother’s legacy.
Without his intervention in villainy, the League of Villains would likely remain fragmented and incapable of posing a genuine threat. All for One’s ambitions could have either been thwarted entirely or significantly postponed. Instead of a narrative steeped in malice, Tenko’s life could evolve into one of redemption and healing, using his powers to protect and serve in tribute to Nana Shimura. This transformation would echo the redemptive stories seen in characters like Endeavor and Bakugo, each facing their past and striving for growth. Tenko’s metanoia would offer a profound narrative shift, turning a tragic figure into a beacon of hope and renewal.
Potential Alternate Futures
From Heroic Possibilities to Ultimate Confrontation
Even if Tenko had embraced the path of heroism, a climactic showdown with All for One would likely have been inevitable. Regardless of whether he possessed the Decay quirk, he might have become one of U.A.’s most formidable heroes, rivaling even Midoriya. This scenario could symbolize a full-circle moment for Tenko, as he rejects the darkness that once consumed him and embraces a heroic identity. Overcoming All for One could signify his complete redemption, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest heroes in the My Hero Academia franchise.
Had Shigaraki/Tenko chosen the U.A. High path, the narrative landscape of My Hero Academia would shift dramatically. The League of Villains might not have emerged as a cohesive threat, forcing All for One to reevaluate his strategies. Tenko’s journey could pivot more toward hope, and under suitable mentorship, he could have transformed from a tragic villain into one of the series’ most inspirational heroes.
Leave a Reply