Deku’s Battle Against All For One in My Hero Academia

Despite the final war arc concluding with the defeat of All For One, the manga of My Hero Academia has now entered its epilogue. Fans continue to delve into the evil overlord’s impact on the story and its connection to the overall narrative of the series.

The series has heavily focused on the concept of heroism, making Deku the perfect opponent for All For One as he embodies the qualities of a true hero. A recurring theme throughout My Hero Academia is the struggle of many heroes to live up to their ideals, and how All For One was able to defeat each user of One For All due to their individual weaknesses.

In this aspect, Deku differentiates himself from the previous One For All users by fully dedicating himself to the idea of being a hero and being open to receiving assistance from others, which is in direct opposition to All For One.

Please note that this article contains details that may spoil the series for those who have not yet watched it.

Explaining how Deku was the perfect foil to All For One

Deku and the former One For All users (Image via Bones).

All For One’s defining trait is his determination to stand above all others, even if it means severing ties with those around him. He cunningly exploits the weaknesses of each One For All user, using their greatest loves against them in order to defeat them. This was evident in his defeat of Nana Shimura, the seventh user, and her family.

In contrast, Deku’s character revolves around his unwavering pursuit of becoming a hero and saving anyone in need, even if they are his enemies and he is capable of doing so. This determination played a crucial role in Deku’s triumph over All For One, as he refused to let the antagonist break him in any way.

Additionally, Deku’s leadership ultimately resulted in his friends joining the final battle and playing a crucial role in the heroes’ triumph, demonstrating a willingness to rely on the support of others. In contrast, All For One’s solitary lifestyle was evident in the final battle as he faced off against numerous heroes on his own.

Possible Rewrite: Potential Epilogues for Deku’s Story

While the My Hero Academia epilogue has already introduced some key elements, such as the enigmatic “new character”in chapter 425 and the unresolved conflicts within the Todoroki family, it is natural for viewers to wonder about the role of the protagonist, Deku, in these developments.

It is highly probable that the upcoming chapters will explore Deku’s mental state after losing One For All and only possessing the remaining embers, mirroring All Might’s experience when he passed on the Quirk to him. As Deku gradually loses his powers and returns to being Quirkless, it will be intriguing to witness his journey going forward.

Final thoughts

Deku proved to be the perfect foil for All For One in the My Hero Academia series as they are complete opposites. This contrast was emphasized by author Kohei Horikoshi throughout the manga, making it fitting that Deku ultimately emerged victorious in their final battle.