Deku’s Ultimate Sacrifice in My Hero Academia

The release of My Hero Academia chapter 423 on May 20, 2024 marked the end of All for One and Tomura Shigaraki’s reign as the protagonist successfully defeated the former with the latter’s assistance.

Despite the two central antagonists meeting their demise in this episode, the chapter also hinted at the approaching end of the manga series. However, some fans were disappointed with the outcome as they had hoped for Shigaraki’s redemption and survival, leading them to express that Deku failed to save him.

Despite efforts to save Shigaraki, it was ultimately not possible and the only way to ‘save’ him was to release him from being controlled by All for One. Though Shigaraki perished, his beliefs remained unchanged and he died as himself, no longer a pawn to absolute evil, thanks to Deku’s assistance in transferring the final remnants of One for All to Shigaraki.

Note: The following article contains the author’s opinion and potential spoilers from the My Hero Academia manga series.

Exploring how Deku saved Shigaraki in My Hero Academia chapter 423

All for One as seen in the anime (Image via Bones)

The latest installment of My Hero Academia, chapter 423, began with All for One’s realization of defeat as he acknowledged the strength of the united Class 1-A. In response, Midoriya swiftly landed a powerful punch on the villain, causing TomurAFO’s body to crumble.

Despite facing defeat, the villain refused to give up and devised a new plan. He intended to transfer all the quirks to Midoriya and take over the protagonist’s body. However, Kurogiri intervened and demanded that Shigaraki return to his friends who were eagerly waiting for him.

Despite Bakugo suddenly appearing and pushing him, Deku continued on his path towards TomurAFO. He then transferred the last remaining embers of One for All to the villain. All for One became desperate upon hearing Yoichi’s voice, but it was too late as the former was on the verge of disappearing. In his final moments, Yoichi declared that All for One would finally face punishment for his sins.

Shigaraki as seen in the anime (Image via Bones)

As soon as those words left his mouth, the One for All vestiges and Shigaraki materialized from the darkness and delivered a powerful blow to All for One, effectively putting an end to the villain’s reign. Deku then made contact with Shigaraki and, after a short exchange, the latter’s body disintegrated.

Just a few chapters earlier, All for One’s return as a vestige in Shigaraki’s consciousness revealed how the main antagonist had been manipulating his life since before his birth. This manipulation continued with All for One taking control of Shigaraki’s body and manifesting his consciousness within him, resulting in the creation of TomurAFO.

Deku (left) and Shigaraki (right) (Image via Shueisha)

Despite initially being manipulated by All for One, Shigaraki eventually grew to despise him for forcing him to do things he didn’t want to do. However, his suffering came to an end just moments before his death.

After Deku released the remaining embers of One for All, Shigaraki was freed from the control of All for One. This led him to join forces with Deku in putting an end to All for One. If Shigaraki had survived the destruction of All for One, it would have been unjust to the many heroes he had killed. However, Deku’s actions in saving Shigaraki from All for One allowed him to maintain his identity even as his body crumbled.

Final thoughts

Shigaraki's words to Nana Shimura (Image via Shueisha) — Shigaraki’s words to Nana Shimura (Image via Shueisha)

In addition to Deku, Nana Shimura also played a crucial role in rescuing Shigaraki when he was consumed by All for One’s vestige. She prevented him from succumbing to the darkness and, for the first time, Shigaraki affectionately called her “grandma”.

As Kohei Horikoshi continues to write the series, the upcoming chapters will be crucial in determining its success. In the next chapter, we may see Deku grieving over his inability to save Shigaraki before his death, which is in line with his character. However, the outcome of My Hero Academia’s climax remains uncertain.