Explaining the Character Nine from My Hero Academia

The inquiry about Nine from My Hero Academia frequently arises in fan discussions, especially regarding his role within the films of the franchise. Nine stands out as the principal antagonist in the movie Heroes: Rising, where he poses a significant threat to both Katsuki Bakugo and Izuku “Deku”Midoriya during the film’s climactic events.

As a result of his involvement in Dr. Daruma Ujiko’s experiments, Nine becomes a unique wielder of the All For One Quirk, sharing this distinction only with the main villain of the series and Tomura Shigaraki. Though his contributions to the overarching plot may be less pronounced, Nine’s character offers an intriguing dynamic and his defeat in the 2019 film adds layers to his villainy.

Note: This article contains spoilers for the series.

Exploring Nine’s Origins and Significance in My Hero Academia

Tomura Shigaraki and Nine in the anime (Image via Bones). — Tomura Shigaraki and Nine from the anime (Image via Bones).

Nine was initially marginalized by society due to his Weather Manipulation Quirk, making him a subject of Dr. Daruma Ujiko’s testing. This experimentation ultimately granted him a variant of the All For One Quirk. His ambition, as depicted in the film, revolves around dismantling the current society to forge a new one governed by strength, reflecting his complex mindset.

Throughout the film, Nine is burdened with physical afflictions caused by the All For One Quirk, leading him to seek a remedy for his deteriorating condition. His quest for healing brings him to Katsuma, who possesses the specific Quirk that could restore Nine’s health and enhance his capabilities, driving the plot of Heroes: Rising.

In the end, Nine confronts Izuku “Deku”Midoriya and his comrades. Although he is ultimately defeated by Deku and Katsuki Bakugo, his demise comes at the hands of Tomura Shigaraki, who eliminates Nine to eliminate competition for leadership in the criminal world.

Nine’s Powers and Abilities Unveiled

The character as depicted in the film (Image via Bones). — The character in the anime (Image via Bones).

Born with the Weather Manipulation Quirk, Nine was often revered as a god but simultaneously shunned by society, instilling in him the belief that the powerful should dominate the weak. Following his acquisition of the All For One Quirk through experimentation, he gained the ability to absorb others’ Quirks. During the film, he showcases several abilities, such as Air Wall, Scanning, Bullet Laser, Hydra (which takes the form of serpent-like attacks), and Cell Activation, enabling him to regenerate.

Is Nine a Canonical Character? Insights Explained

Nine as depicted in the movie (Image via Bones). — The character in the movie (Image via Bones).

Nine is, in fact, canon within the My Hero Academia universe and is occasionally referenced in the manga through Tomura Shigaraki’s memories. Although he only appears in flashbacks and does not make a physical appearance in the series, this does not detract from his canonical status.

Author Kohei Horikoshi has confirmed that the films are part of the official lore of My Hero Academia. This statement aligns with the narrative approach of the films being self-contained stories that do not alter the main storyline of the series. Nonetheless, Nine is one of the few film characters to be recognized in the manga.

Final Remarks

It’s perfectly reasonable for fans to wonder, “Who is Nine in My Hero Academia?”given his prominent role restricted to the 2019 film. His backstory is compelling, especially since he accessed the All For One Quirk before Tomura Shigaraki, establishing him as a notable figure within the lore of the series.

Source