My Hero Academia: Dabi’s Recognition of Shoto’s Struggle and the Todoroki Family’s Failures

The latest chapter of My Hero Academia, chapter 426, has been leaked and centers around the Todoroki family subplot. In this chapter, we see Endeavor and Shoto attempting to make amends with Toya (also known as Dabi). Despite the possibility of Toya ultimately meeting his demise before fully reconciling with his family, there is one poignant moment between him and Shoto that highlights their special bond.

Dabi’s journey in My Hero Academia has heavily revolved around his father Enji Todoroki, who is also known as Endeavor, and his brother Shoto, serving as a dark reflection of the latter.

At first, they were both expected to succeed Endeavor due to their father’s influence, but Dabi’s mental state gradually deteriorated as a result. Nevertheless, in the most recent chapter, Dabi is able to connect with Shoto in a way that no one in their family has been able to do.

This article includes spoilers for the series.

Exploring Dabi’s Unique Connection with Shoto in My Hero Academia Chapter 426

In Chapter 426, the spotlight is on the Todoroki family, particularly Dabi and Endeavor. As the final war arc draws to a close, Dabi’s life is coming to an end with only a few days left. Endeavor, wanting to be by his side, also considers retiring from being a hero. Amidst this emotional turmoil, Shoto and Dabi share a brief conversation about their favorite food. After they part ways, Dabi breaks down in tears and apologizes to Shoto.

Although brief, this moment stands out as one of the rare occasions in the series where a member of the Todoroki family sees Shoto as a regular person rather than a child prodigy. Since his birth, he has carried the weight of expectations to become a top hero, as well as the responsibility to hold his family together. Despite being just a teenager, many have overlooked this and placed immense pressure on him.

Despite his many flaws and terrible actions, Dabi remains Shoto’s older brother. In chapter 426, a rare moment between the two brothers is shared, highlighting the difficulty that Shoto’s mother, sister, and brother have faced in connecting with him. This further emphasizes the lack of connection between Shoto and his family, even in situations where Endeavor is not involved.

The Todoroki Family Conflict

Natsuo, Fuyumi, and Shoto eating together in the anime (Image via Bones)

The ongoing strife within the Todoroki family in the My Hero Academia series has always centered on Endeavor’s aspiration to have an offspring who could one day rival All Might. This is what drove him to enter into an arranged marriage with Rei, due to her ice Quirk. Endeavor believed that the fusion of Rei’s ice abilities and his own fire-based powers could produce a hero capable of achieving his desired outcome.

Despite their roles as parents, both Endeavor and Rei proved to be unfit, displaying neglectful behaviors in their own ways. Endeavor failed to provide proper care for their children following Toya’s downfall, while Rei resorted to abusing Shoto by pouring hot water on him. Despite some fans attempting to shift the blame onto her husband’s issues, it was clear that both parents were responsible for their children’s suffering.

Final Thoughts

Despite its brevity, Dabi’s encounter with Shoto in chapter 426 of My Hero Academia has a profound impact as he acknowledges Shoto for who he truly is – a young man caught in the turmoil of his family. This acknowledgement sets Dabi apart from the rest of the Todoroki household, highlighting the complexity of their dynamic. While Dabi’s actions cannot be justified, they add depth to their complicated situation.