Shoto Todoroki’s Forgiveness Journey: Did He Forgive His Father in My Hero Academia?

Shoto Todoroki’s relationship with his father, Enji Todoroki, also known as the Flame Hero: Endeavor, is one of the most compelling aspects of My Hero Academia. Shoto endured a harsh and abusive upbringing, fostering deep resentment towards his father, who viewed him merely as a means to surpass All Might.

However, after Endeavor ascended to the position of the No. 1 Hero following All Might’s retirement, he began to reflect on his previous neglectful treatment of his family. This introspection led him to seek atonement for his past mistakes and strive to become a better father, even though he felt unworthy of that role.

Initially, Shoto was unwilling to forgive Enji for the pain he caused him and his family. Yet, by the conclusion of the My Hero Academia series, Shoto’s feelings towards his father had transitioned from pure hatred to a more nuanced form of acceptance and forgiveness.

Shoto’s feelings towards Endeavor at the series’ end

Although Shoto Todoroki initially appeared indifferent to Enji Todoroki’s attempts at making amends for his past actions, he began to warm up to him while working at his Hero Agency, albeit with some lingering wariness.

After the Final War, Shoto’s resentment towards his father diminished significantly, indicating a reconciliation. While he did not express profound love or affection for Enji, he felt at ease enough to engage in conversation with him.

Being a victim of his father’s relentless ambition from an early age, Shoto struggled with feelings of hatred and resentment towards Enji. He vowed to reject him at all costs, even disliking the fire aspect of his Half-Cold Half-Hot Quirk, as it represented the torment he endured and Enji’s perception of him as merely a tool.

Nonetheless, following his pivotal battle against Izuku Midoriya, Shoto experienced a significant transformation in his personality and outlook. He came to terms with his abusive background and recognized Enji’s genuine desire to heal their family rifts and improve himself. Shoto understood that change is possible and can be inspired by significant experiences.

Though Shoto didn’t forgive Enji immediately, he acknowledged his father’s sincere efforts. While Enji’s apologies couldn’t erase Shoto’s traumatic past, they resonated with him, ultimately allowing him to smile at his father’s change in behavior.

By the end of the My Hero Academia series, Shoto recognized that his father was a different man and chose to forgive him for previous transgressions. This development mirrored Shoto’s inherent kindness, influenced by Midoriya’s examples of empathy and courage. His journey towards accepting his father’s transformation was slow and filled with challenges but highlighted some of the most emotional themes within My Hero Academia.

Shoto and Endeavor’s past in My Hero Academia

Enji and Shoto as seen in My Hero Academia (image via Bones)

The complex dynamics between Shoto and his father, Enji Todoroki, can be traced back to Shoto’s early childhood. Driven by an obsession to surpass All Might, Enji sought to produce a child with the ideal combination of fire and ice quirks.

Once Shoto was born, Enji became an emotionally cold, abusive, and neglectful father and husband. He viewed Shoto as his “masterpiece”or a mere vessel with the potential to surpass All Might rather than as a cherished son. Enji devoted all his energy to training Shoto excessively from a young age, showing little regard for his emotional needs or personal aspirations.

Shoto Todoroki as seen in the anime (image via Bones)

He isolated Shoto from his siblings, whom he deemed “failures,”and prohibited them from interacting with their younger brother. Furthermore, he was abusive towards his wife, Rei, leading her to suffer a mental breakdown that resulted in harm to Shoto.

This traumatic incident left lasting scars—both physical and emotional—solidifying Shoto’s animosity towards his father, whom he held accountable for his mother’s condition. Consequently, throughout much of the series, Shoto resisted forgiving Enji and rejected any possibility of reconciliation.

Final Thoughts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1OBf6Cugyg

Endeavor is proud of Shoto / Boku no hero academia (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1OBf6Cugyg)

In conclusion, the relationship between Shoto and Endeavor is a deeply intricate and emotionally resonant portrayal of childhood trauma and the path to forgiveness. Ultimately, Shoto was able to reconcile with his father’s past and emerge with renewed determination, serving as a fitting conclusion to his character arc in My Hero Academia.

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