The Reason Todoroki Avoids Using His Left Side in My Hero Academia: A Detailed Explanation

My Hero Academia showcases the character Shoto Todoroki, celebrated for his formidable Half-Cold Half-Hot Quirk, which seamlessly fuses his abilities related to fire and ice. Despite possessing such remarkable powers, Todoroki frequently refrains from utilizing the left side, which signifies his fire abilities. This hesitation has led fans to question: why does Todoroki avoid using his left side?

The reasoning for his selective application of powers is rooted in his background and psychological struggles. To grasp why Todoroki avoids his left side, it’s essential to delve into his family dynamics, personal challenges, and significant experiences that shape his perspective on employing his Quirk.

Shoto Todoroki’s reluctance to employ the left side of his body stems from his inherited fire power, a gift from his father, whom he resents.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s opinion and contains manga spoilers.

Todoroki’s animosity towards his father Endeavor

Young Shoto Todoroki as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Bones) — Young Shoto Todoroki from the anime (Image via Studio Bones)

In My Hero Academia, Shoto Todoroki’s avoidance of his left side is attributed to the fire powers he inherited from his father, whom he detests. His disdain for using his fire abilities is intricately linked to his strained relationship with Endeavor, the previous number-one hero and Todoroki’s father.

Endeavor’s relentless pursuit to create a strong successor placed unbearable pressure on Todoroki, aiming to surpass All Might through both physical and emotional coercion.

This ongoing strain rendered Shoto’s childhood miserable as he was compelled to wield his fire Quirk in relentlessly hostile conditions. His father’s treatment of him as more of a tool than a son intensified Shoto’s aversion to his fire powers.

Shoto’s journey involves navigating these conflicting feelings and asserting his independence, which is pivotal to his character growth throughout the series.

Endeavor’s troubled parenting in My Hero Academia

Endeavor as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Bones) — Endeavor from the anime (Image via Studio Bones)

Endeavor’s background as a father reveals a pattern of problematic parenting. He exerted immense pressure on his children, especially the eldest son, Toya, and the youngest, Shoto, with the goal of surpassing All Might. Endeavor’s obsession with creating a powerful successor fostered an emotionally abusive environment within the household.

Toya, inheriting his father’s Fire Quirk, battled the debilitating heat it produced. Despite the dangers of severe burns, Endeavor insisted Toya train relentlessly. The toll of this pressure led to tragic injuries for Toya, who was ultimately believed to be dead.

Young Dabi as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Bones) — Young Dabi from the anime (Image via Studio Bones)

Endeavor’s emotional disconnection from his family created a void, further complicating matters with his wife, Rei. The shocking revelation that Toya survived as Dabi unveiled Endeavor’s failures as a father.

These revelations incited Endeavor to confront his past mistakes and seek redemption by mending his family relationships, while grappling with complex remorseful elements within himself.

Final thoughts

Shoto Todoroki as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones) — Shoto Todoroki from the anime (Image via Studio Bones)

Shoto Todoroki’s decision to avoid utilizing his left side, associated with his fire powers, is deeply rooted in his challenging relationship with his father, Endeavor. Though equipped with the Half-Cold Half-Hot Quirk, Todoroki’s aversion to using his fire abilities is a direct consequence of the painful memories tied to his father’s oppressive expectations.

Ultimately, the aspiration to produce a powerful successor contributed to a family dynamic fraught with conflict, significantly influencing Todoroki’s views on harnessing his fire powers.

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