Why Gran Torino calling Midoriya Deku in My Hero Academia chapter 421 is the biggest payoff in the series

Despite its scheduled release on April 29, 2024, the spoilers for My Hero Academia chapter 421 have already been uncovered, causing a frenzy among fans due to the impactful words spoken by Gran Torino to Deku.

As mentioned in the previous chapter, the entire U.A. High School rallied together to support Midoriya in his battle against TomurAFO. The chapter was a whirlwind of emotions, and the words of Deku’s former teacher may have resonated deeply with the entire fan base.

Ever since Deku began his training with Gran Torino, All Might’s mentor, the old man never once remembered the protagonist’s name. However, in My Hero Academia chapter 421, Gran Torino cheered Deku on by his hero name, suggesting that he has finally accepted Deku as a hero, becoming his second mentor after All Might.

Warning: The following article may include spoilers from chapter 421 of My Hero Academia.

My Hero Academia Chapter 421: Deku’s Heroic Acknowledgement from Gran Torino

Izuku Midoriya, as seen in the anime (Image via Bones)

According to the leaked information, chapter 421 will continue from the exact point where the previous one left off. The entirety of Class 1-A, led by Mineta, will confront TomurAFO as they declare war against the villain. It has been disclosed that Yoichi, the first vestige of One for All, has been eradicated, causing All for One to react.

The antagonist utilized a combination of unique abilities and altered his arm into an unrecognizable form, reminiscent of his battle against All Might in the third season. In upcoming spoilers, Shoto and Endeavor join the fray, launching a combined Flashfight against TomurAFO.

Following Mic’s declaration that the battle against the villain would be the final mission of the day, additional reinforcement arrived. After delivering a victory speech, everyone rushed towards All for One. Meanwhile, Deku attempted to stand up, but Aizawa informed him that Eri’s powers had only healed his arms and not his other injuries.

All Might's mentor (left) and Deku (right) (Image via Bones) — All Might’s mentor (left) and Deku (right) (Image via Bones)

A civilian had gifted Aizawa with an All Might shirt, which he then passed on to Deku. Inspired by the shirt and determined not to give up, Deku bravely marched towards the villain. The crowd of civilians, including Eri, Kota, and Deku’s former teacher, Gran Torino, cheered and chanted his name.

Gran Torino, a former U.A. High School teacher and mentor to Toshinori Yagi (also known as All Might), was first introduced during the Sports Festival arc when he received a letter of recommendation from All Might regarding a new student.

During the Hero Killer arc, Deku encountered his new teacher for the first time. However, their initial encounter was less than ideal as Deku found All Might lying on the ground when he opened the door to his house, causing him to believe that his mentor had passed away.

All Might's mentor forgetting Deku's name (Image via Bones) — All Might’s mentor forgetting Deku’s name (Image via Bones)

In the later part of the arc, the old man taught Deku his ‘Full Cowling’ move, but he consistently struggled to remember the protagonist’s name. Instead, he would refer to him as “boy”or something similar, suggesting that the old man did not see Deku as a true hero.

The fact that All Might’s mentor cheered on Midoriya using his hero name could suggest that Deku has finally gained recognition as a hero from his former mentor, who played a crucial role in assisting him in mastering control over his One for All abilities.

The release date and time for My Hero Academia chapter 421.

The spoilers for chapter 421 of My Hero Academia

Momo will establish herself as the ultimate leader in My Hero Academia’s battle against AFO.