Will Deku’s Final Quirk Be a Villainous One? Chapter 423 Teases the Possibility

On May 20, 2024, My Hero Academia chapter 423 was published, possibly signifying the ultimate defeat of the antagonist, All For One, by the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya.

The chapter’s main focus was on the downfall of the antagonist. Initially, his regeneration ability ceased to function and then, during a fierce fight, the remaining powers of One For All were passed on to All For One. This further contributed to his despair and ultimately freed Shigaraki and all remnants of One For All from his grasp.

Despite being freed from All For One’s control, the group continued to fight and ultimately defeated the villain. However, during the chaos, Midoriya and Shigaraki’s hands accidentally made contact, potentially foreshadowing a different outcome for the series. Instead of Midoriya remaining a quirkless hero, it seemed possible that he may instead become a villain who inflicts suffering upon everyone throughout the series.

Please note: This article includes the author’s opinion and potential spoilers from chapter 423 of My Hero Academia.

Possible revision: Speculation: Deku Could Inherit the Most Resented Quirk in My Hero Academia’s Ending

All For One as seen in the anime (Image via Bones)

The latest installment of My Hero Academia, chapter 423, began with All For One coming to the realization that his body was unable to regenerate due to the severe injuries sustained from his encounter with the heroes. He acknowledged that although each of these heroes may be small individually, their combined strengths could render his body powerless.

Despite Midoriya’s successful attack on All For One, the villain’s body crumbled into pieces. However, he quickly reappeared and taunted the heroes, proclaiming that he would remain the one and only Demon King. In a cunning move, he devised a plan to transfer all of his powerful quirks into Midoriya, creating a new vessel.

Kurogiri as seen in the anime (Image via Bones)

During their fight, Shirakumo (Kurogiri) intervened in order to retrieve Shigaraki. However, Bakugo unexpectedly appeared and hurled Midoriya towards All For One. Despite the villain’s attempts to mock him, Deku managed to strike a powerful blow that transferred the remaining remnants of Yoichi, the first vestige, into All For One. In their final meeting, All For One revealed his bitterness towards his impending death.

One For All took responsibility for his actions and faced the consequences, with Shigaraki and all remnants of One For All being freed. They joined forces to deliver a final blow to All For One, ultimately defeating him. In the end, Midoriya and Shigaraki’s hands connected, causing the latter to disintegrate.

The hands of Shigaraki and Midoriya touch (Image via Bones)

Despite the series announcing its final chapters at least a month prior, the unexpected climax surprised many fans. However, a specific detail in the chapter caught the attention of readers: the presence of blood in the panel where Shigaraki and Midoriya’s hands touched.

Since Midoriya’s hand was injured, it is possible that Shigaraki’s blood may have entered his body, potentially resulting in the transfer of the All For One quirk to the protagonist. This is supported by the fact that Shigaraki was disintegrated.

Bakugo (left) and Midoriya (right) as seen in the movie (Image via BONES)

The second movie of My Hero Academia, Heroes Rising, confirmed the hereditary transmission of quirks through blood. While all movies of My Hero Academia are considered canon, they are not directly connected to the main story. Nevertheless, the information conveyed in these movies is factual.

In the final moments of the movie, the antagonist Nine rendered both Modoriya and Bakugo motionless. With no other option, Midoriya extended his hand to Bakugo and their wounded hands made contact, resulting in a transfer of blood from Midoriya to Bakugo.

After transferring One For All to Bakugo, they joined forces with Midoriya to defeat Nine. This sequence of events may have occurred in chapter 423’s conclusion, but it is advised to approach with caution and await official confirmation.