Deku's Distinctive Approach in My Hero Academia's One For All Legacy

Beware: The following reveals important details from the My Hero Academia manga that have not yet been shown in the anime.

Deku was given a special quirk called One-For-All (OFA) at the beginning of My Hero Academia. He has relied on this quirk many times throughout the series to excel in battles and overcome numerous enemies. One-For-All is unique because it can be passed on from one individual to another. It is also the opposite of All-For-One, the quirk used by the main villain in the story.

Previous OFA users had varying approaches to fighting. Some, like All Might, were known for their overwhelming physical strength and ability to deliver powerful punches. Others, like Nana Shimura, focused more on strategic thinking and using OFA in unique ways. Each wielder brought their own style and techniques to the table when it came to combat.

My Hero Academia Team Deku's Strategic Shift One For All Users - How the Previous OFA Users Fight

One-For-All is a special quirk that lets users store powers and give them to someone else. When this quirk is passed on through generations, the original quirk of the users is also passed down with it. Because of this, there are two different ways that One-For-All can be used.

Focus on Developing Their Innate Quirks

Manga panel of One for All's 2nd user from my hero academia - Focus on Developing Their Innate Quirks

If you were the 2nd to the 7th wielder of OFA, chances are you already had your own unique quirk to work on. Most of these individuals prioritize honing their existing quirk before anything else. It's a tough enough task to master one quirk, let alone trying to juggle two at the same time.

The 2nd to the 7th wielders chose to concentrate on understanding the unique quirk instead. Through their efforts, they were able to pass on important insights to the next group.

Embracing the Power of One-For-All

My Hero Academia Yoichi Shigaraki - Harnessing the Essence of the One-For-All

Not every OFA wielder is born with a quirk. Just like Yoichi Shigaraki, the first user who naturally gained OFA to defeat his evil brother, the 8th (All Might) and 9th (Deku) wielders were originally quirkless.

Since they did not possess a quirk prior to receiving OFA, they had to learn how to utilize the ability to stockpile energy. As a result, All Might was able to develop superhuman powers that he used wisely to protect innocent people for many years. When Deku inherited OFA, he also attempted to wield it in a similar manner to All Might.

What Sets Deku Apart from Other OFA Users

Deku faces a unique challenge when it comes to One For All (OFA). His body struggles to cope with the immense energy it provides, resulting in frequent injuries like broken bones and torn muscles even when using just a fraction of the power. Despite these obstacles, Deku perseveres and eventually discovers his own method of harnessing OFA to its maximum potential.

My Hero Academia One For All Users - What Makes Deku Different From Other OFA Users

Deku used to rely on All Might’s incredible strength for both attacking and defending. However, everything took a turn when he unexpectedly unlocked Blackwhip, the quirk of the 5th user of One For All, during the Joint Training Arc.

Exploring the Depths of One For All

Deku initially struggled with All Might's overwhelming power, but with time he learned to control it. However, the sudden emergence of Blackwhip made him realize that One For All is more than just raw strength. Intrigued, Deku made the decision to delve deeper into the mysteries of this unique quirk passed down to him by his idol.

In Search of Synergy

Blackwhip was the initial quirk from the past to emerge from One For All (OFA) and it was the first one Deku was able to master aside from All Might’s power. Over time, other previous quirks started to appear. These included the 2nd’s Gearshift, the 3rd’s Fa Jin, the 4th’s Danger Sense, the 6th’s Smoke Screen, and ultimately the 7th’s Float. Gradually, Deku surpassed All Might.

Having multiple quirks doesn't automatically make Deku a powerful hero. In fact, Bakugo points out that the past OFA quirks aren't as strong as his Explosion quirk, a sentiment that All Might agrees with. So, having multiple quirks doesn't guarantee strength.

They weren't the chosen ones. Throughout all their battles, all they could do was receive the power and then pass it on to someone else.

Deku does not rely on using his quirks individually. Instead, he focuses on creating a synergy between each quirk. By using the quirks interchangeably, Deku can effectively utilize them in various situations against any type of enemy.

deku using his one for all power ay 100 percent in My Hero Academia - How Deku uses OFA

Using multiple quirks in a fight can be challenging. However, Deku's determination to practice these quirks during his time as a vigilante in the Dark Hero Arc pays off. He learns how to effectively use all of One For All's quirks in real combat situations.

Embracing Quirks as Tools

Midoriya has shifted his perspective on quirks from random superpowers to valuable tools. By treating them as a means to an end, he has expanded his combat tactics significantly. As a result, handling multiple quirks has quickly become second nature to him.

Deku's OFA vs Shigaraki’s AFO

When it comes to Deku's One For All (OFA) quirk, Blackwhip is the go-to choice for catching multiple people simultaneously or moving between buildings. On the other hand, Fa Jin and Gearshift work best when paired with other quirks that can boost Deku's speed and power, like All Might's strength or Banjo's Blackwhip.

During his recent battle against Shigaraki, Deku demonstrates the perfect combination of his quirks. A key moment occurs at the U.A. Floating Fortress when Deku uses multiple quirks in succession to deliver a powerful attack to Shigaraki.

In the heat of the battle, Deku skillfully avoids Shigaraki's attack with the 4th's Danger Sense. Following this, he promptly activates the 6th's Smokescreen to obscure Shigaraki's vision and swiftly propels himself upwards using the 7th's Float. To seal the deal, Deku employs the 5th's Blackwhip to grab and hoist Shigaraki into the air.

Deku taps into the powerful energy of the 3rd's Fa Jin, enhanced even further by the 2nd's Gearshift, to generate incredible downward force. With the added strength of the 8th's pure muscle power, he delivers a devastating blow to Shigaraki's body.

My Hero Academia Deku charging Shigaraki - Nobody else had ever used the One-For-All in such a way

Nobody had ever used the One-For-All in the same unique way as Deku. He was able to unleash a continuous chain of attacks by incorporating every quirk within OFA. This sets him apart from his predecessors and arguably makes him the best OFA wielder in history.

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Editor's P/S:

This article provides an in-depth analysis of Deku's unique approach to using One-For-All (OFA), the powerful quirk that has been passed down through generations of heroes in the My Hero Academia universe. It highlights how Deku's ability to synergize the various quirks within OFA sets him apart from previous wielders and makes him an exceptional hero. The article also explores the challenges Deku faces due to the immense energy of OFA and how he has overcome them through determination and practice.

Overall, the article effectively captures the essence of Deku's journey as a hero and his innovative use of OFA. It provides valuable insights into the character's growth and the unique way he has embraced his quirks as tools to fight for justice. The article's well-structured format and clear explanations make it an engaging read for fans of My Hero Academia and anyone interested in the complexities of the series' characters and power systems.