My Hero Academia theory reveals why Midoriya's potential quirk could have driven him towards darkness

Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku, is a beloved character in My Hero Academia, serving as the series' protagonist and embodying the classic hero archetype. Despite being born Quirkless, he has a strong desire to help those in need, which caught the attention of All Might. In contrast, Tomura Shigaraki is a ruthless and sadistic villain who seeks to bring the hero society down. Midoriya and Shigaraki represent opposing sides of the hero-villain spectrum in My Hero Academia.

According to an interesting fan theory, if Midoriya was born with a Quirk, it might have led him down a dark path and resulted in him becoming a villain like Shigaraki.

Izuku Midoriya's inherited Quirk might have made him a terrifying villain in My Hero Academia

In My Hero Academia, Izuku Midoriya and Tomura Shigaraki are two of the most captivating characters. Midoriya's journey showcases his unwavering compassion and determination to help others selflessly, even at the expense of his own life.

Meanwhile, Tomura Shigaraki, also known as Tenko Shimura, embodies the opposite of heroism. As the leader of the League of Villains and a key enemy in the series, Shigaraki's story is defined by his bleak outlook and intense resentment towards the hero society that let him down as a child. His traumatic history, which resulted in the accidental death of his entire family, fueled his deep-seated hatred for the hero-dominated society, leading him to desire its destruction.

The popular My Hero Academia theory suggests that if Deku had been born with an inherited Quirk, he might have eventually become a villain like Shigaraki. This theory explores the potential outcome of Deku acquiring a Quirk that combined the powers of his parents.

The battle between Deku and Shigaraki in My Hero Academia season 6 (image via Studio Bones)

Midoriya's mother has the ability to pull small objects towards her, while his father had a rather powerful ability involving fire breath. Instead of being born Quirkless, there's a chance that Midoriya might have inherited a combination of the two Quirks.

If his parents' Quirks were combined, it could have given him an ability that, while not as powerful as Shigaraki's Quirk, would still have led him down a dark path. The theory suggests that the combination of the two Quirks could have resulted in an ability to ignite small objects. It's difficult to imagine how having such an ability would have allowed Midoriya to become the hero he is today, as it would have caused more harm than good.

Izuku Midoriya's power would be considered a weaker version of Endeavor's fire abilities, potentially leading him to not pursue a hero career or even turn to villainy after facing relentless bullying from Bakugo.

Izuku Midoriya as seen in My Hero Academia(image source Studio Bones)

Additionally, this would have led to him being recruited by All For One sooner or later, as All For One would quickly recognize Midoriya's determination and resentment from failing to become a hero.

Instead of becoming 'the next Shigaraki', Midoriya could have become All For One's right-hand man, using his ability to torture victims by lighting small parts of their bodies on fire. While not an extremely powerful ability, it would certainly be a nuisance if he could set fire to random parts of his opponent's body.

It's tempting to imagine how things might have been different if Midoriya had been born with a quirk instead of being quirkless. While he likely wouldn't have become a villain, there's always a chance things could have gone awry. For instance, having a harmful quirk could have shattered his dreams of becoming a hero and led to relentless bullying, potentially pushing him towards a darker path.

Final thoughts

Izuku Midoriya is the embodiment of hope for his allies in My Hero Academia. His innate kindness and strong sense of responsibility drive him to see potential for redemption even in his enemies. Fans can be grateful that Midoriya has become the hero the world needs in its darkest hour, a shining beacon of hope for the hero society.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of My Hero Academia, I find the theory that Midoriya's potential Quirk could have driven him towards darkness to be intriguing and thought-provoking. It's fascinating to consider the alternate reality where Midoriya possesses a Quirk, and how that could have shaped his character and journey. The idea that he might have become a villain like Shigaraki is particularly compelling, as it explores the potential consequences of Midoriya's inherent desire to help others being overshadowed by the power and influence of a Quirk.

The theory also raises questions about the nature of heroism and villainy in the My Hero Academia universe. If Midoriya had been born with a Quirk, would he have still chosen the path of heroism, or would he have succumbed to the allure of power and become a villain? It's a testament to the depth and complexity of My Hero Academia's characters and themes that such a theory can be both plausible and thought-provoking.