The Journey to Becoming a Hero in 'My Hero Academia'

In the world of 'My Hero Academia', Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku, dreams of becoming the best hero. The phrase 'this is how I became the number one hero' is often a narrative device that suggests the protagonist's journey is leading him toward achieving his dream. However, as of the latest knowledge update in August 2023, this rank has not been officially bestowed upon Deku. Let’s delve deeper into the journey of Izuku Midoriya and explore how his path to heroism intersects with the broader context of the series.

Deku’s Aspirations and Journey

At the start of the series, Izuku Midoriya is a young boy without a hero Quirk, making him a rarity in a world where almost everyone possesses one. However, driven by his admiration for his mentor, All Might, he embarks on a journey to become the best hero, a path that mirrors All Might’s own aspirations. Throughout the series, Deku frequently reflects on his dream of becoming the greatest hero, which is encapsulated in the phrase 'this is how I became the number one hero'. This line is often used by the protagonist to reflect on his progress and the challenges he has overcome.

Challenges and Growth

The series focuses not only on Deku's pursuit of becoming the number one hero but also on the broader themes of heroism, growth, and the societal challenges faced by the heroes. Despite the fact that the series has evolved and changed, the core idea remains the same: Deku is on a journey of self-improvement and is striving to become the best hero he can be, regardless of whether he achieves the top rank.

The Flawed Society and Hero Commission

A significant part of 'My Hero Academia' is centered on critiquing the flaws of the society and the hero commission. The political structure of the hero world is shown to be corrupt, with heroes often relying on popularity rather than merit. Several key events in the series, such as the final war arc and the death of many members of the hero commission, suggest that a complete overhaul of the hero system is necessary.

Given this context, it is plausible that the hero ranking system might be abolished by the time Deku is ready to take on the role of a professional hero. The series has portrayed the importance of rebuilding the hero commission and society as a whole, indicating that the traditional ranking system might no longer hold the same significance in the future.

The Future of Heroism in the Series

While the series has concluded, it’s worth noting that in the manga, Izuku Midoriya is shown to have a pro-level hero, Katsuki Bakugo, develop a support item mech suit to help him rejoin the team. This mech suit was instrumental in him working as a pro hero, but it is not clear if he officially attained a hero ranking. However, the series endorses the idea that the protagonist will continue to grow and explore his potential as a hero, even if the traditional 'number one hero' ranking does not exist in the future.

During the final years of the series, Deku is seen as part of Class 1-A, and it is clear that the characters are not just training to replace the current roster of pro heroes. Instead, they are working to bring about a better society and prevent the emergence of villains like Tenko Himiko and Touya. This broader context reinforces the idea that Deku’s journey is about more than just becoming the number one hero. His ultimate goal is to contribute to a better future for everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the idea of becoming the number one hero is a central theme in 'My Hero Academia', the series does not explicitly state that this rank will be granted to Izuku Midoriya. The journey he embarks upon is more about personal growth, heroism, and the societal changes needed to create a better world. Thus, his quest for becoming the best hero remains a driving force in the narrative, even as the traditional hero rankings might evolve or be entirely redefined in the future.