The Origins of Tomura Shigaraki's Decay Quirk in My Hero Academia

The character of Tomura Shigaraki, a formidable antagonist in the popular anime and manga series My Hero Academia, is notable for his unique Decay Quirk. This article delves into the various theories about how Shigaraki obtained his Decay Quirk and explores the impact of this quirk on his character development and his ultimate role in the series.

Shigaraki's Traumatic Origins

Tomura Shigaraki was originally born with the Decay Quirk, according to one theory. This quirk allowed him to disintegrate anything he touched, a power that he perilously wielded in battle. A tragic incident involving his family led to the manifestation of his quirk, resulting in the death of his family and his subsequent isolation. His emotional turmoil played a significant role in his awakening, as his quirk manifested during a time of intense distress.

The quirk's first appearance occurred when Shigaraki, as Tenko Shimura, used it to kill his family. This traumatic event sparked a chain of events that led to his introduction to All For One. All For One, recognizing Shigaraki's potential and the utility of his quirk, groomed him into a deadly villain, using Shigaraki's Decay Quirk as a tool to achieve his goals.

Theories on Shigaraki's Quirk Origin

There are two prominent theories regarding the origin of Shigaraki's Decay Quirk:

Mutation Theory

The mutation theory suggests that Shigaraki's Decay Quirk was a genetic anomaly, a unique mutation that occurred naturally within him. This theory aligns with other mutation cases in the series, such as Eri's quirk, which is said to be different from her parents' quirks. Fan fiction also supports this theory by proposing that one of Shigaraki's parents could have been a quirk user, with the other parent not having a quirk. This natural mutation theory provides a scientific explanation for Shigaraki's exceptional power.

The Red Shoe Theory

The lesser-known Red Shoe Theory suggests that individuals without quirks can be identified by their specific red shoes. According to this theory, Midoriya (a quirkless character) wore red shoes, implying that Shigaraki, being another quirkless individual, might also have worn similar shoes. However, this theory has been disputed due to variations in the series' design, such as Midoriya’s original school uniform from Aldera having white shoes. Nonetheless, the Red Shoe Theory adds an intriguing layer to the discussion of Shigaraki's origins.

All For One's Role

Regardless of the exact origin of Shigaraki's Decay Quirk, it is clear that All For One played a significant role in shaping Shigaraki. All For One recognized Shigaraki's potential and took him under his wing, further honing his abilities and reinforcing his villainous path. This relationship between master and student underscores the complex and often dark nature of Shigaraki's character.

Shigaraki's Unsuited Body

The Decay Quirk caused physical changes in Shigaraki, such as naturally dry skin and an apparent discomfort with his thumb. These physical changes suggest that his body might not be fully adapted to his quirk. This theory is supported by the observation that Shigaraki's neck always appears to be careful of his thumb, even as a child. The only other cases where characters are unsuited to their quirks are due to quirk marriages, such as Rei and Enji, leading to Dabi's ice skin and fire powers. For emitters like Bakugo, there are built-in mechanisms to prevent harm from their own powers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tomura Shigaraki's Decay Quirk can be traced to both his traumatic past and his training under All For One. Depending on one's interpretation, it might have been a natural mutation or might have been bestowed by All For One. Regardless, this quirk has proven to be an essential and destructive force in the My Hero Academia universe, shaping not only Shigaraki's character but the series as a whole.