The enigmatic All For One (AFO) has been a cornerstone of chaos since the dawn of quirks in the My Hero Academia universe. His enduring presence as the embodiment of evil raises pressing questions: How has AFO managed to defy death so consistently? Is his perceived immortality a byproduct of his quirk, or is it rooted in something deeper? Let’s delve into the intricate details surrounding All For One’s seemingly immortal status.
Throughout the years, All For One has strategically maneuvered through the shadows, creating an empire intertwined with violence and fear. With roots dating back over a century, his mastery over quirks has left an indelible mark on society—a testament to his sinister influence.
The Quirk Behind All For One’s Immortality
Long before the concept of quirks became mainstream, AFO was rapidly gaining notoriety. His approach involved manipulating individuals with abilities, drawing them into his destructive philosophy in a time when society sought coexistence. Key to understanding his longevity is Kyudai Garaki, who possessed the “Life Force” quirk. This unique ability can effectively double its user’s lifespan.
Garaki’s journey as a scientist led to his groundbreaking Quirk Singularity theory, though it was met with skepticism. Feeling rejected, he turned his expertise towards AFO, who embraced Garaki’s vision. In a pivotal moment, Garaki endowed AFO with the original Life Force quirk while retaining a copy for himself, granting both a prolonged existence and a youthful appearance that belies their true ages.
Although AFO’s apparent immortality is impressive, the truth lies in the mechanics of the Life Force quirk. While it grants remarkable longevity, it does come with a complication that affects mobility, a challenge AFO circumvents due to his mastery of multiple quirks.
How Does All For One Become Young Again?
In the climactic battles of the series, AFO undergoes a shocking transformation, regaining his youthful vigor and appearance. This striking change isn’t merely due to the Life Force quirk but rather a result of the Quirk-Destroying drug devised by Kai Chisaki. Garaki later reverse-engineered this technology to develop the remarkable rewind drug.
The rewind drug possesses the capability to reverse physical injuries and effectively de-age its user, but it comes with an inherent risk: if utilized indefinitely, it could ultimately lead to an irreversible end. Think of it like the character in the film “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” where aging operates in reverse. So why would AFO risk such a powerful technique? Desperation played a significant role after a close brush with death at the hands of Endeavor, prompting AFO to harness this life-altering ability amid fierce battles.
AFO continually proves resourceful, employing dozens of quirks to overcome challenges. For instance, he cleverly used the Antigen Swap quirk to modify his blood type, enabling him to counter the abilities of formidable foes like Stain. His command over life extension and rejuvenation cements his status not just as a villain but as a cunning strategist.
Will All For One continue to de-age to an extent that he reverts to infancy? That’s a question for fans to ponder as the My Hero Academia saga unfolds. We’d love to hear your thoughts on AFO’s seemingly immortal nature in the comments!