The highly anticipated third episode of My Hero Academia season 8 has finally arrived, and it’s already being hailed as one of the best in the series’ history. Katsuki Bakugo makes a triumphant return, showcasing his explosive abilities in an intense battle against a younger version of All For One. After heroically rescuing his idol, All Might, Bakugo unleashes his powerful explosion quirk, forcing All For One into a corner. This encounter triggers a deep rage within AFO, who reflects on his history with Katsuki, drawing parallels to a significant figure from his past: Toshitsugu Kudo. So who is Kudo, and why does he matter in the world of MHA? Let’s delve into it.
Spoilers Warning:
This article contains spoilers about Toshitsugu Kudo in MHA. Proceed with caution.
Who is Toshitsugu Kudo in My Hero Academia?
To understand the significance of Kudo in MHA, we need to journey back to the origins of All For One and his brother, Yoichi Shigaraki. When AFO emerged as a formidable villain, his brother was considered weak. At that critical time, Toshitsugu Kudo was leading a rebellion aimed at defeating All For One and ending his tyrannical reign.
Kudo once stormed AFO’s base with the intent to eliminate his brother. However, upon seeing Yoichi in distress, he had a change of heart and rescued him instead. Yoichi, in gratitude, chose to assist Kudo in the struggle against AFO, who lacked compassion for humanity. Tragically, AFO later tracked down Yoichi and killed him.
In a cruel twist, Yoichi had blended the ‘quirk bestowal’ and ‘power stock’ quirks from AFO, creating the powerful “All For One” quirk that he entrusted to Kudo as his final act. This decision made Toshitsugu Kudo the first inheritor of the One For All quirk in the My Hero Academia universe.
Connecting Katsuki Bakugo and Kudo
You might wonder why All For One sees a reflection of Kudo in Bakugo. The truth is, while they aren’t related, they share a striking resemblance. AFO’s anger towards Bakugo stems from his memories of Kudo, who once rescued his brother—a decision that ultimately led to Yoichi’s demise at AFO’s hands.
In a brutal act of vengeance, AFO killed Kudo, stealing the One For All quirk shortly thereafter. However, Kudo passed the One For All to his ally, Bruce, before his death, leaving a lasting legacy. AFO’s rage compelled him to eliminate Kudo’s entire family, ensuring that none of Kudo’s lineage remained. Thus, Bakugo and Kudo might not be blood relatives, but their connection runs deep.
Bakugo’s spiky hair and red eyes mirror Kudo’s appearance, which triggered AFO’s memories. As Bakugo endeavors to conquer All For One, he views AFO as his ultimate villain. Kudo could not defeat AFO initially, even with his Gearshift quirk. Today, with Deku’s support, Bakugo stands ready to combat the evil force. AFO’s tumultuous feelings towards Kudo manifest in his mind during this final encounter, providing clarity on their relationship to MHA fans.
What are your thoughts on Kudo’s character in My Hero Academia? Do you foresee him influencing future story arcs? Let us know in the comments below.
What other characters have a significant role in My Hero Academia? The MHA universe is expansive, with many compelling figures. Each story arc unveils more layers to existing characters, making the anime worth exploring further.
What are some key themes present in My Hero Academia? Themes of perseverance, friendship, and moral dilemmas permeate the series, making it resonate with a diverse audience. These elements encourage viewers and readers alike to reflect on their own lives.
Why is Katsuki Bakugo considered a fan favorite? His fiery personality, determination, and evolution throughout the series attract viewers, creating a character that is both relatable and inspirational.
Why is All For One a pivotal character? As a primary antagonist, AFO’s complex motivations and enigmatic history enrich the plot, compelling fans to delve deeper into his past and future actions.
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