My Hero Academia threw fans for a loop with the revelation that Yuga Aoyama was the traitor at U.A. Initially perceived as a surprising choice due to his timid demeanor, many fans debated the validity of this twist. Indeed, several Class 1-A members appeared as more plausible suspects based on their actions, backstories, or quirks, while others seemed even less likely than Aoyama. This dichotomy showcases the complexity of the plot twist. Below, we explore five Class 1-A students who would have been more convincing choices than Aoyama for the role of the traitor, as well as five who would be worse.
Disclaimer: This article presents the author’s views and contains spoilers from the anime and manga series.
Five Class 1-A Students Who Would Have Made Better Traitors Than Aoyama
1) Denki Kaminari
Denki Kaminari showcases a carefree and goofy personality, attributes that could cleverly disguise a darker agenda. His demeanor may generate an impression of innocence, yet he often acts oblivious, which could veil true intentions. Additionally, his electrical quirk serves dual purposes—offensive combat and potential disruption of communications, which is advantageous for a traitor.
His peculiar behavior during the Provisional License Arc sparked suspicions, making him a more believable traitor than Aoyama. Denki possesses one of the stronger backgrounds supporting a betrayal plot in My Hero Academia.
2) Shoto Todoroki
Shoto Todoroki, the son of Endeavor, harbors a tumultuous past shadowed by trauma and familial pressure. This profound experience creates fertile ground for a believable betrayal. Shoto demonstrates a complex relationship with heroism, particularly because of his father’s manipulative tactics, instilling potential motives for disloyalty.
His emotional detachment in earlier arcs would align seamlessly with hidden treachery. If he were exposed as the traitor, it would both shock the audience and resonate narratively, positioning Shoto as a more convincing candidate than Aoyama for the traitor role in My Hero Academia.
3) Mina Ashido
Mina Ashido embodies exuberance and friendliness, characteristics that could effectively mask her true intentions. Her close relationships with classmates permit her access to information, enabling her to gather intel without arousing suspicion. Furthermore, her acid quirk can facilitate covert actions while leaving little trace.
Unlike Aoyama, Mina maintains a sense of confidence that makes her betrayal less expected, amplifying the emotional impact if she were the traitor. This positions her as a more suitable candidate than Aoyama in the context of My Hero Academia.
4) Toru Hagakure
Toru Hagakure, known as the invisible girl, possesses a quirk that allows her to remain unseen, making her an ideal candidate for espionage. Her cheerful disposition keeps her off most people’s radar, thus heightening her potential as a spy. The enigma surrounding her character only adds depth to the possibility of her betrayal.
In fact, fans have even speculated about her being a traitor in the past. With her unique invisibility and friendly facade, Toru Hagakure stands out as one of the Class 1-A students who could have convincingly taken Aoyama’s place as the traitor in My Hero Academia.
5) Minoru Mineta
Minoru Mineta presents yet another Class 1-A student who may have been a better traitor than Aoyama, given his already dubious behavior. His self-serving tendencies and obsession with girls make him susceptible to temptation and manipulation, posing a considerable risk to his peers.
His disregard for authority reinforces the notion of him as a plausible candidate willing to betray his friends. This level of recklessness places Mineta ahead of Aoyama as a potential traitor in My Hero Academia.
Five Class 1-A Students Who Would Have Been Worse Choices Than Aoyama for the Traitor Role
1) Tsuyu Asui
Tsuyu Asui consistently exhibits calmness and reliability in the series. Her selfless, nurturing nature and strong bonds with her classmates make it nearly impossible to envision her betraying anyone. Tsuyu’s unwavering support for her friends is antithetical to the characteristics associated with a traitor, rendering her a poor choice for that role compared to Aoyama.
2) Ochaco Uraraka
Ochaco Uraraka stands as a beacon of kindness and reliability among her peers. Her genuine concern for others and a robust sense of justice further solidify her as a less plausible traitor. With a firm motivation to support her family and become a hero, it’s challenging to imagine her betraying her classmates compared to the secretive nature of Aoyama.
3) Eijiro Kirishima
Eijiro Kirishima’s immense loyalty and courage paint him as an unlikely perpetrator of betrayal. His unwavering commitment to his friends and role as a dependable hero creates a character profile almost incompatible with disloyalty. Kirishima’s sincerity and strong connections with his classmates make the idea of him acting as a traitor decidedly implausible.
4) Kyoka Jiro
Kyoka Jiro’s forthright nature and strong moral compass create a character deeply entrenched in honesty and loyalty. Her tendency to confront friends about any issues and her keen auditory quirk make betrayal seem incompatible with her identity. Unlike Aoyama, Jiro’s straightforwardness renders her a poor fit for a treacherous plot in My Hero Academia.
5) Tenya Iida
Tenya Iida embodies the principles of heroism with his unwavering commitment to justice and ethics. His character is built around a strong sense of duty, often overshadowing personal motives. The notion of Iida betraying U.A. feels forced and uncharacteristic, given his principled existence. His steadfast nature renders him a weak candidate for the role of traitor in My Hero Academia.
Conclusion
The traitor twist in My Hero Academia is notably intricate and challenging. Characters like Denki Kaminari and Shoto Todoroki provide stronger foundations for betrayal through their backgrounds and quirks, compelling audiences to reconsider their victimization. Conversely, characters such as Tsuyu Asui, Tenya Iida, and Kyoka Jiro exhibit unwavering loyalty, making them less suitable choices for betrayal. In hindsight, the narrative could have been even more impactful with different suspect choices—but some alternatives would conflict with the story’s logic and coherence.