The conclusion of the War Arc in My Hero Academia calls into question the validity of its Pro Hero Rankings. As Izuku Midoriya transitions from student to mentor, it becomes increasingly clear that heroism cannot be quantified merely by numbers. The fandom engages in heated debates regarding Deku’s possible rank—estimations range from the 9th spot to well beneath the 30th position—but the underlying concern is whether such rankings hold any real significance anymore.
Once pivotal to the hero-centric society, the Billboard Chart seems anachronistic against a backdrop where genuine valor stems from necessity and commitment, rather than mere celebrity status. As Deku steps into his role at UA High School, his impact resonates far beyond any numerical ranking, underscoring the notion that authentic heroism goes beyond trivia.
Disclaimer: The perspectives and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
The Dilemma of Deku’s Hero Ranking in My Hero Academia
The ranking structure within My Hero Academia prioritizes spectacle over substance, often focusing on public approval, media visibility, and commercial endorsements—areas where Deku has little interest. Fans note how educators at UA often struggle to achieve high ranks due to their limited time for public patrols, which are essential for visibility.
Notably, the decline of the Pussycats, plummeting from a ranking above 30 to below 400 after a hiatus, illustrates the instability and superficial nature of this rating system. Deku’s commitment to teaching signifies a deliberate choice to prioritize nurturing future heroes over personal accolades, limiting his public engagements to emergencies or school breaks, which inherently limits his ranking potential.
Deku’s choice to avoid establishing his own hero agency further stifles his chances to boost his ranking. Without the support of sidekicks or a dedicated operation, his contributions are bound to be underrepresented in a system that values numerical metrics. Furthermore, Deku’s awkwardness in media settings would hinder his standing within a system that celebrates charismatic heroes excelling in public relations.
Redefining Heroism: Beyond Rankings in My Hero Academia
The suggestion that Deku could rank 9th—like the 9th One For All user—ignores pragmatic considerations. While media-generated fame from defeating All For One may create temporary spikes in ranking, long-term placement requires consistent effort that is often lacking for Deku. A true hero’s legacy cannot be merely reduced to a ranking in a popularity contest.
Deku’s pivotal role in saving hero society reveals a deep flaw in the ranking system: it turns a monumental legacy into just another statistic. This dissonance showcases how these rankings fail to truly capture a hero’s influence on the moral fabric of society.
The post-war landscape of hero society, for which Deku is instrumental in rebuilding, emphasizes a shift away from a celebrity-obsessed system. His commitment to teaching illustrates a broader evolution, one that values the transfer of knowledge and mentorship over personal recognition.
In this changing narrative, the importance of rankings diminishes while the significance of legacy and impact shines through. The essence of All Might’s legacy was not his status as the top-ranked hero but rather the inspiration he instilled in countless others, including Deku.
Conclusion
As My Hero Academia nears its finale, the fixation on hero rankings increasingly reflects an outdated model from a pre-war era. Deku’s journey continually challenges traditional measurements of success in heroism. Whether he secures the 9th position, ends up at 25th, or strays beyond the top 30, the true essence of his character transcends those metrics.
Deku’s most invaluable contribution lies not in rankings but in the virtues he imparts to his students and the sense of security he fosters without the need for accolades. Through this lens, Deku emerges as the embodiment of a more genuine ideal of heroism—one that celebrates service over status—demonstrating unequivocally that true heroism cannot be confined to mere numbers.