While the creators of My Hero Academia often suggest that the events in their movies are part of the canonical universe, fans are well aware that these storylines typically lack lasting impact on the main manga’s narrative. However, a poignant scene from the latest installment, My Hero Academia: You’re Next, stands out as one that many fans wish was part of the official canon, and it notably does not involve Dark Might.
Enji Todoroki’s overwhelming desire to create a successor capable of surpassing All Might has had devastating consequences, particularly for his first son, Toya. This obsession ultimately led to Toya’s presumed death and transformation into Dabi, an event that fractured the Todoroki family. As a result, Shoto, Enji’s second son, has never enjoyed a typical day filled with joy and family bonding.
Fortunately, You’re Next offers a rare glimpse of what such a day could have looked like for Shoto. This particular element of the film undoubtedly deserves recognition as it could have enriched the canon narrative.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the My Hero Academia manga and reflects the author’s opinion.
A Dream of Normalcy: Shoto’s Vision in My Hero Academia: You’re Next
In the film, the Class 1A heroes find themselves ensnared in Dark Might’s fortress. While searching for an escape, they encounter a town center and the individuals Deborah Gollini and Anna Scervino, who have entrapped civilians with Deborah’s Day Dream Quirk.
Deborah’s ability had placed the civilians in a state of illusion, while Anna’s quirk inflicted pain, causing those affected to collapse amidst a shower of rose petals. Responding quickly, the heroes rushed to intervene, only for Deborah to turn her attention to them, ensnaring the students in a shared dream.
The Day Dream Quirk plunged the heroes into a dream-like coma where each character lived out their deepest desires. For characters like Denki and Mineta, fantasies of harems emerged, while Tenya dreamed of heroism alongside his brother. However, Shoto’s vision was heartwarming; he pictured a joyful childhood spent playing football with his older brother, Toya.
In this poignant dream sequence, Shoto is joined by his siblings, Natsuo and Fuyumi, as they all engage in a spirited game, enjoying a beautiful summer day under the watchful eyes of their parents, Enji and Rei Todoroki. This moment underscores the simple wish that Shoto has carried since childhood—a longing for a carefree and trauma-free family life.
Fans of My Hero Academia hold a deep affection for Shoto, largely influenced by his tragic past. Thus, the inclusion of this scene in the movie showcases an aspect of his character that resonates strongly with viewers and could have added significant depth to the overall narrative if it were to be considered canon. Alas, with Toya’s fate already sealed in the manga, such a blissful reunion remains elusive within the original storyline.