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As we wrapped up season 7 of My Hero Academia, it was clear the concluding arc would begin with one of the most emotional fights in the anime. Even though having read it in the manga, I was still taken aback by the emotional weight of this showdown. Episode 1, called "Toshinori Yagi: Rising Origin," plunges viewers directly into the middle of the battle between a powerless All Might and a restored All for One, who is heading to unite with his other half, Shigaraki.

The beginning of the episode includes a summary of the season 7 finale, which at first left me slightly disappointed. However, as the episode continued, it dawned on me that this choice was vital to telling the final battle between these longtime foes in the optimal way. Actually, one might wonder why season 7 concluded midway through such a pivotal fight.

Like with every other major conflicts in the show, the storytellers use the duel between the paragon of heroism All Might and the malevolent All for One to communicate the central messages that underpin the story. In this instance, though, one scene stood out due to its connection to modern issues.

All Might, once the most powerful champion, is now grievously injured and has surrendered his Quirks. His weakened body can just fight thanks to sophisticated battle armor designed by his friend Melissa Shield. Yet, this is nothing compared to the vast array of dangerous Quirks that All for One can deploy.

When All Might faces his final battle against All for One, the whole globe is watching the duel through a mobile camera. The narrative then shifts to a nation abroad, where a kid viewing TV asks his grandmother who that champion is and what will occur if he succeeds or is defeated. The elder's response is sobering: "It's happening in a distant country anyway. No matter which one succeeds, it won't matter for us."

Fundamental Message: Conquering Indifference

One of the central lessons of My Hero Academia is that everyone has the potential for heroism if we overcome the toughest foe: inaction. The protagonist's path begins when, even though he is Quirkless, he moves to Bakugo's aid while an whole group does nothing as the youth is attacked by a antagonist. This concept recurs repeatedly, including in this installment, with a vulnerable All Might grinning as he confronts the strongest villain ever. While this is not a original device in the medium, My Hero Academia excels because it steers clear of miraculous boosts in these circumstances. The show shows us that the vital fights are those you are not going to win. Nevertheless, even so, you must battle.

Contemporary Parallels

It is difficult to listen to the statement of the unnamed grandmother and not draw comparisons to modern events. For decades, we have become increasingly detached and unfeeling to the pain of others. We frequently won't lift a finger even if it's happening before our eyes — not to mention in a remote country. "It's out of my hands" has evolved into the mantra of apathy, but My Hero Academia reminds us this is not true. Although our attempts seem futile, making an effort is what counts.

Toshinori Yagi states something akin in a recollection detailing his initial meeting with his master, before he became All Might: "Everyone has their own problems with their close environment." (In Japanese, "immediate surroundings" is expressed as the more precise "three-meter radius.") This is why he has to become the Symbol of Peace, but the key aspect is that when he states this, he is too Quirkless — the prime manifestation of powerlessness in the realm of My Hero Academia. I don't think series can really transform the reality we live in, but the theme of My Hero Academia has never been more relevant. Experience this final season while it lasts.