Summary
When first introduced to Aizawa Shota, he was depicted as a cold and stern teacher known for expelling students he did not believe were worthy of becoming a student at UA High School. While many may think Aizawa’s teaching philosophy was nothing short of madness, there is a method to it.
Aizawa would not be the Pro Hero he is today without the support of his best friend, Shirakumo. Whereas Aizawa often doubted himself, Shirakumo always had his back and believed in his abilities. Unfortunately, Shirakumo’s death will drastically affect Aizawa’s mentality. So, how has Shirakumo’s death affected Aizawa inMy Hero Academia?
Who was Shirakumo to Aizawa?
Although Once A Trio, Unfortunately, Became A Duo
Shirakumo Oboro wasAizawa Shota’sclassmate at UA High School. The two were in Class 2-A of the heroics department alongsideYamada Hizashi. During Aizawa’s time in High School, he always doubted himself and felt he didn’t belong. TheMy Hero Academia: Vigilante’smanga showcased more of Aizawa and Shirakumo’s past in high school and what made Aizawa become the current Hero he is.
Shirakumo Oborocould be seen as the class clown and more of the protagonist in Aizawa and Yamada’s life. During the second year at UA High School, Aizawa’s perspective of heroism began to change. Due to Aizawa, Yamada, and Shirakumo not being assigned to a Hero Agency for internship, the three soon formed a trio.
Unfortunately, Yamada and Shirakumo were always ahead of Aizawa, as both of their Quirks allowed them to take action quickly during battle. As a result of this, Aizawa felt as if he needed to catch up ashis Erasure Quirkallowed him to disable Quirks, but he needed more physical strength to battle.
At the time, Aizawa had yet to realize the extent of his abilities, and while he was above average in his grades, Aizawa could not often perform during battle. However, Aizawa’s perception of his abilities changed after meetingKayama Nemuri or Midnightand joining the Purple Revolution Agency.
Shirakumo and Aizawa soon joined the Purple Revolution Agency and often worked on cases together, thus strengthening their bond. During this time, Aizawa was able to determine his weakness in battle and with his Quirk. In Chapter 61, Shirakumo gave Aizawa his signature goggles to use in battle; this would soon give Aizawa the defining feature that would allow him to excel in battle. Aizawa would then make these goggles an iconic feature in his current Hero costume design.
Through Shirakumo’s positivity and support, Aizawa found his resolve and determination to become a better hero. Unfortunately, it was during a patrol and evacuation that Shirakumo soon died protecting kindergarten children from a collapsing building.
How has Shirakumo’s death affected Aizawa?
Aizawa Would Isolate Himself and Dedicate His Teaching Philosophy to Ensure His Students Are Ready to Be Pro Heroes
Unbeknownst to Aizawa, he always had the makings of a Hero. Previously, Aizawa had always been doubting himself and his abilities. At the time of Shirakumo’s death, Aizawa did not know he had died as he was hallucinating Shirakumo directing and cheering him on through his speaker. After witnessing Shirakumo hit on the head, Aizawa could break free from his psychological binds and take down the villain.
However, after Shirakumo’s death, Aizawa soon reverted into his shell. The death of his best friend highly likely traumatized Aizawa. During his third year atUA High School, Aizawa became disinterested in associating with the rest of his classmates. Aizawa also became a formidable opponent during battle, as his previous shortcomings no longer held him back.
Contrary to Aizawa’s current teaching philosophy, he soon began to skip class when he obtained a passing mark and spent the majority of his time training. As mentioned above, Aizawa was likely traumatized by the passing of his best friend during battle. The outcome of this event would lead Aizawa to distance himself and influence him to specialize in anti-villain combat. Instead of starting his own agency with Yamada and Shirakumo, Aizawa became an independent or undergroundPro Hero.
Aizawa could not cope with Shirakumo’s death, which affected him to the point of altering his perception of friendship and what it meant for him to become a hero. When working in a Hero Agency, all members are required to work in a team; this gives Heroes an advantage during battle in case their Quirks are suitable for apprehending the villain.
Due to this, Aizawa chose to live the life of a nomad, fighting villains solo and choosing not to develop any close friendships. However, after meetingHaimawari Koichiand the Hotta brothers, Aizawa soon gives a second thought to becoming a teacher at UA High School. At the time, as mentioned in Chapter 59 ofMy HeroAcademia: Vigilantes,Aizawa had no good memories from his time at UA, likely due to the death of Shirakumo.
Although Shirakumo’s death significantly affected Aizawa for several years, he soon became ateacher at UA High School with a unique teaching philosophy.As Aizawa already knew the dangers of what it means to become a Hero, witnessing the deaths of civilians and colleagues, Aizawa found a way to prepare his students for the possibility of becoming a Hero, as they may have to face horrifying situations that might include death. He also wanted his students to become inspiring Heroes, similar to Shirakumo before his death, which is why he chose to be stern with his students.
Shirakumo’s death struck a cord in Aizawa. He no longer wanted to witness those around him die, which is why he chose to work as an independent, underground Hero. Aizawa then isolated himself, working alone and unwilling to get close to anyone. Although Aizawa may seem standoffish, he does care for those around him, and the prospect of losing those close to him causes him to detach from those around him. However, after becoming a UA teacher, Aizawa was able to move past his hardships.
My Hero Academia
Cast
In My Hero Academia, some humans have superpowers called quirks. Izuku Midoriya, nicknamed Deku, is not one of them. Deku has always idolized heroes like the number one hero, All Might, and since he was a child, he has always wanted to be a hero. However, his lack of a quirk has always held him back, but a chance encounter with All Might after discovering a classmate in danger sets Deku on the path to becoming a true hero. My Hero Academia centers around Deku and a class of heroes-in-training at UA. This school shapes young quirk users into future heroes through fake rescue missions, combat training, and other hero-tempering tasks. With young Deku inheriting the “One-For-All” quirk, he will learn what it means to be a true hero while facing off with dastardly supervillains.
