My Hero Academia Chapter 417 made its highly anticipated debut over the weekend, amazing fans with the thrilling continuation of the intense battle between Izuku “Deku” Midoriya and Tomura Shigaraki.
The chapter promised an intriguing development as Shigaraki employed his finger armor to protect himself from Deku’s onslaught.
However, Chapter 417 takes a surprising turn as it goes into Deku’s exploration of Shigaraki’s past and origins as Tenko Shimura. Nana Shimura, Deku’s predecessor, accompanies him on this journey, providing insight into Shigaraki’s troubled history.
This was my favorite chapter of the entire war as we got to see deku face himself. I do wish the interaction between the dark deku was a lot longer and deeper, but even this is enough for me, enough to show just how ironclad deku's resolve is#MHA417 #MHASpoilers pic.twitter.com/XMqBH4IyA4
— FBgodhands (@FBgodhands) March 16, 2024
Amidst this revelation, a poignant moment of redemption unfolds as Nana seizes the opportunity to apologize to her son, Kotaro, marking a significant step towards closure and reconciliation.
Fans were undoubtedly drawn into the emotional depth of the chapter as it revealed layers of complexity within the characters’ relationships and histories.
With this unexpected twist, My Hero Academia continues to amaze audiences with its rich storytelling and dynamic character development.
Deku’s Journey Within Shigaraki’s Consciousness in My Hero Academia Chapter 417
My Hero Academia Chapter 417 opens with a dramatic scene as a powerful gust of wind and a burst of light emanate from Shigaraki’s cluster of finger armor, which appears to be tearing apart. It is revealed that Deku managed to penetrate Shigaraki’s defenses, causing an explosive reaction from within.
Regardless of Shigaraki’s desperate attempt to block the attack, he fails, resulting in the transfer of every previous user of One For All, including Yoichi Shigaraki, except for Nana Shimura.
Initially attributing this to Shigaraki’s hatred towards her, Nana later realizes that it is a consequence of her own perceived weakness, recalling a heartbreaking moment from her past with a young Kotaro.
The focus then shifts back to Deku, who finds himself standing before the Shimura household, about to ring the doorbell.
Suddenly, a dark manifestation of himself appears, questioning the significance of delving into the past and whether it will bring about any meaningful change.
Recognizing this manifestation from Shigaraki’s perspective, Deku understands that it serves as a means of communication.
Regardless of uncertainty about the outcome, Deku expresses his determination to uncover the truth. Shigaraki, in a chilling response, urges Deku to perish, triggering a dangerous encounter with a speeding truck that narrowly misses him, causing damage to his backpack and revealing his vulnerability within this reality.
Nana Shimura emerges, explaining that Deku’s physical presence within Shigaraki’s consciousness is due to his status as the current holder of One For All. Regardless of her inability to transfer, she offers her support to Deku, who expresses gratitude for her companionship.
Together, they recognize this realm as Shigaraki’s core and resolve to confront the weaker version of him here.
As Deku rushes towards the house, he encounters unexpected apparitions, including Stain, who transforms into Redestro and then Overhaul.
Each entity poses probing questions about Deku’s burdens, ambitions, and plans, mirroring the inquiries they once directed toward Shigaraki.
Shigaraki’s Past
In My Hero Academia Chapter 417, Deku breaks free and dashes towards the front door of the Shimura household. However, instead of a typical entrance, the door transforms into a picture depicting Nana and Kotaro, which Shigaraki once shared with his sister.
Nana becomes emotional upon seeing the image, reminiscing about their past. Shigaraki’s sister suggests they become a secret hero team, but the moment fades as the picture reverts to a door, allowing Deku to pass through.
In the backyard of the Shimura household, Deku witnesses Kotaro, Nana’s son, beating a silhouette of a young Tenko. Nana is overcome with sorrow, while Deku charges forward, recognizing the silhouette as a young Shigaraki. Regardless of his efforts to intervene, Deku finds himself rejected for reasons unknown.
Kotaro berates Tenko, claiming that the woman in the picture is not his grandmother but a monster who abandoned her child. Nana is devastated by this revelation, realizing the pain Kotaro endured due to her absence.
As Kotaro continues his tirade about heroes, interspersed with scenes of his younger self crying over his mother’s departure, Nana breaks down, understanding the profound impact her absence had on both Kotaro and Shigaraki, whose wounds stemmed from her inability to defeat All For One.
In a heart-wrenching moment, Nana apologizes to Kotaro for her weakness as he prepares to strike Tenko once more. Deku intervenes, emitting a radiant light from his hand, which breaks through the barrier, allowing them to reach out to Tenko and Kotaro.
As Nana embraces and apologizes to Kotaro for her absence, they both fade away, followed by Nana apologizing to Tenko, acknowledging her role in his suffering.
Tenko’s silhouette dissipates, revealing his true form as he clings to his dog Mon, expressing his overwhelming despair. The chapter ends with Deku turning to face Tenko for the first time, now dressed in his middle school uniform, marking a pivotal moment in their encounter.