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As we wrapped up the seventh season of My Hero Academia, I anticipated the concluding arc would begin with one of the most emotional conflicts in the anime. Even though having read it in the manga, fans were still taken aback by the emotional weight of this showdown. The first episode, called "Toshinori Yagi: Rising Origin," drops viewers right into the midst of the clash between a now-Quirkless All Might and a rejuvenated All for One, who is journeying to merge with his counterpart, Shigaraki.

The opening of the episode contains a review of the previous season's ending, which initially left me a bit let down. But, as the story progressed, it dawned on me that this choice was necessary to conveying the ultimate showdown between these archenemies in the optimal way. Actually, I question why the previous season concluded midway through such a critical confrontation.

Like with all the major battles in the show, the storytellers use the clash between the paragon of heroism All Might and the malevolent All for One to convey the fundamental messages that underpin the story. This time, though, one scene had a profound impact due to its connection to modern events.

All Might, once the greatest hero, is now grievously injured and has surrendered his powers. His fragile body can only fight thanks to high-tech battle armor built by his companion Melissa Shield. But, this is nothing compared to the multitude of lethal Quirks that All for One can utilize.

While All Might faces his final battle against All for One, the entire world is viewing the confrontation through a portable camera. The scene then moves to a foreign country, where a young boy viewing TV inquires his grandma who that champion is and what will occur if he triumphs or fails. The elder's response is unnerving: "It's happening in a far-off country anyway. No matter which one prevails, it won't affect us for us."

Central Message: Conquering Indifference

A key main themes of My Hero Academia is that we can all be heroes if we overcome the strongest foe: inaction. Izuku's story starts when, despite being Quirkless, he moves to Katsuki's rescue while an bystanders stands by as the youth is attacked by a evil-doer. This theme recurs often, even in this installment, with a vulnerable All Might grinning as he takes on the strongest villain of all time. Although this isn't a novel trope in anime, My Hero Academia excels because it avoids miraculous boosts in these scenarios. The show teaches us that the most important battles are those you will likely lose. Still, regardless, you must battle.

Modern Connections

One cannot help to hear the statement of the unnamed elder and avoid drawing connections to modern issues. For decades, we have grown more and more removed and unfeeling to the suffering of others. We typically refuse to act even if it's occurring in front of us — not to mention in a faraway country. "There's nothing I can do anyway" has evolved into the excuse of indifference, but My Hero Academia teaches us this is not true. Even when our efforts seem futile, trying is what counts.

All Might's alter ego says something similar in a recollection depicting his early interaction with his mentor, before he transformed into All Might: "Everyone has their own problems with their close environment." (In Japanese, "personal space" is rendered as the clearer "three-meter radius.") This is why he needs to become the beacon of hope, but the crucial aspect is that when he says this, he is too Quirkless — the quintessential example of helplessness in the universe of My Hero Academia. I don't think show can really alter the society we live in, but the lesson of My Hero Academia has not been more relevant. Savor this last chapter while you can.