Hidden detail makes Kirishima's fate in My Hero Academia chapter 431 one of the best
My Hero Academia chapter 431, the new addition in volume 42 of the manga, has elevated the ending of the series by adding more context and explanations of the conclusions of the cast and the story as a whole. Most people are focused on the ending of Izuku "Deku" Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, Ochaco Uraraka, and more, but Eijiro Kirishima's conclusion might be one of the most subtle and underrated.
There was a moment during the Overhaul arc where Kirishima was opening up to Bakugo, Fumikage Tokoyami, Denki Kaminari, and Hanta Seto about how his Quirk and role as a hero are full of weaknesses. However, by the time of My Hero Academia chapter 431, he ranks higher than all of these characters, highlighting how he managed to overcome his insecurities and become a successful hero.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series. Any opinion expressed here belongs to the author and not Sportskeeda as a publication.
My Hero Academia chapter 431 gives Kirishima one of the best rankings and makes a lot of sense
It is confirmed in My Hero Academia chapter 431 that Kirishima ranks higher in the hero polls than Bakugo, Tokoyami, Denki Kaminari, and Hanta Seto, despite him thinking back in UA that they had better Quirks. This highlights the character's success after the eight-year time skip and also, in a subtle way, how he became the person he always wanted to be.
Eijiro suffered from insecurity throughout the series, feeling fear of not living up to the values of chivalry and traditional masculinity that defined him, inspired by his favorite hero, Crimson Riot. However, My Hero Academia chapter 431 shows him ranking higher than the friends he was talking to in that scene at UA, proving his worth and overcoming the odds.
Some fans could point out that the rankings are based on popularity, but that only further highlights Kirishima's achievements, since he must have saved a lot of people and also proved to be quite good with civilians. It is shown by the fact that Bakugo's rude personality has him ranking somewhat low, which means that Eijiro must have done an all-around great job if he is in 12th place.
Kirishima's evolution throughout the series
My Hero Academia chapter 431 didn't put a lot of emphasis on Kirishima's character after the eight-year time skip, but his ranking alone probably pleases his fans. It's the confirmation that he managed to become a successful hero and one who can live up to the legacy of Crimson Riot.
While he had a small role throughout most of the series, a lot of fans celebrated his role in the Overhaul arc since it added more background to his characterization and why he wants to be a hero. It shows that he had a tendency to get scared during critical moments and couldn't act as he wanted to, causing him a lot of insecurities.
Moreover, his backstory of dealing with low self-esteem also highlighted his friendship with Mina Ashido, becoming one of the most popular ships in the fandom, although it was never confirmed if they became a couple.
Final thoughts
My Hero Academia chapter 431 pleased a lot of fans and this small detail highlights how good the ending turned out to be. Kirishima is a fan-favorite and a bonafide hero, with his conclusion being one of the most satisfying in the series.
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