5 My Hero Academia characters who benefited most from chapter 431 (& 5 who didn't gain much)
My Hero Academia characters received a shocking twist with the inclusion of chapter 431 in the final volume of the manga. This chapter gave fans an updated ending, which was an extension of the original conclusion's eight-year time skip wherein Deku settled into his role as a teacher at U.A. High School.
While some characters found new opportunities to shine or grow in this revised conclusion, others gained little from the changes. Kohei Horikoshi's attempt to clear all remaining issues was not entirely accepted, as the chapter changed the futures of many loved characters.
Here are 5 My Hero Academia characters who benefited the most from chapter 431 and 5 who gained nothing.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and includes spoilers from the manga.
Shoto Todoroki and 4 other My Hero Academia characters who benefited most from chapter 431
1) Ochaco Uraraka
Ochaco Uraraka is one of the My Hero Academia characters who benefited the most from chapter 431 as it was about emotional closure and personal development for her. Her constant dreams about Himiko Toga show that she still has lingering feelings of guilt and questions for both of them, but when Himiko says the last words, it encourages Ochaco to live with her feelings truly.
It shows how mature Ochaco is, with all her responsibilities while maintaining her authenticity. The moment of her heartfelt reunion with Izuku demonstrates her openness toward pursuing happiness and moving forward for herself.
2) Katsuki Bakugo
The chapter depicts how much Bakugo has grown into an excellent hero, especially after his explosive school days. With numerous applications for the position of a sidekick thanks to that extremely impressive battle against All For One, Bakugo certainly has much strength and a heroic reputation.
His subtle approach to asking Izuku to work with him by joining his agency shows a more careful and strategic side of his personality. This plotline proves he's no longer just a rival but a capable leader, making him one of the My Hero Academia characters who benefited most from chapter 431.
3) Izuku Midoriya
Chapter 431 illustrates how Deku is comfortable striking a balance between teaching and being a hero, which aligns with his core values. Regardless of the loss of his Quirk, One For All, his desire to inspire and guide the next generation remains unchanged. This shows how much he has grown up and matured throughout the story.
In addition to this, his character development also marks a personal breakthrough when he realizes his deeper feelings for Ochaco, which has also acted as an emotional closure and a chance to make his happiness his priority. The development of Izuku feels complete and fulfilling, making him one of the My Hero Academia characters to benefit a lot from chapter 431.
4) Shoto Todoroki
Shoto Todoroki is among the My Hero Academia characters who benefitted most from chapter 431. As he finds himself to be the No.2 Hero, it marks an important milestone by recalling the tough times he suffered while embracing how far he has come with the discovery of new interests aside from his work as a hero including making soba utensils.
This adds dimension to his character, demonstrating that he has overcome his obstacles and values life in a balanced way. This newfound peace and acceptance of himself ensures the success of the updated ending.
5) Mirio Togata
The extra chapter made sure that Mirio Togata deserved the position as the current Number 1 Hero, which demonstrated how his optimism and effort bore fruit. Regardless of losing his Quirk in the previous events, his journey to regain his powers and rank at the top shows his persistence.
His playful interaction with some children in this chapter also shows his unique approach to the position he holds, combining strength, kindness, and charisma. This moment reinforced his importance as a role model and leader in the new era of heroes. Mirio Togata is one of the My Hero Academia characters who benefited most from chapter 431.
Fumikage Tokoyami and 4 other My Hero Academia characters who didn't gain much from chapter 431
1) Minoru Mineta
Minoru Mineta appeared in Chapter 431 mostly without relevance. While Deku and Ochaco were at the center stage with their emotional development, Class A reunion, and growth, the comedic or reflective characteristics of Mineta were completely side-lined.
The whole chapter revolved around the emotional growth of Deku and Ochaco. Even on the celebratory victory of Shoto, Mineta had no input into the profound discussions of what it meant to be a hero or about growing up. This places Mineta among the My Hero Academia characters who did not gain much from chapter 431.
2) Fumikage Tokoyami
Fumikage Tokoyami only appeared in Chapter 431 where he gives a rather brief comment concerning heroes on the verge of extinction. His utterance has strong thematic weight but does nothing for plot progressions or his character arc. Compared to other classmates who would share their occupations or other life issues outside the hero, Tokoyami did not have his status, fight, or goal.
His comment was a passing one that did not reveal his development and hence made him half-baked within the chapter's general framework. This makes Tokoyami one of the My Hero Academia characters who had a minimal role in chapter 431.
3) Mashirao Ojiro
Mashirao Ojiro was only noticed briefly in Chapter 431 as he talked about villains but otherwise got washed out. The chapter focused all attention on emotional connections and changed goals, leaving little to no room for anything from Ojiro's perspective to stand out and change.
While others think about their personal or professional travels, Ojiro's never moved. His presence felt more of a filler as he had no contribution or development in the chapter, which makes him one of the My Hero Academia characters who did not gain much from chapter 431.
4) Eijiro Kirishima
Eijiro Kirishima appeared with little time and spoke mostly to Bakugo and Deku. While his line on Bakugo's agency provided some comedic relief, not much was done for his character arc. Mostly, the emotional depth of the chapter lay in Ochaco's introspection and Deku's realization, with Kirishima serving as an afterthought.
His heroic resolve and personal conflicts, issues that always defined him, weren't touched upon in the chapter. This makes Kirishima's presence superficial, adding little to the themes of growth or introspection driving the chapter, making him one of the My Hero Academia characters who had a minor role in the extra chapter.
5) Mina Ashido
Mina Ashido’s role in Chapter 431 was barely noticeable. Despite the celebratory nature of the reunion, Mina didn’t add anything meaningful to the discussions about heroism, personal aspirations, or relationships. While others received moments of introspection or growth, Mina’s character remained static.
Her typically cheerful and energetic personality had no impact on the narrative, leaving her underutilized. The chapter’s focus on deeper themes and emotional resolutions ultimately bypassed Mina, making her feel irrelevant in the larger context. This places her among the My Hero Academia characters who didn't gain a lot from the final chapter.
Final thoughts
My Hero Academia chapter 431 of the series provided mixed results for all its characters in the final volume. While the standouts were Ochaco Uraraka, Katsuki Bakugo, and Shoto Todoroki, who had development and emotional closure, the likes of Minoru Mineta, Fumikage Tokoyami, and Mina Ashido were not given the push they deserved.
Horikoshi's effort to provide a satisfying conclusion exposed growth for pivotal characters but sidetracked some who had more potential.
Related links:
- 7 My Hero Academia characters who can crush Uraume from Jujutsu Kaisen
- 10 best-written My Hero Academia characters, ranked
- 10 My Hero Academia characters who deserved a better ending