How has Shirakumo's death affected Aizawa?

Important takeaways

  • Aizawa's teaching philosophy stemmed from his trauma and the loss of his best friend, Shirakumo.
  • Shirakumo's death greatly affected Aizawa, leading him to isolate himself and become an underground hero.
  • Aizawa's strict teaching style at UA High School is influenced by his desire to prepare students to face the harsh realities of being a hero.



When first introduced to Aizawa Shota, he was depicted as a cold and strict teacher known for expelling students he didn't think were worthy of becoming a student at UA High School. While many may think that Aizawa's teaching philosophy was nothing but madness, there is a method to it.

Aizawa wouldn't be the pro hero he is today without the support of his best friend, Shirakumo. While 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 i My Hero Academia?

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Who was Shirakumo to Aizawa?

Although Once A Trio, Unfortunately, became a duo

my hero academy shirakumo aizawa yamada


Shirakumo Oboro was Aizawa Shota's classmate at UA High School. The two were in Class 2-A of the heroics department along with Yamada Hizashi. During Aizawa's time in high school, he always doubted himself and felt like he didn't belong. The My Hero Academia: Vigilante's manga showed more of Aizawa and Shirakumo's high school past and what made Aizawa the current hero he is.

Shirakumo Oboro could be seen as the class clown and more of the main character in Aizawa and Yamada's life. During his second year at UA High School, Aizawa's perspective on heroism began to change. Due to Aizawa, Yamada, and Shirakumo not being assigned to a hero agency for practice, the three soon formed a trio.

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Unfortunately, Yamada and Shirakumo were always ahead of Aizawa, as both of their quirks allowed them to act quickly during battle. As a result, Aizawa felt like he needed to catch up as his Erasure Quirk allowed him to disable Quirks, but he needed more physical strength to fight.


At the time, Aizawa had yet to realize the extent of his abilities, and although he was above average in his grades, Aizawa was often unable to perform during battle. However, Aizawa's perception of his abilities changed after meeting Kayama Nemuri or Midnight and joining the Purple Revolution Agency.

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Shirakumo and Aizawa soon joined the Purple Revolution Agency and often worked on cases together, strengthening their bond. During this time, Aizawa was able to establish his weakness in battle and with his quirk. In Chapter 61, Shirakumo gave Aizawa his signature glasses to use in battle; this would soon give Aizawa the defining trait that would allow him to excel in battle. Aizawa would then make these glasses an iconic feature of 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 kindergarteners from a collapsing building.


How has Shirakumo's death affected Aizawa?

Aizawa would isolate himself and devote his teaching philosophy to ensuring his students are ready to become professional heroes

my hero academy aizawa underground pro hero

Unbeknownst to Aizawa, he always had the ability to be a hero. In the past, Aizawa had always doubted himself and his abilities. At the time of Shirakumo's death, Aizawa did not know he had died because he was hallucinating Shirakumo directing and cheering him on through his loudspeaker. After seeing Shirakumo hit in the head, Aizawa was able to break free of his psychological bonds and take down the villain.

However, after Shirakumo's death, Aizawa soon returned to his shell. His best friend's death most likely traumatized Aizawa. During his third year at UA High School, Aizawa became disinterested in socializing with the rest of his classmates. Aizawa also became a formidable opponent during the battle, as his previous flaws no longer held him back.


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Contrary to Aizawa's current teaching philosophy, he soon began skipping class when he received a passing grade and spent most of his time training. As mentioned above, Aizawa was likely traumatized by the loss of his best friend during battle. The result of this event would cause Aizawa to distance himself and influence him to specialize in fighting villains. Instead of starting his own agency with Yamada and Shirakumo, Aizawa became an independent or underground Pro Hero.

Aizawa was unable to deal with Shirakumo's death, which affected him to the point of changing his perception of friendship and what it meant to him to be a hero. When working in a Hero Agency, all members must work in a team; this gives the Heroes an advantage during combat if their quirks are suitable for apprehending the villain.


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Because of this, Aizawa chose to live as a nomad, fighting villains solo and choosing not to develop any close friendships. But after meeting Haimawari Koichi and the Hotta brothers, Aizawa soon considers becoming a teacher at UA High School. At the time, as mentioned in ch. 59 My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, Aizawa had no good memories of his time at UA, likely due to Shirakumo's death.

Although Shirakumo's death greatly affected Aizawa for several years, he soon became a teacher at UA High School with a unique teaching philosophy. Already knowing the dangers of what it means to be 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 terrifying situations that may include death. He also wanted his students to become inspirational heroes, similar to Shirakumo before his death, which is why he chose to be strict with his students.


Shirakumo's death struck Aizawa. He no longer wanted to see those around him die, so 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 appear stately, he cares for those around him, and the prospect of losing those close to him causes him to detach from his surroundings. But after becoming a UA teacher, Aizawa was able to move past his difficulties.

My Hero Academia is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.

My Hero Academia

In My Hero Academia, some people have superpowers called quirks. Izuku Midoriya, nicknamed Deku, is not one of them. Deku has always idolized heroes such as the number one hero, All Might, and since he was a child he has always wanted to be a hero. However, his lack of quirkiness 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 revolves around Deku and a class of heroes in training at UA. This school molds young quirk users into future heroes through mock 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 against nefarious supervillains.

Seasons
7

Studio
Bone

Number of episodes
159

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