Important takeaways
- Kirishima and Mina's friendship began in middle school and inspired growth in each other.
- They were mutually supportive throughout the series, helping each other become better heroes.
- Their bond remained strong after the manga, developing into a deep friendship based on admiration and respect.
In all series, relationship dynamics are important to develop storylines and retain viewers. My Hero Academia doesn't disappoint in this regard, with some interesting relationships that develop over time and make great contributions to character growth. Among these is the relationship between Eijiro Kirishima and Mina Ashido.
Their combined journey throughout My Hero Academia shows not only how they grew individually, but how their bond has influenced their personal character arcs. The following article will look at the developments that came about in their relationship, such as how it sculpted them both as individuals and as heroes, and where they stand with each other at the end of the manga.
The early beginnings of their friendship
How Kirishima and Mina first met
Kirishima and Mina have known each other since high school, long before they attended UA High. Their first meeting itself reveals that Kirishima has always felt a lack of confidence, while Mina's fearless attitude and natural charisma fully inspired him. This formed the very basis of their friendship, harnessed through admiration and respect. Mina's boldness and self-confidence influenced Kirishima when he decided to become a hero, as he found in her all the qualities that he wanted to develop in his personality.
These moments of his early friendship with Mina are the ones where he actually looked up to her as a role model. Where danger appeared, she plunged in head first without thinking. In comparison, Kirishima initially fought bravely at the time. This dynamic tends to set the tone for their future interactions; Mina indirectly forces Kirishima to become a better version of himself.
Immovable power meets supporting destruction
Hardening and melting Duo
As they progress through UA High, Kirishima and Mina begin to have a more defined effect on each other's growth. Kirishima begins to show development as a hero overcoming his insecurities by gaining confidence, especially in battles. Mina's supportive nature and confidence act as a catalyst for Kirishima to gain the courage he needs to improve his quirk to take on greater challenges. Mina, on the other hand, is starting to learn from Kirishima's newer tenacity and determination. While Mina had been an outspoken, strong-minded since day one, Kirishima's growth into a more defined hero helps refine her abilities and heroism.
Throughout the series, it's clear that this couple, while not primarily a romantic couple, works well. Mina's bright nature balances out Kirishima's more serious nature and his more self-critical persona, and their interactions with each other make them nice to be around and central to their own arcs.
Key moments that define their relationship
A number of moments in both the anime and manga cement the connection between Kirishima and Mina as one worth noting. He remembers very well when Mina in middle school stood up for herself against a group of bullies, one that served as a turning point for Kirishima himself. It is then that he decides to be like Mina and takes her as inspiration to improve his quirk and harden himself mentally and physically.
If I crack, I harden again! Stay strong! Protect others! Even if it means your life! – Eijiro Kirishima
Another critical moment is during the Provisional Hero License Exam, where Kirishima's hardening quirk is pushed to its limits. Although Mina does not directly engage in this fight, the aftermath of her past actions and encouragement is expressed in Kirishima's mental strength, as he remembers the confidence and resilient attitude Mina has shown and fuels his determination for success. These moments reflect how their friendship, built on mutual admiration, continues to propel them to greater heights as heroes.
The roles they played in each other's arcs
Kirishima and Mina have always supported each other, but both have played incredibly different roles in each other's heroic development process. For Kirishima, Mina is this figure of courage and energy, thus striving to become a better hero. This can be seen tremendously as Kirishima goes from being a shy, self-doubting student to a battle-hardened hero who stands proudly among his peers.
Mina's arc is a bit different, heavily informed by Kirishima's development. As he grows stronger and more confident, it starts to be worth it for Mina to truly see the value in tenacity and hard work. Born a genius, Kirishima's meteoric rise through blood, sweat and tears affects her as she takes her growth as a hero a little more seriously. By the end of the manga, both characters have clearly influenced each other's trajectories, and their friendship stands as a testament to how complementary and strong different personalities can be to each other.
Where their relationship stands after the end of the manga
The Status of Kirishima and Minas Bond Post-Manga
Now when My Hero Academia series has ended, it seems that Kirishima and Mina's relationship is pretty consistent. Throughout the series, the two never meet, but their close friendship only matured over time into something more profound. By the end of the manga, the two are really great friends, and both heroes couldn't be more serious about their responsibilities in the hero world.
Both friend and foe were mingled, and we could see nothing around us! – My Ashido
In many ways, their friendship has remained one of the constants throughout all the chaos that happens within comics. They are close friends who spur each other on to success, and their interactions are imbued with warmth and mutual respect. While fan speculation can always dream of something more between them, the series has chosen to keep their bond as an unwavering friendship.
Kirishima and Mina's relationship has always been one of the most pure and sweet in the My Hero Academia. It's really a friendship between these two characters based on mutual admiration and respect that could help both characters grow and face their own personal issues. Even though they didn't end up together, it's still one of the most striking bonds within this series, because having people who believe in you is very important.
