My Hero Academia Symbol of Hope

Izuku Midoriya Origin

Not everyone is created equal; that's the harsh truth Izuku Midoriya learned when he was just four years old. It was a truth etched into his young mind when he was diagnosed as quirkless—a term that would define much of his early life. From the moment he entered school, Izuku faced relentless bullying. His peers mocked him for his lack of a quirk, something that in their world of heroes and superpowers, seemed to be the only measure of worth.

Izuku's childhood was marked by a deep admiration for heroes, particularly two who would shape his destiny. All Might, the Symbol of Peace, became his idol from a young age. Izuku watched every video, read every article, and dreamed of one day standing tall like his hero. All Might's debut as a hero was a moment of awe and inspiration for Izuku, a beacon of hope in a world where strength seemed to dictate everything.

As Izuku grew older, he faced the harsh reality of his quirkless condition. Bullies at school tormented him, reinforcing the belief that he was worthless without a quirk. Even as he entered his first year of middle school, hope seemed distant. But then, something unexpected happened—Superman, the prodigious hero and son of All Might, made his debut.

Superman's arrival as a pro hero coincided with a pivotal moment in Izuku's life. It was a time when he began to question his own dreams and abilities. Seeing Superman in action, using his powers for good, reignited Izuku's determination. He realized that being quirkless didn't define him; it was his heart and his choices that mattered.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, Izuku's resolve grew stronger. He immersed himself in hero studies, learning everything he could about heroics and strategy. His admiration for All Might and Superman fueled his desire to become a hero himself, to protect others and make a difference.

As Izuku Midoriya walked home after school now on his third year of middle school, his mind buzzed with Bakugo Katsuki, his longtime childhood friend turned relentless bully. Bakugo's harsh words still echoed in his mind, urging Izuku to take a leap from the rooftop and wish for a quirk in his next life—a cruel reminder of the societal pressure that weighed heavily on Izuku's shoulders as a quirkless individual.

Lost in his thoughts, Izuku found himself on a familiar path, his steps heavy with the weight of self-doubt and frustration. As if fate were toying with him, his mundane journey home took a sudden and terrifying turn. A menacing sludge villain materialized before him, its grotesque form oozing malevolence and danger. Frozen in place, Izuku's breath caught in his throat as fear gripped him like a vice.

But just when all hope seemed lost, a booming voice shattered the silence. "Fear not, for I am here!"

The arrival of All Might, the Symbol of Peace, was a thunderclap of reassurance in Izuku's world of uncertainty. In a blur of speed and power, All Might engaged the sludge villain with a ferocity that defied belief. His punch echoed like thunder, as he freed Izuku from the villain.

Once the villain was captured in a bottle, All Might, with his iconic smile and towering presence, approached him with a gentle yet concerned expression. "Young man, are you alright?" he asked, his voice a comforting balm amidst the chaos.

Izuku could barely find his voice, overwhelmed by the magnitude of what had transpired. "Th-thank you, All Might," he managed to utter, his gratitude sincere and raw.

But as All Might turned to leave, preparing to depart like a fleeting dream, Izuku's desperation surged. Without hesitation, driven by a need that burned within him, he reached out and clung to All Might's arm. The pro hero paused, startled by Izuku's unexpected action, as they ascended into the sky.

Finally, they landed on a quiet rooftop, the cityscape stretching out before them in a tapestry of lights and shadows. Izuku stood before All Might, his heart pounding with a mix of awe and determination. This was his chance—the moment he had yearned for, to ask the question that gnawed at his soul.