My Hero Academia’smanga just recently ended, as of August 17, 2025, after a successful decade. However, mangaka, Kohei Horikoshi, reflected in an interview on anearlierMy Hero Academiamoment he wanted fans to believe was the ultimate end. The manga continued for years after this pivotal scene, but that does not negate its monumental impact on the story.
The first fight between All For One and All Might was shocking, emotional, and one of the saddest moments inMy Hero Academiaat that time. It marked a turning point in the series: the moment when Deku had to pick up the torch and carry on what All Might had started, because the Symbol of Peace finally lost his powers for good. Horikoshi described in an interview, translated byaitaikimochion Tumblr, how important this scene was, how difficult it was to write, and also, how he wanted to “trick” fans into believing this was the finale of the series.
My Hero Academia’s First All For One & All Might Fight Was Designed To Trick Fans
The Scene Concluded the Era of All Might, but Horikoshi Wanted Fans To Believe the Series Was Ending
The season three All Might vs. All For One fight was such an intense and pivotal moment that changed everything going forward for not just the U.A. students, but the entire world. When Bakugo Katsuki, a U.A. High student, was captured by the League of Villains, All Might had no choice but to track down the villains and save the boy from danger.
In the impending battle,the franchise’s ultimate villain All For Onebecame involved, revealing his identity and appearance for the first time in the series. During the climax of the arc,All For One and All Might finally battled head-to-head againin a high-stakes scene. The fight raged on for quite a while, with All Might growing weaker and weaker as he was forced to rely on the dying embers ofa Quirk he no longer possessed, since he had already passed it on to Deku.
My Hero Academia’s Creator Revealed the True Theme That Connects His Entire Story
In an interview, My Hero Academia creator, Kohei Horikoshi, explains how Deku and All Might create the “vertical axis” of the story.
The odds seemed to not be in All Might’s favor, but at the last second, the hero pulled out a devastating move that won him the victory. After hitting All For One with a powerful United States of Smash blow, All Might was the champion of the battle. Onlookers cheered, but Deku sobbed, realizing the era of All Might was over.
My Hero Academia’sMost Pivotal Moment Set The Tone For The Series Going Forward
Deku’s Resolve To Become the New Symbol of Peace Was Strengthened by All Might’s Complete Loss of Power
All Might delivered a message to the crowd in the aftermath of the battle, proclaiming, “You’re next.” Deku and Bakugo were the only two individuals to pick up on the deeper meaning of these words. The phrase served asAll Might formally passing on his Symbol of Peace status to Deku, not as a stern warning to other scheming villains like onlookers believed it was.
From this point onward, Deku became much more serious and motivated, realizing he had no choice but to pick up where All Might had left off, since his idol no longer possessed powers to fight with.
All Might’s Final My Hero Academia Battle Confirms His True Power
All Might’s faceoff with All for One, even without a Quirk, proves that All Might was always deserving of his reputation as a Symbol of Peace.
Horikoshi explained that he put his all into this fight specifically, hoping viewers would “look back atBoku No Hero Academiaand say that the best episode of the entire series was the fight.” His wish was granted, since the scene is still one of the series' most famous and meaningful.The battle marks a tonal shiftbecause the entire Hideout Raid arcwas much darker than previous arcs. Before this part of the story began, Horikoshi had noted that he hoped to “write a bit more of a painful story,” hinting at the grim arc to come.
The Hideout Raid Arc and All for One Fight TookMy Hero AcademiaInto Darker Territory
Horikoshi Proved He Could Write Both Happy and Dark Arcs
The Hideout Raid Arc and the following Shie Hassaikai Arc wereMy Hero Academia’sdarkest yet, proving Horikoshi’s versatility as a writer. He showed readers he could write both peppy, upbeat stories and grim, gloomier ones, blending these elements to create one of the most well-rounded and intriguing shonen series of the modern day.
The All Might vs. All For One battle raised the stakes ofMy Hero Academiamore than ever before, putting incredible pressure on Deku to reach the potential All Might saw in him and take on his Symbol of Peace role as soon as possible.
