So, for my full thoughts on this chapter;
Pretty sure Deku is going to have a percent increase after all this fighting and pain. Something I’ve noticed with this chapter is that, for every single panel he is in, even when he’s just walking down the street, he has full cowl activated. He’s doing what he did in class: training even while doing mundane actions. Wouldn’t surprise me if he jumps to 55% or even higher after what is essentially an eternal grind against assassins and villains.
His stamina is also at Shigaraki vs Machia levels by this point easily. He’s not sleeping, eating minimally and is always moving to the next fight, for weeks on end in order for a rumor like THAT to start up. Truly, he is built different.
As for his mental state, he’s just ******. He hates AFO, he’s scared for everyone, he’s guilty of not saving people, he’s sad at their fates, he’s confused at everything and he doesn’t know where his end-goal even is. Going from someone that worshipped All Might, to being his student, to being like a son to him, and now turning his back on him, is some of the best character development you could ever have in any story period. His relationship with All Might, and hence his direct connection to the idea of being a Hero itself, are shattered, because he’s too deep into a fight that shouldn’t have been his to begin with.
I, for the first time, think we might go over to the students in a couple chapters while Deku solos villains, since now he’s a living legend/boogeyman across probably all of Japan. Shoto sent a message this chapter, so the students have gotten some mention for the first time in a while, which means they might hop back into the spotlight now. Just imagine Uraraka or Bakugo hearing this legend about the man with multiple quirks that looks too scary to be a hero.
First off though, Stain is going to be having a talk with someone. Whether it be All Might or Deku, he heard that entire conversation, and knows what they’re going through. As someone who weeds out false heroes, I wonder what he’ll think of Deku now?
Though things look bleak right now, I think he can come back from this. He needs support, help, and the perspective of people that truly know him (like Uraraka
) in order to rise from the depths of hell and back to the place of a hero. He needs to regain the light of hope and his smile. He’s simply carrying burdens, too many for him to possibly keep going, so when he shares the load, he’ll be the greatest Hero anyone could ask for. Someone who has seen every side of the spectrum, and lived in the pits of a broken society, but ultimately will drag himself out to change everything.
Overall: Deku is a top 2 character. I will only accept Shigaraki as even a contender for best character in the series. The development, changes, beginning, middle and approaching end of his character are better than anything I could’ve imagined. Put respect on his name.