My Hero Academia Really Just Gave Shoto the Happy Ending He Deserves (2025)

Warning: SPOILERS for My Hero Academia's epilogue (volume #42)

After a long wait, the new epilogue of the My Hero Academia series has been released, giving fans a final chance to enjoy this amazing series. This special entry, found in volume #42 of the manga, delved deeper into the lives of the members of Class 1-A eight years after the end of the Final War. While Deku and Ochako are heavily focused, all of their classmates are given a chance to shine.

Such is the case for Todoroki, whose final fate shocked fans of the series, as he has gone through a complete but positive transformation. Long gone is the brooding and angry teenager hurt by Endeavor’s irredeemable actions, leaving in his place an accomplished and smiling pro hero. After all his suffering, Shoto achieved the happiness he so desperately deserved.

Pro Hero Shoto Smiles Brighter Than Ever

His Anguish Is A Thing Of The Past

When Shoto was introduced to the My Hero Academia series, he was a cheerless and reserved teenager who had suffered greatly at the hands of his father. Throughout his entire life, Todoroki had to endure the constant abuse, hurtful words, and dangerous training of Endeavor. Such an awful childhood made him abandon the idea of a better and happier life, focusing all his energy on ruining his father’s plans. It was not until he met Deku that he managed to slowly recover his joy and open his heart again.

During the epilogue found in volume #42, the culmination of this difficult journey can be seen, with a Todoroki who smiles and laughs with his friends without any worries. His past still hurts, as proven by his sad smile as he speaks about his family's tragic story. The remnant of his pain becomes clearer when he explains Dabi died during the eight-year timeskip, resting after suffering a fate worse than death for many months. Yet, despite these circumstances, Shoto can find the will to move on and enjoy the time with his colleagues.

Shoto Rose To The Top On His Own Merits

The Epilogue Confirms He Is The Number Two Hero

One of the reasons behind Endeavor's constant abuse was his desire to surpass All Might and become the indisputable number one hero. When the fire-based pro realized that his dream would never come true, he placed his frustrated dream on Shoto’s shoulders, forcing him to become an elite fighter. Despite his refusal to follow along with Enji’s plan, the epilogue confirms that Todoroki has let go of his grudge and has quickly risen in the rankings, becoming the number two hero in Japan.

This is most likely thanks to his amazing Half-Hot Half-Cold Quirk, undoubtedly one of the most powerful in the franchise. Nevertheless, the previous entry, chapter #430, proves that his friendly disposition and desire to do good have helped him achieve this monumental task. Shoto did not follow Endeavor’s path to the top, refusing to let brute strength and pride become his best tools. Instead, he has become a hero who can share the empathy and compassion his childhood lacked with the world.

Class 1-A Was Fundamental For Shoto’s Happy Ending

Every Member Contributed To His Joy

Even though Izuku was a major help in Todoroki’s healing journey, he is not the only one who helped him achieve happiness. Spending time with other students his age helped him come out of his shell and socialize for the first time in his life. Seeing how others cared for his well-being taught him that not everyone would want to hurt him as his father did. More importantly, the bonds he created with certain members of class 1-A were essential for his mental health. Deku showed him that he could rely on others and helped him let go of his fear of using his fire.

It's yours! Your Quirk, not his!

- Izuku Midoriya

​​​​​​​

Bakugo became his rival, pushing him to be better and achieve greatness without having to listen to Endeavor’s teachings. Helping Momo with their first-term final exam showed him what a true leader is, an image that had been corrupted by Enji Todoroki long ago. This connection with his classmates is what makes Shoto’s epilogue special. When he raises his glass and toasts with his friends, he is not only celebrating their victory over All For One, but also the culmination of his amazing character arc.

The epilogue found in volume #42 of the My Hero Academia manga was an excellent and necessary addition to give readers closure. Fans of Shoto are no doubt beyond elated about their favorite character’s deserved happy ending. His journey was not easy, but it is time for Todoroki to enjoy his life and let go of the pain he grew up with.

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My Hero Academia

Action

Superhero

Animation

In My Hero Academia, some humans have superpowers called quirks. Izuku Midoriya, nicknamed Deku, is not one of them. Deku has always idolized heroes like the number one hero, All Might, and since he was a child, he has always wanted to be a hero. However, his lack of a quirk 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 centers around Deku and a class of heroes-in-training at UA. This school shapes young quirk users into future heroes through fake 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 with dastardly supervillains.

Release Date

April 3, 2016

Seasons

7

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu , Crunchyroll

Franchise

My Hero Academia

Production Company

Bones