Exploring the Dilemmas of Transferring One For All with Bakugo and Deku

My Hero Academia (MHA) fans often engage in discussions about the alternate possibilities and implications of different character interactions. One such discussion involves the transfer of 'One For All' (OFA) from All Might to All For One, a storyline made popular in the Heroes Rising movie. However, it's important to note that while the movie serves as a supplementary narrative, it is not necessarily canon and does not definitively determine the continuity of the series.

Ruling Out Canonicity: Heroes Rising and OFA

Firstly, the movie Heroes Rising is not considered part of the official canon of My Hero Academia. The author, Kohei Horikoshi, has stated that while the movie is set within a defined timeline of the series, it does not necessarily form part of the main storyline. Additionally, when examining Bakugo's involvement with OFA in the movie, it becomes evident that he never fully possessed the quirk. His encounter with the vestige of OFA was cut short before the complete transfer, and he only had enough of OFA's essence to utilize a form of explosive power, not the entirety of the quirk.

Consequences of Giving One For All: The Vestige World and Quirk Availability

If a character did fully transfer OFA to another, their consciousness would remain in the vestige world, making it possible for the Recipient To Be (RTB) character, such as Deku, to access the transferring character's quirk abilities—provided that the transferring character possessed such abilities. For example, if Bakugo had fully transferred OFA to Deku, Deku would gain access to Bakugo's explosive quirk, significantly enhancing his already formidable combat abilities.

The Nature of One For All: Limited and Fading Quirk Proliferation

One For All is a powerful quirk with significant side effects. Holding OFA can lead to accelerated aging, leading to faster aging and eventually, a shortened lifespan. This risk is not simply a matter of the individual's physical age but also depends on how long they hold the quirk and the power of the quirks they stockpile in OFA. While the 4th user of OFA, Yuji Shima, lived to the ripe old age of 40 after holding it for 18 years, the current strength of OFA is greater, and it is unclear whether the accelerated aging is compounded by the influx of additional quirks or if it remains a linear progression.

Canonicity of One For All Transfers: Dealing with Bakugo and Deku

In discussions of transferring OFA, it's generally established that when one character gives OFA to another, they do not lose their own OFA. This is why when All Might transferred OFA to Deku, it did not diminish his own OFA. Similarly, if Deku were to give OFA to Bakugo and then receive it back, neither of them would lose the quirk, and the vestige of OFA would remain in the vestige world.

Cultural Impact and Fan Theories

My Hero Academia's rich lore and complex character interactions frequently spark fan theories and creative narratives. A popular scenario is one where Deku gives OFA to Bakugo, and then Bakugo, either by choice or by the vestige's influence, gives it back to Deku. This scenario has been explored in the Heroes Rising movie, but with some variations that have led to fan speculation. It is suggested that the next successor of OFA would need to embrace and utilize it the same way All Might did. Additionally, it has been hinted that Deku and All Might will likely be the longest users of OFA, with Deku possibly being the last.

Final Thoughts

While the idea of Deku giving OFA to Bakugo and then receiving it back is a fascinating concept, there are several factors to consider, including the potential side effects of holding OFA and the role of the vestige world. Fortunately, the scenario has already been played out in the second season of My Hero Academia, where Deku initially gives OFA to Bakugo, and Bakugo ultimately returns it after an encounter with a vestige of OFA. This event showcases the complexity and mystery surrounding the quirk while maintaining Deku's inherently good nature, as the plot suggests.

Additional Resources and References

For more detailed discussions and insights on My Hero Academia, consider exploring fan communities and official fan forums. Additionally, visiting the official My Hero Academia website and the My Hero Academia subreddit can provide a wealth of information and ongoing discussions about the series. Delve into these resources for a deeper understanding of the intricate plotlines and character interactions.