The Todoroki family plotline might be the most relatable in My Hero Academia, and it's justified

With the recent release of My Hero Academia season 7 episode 7, the anime sets up the fight between Shoto and Toya Todoroki. This essentially reminded fans of the Todoroki family plotline and how they felt about it. While the plotline left many fans uncomfortable, many liked it, given how that was the most relatable story arc in the series.

My Hero Academia season 7 episode 7 saw Burnin comment on Endeavor. She expressed how even though the hero had family problems, there were no lies in his professional work, past or present. While the sidekick stated this, intending to focus on the fight in front of them, fans didn't like it and spoke up against it on social media. Hence, the Todoroki family plotline resurfaced in the minds of My Hero Academia fans.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers.

My Hero Academia: Why do fans find the Todoroki family plotline engaging?

Toya and Enji as seen in My Hero Academia (Image via BONES)

The Todoroki family plotline originates from Enji Todoroki, also known as Endeavor. Endeavor wished to raise a child with the potential to become the No.1 Hero. Hence, he married Rei in a quirk marriage and gave birth to Toya. While Endeavor was happy with Toya's existence, Toya's quirk and body were not suited to each other, forcing Enji to give up on training him.

However, unlike Enji's fourth child Shoto, Toya was very keen on training under his father and wished for him to overlook his training. Unfortunately, given Toya's condition, Enji had no choice but to ignore his son. Nevertheless, Toya wished to impress his father and trained secretly. Learning the same, enraged Enji as he beat his wife Rei for not stopping his son from running off to train.

Toya Todoroki as seen in My Hero Academia (Image via BONES)

These events essentially broke Rei, even leading her to pour boiling water on Shoto, burning his face. As for Enji, he began ignoring Toya even more. One such event saw Enji ignoring Toya's request to oversee his improvements at Sekoto Peak. Unbeknownst to him, that event led to Toya losing control of his flames, burning his body and the forest. With that, the entire Todoroki family crumbled.

The reason why fans find this story arc the most engaging is because several plot points, despite being very sensitive, were relatable to them. Parents ignoring their children, jealousy among siblings, family quarrels, etc. were all elements that can be present in any household to some extent. Hence, fans found the Todoroki storyline engaging and believed it was a crucial talking point.

How fans reacted to the Todoroki family's plotline

Natsuo and Enji as seen in the My Hero Academia manga (Image via Shueisha)

Many fans really liked the entire plotline as it helped them feel better. One fan shared how they experienced similar situations growing up. Hence, hearing Enji Todoroki express that he wanted to atone for his sins made them feel good.

Another fan expressed that the best part about the plotline was that the anime did not want fans to side with Enji in the situation. Even Enji was shown saying that he did not want the forgiveness of his family, he only wished to atone for his sins. Hence, the anime did not defend his actions, yet saw Endeavor flip a new leaf.

"As someone who experienced similarities growing up, it was almost like a sense of relief hearing him say he just wanted to atone. I needed to hear that as a kid. And it also set a new appreciation for the character. I liked that moment," a fan shared.

"People who hate endeavor have very valid reasons for doing so. The Todoroki plotline is one that hits close to home for many and just like how Natsuo isn't expected to forgive Enji, the audience who have been in his position shouldn't have to either," one fan said.

Enji Todoroki as seen in My Hero Academia (Image via BONES)

"exactly and the entire point is that you’re not supposed to forgive him. What’s done is done but the point of his character is his DEVELOPMENT and GROWTH. he’s not automatically a good person but he’s striving for atonement and some ppl fail to see that part," another said.

"At first, I hated Endeavor because of what he did to his family, but as time went on, he became one of my favorite characters. He knows he can’t fix his mistakes, but his family is willing to move forward with him in the picture as he atones for his sins," shared one fan.

"My problem is when people still use it as a excuse for Dabi. He has genuine reasons to hate endeavor but his way to get revenge killed innocent people and helped in AFO’s plan," other fan said.

Another fan also shared that they were okay with people who chose to forgive or not forgive Enji Todoroki. The problem they had was with people who defended Dabi's actions.

While it is true that Enji was responsible for Toya's bad past, and subsequently Dabi's creation, none of Enji's actions should be used to justify Dabi's decision-making for killing countless people during his time as a villain.