Why My Hero Academia chapter 429's handling of Toga's fate isn't as bad as fans are saying, explained

Given that the series currently has one chapter left till it reaches its definitive conclusion, My Hero Academia chapter 429 cleared up a lot of doubts and confusion fans had regarding the fate of Himiko Toga and Deku's current situation with One For All.

However, it would be an understatement to say that fans were disappointed with the ending that Toga received. Fans' disappointment and frustration with Toga's fate mostly stems from the character's tragic backstory, and due to the fact that Horikoshi is known for usually redeeming his villains and giving them a proper sendoff. According to the fans, this is something that Toga certainly did not get, seeing as to how she was confirmed to have died in her battle against Ochako Uraraka.

That said, Toga's ending as confirmed in My Hero Academia chapter 429 isn't necessarily bad simply because she met her end. This is something that fans might come to realize once they go over her complete backstory, which would prove that the way Toga's fate was concluded, was the best possible ending for her character.

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My Hero Academia chapter 429: Why Himiko Toga's ending was the best possible sendoff for her character

Following the revelation in My Hero Academia chapter 429 that Himiko Toga had died on the battlefield, the majority of the fanbase expressed their disappointment with Horikoshi for failing to give Toga a proper sendoff.

The fans' strong reaction can also be attributed to the fact that, unlike Toga, other villains like Dabi and Spinner were given overall satisfying endings in the past few chapters.

That said, Horikoshi's decision to kill Toga off in her battle against Uraraka may not have been such a bad decision. In order to understand this perspective, let us take a brief look at Himiko Toga's character arc in My Hero Academia, which may prove once and for all, that there could not have been a better ending for her character.

Also Read: Fans disappointed as no confession takes place in My Hero Academia chapter 429

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Throughout the series, one thing was made clear about Himiko Toga's character - she was mentally unstable and had a very twisted perception of love and friendship. According to Toga, her way of expressing her affection to those she liked, mostly included sucking up their blood and even butchering those who fit the description of her ideal lover. This showcases just how twisted Toga's understanding of love is.

That said, the affection that she feels for others, like Deku in particular, is void of any inherent malevolence and is as genuine as the love that "normal" people feel. This was proven during the Final War arc when Deku's Danger Sense could not detect Toga, even when she was running at him with a knife. Thereby, it is evident that although Toga's feelings of affection are genuine, she simply does not know how to express them in a normal manner due to her twisted mental state.

During her childhood days, Toga had to put on an act in order to fit in with what society considered to be "normal" since everyone who knew her in the past considered her to be an extremely cheerful and well-mannered girl. However, she was unable to put up with this act as she grew older, as it became increasingly difficult for her to put on a mask just to live up to society's expectations and norms.

Also Read: My Hero Academia chapter 429 spoilers

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According to Re-Destro, Toga's twisted personality and feelings were a result of her Quirk requiring her to ingest others' blood, thus prompting a natural desire for it. As such, her mentality became influenced by her Quirk's nature over time, which led her to believe that it was completely normal for her to express her feelings by injuring and drawing the blood of those she liked.

She eventually gave in to her Quirk's influence and brutally attacked her classmate, believing what she felt towards him was a crush. However, this led her to be ostracized by her parents and everyone around her. Being called things like 'inhuman' and 'rotten to the core' by her parents who she loved dearly, mentally broke Toga at the time, who was unable to deal with the fact that no one could ever accept her as she was.

Throughout the series, Toga has also displayed a longing for true friendship and people she can relate to. It led her to be drawn to Ochako Uraraka since the two were similar in a way. Both of them were forced to shut away their true feelings - Uraraka hid her feelings for Deku, whereas Toga had to hide her true nature, which was a result of her Quirk. As such, she was deeply hurt when Uraraka refused to relate to her at first.

While being on the hunt by the heroes, readers got to discover that Toga was somewhat fearful of being captured or killed, as seen when she was caught by Eel Boy. She had also adopted Tomura Shigaraki's ideals and philosophy during her time with the League, as she claimed during her battle against Uraraka that she was right to reject the society since all they had done was reject her throughout her life.

Also Read: My Hero Academia chapter 429 finally confirms Himiko Toga's fate

Toga and Uraraka as seen in My Hero Academia (image via Bones)

After considering all these things, it's easy to see why Toga became hell-bent on destroying everyone and everything in sight during the height of the Final War. Although she lamented not being able to befriend Uraraka and talk to her about love, she soon discarded this sentiment of hers, believing that both Deku and Uraraka were the same as her parents, who had rejected her in the past.

However, with much effort, Uraraka managed to reach Toga and got her to open up about her past and her feelings, along with all the struggles she faced over not being able to express her affection to those she liked. During the climax of the battle, Toga found herself unable to end Uraraka's life, which was a testament to how close the two had grown throughout their fight.

Towards the end, when Uraraka called Toga the "cutest girl in the whole world", the latter felt ecstatic and thanked the former for reaching out to her and trying to understand her. Following this, Toga opted to sacrifice her life and gave all her blood to save a dying Uraraka, who was continuously pleading with the former not to sacrifice herself.

The reason why Toga dying on the battlefield is the best possible ending for her character is because she got to die on her own terms. By sacrificing herself, Toga was able to not only evade capture, but she was also able to save Uraraka's life, who she deemed to be someone dear to her towards the end.