Why does Todoroki never use his left side in My Hero Academia? Explained

Modified Sep 13, 2024 20:30 GMT

My Hero Academia features Shoto Todoroki, a character known for his powerful Half-Cold Half-Hot Quirk that combines fire and ice abilities. However, despite holding such an impressive set of skills, Todoroki rarely uses his left side, which represents his fire abilities. That kind of reluctance made fans wonder; why does Todoroki never use his left side?

The reason behind his selective use of his powers is deeply embedded within his history and psychological turmoil. To understand why Todoroki shies away from his left side, it is pertinent to examine his family setting, personal conflicts, and those important occasions that helped him develop an attitude toward using his Quirk.

Shoto Todoroki doesn't use the left side of his body because of his fire power, which he inherited from his father, whom he despised.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and includes spoilers from the manga.

Todoroki's grudge against his father Endeavor, explained

Young Shoto Todoroki as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Bones)

In My Hero Academia, Shoto Todoroki doesn't use his left side because of his firepower, which he inherited from his father whom he hated. His contempt for the usage of his fire powers is connected to his troubled relationship with Endeavor, the former number-one hero and Todoroki's father.

Endeavor's desperate quest for a powerful successor drove Todoroki to be more than he could bear. It was part of the wider obsession of going beyond All Might, involving physical and emotional manipulation.

This continuous pressure made Shoto's childhood pathetic as he was forced to use his fire Quirk under extremely hostile conditions. Shoto resented his father's attitude towards him as a child rather than a tool that added to his distaste for the use of his fire abilities.

His efforts to resolve all those conflicting emotions and the need to make his own decisions are part of the character development and what drives him through the series.

Endeavor's past as a father in My Hero Academia

Endeavor as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Bones)

Endeavor's history as a father reveals very problematic and troubled parenting. He put tremendous pressure on his children, especially the eldest son, Toya, and the youngest, Shoto, to surpass All Might. Endeavor's focus was on achieving his goal of creating a powerful successor, leading to an emotionally abusive environment at home.

Toya, who inherited his father's Fire Quirk, struggled with its intense heat. Endeavor, despite all the limitations and risking worse burns, compelled Toya to train tirelessly. All of Toya's efforts to satisfy his father through sneaky training led to grievous injuries and, as a consequence, was declared dead.

Young Dabi as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Bones)

Endeavor rarely cared for his family, emotionally disconnecting from them. His wife, Rei, was no reprieve from this oppressive way. The discovery that Toya survived as the culprit Dabi exposed Endeavor's miserable failures.

These events eventually force him to confront his mistakes and search for redemption by repairing his family as he struggles with complex, remorseful components of his character.

Final thoughts

Shoto Todoroki as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

Shoto Todoroki refuses to utilize his left side, connected with his fire-based power, with strained relations with his father, Endeavor. With the Half-Cold Half-Hot Quirk, Todoroki does not use his fire powers due to the bitter memories attached to the oppressive expectations of his father and emotional oppression.

Thus, a desire to have a mighty successor gave rise to a conflict-ridden family life, which influenced Todoroki in quite a big way concerning his stand on the power of fire.

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Edited by Meghna