Key takeaways
- Kirishima and Mina's friendship began in middle school and led to growth in each other.
- They were mutual allies throughout the series, helping each other become better heroes.
- Their bond remained strong after the manga, developing into a deep friendship based on admiration and respect.
In any series, relationship dynamics are crucial to developing storylines and retaining viewers. My Hero Academia Not disappointed in this regard, some interesting relationships that develop over time and contribute greatly to character development. Among these is the relationship between Ejiro Kirishima and Mina Ashido.
Throughout their journey together My Hero Academia Not only does it show how they've grown as individuals, but how their bond has affected their individual character arcs. The following article will look at the development of their relationship, such as how it shaped them as individuals and heroes, and where they stand with each other at the end of the manga.
The early beginnings of their friendship
How Kirishima and Mina first met
Kirishima and Mina had known each other since their middle school days, long before attending UA High. Their very first meeting reveals that Kirishima has always lacked self-confidence, while Mina's fearless attitude and natural charisma completely inspires him. This formed a very basic foundation for their friendship, through admiration and respect. Mina's courage and self-assurance influenced Kirishima's decision to become a hero, as he found in her all the traits he wanted to develop in his personality.
These moments of his early friendship with Mina are the ones where he actually looks up to her as a role model. Where danger appeared, she dived head first. In comparison, Kirishima was initially struggling with courage back then. This dynamic goes on to set the tone for their future interactions; Mina indirectly forces Kirishima to become a better version of himself.
Immovable force meets allied destruction
Hard and melting duo
As they progress through UA High, Kirishima and Mina begin to have a more defining influence on each other's growth. Kirishima begins to show development as a hero who overcomes his insecurities by gaining confidence especially in battles. Mina's supportive nature and confidence act as a catalyst for Kirishima to gain the courage he needs to improve his temperament in order to face bigger challenges. Mina, on the other hand, begins to learn from Kirishima's new determination and tenacity. Mina has been an outspoken, strong-headed girl from day one, but Kirishima's development as a more defined protagonist helps refine her abilities and means of heroism.
Throughout the series, it is clear that this pair, although not the main romantic pair, work well together. Mina's bright character balances Kirishima's more serious character and his more critical-of-herself personality, and their interactions with each other make them fun to be around and decisive in their own arcs.
Key moments that define their relationship
Certain moments in both the anime and manga cement the relationship between Kirishima and Mina as something worth noting. He vividly remembers when, in middle school, Mina stood up for herself against a group of bullies, which served as a turning point for Kirishima himself. He then decides to become like Mina, taking her as inspiration to improve his nature and toughen himself mentally and physically.
If I crack I'll be hard again! Stay strong! Save others! Even if it's your life! – Ejiro Kirishima
Another key moment is during the Provisional Hero License exam, where Kirishima's toughness is pushed to its limits. Mina is not directly involved in this fight, but her earlier actions and encouragement result in Kirishima's mental strength, as he remembers the confidence and resilient attitude that Mina displayed and strengthens his determination to succeed. These moments show how their friendship, built on mutual admiration, propels them to greater heights as heroes.
The roles they played in each other's arcs
Kirishima and Mina have always supported each other, but both played incredibly different roles in each other's heroic development process. For Kirishima, Mina is this personification of courage and energy, thus making him want to become a better hero. This is extremely noticeable as Kirishima goes from a timid, self-doubting student to a battle-hardened hero who stands proudly among his peers.
Mina has a slightly different arc, which is heavily informed by Kirishima's development. As he grows stronger and more confident, it really starts to become worth seeing the value of determination and hard work for Mina. Born a genius, Kirishima's meteoric rise through blood, sweat and tears affects her as she takes her development as a hero a little more seriously. By the end of the manga, both characters have clearly influenced each other's trajectories, and their friendship stands as a testament to how complementary and strong different personalities can be to each other.
Where does their relationship stand after the end of the manga?
The status of Kirishima and Mina's bond post-manga
Now that the My Hero Academia As the series concludes, it appears that Kirishima and Mina's relationship is very consistent. Throughout the series, the two are never together, but their close friendship only matures into something deeper over time. Towards the end of the manga, the two are really great friends, and both heroes can't be entirely serious about their responsibilities in the hero world.
Friend and foe were all mingled together, and we could see nothing around us! – Mina Ashido
In many ways, their friendship has been the one constant throughout all the chaos within the series. They are close friends who motivate each other to succeed, and their interactions are filled with warmth and mutual respect. Although fan speculation could always dream of something more between them, the series chose to keep their bond as an unwavering friendship.
Kirishima and Mina's relationship has always been the purest and sweetest My Hero Academia. It is indeed a friendship between these two characters based on mutual admiration and respect that will be able to help both characters deal with their own personal problems. Even if they don't end up together, it remains one of the most remarkable bonds within the series, because it's so important to have people who believe in you.
