Key things
- Kirishima and Mina's friendship started in middle school and inspired each other to grow.
- They supported each other throughout the series and helped each other become better heroes.
- Their bond remained strong even after the manga, developing into a deep friendship based on admiration and respect.
In any series, relationship dynamics are important to the development of stories and retention of viewers. My Hero Academia it doesn't disappoint in that regard, with some interesting relationships that develop over time and contribute significantly to character growth. Among them is the relationship between Eijiro Kirishima and Mina Ashido.
Their journey together all along My Hero Academia it not only shows how they grew individually, but how their bond affected their personal character arcs. The following article will look at the developments that have taken place in their relationship, such as how they have shaped them both as individuals and as heroes, and where they stand together at the end of the manga.
The early beginnings of their friendship
How Kirishima and Mina first met
Kirishima and Mina have known each other since their middle schools, long before they went to UA High. Even their first meeting shows that Kirishima has always felt a lack of self-confidence, while Mina's fearless attitude and natural charisma have fully inspired him. This formed the basic foundation for their friendship, coupled with admiration and respect. Mina's boldness and self-confidence influenced Kirishima in his decision to become a hero, as he found in her all the qualities he wanted to develop in his own personality.
In these moments of his early friendship with Mina, he truly looked up to her as a role model. Where danger appeared, she rushed headfirst without thinking. In comparison, Kirishima initially fought with courage at the time. This dynamic tends to set the tone for their future interactions; Mina indirectly forces Kirishima to become a better version of himself.
Immobile power meets supportive destruction
Quenching and melting Duo
As they progress through UA High, Kirishima and Mina begin to have a more defined influence on each other's growth. Kirishima begins to show development as a hero, overcoming 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 ability to take on greater challenges. Mina, on the other hand, is starting to learn from Kirishima's newer tenacity and determination. While Mina has been an outspoken, strong-headed girl from day one, Kirishima's growth into a more clearly defined hero helps refine her abilities and ways of being a hero.
It's clear throughout the series that this couple, while not the main romantic couple, works well. Mina's bright personality balances out Kirishima's more serious character and his more critical personality, and their interplay makes them enjoyable to be around and pivotal in their respective arcs.
Key moments that define their relationship
A number of moments in both the anime and manga solidify the bond between Kirishima and Mina and are worth mentioning. He remembers very well when Mina stood up for herself in high school against a group of bullies that served as a turning point for Kirishima himself. It is then that he decides to be like Mina and takes her as an inspiration to improve his wit and toughen up both mentally and physically.
When I crack, I harden again! Stay strong! Protect others! Even if it means your life! – Eijiro Kirishima
Another critical moment is the provisional Hero License exam, where Kirishima's hardening quirk is pushed to its limits. While Mina does not directly engage in this fight, the consequences of her earlier actions and encouragement are expressed in Kirishima's mental strength as he remembers the self-confidence and tenacity that Mina displayed and strengthens his determination to succeed. These moments reflect how their friendship built on mutual admiration continues to propel 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 the other's heroic development process. To Kirishima, Mina is a figure of courage and energy, and because of that, he aspires to become a better hero. This can be seen in how Kirishima transforms from a timid student who doubts himself to a battle-hardened hero who stands proudly among his comrades.
Mina's arc is a bit different as evidenced by Kirishima's development. As he becomes stronger and more confident, Mina begins to truly see the value in perseverance and hard work. Born a genius, Kirishima influences her as she takes her growth as a hero a little more seriously. By the end of the manga, both characters were clearly influencing their trajectories, and their friendship stands out as a testament to how different personalities can complement each other and be strong.
Where their relationship stands after the end of the manga
Kirishima and Mina Bond Post-Manga Status
Now that My Hero Academia series ended, Kirishima and Mina's relationship seems to be pretty consistent. Throughout the series, the two never get together, but their close friendship has matured into something deeper over time. By the end of the manga, the two are truly great friends, and both heroes couldn't be more serious about their duties in the hero world.
Friend and foe were all mixed up, and we could see nothing around us! – Mina Ashida
In many ways, their friendship has remained one of the constants throughout the chaos that unfolds on the show. They are close friends who push each other to succeed, and their interactions are imbued with warmth and mutual respect. Although fan speculation can always dream of something more between them, the series chose to keep their bond as an unshakable friendship.
Kirishima and Mina's relationship has always been one of the purest and sweetest My Hero Academia. It's really a friendship between these two characters based on mutual admiration and respect that could help both characters grow in the face of their own personal problems. Even though they didn't end up together, it remains one of the most distinct bonds in the series because it's very important to have people who believe in you.
