Horikoshi confirms that Deku and Ochaco are dating

This article contains spoilers from My Hero Academia Epilogue.



Key things

  • Deku and Ochaco's relationship failed to materialize in MHA despite mutual feelings.
  • Horikoshi adds more context to IzuOcho when they officially start dating in the epilogue.
  • Deku makes a bold move to express his love for Ochaco, marking the beginning of their relationship.

My Hero Academia concluded a few months ago with the release of chapter 430, which was highly anticipated by fans. Now, after all these months, the series has finally dropped its final installment, and with it comes a new 38-page epilogue, something that fans have been quite excited about.

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It sure feels good to get more after all these weeks My Hero Academia content, especially since new content won't come as often. While fans will get new My Hero Academia content every now and then, it's highly unlikely that it will be of much significance, especially considering the relationships of the main characters in the story. IN My Hero Academia chapter 431, fans got a major update regarding the relationship of Ochaco and Deku, who have now been officially confirmed to be dating.



Deku And Ochaco Relationship At The End Of MHA Manga

Blanket suit

  • Deku and Ochaco's relationship did not materialize in MHA
  • The author adds more context to IzuOcha

At the end of the My Hero Academia manga, fans were somewhat confused about the path Izuku and Ochaco took. It has been observed that the two are close to each other since the beginning of the story. Although they did not fight many battles together, they always maintained a deep care and compassion for each other. Even when Deku was Quirkless, Ochaco was never anything but nice to him. At the same time, fans also know that Deku has always harbored feelings of great love and appreciation for Ochaco. As the story went on, this feeling grew into something mutual, even though they both knew they loved the other, they never really confessed to each other.


You have always been my hero! – Izuku to Ochaco

As the Final War Saga approached, fans knew it was time for Deku and Ochaco to take a break. It's obvious that Ochaco was very inspired by Deku to not only fight for herself, but for everyone else around her. At the same time, fans saw how Deku was moved by Ochaco's kindness and her desire to help as many people around her as possible. Deku finally made it clear that Ochaco was his hero too and that he would always be there for her and lend a helping hand whenever she needed it. Once Toga helped Ochaco discover her true feelings, fans knew that the relationship between Deku and her could change.

Sketch of Himiko Toga and Ochaco Uraraka by Kohei Horikoshi,


While it definitely worked and the author took a positive step towards building something stronger, it didn't lead to anything big because all that happened was Deku and Ochaco reaffirming their feelings for the other person, showing them care and support . each other and acknowledge the mutual trauma resulting from the battles they fought in the Final War Saga. Other than that, not much happened in My Hero Academia Final Saga regarding these two characters. While Deku naming Ochaco as her hero can be considered a huge deal in a way, as it puts a special emphasis on her character, it still can't be considered the official start of a relationship.

This is especially so since, as fans know, Deku and Ochaco began drifting apart after their UA tenures ended and Ochaco once again assumed duties as the hero and Quirk's official advisor. Meanwhile, Deku didn't have enough time to socialize with his fellow heroes, mainly due to his busy school schedule.


The epilogue of My Hero Academia adds to Deku and Ochaco's relationship

Horikoshi adds new details to Deku and Ochaco's relationship

My Hero Academia Chapter 431 builds heavily on and builds towards the relationship between Deku and Ochaco. At the very beginning of the epilogue, fans could see Ochaco dreaming about Toz. Once again, Toga seems to remind Ochaco that he doesn't live for himself and doesn't hide his true feelings. At first, Ochaco struggled to understand what was happening in her dreams, but as the chapter unfolded, things became clearer to her.


At the same time, Dek was also reminded of the fact that he always lives for other people and at the same time does not attach special importance to anyone else. For Deku, most people are equal and he cares about them too. However, even in this case, Deku changes his way of thinking towards the end. As Class 1A UA finally had its own party after far too long, special attention was given to Deku and Ochaco. By the end of the chapter, it seemed that there would be no significant progress in their relationship. Because Ochaco started to go her own way and reminded herself again that the way their relationship had grown lately was more than enough for now.

I want to spend more time with you and I always wanted to! – Izuku

However, Deku made a very bold move towards the end My Hero Academia chapter 431 where he sought out Ochaco and specifically told her that he loves and cares deeply for everyone. But now, after all this time, he wants to spend more time with Ochaco, strongly implying that he cares more about her.


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Ochaco, during this time, receives a nod from Toga from within, finally listening to his own feelings of love for Deku and giving in. Deku reaffirms her feelings by saying that she feels the same way and at the end of the chapter, they are both seen blushing at this new romantic step in an exciting direction. When Deku and Ochaco hold hands in the final panel of the chapter, it's clear that this marks the beginning of their official relationship.

Are Deku and Ochaco officially dating?

Deku and Ochaco are expected to be dating

It's safe to say that Deku and Ochaco are now officially dating. Of course, the author doesn't show them dating, but fans can't expect that yet because their real relationship has just started. Deku makes it very clear to Ochaco that she is special to him and that he sees her as more than a friend compared to the others, and Ochaco reciprocates these feelings. The final sign at the end of the chapter where the two are holding hands again clearly indicates that they have now taken their relationship to the next level.


Of course, there is no official designation of this relationship by the author yet, but not everything needs to be spoon-fed to fans. From how this chapter ended, it's clear that Deku and Ochaco are now officially dating and should be expected to get married at some point in the future. If My Hero Academia gets another chapter in the future, fans will definitely see that Deku and Ochaco have taken their relationship even further, maybe even married already. Of course, not all fans, especially shippers, will be happy with this ending, but it's something both of these characters deserve.

My Hero Academia is available to read through Viz Media. Fans can officially read the series for free on Shonen Jump and the Manga Plus app. The release date of the last chapter of My Hero Academia, My Hero Academia Chapter 430, was August 4, 2024.

My Hero Academia

Studio
Bones

Creator
Kōhei Horikoshi

Number of episodes
159

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