Chizome Akaguro only features in a handful of My Hero Academia episodes. However, his mighty influence can be seen across all six seasons. And although he has just a few scenes to work with, Stain's profound words have made a memorable impression.
The Hero Killer's wisdom surprisingly applies to several subplots throughout the show, even if they aren't related to Stain's story. So, exploring the relevance of his statements with regards to the entire My Hero Academia series (instead of simply discussing Chizome's significance in Seasons 2 and 6) will prove that the Hero Killer is more than just an "anachronistic fundamentalist," as Shoto claims.
9 "No Matter What You Want To Accomplish, It Is Necessary To Have Conviction And Desire."
In many cases, conviction and desire have been the deciding factors separating Heroes from Villains, and not in the ways one might think. More often than not, the biggest baddies in My Hero Academia weren't born evil. However, once society labeled them as such, they lost their conviction and gave up, succumbing to the call of the dark side. Stain is a prime example himself, alongside Gentle Criminal, Dabi, and many more. Although now these Villains have all the conviction and desire in the world, it's just all aimed in the wrong direction!
According to Hawks' assessments, Twice is the greatest threat the Heroes have to deal with from the Paranormal Liberation Front. But truth be told, if Jin Bubaigawara had more confidence in himself, his power potential would go through the roof! Sadly, his mental health issues often contradicted his desire to protect and cherish his loved ones and his temperamental nature became his greatest weakness.
8 "People Show Their True Colors When They're On The Verge Of Death."
Despite his villainous title, Mr. Compress has never come across as particularly sinister. However, his heroic qualities are showcased are during his final moments, when he puts his life on the line to give his League members a chance to escape. Before meeting his untimely demise, Atsuhiro Sako tears chunks of flesh from his body while taunting Best Jeanist, showing more selflessness than most Heroes have ever accomplished!
Speaking of Heroes, Endeavor is a shell of his former self after surviving the Paranormal Liberation War. His run-in with Dabi has left him a blithering mess with no self-confidence. Hawks, on the other hand, learns to start embracing his past instead of running from it, although he may never heal from the pain of killing a friend in cold blood.
7 "It's No Use Trying To Reform For Appearance's Sake. A Person's Essence Does Not Change So Easily."
Stain's lecture in Season 2 hits Tenya Iida like a tonne of bricks and is a major turning point regarding the Class Representative's approach to heroism. Laying expectations upon others without walking the same path is hypocritical, not virtuous, and is something the average citizen should take note of. They shamelessly demand that the Heroes conduct themselves perfectly in every situation. However, after the Paranormal Liberation War, they cannot even show common decency to their fellow survivors. Hero Society has fallen, and the Heroes and Villains aren't to blame. The essence of Hero Society has always been corrupt.
Needs some evidence? Lady Nagant, and likely more before her, is essentially groomed into becoming a monster by the Public Safety Commission. Sadly, by the time she tries to make a change, it's too late. In an ironic twist of fate, this acclaimed Hero chooses the lesser of two evils and becomes an All For One supporter, despite her virtuous heart.
6 "You Are Too Focused On Your Quirk. You're Being Careless!"
The very basis of Hero Society is all too focused on Quirks, using a person's superpowers to decide their value and status in the world. This has arguably become more important than their integrity, as those with alarming and undesirable Quirks are automatically treated like Villains. Miscreants like Shigaraki, Himiko, and Spinner never got the chance to prove themselves, as they were already deemed evil when they were just kids.
On the other hand, some determined individuals refused to be limited by their Quirk's capabilities and expanded their skillset in different ways. Heroes like Eraser Head, Sir Nighteye, Ochaco, Mei Hatsume, and more are not completely reliant on their superpowers and have arguably become more well-rounded characters as a result.
5 "Reflect On Yourself And Save Others. Don't Use Your Powers For Yourself."
Deku's obsession with anything Hero-related is actually one of his biggest assets. Constantly comparing himself to others hasn't demolished his self-esteem, instead, it's made him more versatile on the battlefield. Picking up moves from Bakugo, Tsu, and those he admires has made adapting to One For All's powers much easier. Furthermore, it's safe to say that Midoriya doesn't have a selfish bone in his body.
On the other side of the spectrum lies Endeavor, who has used every tool in his arsenal for personal gain. He tried to play God with genetics to produce "designer babies," and ruined countless lives while climbing the status ladder. He finally begins to practice self-reflection during his bitter-sweet reward of the #1 Pro-Hero title, and even more so after the stark truth of Toya's existence becomes a reality.
4 "Being Taken In By The Hatred Before You And Trying To Fulfill Your Own Desires... That's The Furthest From What A Hero Could Be."
Bakugo believes himself a natural-born Hero. However, he allows himself to become consumed by negativity and struggles to cling to his top hero-in-training status. Bakugo only unlocks his heroic instincts once he starts to let go of his deep-seated hatred and finally admits that a person's power isn't what makes them a great Hero. Pure, selfless intentions are what matters here.
Although nobody has accused Shigaraki of being a Hero, the overwhelming hostility exuding from this tyrant has turned him into the perfect tool for All For One's benefit. And as a result, Shigarki has lost all sense of freedom. He may even have to rely on those nasty Heroes to save him from the Symbol of Evil's clutches; how embarrassing!
3 "Too Many Act Like Heroes But Are Only Money-Worshippers."
It becomes pretty easy to weed the bad seeds out of the bunch following the Paranormal Liberation War, as the Heroes only in it for fame and fortune began dropping like flies. Death Arms, Yoroi Musha, and other despondent Heroes retired from the business the moment things turned sour, showing their superficial side for all the world to see.
Other Pro-Heroes such as Uwabami and Mt Lady give the girls a bad name, as they clearly revel in all the attention accompanying their celebrity statuses. Fortunately, Mt Lady manages to redeem herself by bravely taking on Gigantomachia in Season 6, risking her life to try and slow the beast down.
2 "As Long As We're Alive, Even If We Struggle In An Unseemly Way, We Have To Keep Stoking That Fire!"
Another of Stain's statements with real-world application highlights the importance of hope, expressed during a surprisingly touching interaction with All Might. The former #1 Pro-Hero has had a rough time since losing his powers and, although he is essentially Quirkless, that doesn't mean he is useless. Being the Symbol of Peace and inspiring the masses has achieved more than any superpower could.
Ochaco has also become pretty good at "stoking that fire," as she courageously confronts an aggressive mob and convinces them to believe in Heroes once again. Even the Todorokis are beginning to unburden themselves from the weight of their hardships and found a flame of hope hiding beneath all the resentment.
1 "The Soul Of A Hero Exists Only For The Sake Of Others."
Who better to prove the Hero Killer correct than One For All's Past Users? Their souls have survived the test of time to continue serving as Heroes. This situation may not be voluntary, but that doesn't make it any less honorable. Yoichi, Nana, Hikage, and the rest are itching to see what the afterlife has to offer; however, their mission is incomplete, so they endure!
Meanwhile, Deku's perfect portrayal of Heroism has caused many Pro-Heroes (and even several Villians) to be awestruck by the boy's unwavering moral compass. Even young Kota has managed to swallow his bitterness to unearth his own heroic soul and bravely stands alongside his idol in his time of need.