My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising - Characters & Cast

Deku's primary motivation is to save people with a smile, just like his idol, All Might. He is driven by a deep-seated empathy and a desire to protect the innocent. He believes that the purpose of being a hero is to give help to those who need it, even if it's not asked for. This motivation is what allows him to consider sacrificing his own power for the greater good.

Deku's arc in the film is a powerful affirmation of his core heroic philosophy. He begins by demonstrating his kindness and desire to help with even the smallest tasks on Nabu Island. When faced with Nine, his resolve to save everyone is tested. His journey culminates in the ultimate act of selflessness: being willing to permanently give up his Quirk and his dream to save others. This solidifies his status as a true hero, one who embodies the principle of putting others before himself, regardless of the personal cost.

Bakugo's overriding motivation is to become the undisputed number one hero, surpassing even All Might. He is driven by a fierce competitive spirit and a desire to prove his own strength and superiority. He wants to win, believing that a hero's primary purpose is to be victorious over evil.

Bakugo undergoes significant development in "Heroes Rising." Initially, his abrasive and competitive nature is on full display as he scoffs at the menial hero tasks. However, the film forces him to cooperate with Deku, his long-time rival. By temporarily wielding One For All and fighting alongside Deku, he experiences a power that comes from trust and cooperation. This shared experience deepens his grudging respect for Deku and forces him to acknowledge the validity of Deku's heroic philosophy. His arc is about learning that true strength isn't just about winning, but about fighting for others.

Nine's motivation is to create a utopian society where the strong rule over the weak, eliminating the concepts of heroes and villains entirely. He believes that power is the only true measure of worth. This ideology stems from his past and a desire to create a world where people like him and his comrades are no longer oppressed. His immediate goal is to steal a specific Quirk that can counteract the cellular degeneration caused by his multiple stolen Quirks.

Nine is presented as a villain with a complex, albeit destructive, ideology. A one-shot manga prequel reveals he was once a man who wanted to protect his friends who were oppressed for their powerful Quirks. He subjected himself to experiments by All For One's doctor to gain more power, but this came at the cost of his body degenerating. His arc in the film is a desperate and destructive quest to obtain Katsuma's "Cell Activation" Quirk to heal himself and create a new world order based on power. He is ultimately a tragic figure, consumed by his own ambition and the very power he sought to control.