Spoilers for My Hero Academia Chapter 369.As My Hero Academia delved deeper into its own lore, fans came to learn that the series' superpowers used to be referred to as "Meta abilities" rather than quirks. Chapter 369 reveals why that term changed, and it has everything to do with making the term more personal.
When people first began to manifest supernatural abilities, the world of My Hero Academia was a very different place, one which sunk into chaos as those with power began to abuse it. Many older characters, such as My Hero Academia's previous users of One for All, still use the term Meta ability to refer to their power, but nearly everyone in the modern era refers to them as Quirks. The term must have changed at some point, of course, but the exact reasons why have never been expounded on until now.
In chapter 369, as Deku battles against the hybrid Shigaraki/All for One's final form, the Second User of One for All offers an explanation. He says that a person's meta ability isn't the most important thing about them, but rather the reason why they choose to wield such power is what's important. This reason serves as the intention behind a person's actions--their unique "quirk" of personality that causes them to use their ability. Hence, the term "quirk" became popularized in My Hero Academia's world as a name for the powers in general. The term acts as a reminder that power must be wielded responsibly, and that one should have a very good reason before using their powers.
What Do Quirks Really Mean in My Hero Academia?
Tying one's meta ability to their reasons for acting is an effective way to get people to realize the true reasons behind their actions, and one look at the characters of My Hero Academia should prove why. Take the fan-favorite villain Himiko Toga, for example; she simply wants to use her Quirk because she has it and enjoys using it. Her intent is simply to feel good, and her reasons for using her powers are selfish. She has no consideration for how her Quirk affects others and doesn't see why that should impact her ability to use it, all of which lays her squarely in the "villain" camp.
In contrast is Izuku Midoriya and some of the other hero course students, who mostly want to use their abilities to help others and protect them from danger. Midoriya never misuses his Quirk for personal gain, even when it comes to small, everyday activities. Deku generally gets no joy from activating his Quirk--in the beginning, it really only caused him to suffer immense pain, but he still chose to do it for the sake of others, which undeniably makes him a hero.
While the Second User's explanation is a bit silly, there is some hidden wisdom behind those words, and Shigaraki/All for One's reaction proves it. As My Hero Academia's heroes and villains fight it out for the sake of ultimate victory, it's those intentions behind their actions that will be the deciding factor in who wins.
My Hero Academia's latest chapter is available now from Viz Media!