Tokyo, Japan – The eagerly anticipated Episode 164 of My Hero Academia‘s Final Season, titled “History’s Greatest Villain,” premiered on November 1, 2025, pushing the series’ ultimate confrontation between Izuku Midoriya and Tomura Shigaraki into new, emotionally charged territory. Serving as the fifth episode of what some refer to as the eighth season, this installment aired at 5:30 PM JST and became available for streaming shortly thereafter on platforms like Crunchyroll. The episode masterfully balances intense action with profound character development, setting the stage for the true climax of the heroic saga.
The Battle Intensifies: Midoriya vs. Shigaraki
Following Katsuki Bakugo’s decisive victory against All For One, the spotlight of the final war has now fully shifted to the destined clash between One For All successor Izuku Midoriya and All For One’s inheritor, Tomura Shigaraki. Episode 164 picks up directly in the throes of this epic battle, showcasing the immense power and destructive intent of Shigaraki. Unlike his predecessor, All For One, who sought to rule, Shigaraki’s ambition is far more nihilistic: to utterly dismantle the world that he believes psychologically destroyed him. His destructive power is so vast that he aims to collapse Mount Fuji, threatening to wipe out Japan.
Shigaraki’s Unexpected Power Grab: Danger Sense Stolen
A pivotal and alarming development in the episode sees Shigaraki successfully steal one of the One For All quirk factors from within the vestige realm. In a chilling sequence, Shinomori’s Danger Sense quirk is forcibly taken by Shigaraki, significantly impacting Midoriya’s abilities and increasing the villain’s already formidable threat. This theft dramatically shifts the dynamics of the battle, leaving the other One For All users in a state of panic as Deku’s powers begin to be chipped away.
A Dire Gamble: The One For All Users’ New Strategy
As Midoriya struggles against Shigaraki’s relentless attacks and newfound agility, the previous users of One For All convene within the vestige realm to devise a desperate new strategy. The episode highlights a profound philosophical debate, particularly involving Nana Shimura, Shigaraki’s own grandmother, who is forced to consider the agonizing decision of whether Midoriya must abandon his dream of saving the “crying child” within Shigaraki.
The second One For All user, Kudo, proposes a risky plan: Midoriya must forcibly transfer quirks, such as his Gearshift, to Shigaraki in a manner that will damage the villain’s psyche from within. This unprecedented move signals a potentially bittersweet ending for Midoriya, suggesting he may have to relinquish One For All entirely to defeat the ultimate evil. The plan capitalizes on a mental crack previously inflicted by Star and Stripe, aiming to exacerbate it by overloading Shigaraki with One For All’s power.
Thematic Resonance and Emotional Depth
“History’s Greatest Villain” is lauded for its deep emotional storytelling and its commitment to the core themes of My Hero Academia. The episode meticulously explores Midoriya’s unwavering resolve and the enduring spirit of heroism in the face of insurmountable odds. It juxtaposes Shigaraki’s desire for total destruction with Midoriya’s selfless nature and his persistent hope to save even his greatest foe.
Adapted from manga chapters 410-413, Episode 164 is not merely an action spectacle but a crucial narrative build-up, delving into the moral complexities of heroism and sacrifice. The animation by Studio Bones effectively blends the narrative and visual elements, ensuring every punch and emotional beat resonates with meaning, further solidifying the series’ exploration of what it truly means to be a hero in a world on the brink of collapse.
