My Hero Academia Final Season continued its intense narrative with Episode 166, titled “From Aizawa,” which aired on November 15, 2025. This highly anticipated episode, also recognized as the seventh episode of what some sources refer to as Season 8, plunged viewers deep into the tragic past of Tomura Shigaraki, setting the stage for the anime’s ultimate confrontation.
The episode became available on Crunchyroll at 2:30 AM PT / 5:30 AM ET on its release day, offering fans worldwide immediate access to the unfolding drama.
Deku’s Desperate Plunge into Shigaraki’s Psyche
Episode 166 sees Izuku Midoriya take a perilous dive into Shigaraki’s inner world, transferring the power of One For All in a desperate bid to understand and potentially save his nemesis. Within this mental landscape, Deku encounters Tenko Shimura, the young boy Shigaraki once was, and witnesses the traumatic events that shaped him into the villain he became.
This journey reveals the heartbreaking origins of Shigaraki’s Decay quirk, showing its initial manifestation during a tragic childhood incident. Midoriya, staying true to his unwavering heroic ideals, extends a hand of compassion to the young Tenko, even uttering All Might’s iconic “I am here” line in a desperate attempt to offer solace and break the cycle of hatred.
All For One’s Resurgence and Deku’s Sacrifice
However, Deku’s compassionate intervention has unforeseen and dramatic consequences. As Shigaraki’s deep-seated hatred begins to wane under Midoriya’s influence, the suppressed vestige of All For One seizes the opportunity. All For One resurfaces, effectively “swallowing” Shigaraki’s consciousness and taking full control of his body, thus re-establishing himself as the primary antagonist for the final battle.
The intense internal struggle comes at a steep price for Deku, who loses both of his arms within the mental realm due to Shigaraki’s decay. Despite this devastating physical sacrifice, Deku’s resolve to stop All For One remains unbroken, setting up a truly dire situation for the heroes. The episode also hints at the involvement of Aizawa and Eri’s horn, suggesting crucial support for Deku in the ongoing conflict.
Thematic Resonance and Pacing Concerns
“From Aizawa” deepens the thematic exploration of villain origins, portraying Shigaraki not as born evil, but as a victim of tragic circumstances and All For One’s manipulative grooming. This provides critical context to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the choices and external forces that shaped his path. The episode highlights Midoriya’s consistent belief in saving everyone, even his enemies, underscoring the core message of heroism in the series.
Despite its emotional weight and pivotal plot twists, some reviews have noted pacing issues within Episode 166, suggesting that a significant amount of narrative progression feels condensed. However, the episode is lauded for effectively bringing together major characters and setting the stage for what promises to be an epic final battle.
The Road Ahead: The Final Season’s Trajectory
Episode 166 marks a critical turning point in My Hero Academia‘s “Final Season.” This season is confirmed to consist of 11 episodes, meaning only a few remain before the saga concludes. With All For One now fully in control and Deku severely wounded, the stage is set for an intense and emotional climax to the decade-long superhero epic.
