Dialogue is just as important as action in any story because it helps audiences understand how fictional worlds are constructed. That said, battle sequences form a major part of My Hero Academia, a shonen series about student heroes who are constantly thrown into turmoil, shouldering burdens meant for older and more experienced combatants.
While words are usually enough, there are many occasions when talking things out is not an option. Sometimes, it's just easier to express oneself through fighting, tactics, sacrifices, or even personal style.
10 Todoroki And Inasa's Conflict Burns Bright And Resolves Itself
Inasa Yoarashi from Shiketsu Academy has a bone to pick with Enji and Shoto Todoroki, having been spurned by both of them in an equally frigid manner. When he compares Shoto to his father, the former is naturally furious, devolving into an argument in the middle of a test battle against Gang Orca.
However, they quickly realize that their Quirks work better when in sync, pulling off a fantastic comeback at the last minute despite being unable to communicate with each other.
9 Best Jeanist "Tames" Bakugo's Explosive Hairstyle
Best Jeanist sends an internship request to Bakugo after watching him at the Sports Festival, an invitation that is accepted only because of the Pro Hero's rank (#4 at the time). Unfortunately for Bakugo, he learns that his new mentor plans to redesign his aggravating personality into something befitting a hero, starting with his unruly hair.
The bristles and cowlicks that populate Bakugo's head are gradually tamed into submission by Best Jeanist. This moment is quite significant to both characters, as revealed in a later manga arc.
8 Deku's Strategy Wins Him The Sports Festival Obstacle Race
Deku falls behind everyone else in the Obstacle Race Course because he doesn't want to rely on his as-yet uncontrollable Quirk. He struggles through the race for the most part, but the mine-field section sparks an ingenious idea.
Deku collects as many mines as he can before placing a metal shield beneath him and leaping on top of them. The resultant explosion launches him into the air, allowing him to effortlessly overtake Shoto and Bakugo (who waste precious time fighting with each other instead of trying to win).
7 Mirio Fights Overhaul Despite Losing His Quirk
Mirio is determined to save Eri from any further pain, charging at Overhaul with every ounce of force he can muster. In fact, the battle is clearly in the hero's favor at first, because his opponent's Quirk requires physical matter to work, making Mirio's Permeation the most effective technique to take on Overhaul.
As such, it is heartbreaking to watch the hero lose his Quirk to a Quirk-destroying bullet. However, even this doesn't stop Mirio from protecting his charge. He doesn't speak, he doesn't think, he just fulfills his promise to a scared, little girl.
6 Bakugo Risks His Life For Todoroki During The Mall Collapse
In My Hero Academia - Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training, Class 1-A is caught unawares when the training arena, a mall, collapses on them. Everyone makes it out safely, leaving only two students to fix the water leakage problem that suddenly erupts.
Shoto wonders why Bakugo chose to stay with him when the latter angrily explains that one person isn't enough to complete the job. It's sweet that he doesn't think twice about putting himself at risk for a friend (even if his attitude is patently hostile).
5 Kendo Keeps Monoma In Line With Her Knifehand Strikes
Neito Monoma loves nothing more than mocking Class 1-A for its failures, conveniently ignoring the fact that 1-B customarily lags behind its eternal rival. He randomly bursts into incoherent paroxysms over the smallest of matters, annoying everyone in the area.
Itsuka Kendo tasks herself with keeping Monoma's rambling to a minimum, usually alleviating the situation by knocking him unconscious with a precise knifehand strike. Neither of them brings this up in conversation, either, which is honestly the strangest feature of their relationship.
4 Kirishima Extends His Flying Hand To A Desperate Bakugo
During their daring rescue plan, Deku informs Kirishima that he's the only one who can convince Bakugo to escape with them, referencing their relatively tight-knit relationship as an essential factor in the plan's success.
As Tenya, Deku, and Kirishima soar through the sky, the latter stretches his hand out towards Bakugo and screams at him to "Come!" In this case, the word itself is not nearly as significant as the emotional strategy devised by Deku.
3 Aoyama Yuga's Navel Laser Beacon Inadvertently Helps Himself
Tenya and Yuga are separated from the rest of their friends in the first round of the Provisional License Exam, making them prime targets for other schools.
In order to save Tenya, Yuga silently activates his Navel Laser Quirk - a glimmering beacon to draw the attention of opponents and help his friend escape. What he doesn't expect, however, is Class 1-A arriving on the scene as well, an act that proves they care about him deeply.
2 Eraser Head Deactivates Eri's Out-Of-Control Rewind Quirk
Deku one-shots Overhaul with a magnificent smash, completely unharmed by the benevolent effects of Eri's Rewind. Unfortunately, she loses control of her Quirk after the battle's conclusion, trapping Deku within her golden aura.
Eraser Head, unable to move or speak due to recent injuries, signals to Froppy to raise his head. As she does so, he instantly inactivates Rewind, saving both Deku and Eri in the process.
1 Every Time Deku Looks Out For Bakugo
Deku has been protecting his friends since childhood, with or without a Quirk. He defends those bullied by stronger kids, despite being punished for his kindness almost every single time.
Deku is especially fond of Bakugo, rushing to his friend's side whenever the latter is hurt or upset. Bakugo consistently rejects these gestures, responding with hatred and aggression, but Deku never stops trying... and it's unlikely he ever will.