Episode 164 of My Hero Academia‘s Final Season, titled “History’s Greatest Villain,” premiered on Saturday, November 1, 2025, intensifying the climactic battle between Izuku Midoriya and Tomura Shigaraki. The episode, which serves as the fifth installment of what is widely considered the eighth season, plunges deeper into the philosophical and physical struggle that will determine the fate of hero society. Fans were able to stream the highly anticipated episode shortly after its Japanese broadcast on Crunchyroll.
The Unrelenting Clash: Midoriya vs. Shigaraki
The core of Episode 164 centers on the brutal and emotionally charged confrontation between the inheritors of One For All and All For One. Picking up after Bakugo’s decisive victory over All For One, the spotlight shifts entirely to Midoriya’s desperate attempt to stop a fully unleashed Shigaraki. Shigaraki’s nihilistic drive for destruction, aimed at obliterating the world that he believes psychologically destroyed him, presents an even bleaker and more unpredictable threat than his mentor, All For One, who merely sought to rule. This inherent difference in motivation fuels the tension, as Midoriya clings to the hope of saving the “crying young boy” he glimpses within Shigaraki, even as the villain seeks to burn everything down.
A Dire Setback and a Shocking Gamble
A pivotal moment in “History’s Greatest Villain” sees a shocking development as Shigaraki manages to steal one of the quirk factors from One For All. Specifically, he absconds with Danger Sense, the quirk of the fourth One For All user, a move that could severely impact Midoriya’s ability to anticipate and react to his opponent’s devastating attacks. This setback prompts a heated debate among the vestiges of One For All within Midoriya’s mind.
The Voices of One For All: A Moral Quandary
As the battle escalates, the former users of One For All question Midoriya’s unwavering resolve to save Shigaraki. Nana Shimura, Shigaraki’s own grandmother, makes a poignant and painful declaration, urging Midoriya to “take the next step” – a grim suggestion implying that killing Shigaraki might be the only viable option. This internal conflict underscores the philosophical heart of My Hero Academia, exploring the limits of heroism and whether a villain, no matter how destructive, can ever be truly beyond redemption.
However, the episode also introduces a new layer of strategy born from an unexpected source. The residual “embers” of Star and Stripe’s quirk, left within Shigaraki after their previous battle, become a crucial factor. These remnants point towards a fissure within Shigaraki’s “lead mask,” hinting at the lonely child still residing within him, suggesting a new and audacious plan by the One For All users to confront Shigaraki not just with force, but with an attempt to reach what remains of his original self.
Imminent Threat: Shigaraki’s Ultimate Destruction
The stakes are raised even higher as it’s revealed that Shigaraki’s destructive ambitions extend beyond immediate combat. If he were to escape the floating U.A. High, his ultimate goal is to reach Mount Fuji, intending to activate the volcano and wipe out Japan. Shigaraki reveals he isn’t just decaying the surface, but targeting deep beneath it, aiming to destroy the entire Shizuoka Prefecture and snuff out any hope of restoration for Japan within a week. This terrifying objective solidifies his role as “History’s Greatest Villain,” making Midoriya’s fight not just personal, but critical for the survival of the nation.
Animation and Adaptation: Bringing the Manga to Life
Studio Bones continues to be lauded for its exceptional work, particularly in Episode 164. The animation and storytelling blend seamlessly, capturing both the epic scale of the battle and the profound emotional weight of the narrative. Critics have praised the studio for focusing on the meaning behind every blow rather than simply delivering a spectacle, maintaining the series’ deep moral debate.
Episode 164 adapts manga chapters 410-413, faithfully bringing Kohei Horikoshi’s pivotal moments to the screen. As the final season progresses, the stakes continue to rise, pushing Midoriya to his absolute limits as he grapples with the immense responsibility of facing a villain who embodies pure, unadulterated destruction.
