Deku Unlocks Multiple Quirks Explained: How He Fights Shigaraki

Izuku Midoriya’s evolution in My Hero Academia takes a massive leap when he unlocks multiple Quirks within One For All. What initially seemed like a simple power stockpiling ability is revealed to contain the abilities of its previous users. This twist fundamentally changes Deku’s fighting style, especially during his battles against Tomura Shigaraki, who has become overwhelmingly powerful after inheriting All For One.

As shown in Kohei Horikoshi’s manga, One For All carries the consciousness and Quirks of its past holders. When Deku begins accessing these abilities, he gains a diverse toolkit that goes far beyond raw strength. This becomes essential during the Paranormal Liberation War and later arcs, where Shigaraki’s destructive capabilities push heroes to their absolute limits. Deku’s multiple Quirks are not just power-ups. They are strategic tools that allow him to adapt, survive, and fight back against a near-unstoppable enemy.

Why One For All Contains Multiple Quirks

One For All originally formed when a Quirk that could transfer itself merged with a Quirk that stockpiles power. Over generations, each user added their own strength and abilities to it. This accumulation results in a unique phenomenon where the Quirks of previous holders remain embedded within One For All.

For years, these additional Quirks remained dormant. However, as explained within the series, the power reached a singularity point, allowing Deku to finally access them. This awakening is tied to the immense growth of One For All’s core energy, which becomes strong enough to manifest the abilities of past users.

This revelation changes the perception of One For All entirely. It is no longer just a strength-enhancing Quirk. Instead, it becomes one of the most versatile abilities in the series, capable of adapting to various combat situations.

Deku gradually unlocks several Quirks, each contributing to his combat versatility. One of the first is Blackwhip, which allows him to generate energy tendrils for mobility, restraint, and mid-air maneuvering. This ability is especially useful in controlling Shigaraki’s movements during battle.

Blackwhip allows Deku to control movement and create strategic openings against powerful enemies. (Image via Studio Bones)

Another key Quirk is Float, inherited from Nana Shimura. It enables Deku to stay airborne, which becomes critical when fighting Shigaraki’s Decay ability that spreads across the ground. By staying off the surface, Deku avoids instant destruction.

Deku also gains Danger Sense, which alerts him to incoming threats. This Quirk gives him a crucial reaction advantage against Shigaraki’s unpredictable attacks. Additionally, Smokescreen allows him to obscure vision and create openings, while Fa Jin lets him store and release kinetic energy for explosive bursts of speed and power.

Each of these Quirks complements One For All’s base strength. Together, they transform Deku into a highly adaptable fighter capable of handling complex and high-risk combat scenarios.

How Deku Uses Multiple Quirks Against Shigaraki

Deku’s battle against Shigaraki is where his multi-Quirk abilities truly shine. Shigaraki’s enhanced body, regeneration, and Decay make him nearly impossible to defeat through brute force alone. Deku responds by combining his Quirks strategically rather than relying on a single ability.

For example, he uses Float to stay airborne while activating Blackwhip to control positioning and restrict Shigaraki’s movement. At the same time, Danger Sense helps him anticipate attacks, allowing him to react instantly. This layered approach creates a dynamic fighting style that keeps Shigaraki from overwhelming him completely.

Fa Jin plays a crucial role in boosting Deku’s offensive output. By storing energy and releasing it at the right moment, Deku delivers powerful strikes that can actually damage Shigaraki. This combination of mobility, awareness, and power is what allows Deku to hold his ground against such a dominant opponent.