Season 3 of My Hero Academia confronts its characters with tests that go beyond physical combat. From the chaos of the training camp to the provisional licence exam, these quotes reveal what happens when ideals collide with reality, when belonging means accepting darkness, and when heroes must choose between rules and rescue.
I’ve transcribed these 32 quotes directly from the English Dub, noting each timestamp. As always, you’re welcome to use these quotes and create images from them. Just credit or tag me: I’m @AllAnimeMag on every platform.
A quick character guide:
Tenya Iida: justice has boundaries
Iida’s strict adherence to rules continues to define him, sometimes to comedic effect.
“What a low blow! You fiend of a child! A punch to the scrotum is unforgivable!” – Episode 2 (40), 13:53
Iida’s outrage at dirty fighting reveals his absolute sense of propriety. Some violations of decency transcend mere rule-breaking.
“A punch to the scrotum is unforgivable!” – Episode 2 (40), 13:57
Worth repeating because Iida’s indignation is both earnest and absurd. His moral compass points true even in ridiculous circumstances.
Shota Aizawa: improvement through memory
Aizawa’s teaching philosophy remains grounded in harsh truths and practical wisdom.
“Each of you can move faster. And no matter what you’re doing, just remember where you started from. Don’t forget who you were before U.A. Always keep in mind why you’re sweating, and why your limits keep getting tested. That’s what it means to improve.” – Episode 3 (41), 14:06
Progress without context is meaningless. Aizawa reminds his students that growth only matters when you remember what you’ve overcome.
“Always keep in mind why you’re sweating, and why your limits keep getting tested. That’s what it means to improve.” – Episode 3 (41)
The core of Aizawa’s message stripped down. Purpose fuels endurance. Without knowing why you’re pushing, the effort becomes empty.
“Why is it that I can’t find a moment of peace and quiet in my life?” – Episode 14 (53), 18:13
Even the most dedicated teacher has limits. Aizawa’s exhaustion is relatable to anyone who’s ever felt perpetually responsible for chaos they didn’t create.
Izuku Midoriya: action over analysis
Deku’s growth this season involves trusting his instincts when there’s no time for strategy.
“I don’t have time to think! I just have to do it, right now, with the power I have!” – Episode 4 (42), 09:34
Sometimes heroism is just reacting faster than fear can stop you. Deku learns that perfect plans matter less than decisive action.
Fumikage Tokoyami: darkness embraced
Tokoyami’s brief moment of revelry becomes a meme, but it captures his character perfectly.
“Revelry in the dark.” – Episode 3 (41), 15:27
Three words that sum up Tokoyami’s entire aesthetic. He doesn’t just tolerate darkness. He celebrates it.
Tomura Shigaraki: the logic of villainy
Shigaraki’s philosophy becomes more coherent this season. His quotes reveal someone building an ideology around rejection.
“Who cares if these guys win or lose? The heroes will be scared just because they showed up. They’re sacrificial pawns? Come on, do you really think I’m that heartless? I never underestimate their strength. They may have different goals than me, but they’re comrades nonetheless. In a society bound by ridiculous rules, villains aren’t the only ones who are being oppressed.” – Episode 5 (43), 04:03
Shigaraki’s defence of his allies shows growth. He’s learning that leadership means valuing people beyond their utility. His recognition that society oppresses more than just criminals adds depth to his worldview.
“They may have different goals than me, but they’re comrades nonetheless.” – Episode 5 (43), 04:16
Solidarity without uniformity. Shigaraki’s League doesn’t demand ideological purity. They accept difference as long as you stand with them.
“Come on, do you really think I’m that heartless?” – Episode 5 (43), 04:10
The question itself is telling. Shigaraki cares what people think of him, even as he pretends not to.
“In a society bound by ridiculous rules, villains aren’t the only ones who are being oppressed.” – Episode 5 (43), 04:25
This line reframes villainy as resistance. Shigaraki sees himself as liberating the oppressed, not destroying society for its own sake.
Tsuyu Asui: the line between hero and villain
Froppy’s moral clarity cuts through justification and good intentions.
“It doesn’t matter how noble your intentions. If you go out there trying to find the bad guys, knowing you’re breaking the rules, then you’re acting like villains, not heroes.” – Episode 7 (46), 04:06
One of the season’s most challenging statements. Tsuyu doesn’t care about motivations. Methods matter. When you break the rules to pursue justice, you’ve crossed a line that good intentions can’t uncross.
Katsuki Bakugo: winning without compromise
Bakugo’s refusal to be corrupted remains his most heroic quality.
“Go throw yourself in traffic.” – Episode 7 (46), 12:51
Bakugo’s contempt is succinct and creative. He doesn’t waste words on people he despises.
“I like to win. I want to win just like All Might. No matter what you have to offer me, that will never change. Do you understand?” – Episode 7 (46), 21:32
When the League of Villains tries to recruit him, Bakugo’s response is absolute. His ambition isn’t negotiable. He wants to win, but only on his terms. Victory means nothing if it comes through compromise.
Dabi: focus lost
Even villains recognise when distraction weakens you.
“It looks like your concern has you distracted.” – Episode 4 (42), 04:17
Emotional investment creates vulnerability. Dabi’s observation is tactical, not empathetic. He’s noting weakness, not offering comfort.
Best Jeanist: difficulty versus importance
The hero world’s lessons extend beyond combat.
“Difficulty and importance are two very different things.” – Episode 8 (47), 18:59
Hard work doesn’t guarantee meaning. Something can be easy and vital, difficult and pointless. Understanding the distinction saves you from wasting effort on tasks that only feel productive.
All for One: the philosophy of persistence
The ultimate villain offers surprisingly pragmatic wisdom.
“Start over as many times as it takes.” – Episode 9 (48), 06:55
Failure isn’t final unless you stop. All for One’s longevity comes from his willingness to rebuild after every setback. That persistence, applied to villainy, makes him terrifying. Applied to anything else, it’s just good advice.
Eijiro Kirishima: restraint under pressure
Even the most passionate heroes must control their reactions.
“We can’t let our emotions get the best of us.” – Episode 9 (48), 12:49
Kirishima’s reminder to himself as much as others. Feeling everything intensely is fine. Acting on every feeling is how mistakes happen.
Toshinori Yagi: autonomy matters
All Might’s guidance becomes less directive this season.
“Think for yourself.” – Episode 13 (52), 10:22
Two words that define good teaching. All Might could give Deku answers. Instead, he gives him responsibility.
Higari Maijima: innovation through rebellion
Power Loader’s lesson on creativity challenges conventional thinking.
“Common Sense is a collection of prejudices acquired by age 18, that’s something Einstein said.” – Episode 13 (52), 17:38
Quoting Einstein to justify experimentation. What we call common sense is often just habit disguised as wisdom.
“Innovators are people who don’t feel chained down by existing concepts.” – Episode 13 (52), 17:51
Progress requires ignoring the voices that say “this is how it’s always been done.” Innovation starts with refusing to accept limits that aren’t real.
Mei Hatsume: embracing imperfection
The support course student’s philosophy is refreshingly pragmatic.
“Work in progress.” – Episode 13 (52), 18:54
Nothing is ever finished. Everything can be improved. That mindset turns failure into data and mistakes into refinement opportunities.
Yokumiru Mera: exhaustion as identity
The provisional licence examiner embodies burnout.
“My circadian rhythm is so screwed up.” – Episode 14 (53), 14:16
Sleep deprivation becomes character. Mera’s perpetual exhaustion is both relatable and concerning.
“God I could use a coffee.” – Episode 14 (53), 15:26
The universal cry of the overworked. Sometimes survival is just caffeine and stubbornness.
Jin Bubaigawara (Twice): finding belonging in madness
Twice’s introspective moments reveal the pain underneath his fractured personality.
“Having a good sense of who you are is one of the most important things in life.” – Episode 23 (62), 00:08
Identity anchors us. When you don’t know who you are, every decision becomes guesswork. Twice understands this better than most because he’s lived the alternative.
“Physical power isn’t the only thing that weakens. The heart does as well.” – Episode 23 (62), 04:08
Emotional resilience requires maintenance just like physical strength. Neglect either long enough and they both fail.
“There’s no place in the world where crazy people can belong. Heroes only care about saving good citizens. But the League accepted me as I am, problems and all. And I’d like to think I’m okay with who I am, too. Now I’m scouting people, trying to find the ones with the same kind of crazy. We’re all wackos looking for a place we belong.” – Episode 23 (62), 08:52
This quote captures why people join the League. Not ideology. Not power. Acceptance. Hero society has no room for people who don’t fit. The villains offer something precious: a place where broken people belong.
“I’d like to think I’m okay with who I am, too.” – Episode 23 (62), 09:03
Self-acceptance arrived at through acceptance by others. Twice found peace not by fixing himself, but by finding people who didn’t need him fixed.
“We’re all wackos looking for a place we belong.” – Episode 23 (62), 09:13
The League’s mission statement. They’re not conquering the world. They’re building a home for the rejected.
“What’s important is knowing who you truly are, what you want to become, what you want to do. Yes, that’s very important.” – Episode 23 (62), 10:00
Twice’s recurring obsession with identity comes full circle. When your sense of self is fractured, clarity about purpose becomes salvation.
Tamaki Amajiki (Suneater): anxiety unfiltered
Tamaki’s internal monologue during his introduction reveals crippling social anxiety.
“Even if I try to imagine them as potatoes, I can see their human bodies. I know that they’re still people. No words are coming out. My mind’s blank. And my mouth is dry. I can’t say anything. I wanna… go home.” – Episode 24 (63), 03:32
The brutal honesty of anxiety. All the coping mechanisms fail. The crowd stays human. The words don’t come. All that remains is the desperate wish to be anywhere else.
“No words are coming out. My mind’s blank. And my mouth is dry. I can’t say anything. I wanna… go home.” – Episode 24 (63), 03:40
Anyone who’s experienced stage fright recognises this feeling. The body betrays you. The mind empties. Escape becomes the only desire.
What season 3 teaches us
My Hero Academia’s third season forces everyone to confront uncomfortable truths. Rules exist for reasons that matter. Intentions don’t erase consequences. Belonging sometimes means accepting darkness in yourself and others.
The training camp proves that safety is an illusion. The rescue operation shows that heroism sometimes requires breaking the very rules meant to define it. The provisional licence exam demonstrates that being powerful isn’t the same as being ready.
Because heroism isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about acting anyway, knowing the answers might not come.
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