My Hero Academia Episode 169: The Girl Who Loves Smiles

The episode opens in the aftermath of the war, with Japan in the middle of reconstruction and several former villains being processed for their actions. At a police station, **Gentle Criminal** and **La Brava** reunite in an emotional embrace after being told they have both been pardoned for their contribution during the final battle, and they repeatedly praise each other for how well they performed.

The episode then shows **Lady Nagant** being offered a pardon as well, but she chooses to remain in custody for the time being rather than leave immediately. After that, **Deku** goes to visit **Spinner** in the hospital/prison medical care area to deliver a message that was left for him; the staff explain that Spinner’s body is beginning to undergo dangerous transformation, and they are trying to treat it. Spinner reacts angrily at first, calling Deku a murderer because the person he cared about died in the final battle, but Deku insists that the message was meant for Spinner alone. Hearing it, Spinner breaks down and reflects on how he was accepted for who he was, while Deku responds coldly by reminding him of the crimes committed by the League.

Back at U.A., the students of Class 1-A are adjusting to the public attention surrounding the war’s aftermath. **Bakugo** tries to avoid the unwanted praise and attention he has been receiving, and he speaks with **Edgeshot**, who is shown recovering. Class 1-A also helps with reconstruction work in a damaged area of the city.

The episode then shifts to **Ochaco Uraraka**, who has been avoiding contact and isolating herself. **Tsuyu** notices that something is wrong, and it is revealed that Ochaco has been overwhelmed by grief over everything that happened in the final battle, especially the death of **Himiko Toga**, who sacrificed herself by giving blood to save her. Ochaco finally breaks down completely, and Deku comes to comfort her by taking her hand, after which Tsuyu and the other girls gather around her in a group hug. The episode ends with the idea that Ochaco is the “girl who loves smiles,” someone who wants a kinder, happier world.