My Hero Academia Episode 23: Shoto Todoroki: Origin

The fated duel between Izuku and Shoto begins with Shoto launching an ice attack, which Izuku counters with a Delaware Smash. Shoto creates an ice pillar to prevent being blown out of bounds, anticipating Izuku would break a finger to negate the attack. Izuku is forced to damage a second finger to stop Shoto's next move, realizing he has limited chances left to find Shoto's weakness. Shoto continues his relentless ice attacks.

In the stands, Eijiro returns and comments on Katsuki and Shoto's powerful techniques. Katsuki explains that Quirks are physical abilities that can wear out. Shoto's assault forces Izuku to break the last finger on his right hand. Shoto withstands the smash, creates an ice tower to close the distance, and nearly freezes Izuku at close range. To break free, Izuku sacrifices his entire left arm for a full-powered smash. Shoto blocks the aftershock with an ice blockade, noting the increased power and Izuku's attempt to maintain distance.

Shoto questions Izuku's durability. Izuku notices Shoto is shaking from the frost on his right side. Shoto apologizes for the intensity and thanks Izuku for helping him irritate Endeavor by only using ice. Believing Izuku has no undamaged fingers left, Shoto sends an ice attack, but Izuku declares he isn't finished and uses an already broken finger to blow the ice away.

Shoto asks why Izuku is going so far. Izuku points out Shoto's trembling and the physical toll of his Quirk, suggesting Shoto could use his fire to offset the cold. Izuku challenges Shoto to use his full strength, claiming Shoto is only using half his power while others are giving their all. He provokes Shoto by stating he hasn't been injured yet.

Agitated, Shoto rushes Izuku, but slower than before. Katsuki observes Shoto's reduced mobility. As Shoto lifts his foot to attack, Izuku uses a controlled Quirk strike to send Shoto flying. Shoto recovers and attempts another ice attack, which is slower and Izuku avoids. They both move into closer quarters, fighting despite their injuries. Cementoss urges Midnight to stop the match, concerned about Izuku's reckless use of his broken fingers. Shota retorts that Izuku is doing everything he can to win within his current skill level, commending his resolve.

As Izuku dashes, Shoto tries to freeze him. With no fingers left, Izuku pulls back his thumb with his cheek to unleash another smash. Shoto again asks why Izuku endures such pain. Izuku replies it's because he's prepared to do whatever it takes to become a hero. After headbutting Shoto, Izuku challenges him to use his full strength, telling him he doesn't have the right to be the best if he's not doing his best, even if he wants to reject his father.

Izuku's words trigger Shoto's memories of his past, including his mother and Endeavor. As more frost covers him, Shoto remembers his mother asking if he still wanted to be a hero after he expressed not wanting to be like his father. Izuku capitalizes with another controlled Quirk smash, declaring he will surpass Shoto.

Reeling, Shoto recalls being separated from his siblings and his mother's mental breakdown, which led to her burning his face. He blames his father for her being put into a psychiatric ward. Shoto reiterates his rejection of his father, but Izuku yells that Shoto's Quirk is his own. This evokes a forgotten memory: Shoto and his mother watching a TV special where All Might encouraged children to use their Quirks in their own way, regardless of inheritance. His mother added that Shoto wasn't a prisoner of his lineage and could use his power to become who he wanted to be.

Impassioned, Shoto activates his fire, astonishing the arena. All Might realizes Izuku was trying to provoke Shoto to embrace his full power. As the flames lower and frost melts, Shoto tells Izuku he's "screwing around" by helping his opponent, adding that he also wants to be a hero. Izuku smiles, commenting on Shoto's amazing power, and Shoto returns an affecting smile.

Ecstatic, Endeavor shouts about Shoto finally using his fire, claiming Shoto will surpass him. Shoto asks why Izuku is grinning in such a hopeless situation and states he won't be to blame for what happens next.

They both power up for a final clash. Cementoss and Midnight prepare to intervene. Shoto sends a large wave of ice. Izuku jumps over it using his Quirk in his leg, preparing a full-power smash with his undamaged arm. Shoto switches to fire, superheating the area and thanking Izuku. Cementoss builds a wall, but Izuku's wind pressure and Shoto's heatwave tear through it. The collision creates a shockwave that destroys the fighting ring, knocks over Midnight's stand, and sends a whirlwind through the audience.

Everyone watches in disbelief. Cementoss commends their talent. Present Mic asks about the explosion, and Shota explains it was due to the rapid temperature change. The smoke clears, revealing Izuku unconscious outside the ring. Midnight announces Shoto Todoroki as the victor.