One of the core strengths of My Hero Academia is its powerful student-mentor relationships. While the connection between Deku and All Might has been the emotional backbone of the series, another deeply moving bond has quietly grown in the background: the one between Hitoshi Shinso and Shota Aizawa (Eraserhead). Recently, series creator Kohei Horikoshi confirmed that this bond goes deeper than fans might have realized, revealing that Shinso’s new adult appearance is a direct homage to his mentor.
Aizawa and Shinso: The Quiet Yet Powerful Duo
Shinso captured fans' attention early on with his unique Brainwashing quirk, despite not emerging victorious during the Sports Festival. However, his potential didn’t go unnoticed—especially by Aizawa, who took him under his wing. Aizawa taught Shinso how to utilize his quirk strategically and even inspired him to develop a fighting style that mirrors his own, including the use of a capture scarf.
Over time, Shinso began to mirror Aizawa more and more, not just in technique but in demeanor. His cool, collected nature and growing confidence were already reflective of Aizawa’s influence. Now, in My Hero Academia Chapter 431, fans finally see the full extent of that transformation: Shinso has grown out his hair and sports a look remarkably similar to Aizawa, complete with tired eyes and a mature presence.
Horikoshi Confirms: Shinso’s Long Hair Is a Symbol of Respect
In the new official fanbook My Hero Academia: Ultra Age, Horikoshi was asked whether Shinso’s new hairstyle was connected to Aizawa. His response was simple and heartfelt: “Yes, it’s out of respect for Aizawa.” This confirmation touched many fans who had speculated that Shinso’s evolution was meant to honor his mentor.
Interestingly, Horikoshi also revealed that Shinso was originally intended to debut his long-haired design during the U.A. Traitor Arc. Specifically, in Chapter 340 of Volume 34, Shinso does appear with longer hair—but because he was drawn upside down, the visual wasn’t very clear. “I wanted to show his long hair already, but the pose I drew had him upside down, so it was unclear,” Horikoshi explained.
Shinso: Aizawa’s True Successor
With this revelation, it’s now clearer than ever that Shinso is meant to carry on Aizawa’s legacy—not just in battle, but in spirit. His character arc, from underdog to respected pro-hero, mirrors Aizawa’s own journey. And now, with the long hair and quiet intensity, Shinso doesn’t just admire Aizawa—he embodies him.
In a world of heroes striving to become the next Symbol of Peace, it’s touching to see a character choose instead to walk in the footsteps of one of U.A.'s most grounded and selfless mentors.