Why Mirio Togata Was Almost the No.1 Hero (and Still Could Be)
When it comes to My Hero Academia, we’ve seen a ton of heroes rise and fall, but few have left an impact quite like Mirio Togata—aka Lemillion. This dude had everything needed to be the next No.1 Hero, and honestly, if things had gone just a little differently, we’d probably be watching The Mirio Show instead of Deku’s journey to greatness.
He was one of the few people who had the skill, personality, and raw power to inherit One For All, and if it weren’t for Deku’s fateful meeting with All Might, Mirio would have been the guy carrying the future of hero society on his back. But just because he missed out on OFA doesn’t mean his story is over—this guy’s far from finished. So, let’s break down exactly why Mirio was almost the No.1 Hero and why he STILL might reach that peak.
Mirio’s Power Was Already Top-Tier
Before Deku even entered UA, Mirio was out here beating pro heroes for fun. His quirk, Permeation, might sound like a nightmare to control, but in his hands? It was absolute cheat-code level.
For those who need a refresher: Permeation lets Mirio phase through anything—walls, attacks, even the ground itself. That might not sound flashy, like Bakugo’s explosions or Todoroki’s ice, but he mastered his power so well that he could take out multiple opponents in the blink of an eye.
What Made Permeation So OP?
Untouchable Defense: Most attacks don’t even land on him. Try to punch him? You’ll go right through.
Instant Speed Boost: He can phase through the ground, cancel his quirk, and get launched forward like a bullet.
Surprise Attacks: He can phase through walls and appear anywhere, anytime.
Mirio took what should have been an uncontrollable quirk and turned it into a weapon that could put even top pro heroes to shame.
The Ultimate Hero Personality
Raw power alone isn’t enough to be No.1— you need to inspire people, and that’s where Mirio truly shines.
All Might became the Symbol of Peace not just because he was strong but because he made people feel safe. Mirio has the same energy. This guy is basically sunshine in human form —always smiling, always hyping up his friends, and always willing to put himself in danger to save others.
Remember when he fought Overhaul? Even after losing his quirk, he kept fighting. He protected Eri like an absolute legend, taking attacks that should’ve ended him, all while still smiling to keep her from being afraid.
That’s real hero energy.
What If Mirio Got One For All Instead?
Alright, let’s play an alternate reality game for a second. Imagine if he had actually inherited One For All instead of Deku.
Would he have been better at handling it from the start? Absolutely.
Would he have become the strongest hero immediately? 100%.
Deku took years to learn how to control OFA without shattering his bones , but Mirio? He already had the body, the mindset, and the experience to use a powerful quirk without it wrecking him.
Think about it:
Mirio’s already trained his body to superhuman levels
He knows how to predict enemy movements like a pro
He’s insanely quick-thinking in battle
If he had One For All- forget almost being No.1—he’d be unstoppable.
Mirio’s Setback (And His Epic Comeback)
Of course, Mirio’s story isn’t just about how strong he could have been. It’s about how he faced one of the worst setbacks ever and still came back swinging.
When Overhaul stole his quirk, it should have been game over. Losing his powers meant he couldn’t be a hero anymore, right?
Wrong. Mirio didn’t stop. Even without his quirk, he kept training, kept supporting his friends, and never lost his hero spirit. And then, just when we thought he was out for good, he got his quirk back! Thanks to Eri’s Rewind ability, Mirio returned to the battlefield, and you already know he’s gunning for the top spot.
Can Mirio Still Become No.1?
Honestly? YES. The world of My Hero Academia is unpredictable, and the rankings of pro heroes change all the time. Right now, Deku is the frontrunner to take over as the No.1 hero, but Mirio isn’t far behind.
Why Mirio Still Has a Shot:
He’s Back in Action: Now that he has his quirk again, he can keep leveling up.
He’s More Experienced Than Deku: Mirio already thinks and fights like a pro.
He’s Got the Heroic Spirit: He’s an inspiration, just like All Might was.
If Deku wasn’t in the picture, Mirio would 100% be the No.1 Hero. And even now? He’s still in the race.
Final Thoughts: Lemillion’s Future is Bright
Mirio Togata was built different . He had all the qualities needed to be the next No.1 Hero, and if fate had played out differently, we’d be talking about how he was carrying the legacy of One For All. But Mirio’s story isn’t over. He’s still one of the strongest, smartest, and most heroic characters in My Hero Academia, and if anyone deserves a comeback arc, it’s him.
Deku might be the future Symbol of Peace, but Mirio? He’s still a contender for the No.1 spot, and with the way things are going, we might just see him surpass all expectations. What do you think? Could Mirio still claim the top spot? Let’s talk in the comments! 🔥