Why Kendo is Class 1-B’s Strongest Asset

As the top hero academy in Japan, UA High is responsible for training heroes and molding them for a life as pro heroes. This school is the main setting of My Hero Academia, with the spotlight being on Class 1-A and its students. However, these students are not the only students in this school, and although the spotlight rarely moves to the other students, one class has been able to stand out, Class 1-B.

Most of the major powerhouses in this anime are in Class 1-A, but there are powerful heroes in Class 1-B and a powerful asset that the students of Class 1-B have grown to love, Itsuka Kendo. Kendo is the class representative of Class 1-B and is known for her Big Fist quirk, which allows her to enlarge her hands to a gigantic size. Kendo stands out as Class 1-B’s strongest asset because she is a capable fighter, and she brings her classmates together to function as one powerful unit, helping them push their limits.

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Qualities That Make Kendo A Strong Asset

Jack Of All Trades

• Kendo’s First Appearance: Episode 15

As the class representative of Class 1-B, one can automatically tell that Kendo is responsible and holds the respect of her classmates, as this title can not be given to any classmate. Kendo holds this title not because she is responsible, mature, and has the support of her classmates but because, amid her impulsive classmates, she shines and is best known for being able to approach issues in a calm and collected manner.

Another attribute of Kendo is that she acts as a big sister to her classmates, putting them before herself and ensuring they stay focused on their goals rather than their competitive and unnecessary rivalry with Class 1-A. Kendo is not just a leader in her class but also a leader on the battlefield. Kendo’s leadership abilities can be seen during training exercises where she effectively manages her team’s quirks and personalities, making sure they fit the demands of the battle.

Big Fist

In addition to managing her team’s quirks, Kendo never misses the chance to put her versatile quirk to good use when needed. Kendo’s quirk, Big Fist, allows her to expand her hands to gigantic sizes. This gives her superhuman strength and reach, as well as versatility in offensive and defensive situations.

With her Big Fist, Kendo can deliver earth-shaking blows to her opponents or objects, as seen during the Joint Training Battle, where she uses her fists to crush the shields Momo made. Big Fist can also act as a shield Kendo can use to protect herself, her classmates, and, in some cases, innocent bystanders from harm. Not only do they act as shields, but Kendo’s Big Fist can also be used to manipulate her surroundings and create distractions in battle.

There is no doubt that Kendo’s versatility makes her a critical asset in battles. It also gives Class 1-B the reassurance that regardless of the situation, Kendo can always intervene, support, and be there for them either physically or strategically.

Quick Thinking

Beyond Kendo’s physical abilities, she is a quick thinker. She finds it easy to analyze her opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and make quick decisions, which most students find difficult to do. Kendo combines her physical strength with strategic finesse to overcome her opponents. She uses her intelligence to make the most out of her team’s quirks, guiding her classmates through challenges in a way that maximizes their effectiveness as a unit.

Fans see how Kendo strategically assessed threats and found opportunities mid-battle during the joint training battle between Class 1-A and Class 1-B. She had a plan for Kuroiro to launch a surprise attack on Tokoyami and also had a backup plan on standby in case her initial plan did not work out. This sharp mind complements her strength, reinforcing her status as a key figure for Class 1-B’s success.

A Strong Asset

Class 1-B Is Lucky To Have Kendo

The spotlight of My Hero Academia is mostly on Class 1-A, but its occasional diversion led fans to see that there are some noteworthy students in UA High other than the Class 1-A students. One of those students is Kendo from Class 1-B. Kendo’s growth and potential make her a noteworthy rival to some of the top students in Class 1-A, particularly Momo Yaoyorozu.

Kendo’s rivalry with Momo pushes Kendo to improve and refine her strategies. It is important to note that Kendo’s competitive nature does not come from a place of arrogance, as she sees competition as a chance to grow rather than prove superiority.

Kendo’s role as Class 1-B’s strongest asset goes beyond her quirk. Her versatile abilities make her an intimidating opponent in combat, and her strategic mind and strong sense of teamwork make her a leader worth rallying behind. As Class 1-B’s representative, she serves as a reminder that strength is not just about power. It is the ability to bring people together, think on your feet, and balance humility with determination.

In My Hero Academia, some humans have superpowers called quirks. Izuku Midoriya, nicknamed Deku, is not one of them. Deku has always idolized heroes like the number one hero, All Might, and since he was a child, he has always wanted to be a hero. However, his lack of a quirk has always held him back, but a chance encounter with All Might after discovering a classmate in danger sets Deku on the path to becoming a true hero. My Hero Academia centers around Deku and a class of heroes-in-training at UA. This school shapes young quirk users into future heroes through fake rescue missions, combat training, and other hero-tempering tasks. With young Deku inheriting the “One-For-All” quirk, he will learn what it means to be a true hero while facing off with dastardly supervillains.

Studio

Bones

Creator

Kōhei Horikoshi

Number of Episodes

159