My Hero Academia’s One Truly Underrated Villain Might Surprise Fans

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Kai Chisaki is probably better known as “Overhaul,” the (now former) leader of the Shie Hassaikai Yakuza. This villain’s arc felt like it came out of nowhere, hit readers (or viewers) where it hurts, and then faded away into nothingness. Perhaps it’s the sudden arrival followed by disappearance, but Overhaul is easily the most overlooked villain from the world of MHA. This villain hit the nail on the head when it comes to menacing, and we still can’t get over the potential this villain brought to the table.

The Villain Known as Overhaul

Image courtesy of Bones

Overhaul is a terrifying villain who wants to obliterate quirks from the world. While some fans still love arguing about point (more on that in a moment), it’s his method that gives most people pause. He figured out a way to manufacture a quirk-erasing drug, and all he had to do was torture one child to get what he needed. If that isn’t a villain’s move, we don’t know what is.

Another thing that proves Kai Chisaki is a villain is his slightly hypocritical mentality. He hates quirks and wants to rid the world of them, so that makes it acceptable for him to use one. His quirk (Overhaul) lets him disassemble and reassemble anything he makes contact with. That includes living beings, as evidenced by what he does to Eri and his minions.

Since Overhaul was at the forefront of the Shie Hassaikai Arc, we can’t pretend that this villain didn’t get the center of attention. His villainous plan brought dozens of heroes together for the same project; that’s not something you get to see every day, though Shigaraki makes one think otherwise.

Foil to Shigaraki

Image courtesy of Bones

On the subject of Shigaraki, he and Overhaul couldn’t be more different, and that’s by design. Overhaul is Shigaraki’s foil; he’s meant to stand in stark contrast to Shigaraki’s ideals. Shigaraki wants to embrace his quirks and become stronger, leaving his mark on the world. Naturally, Overhaul wants to do the exact opposite. Ironically, both want to make their goals the world’s problem, and that’s probably the biggest thing they have in common.

To put this into perspective, Shigaraki is seeking to obtain freedom (his) through destruction (the world). Conversely, Overhaul is striving for order through control. Two very different approaches to villainy, and that shines through in every detail and aspect of their lives. Chisaki can’t handle even the implication of something being unclean, hence his breaking out in hives while fighting.

When it comes to their quirks, Overhaul and Shigaraki have more in common than they would like to admit. Both of their quirks allow them to destroy. Shigaraki’s decay tears through the world, while Overhaul’s likewise breaks apart, but to rebuild. It’s almost like the narrative is trying to highlight that Overhaul plans for an additional step after the destruction he aims to cause, whereas Shigaraki is in it for the sake of destruction itself.

A Complex Ideology & Plan

Image courtesy of Bones

It’s easy to look at Overhaul and think his goal is one-dimensional. However, this villain has a surprisingly complex ideology, starting with his indoctrination with the Yakuza. He sincerely believes that quirks are the biggest threat to that way of life, and eradicating them will put the Yakuza back to the status they previously held. In other words, Overhaul wants to make the world manageable again. When life and society don’t have to worry about thousands of random factors, thanks to quirks, things are easier to plan and process.

While it is somewhat hypocritical that Chisaki uses his quirk in his quest to eliminate them, it also highlights his determination. He would be ultimately willing to sacrifice his own quirk, of which he can see the value, to achieve his goals.

Finally, it’s important to remember that Kai Chisaki cannot distinguish between a quirk and a virus. In his mind, they are one in the same, and that’s not hyperbole. He believes that quirks were previously undiscovered viruses that mutated. It’s not hard to understand how Chisaki in particular would find that notion alarming.

Sidelined Too Soon

Image courtesy of Bones

Over the course of one MHA arc, Overhaul came in swinging. He put many beloved characters at risk, introduced new ones, and left his mark on the world. He pushed Midoriya farther than we could have anticipated, and then he was gone. Okay, he didn’t literally disappear, but his threat has effectively been neutralized.

Shigaraki’s actions against Overhaul ensure that Chisaki will never pose the same threat or concern again. So even when Chisaki appeared once again, courtesy of Lady Nagant, he pretty much feels like a different character. It’s a shame to see his potential gone so soon, but the pacing of the MHA required the story to leave him in the dust.

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