If we look at Seiji Shishikuraâs âmore than meets the eyeâ factor, the case is thatâwhile at first glance he comes across as a rigid, pompous elitistâthere are deeper psychological layers and contradictions that complicate him:
1. Surface Persona vs. Hidden Motivations
Surface: Heâs obsessed with dignity, tradition, and âweeding outâ heroes he deems unworthy. He talks like an old-fashioned noble, keeps impeccable posture, and holds Shiketsu Highâs ideals like sacred scripture.
Underneath: Some of this is a coping mechanism tied to his upbringing and personal lossâhis father was a Tartarus guard murdered by All For One. His need for order and propriety may stem from a desire to protect the image and stability of hero society after personal chaos.
2. Moral Rigidity vs. Emotional Complexity
His rigidity leads him to antagonize and insult others (Bakugo, Kaminari, Camie), which makes him seem judgmental and arrogant.
Yet, heâs capable of empathyâshowing concern for Camie after the Toga impersonation, saving Hawks in the Final War, and choosing not to give in to revenge despite wanting to kill All For One for his fatherâs death.
3. Idealism vs. Blind Spots
Seiji claims to act âfor the good of the hero system,â but fails to self-reflect. Teachers and peers see Stainâs influence on his views, but he denies it outrightâshowing a blind spot about how ideology can creep in subconsciously.
His failure in the Provisional License Exam was as much about his unwillingness to adapt and collaborate as it was about skill.
4. Tactical Brilliance vs. Strategic Shortcomings
In battle, heâs clever and dangerous, using his Meatball quirk in creative ways for offense, defense, and crowd control.
However, his focus on âteaching lessonsâ rather than winning or advancing the mission sometimes undermines himâlike prioritizing punishing âunworthyâ students over passing the exam.
5. Reputation vs. Reality
To outsiders, heâs the âstiff Shiketsu senpaiâ obsessed with propriety. But in the Final War, he proves adaptable, cooperative, and capable of self-restraint, showing that the pompous exterior hides a disciplined and reliable combatant in the right circumstances.
In shortâSeiji is a case study in how strong ideals, if unchecked by humility, can become a personal weakness, but also how those same ideals, when tempered by lived experience, can make someone a resilient and principled ally.