Disclaimer that I view Shigaraki largely as asexual, and so this isn’t a list of like, “top ten characters I think Shigaraki wants to fuck,” and since I’m also not interested in PWP as such, it isn’t a list of the top ten characters I want to see fuck Shigaraki either. It’s more like a list of characters he’s got interesting and compelling dynamics with, and also characters I think could be crushing on him, or otherwise wanting to do him real bad (you can probably tell which are which). It’s also listed primarily by how much I personally enjoy writing and playing with the ships themselves.
Would love to see other’s top ten lists too. That being said, this list is entirely subjective, diverse and correct. Can you guess the order? Follow me under the cut to find out.
10. Overhaul/Shigaraki
This ship should’ve been bigger back when it started, but somehow never caught on, and since their meetings were so brief it leaves little room for speculation on what else they could’ve been up to. There is an interesting dynamic here for Shigaraki’s character, especially highlighted in the negotiation scene, and later during the revenge, but ultimately it’s pretty difficult to write these two as it is quite out of character to imagine them genuinely wanting to even touch each other (in a non-lethal way). Nice aesthetic though.
9. Giran/Shigaraki
From Giran dismissing Shigaraki, his client, as being “too young” and “immature,” to him being willing to be mutilated rather than betray him, the loyalty of this ship is quite something. An arc about rescuing the damsel in distress is also perfect for gamer Shigaraki. The ship hasn’t taken off yet and I don’t feel inclined to write anything for it at the moment, but it’s got a lot of potential, so who knows what the future holds? Could be the one to look out for.
8. Shigaraki/Stain
Another ship which could’ve been something but never took the fandom by storm when they were interacting, as the series was really just starting at that point, and Shigaraki wasn’t very popular. Still, this ship has a lot of potential if Stain’s ever reintroduced into the story, and Shigaraki’s genuine dislike of the guy is pretty amusing. Shigaraki mockingly calling Stain “senpai” and being a brat is another shipping bonus, in my opinion.
7. Shigaraki/Toga/Twice
My one OT3 of this series. Would rank higher if I were better at writing Twice, because I’m really into this idea of the two of them teaming up to (attempt to) seduce and treat leader right. They also look good together, all three of them, and it seems like they’d be good and caring for each other. Also imagining Toga and Twice as obedient but pushy and Shigaraki giving them space to explore is fun. All in all a rare, genuinely positive ship for Shigaraki’s well-being, or so I imagine.
6. Dabi/Shigaraki
This ship is pretty fun to write but it doesn’t have a lot going for it in canon regarding Dabi’s characterisation and their dynamic in general. It’s got a lot of cool fandom stuff, but also some fandom stuff I’m not that into, so I’m a little torn with whether I actually like it or not. Nevertheless, I do have fun with the concept of this ship, and so I’ve dabbled. It’s ultimately a midtier Shigaraki ship, in my opinion. And, nice aesthetic here too, though I think Dabi’s height and ability to dominate or fluster Shigaraki of all people has a tendency to get exaggerated in fanwork.
5. Kurogiri/Shigaraki
One of the most severely underrated ships of this entire series, though thankfully there’s at least some content in the Eastern side of the fandom, KuroShiga leaves a lot up to the imagination. Do they dislike each other and work together just because of All for One? Do they have some kind of bond or is it all just convenience? Is there any genuine care between them, does Shigaraki miss him, does Kurogiri worry about him, for his own sake? We’re still uncovering their history, and with Shigaraki’s backstory being exposed more and more, we can expect new insights into their relationship - I for one am looking forward to learning more, and hopefully finish a fic at last.
4. Noumu/Shigaraki
You’re damn right I stand by this. Shigaraki fucked a Noumu. Deal with it.
3. Shigaraki/Toga
I really enjoy writing this ship because Shigaraki’s bond with Toga is quite unique, I feel. It’s like he’s a little more lenient with her, somehow, and I love this aspect of their relationship. I’m also of the opinion that she’s quite smitten with him, but it’s unlike her other crushes, it’s deeper, more real, and so I’m also really into her feelings towards him, which I think she would act on before truly understanding them herself. It’s also nice to have someone genuinely look out for Shigaraki’s best interest and wanting him to be happy (though not on her own expense either). Her playfulness and tendency to tease him in canon is also just incredibly precious and fun to write. My main proof of love for this ship is that I can’t help but sneak in ShigaToga hints every time I write her, even when the fic’s focused on another pair. It’s just really cute, fun and irresistible.
2. Shigaraki/Spinner
Ever since chapter 220 came out this ship’s been growing and growing. While Spinner’s loyalty is questioned by a large portion of the fandom, I do think it’s pretty evident that potential ideological disagreements aside, he’s come to sincerely admire Shigaraki, which leads to him feeling very torn. There is a relatability to their backstories, some understanding between their emotions, and also their shared interest in gaming - and opposite thoughts on Stain - which make this ship actually pretty plausible and good. It could be wonderful for character development and they could be an actual healthy evil couple all things considered - in fanon context. I’m very excited to see how it develops, even if it doesn’t go how I want it to (because I mean, evil exes and betrayals are great plot linw too).
1. All for One/Shigaraki
No way around this. All for One is still Shigaraki’s strongest bond. He wouldn’t be who he is without All for One’s influence, and their relationship is already depraved in canon. Yet, I am still convinced that there is mutual genuine care between them, delusional and dangerous as it might be (and unhealthy, to be sure), and I’m all about exploring the worst and best aspects of their bond. It’s wrong, it’s unbearably creepy, and just so much fun to write. All for One’s sick affection and Shigaraki’s co-dependence and tentative trust, and him growing up in that enviroment, is just a gold mine for the imagination. It’s the opposite of cute and healthy and so I love it the most, after all.
