A Man Flying Bound for Freedom, Bearing Light and Shadow: Hawks

In this issue, we will dive deep into the true essence and appeal of Hawks, a character from My Hero Academia. We will explore the genuine desires hidden behind his cheerful smile, as well as the profound loneliness he carries within, using simple and direct words.

Hawks is known as the man who is too fast, always maintaining a carefree and casual attitude. However, beneath this surface lies a lonely young man who continues to shoulder the dark underbelly of society entirely on his own.

He aims to create a society where heroes have too much time on their hands. In other words, he desires a gentle and peaceful world where no one has to push themselves to the brink of exhaustion in battle. The reason he harbors this wish stems from his own heavy and painful past.

Growing up in an environment completely devoid of freedom or hope, he was ultimately saved by a true hero. This pivotal moment inspired his firm resolve to become a beacon of hope for someone else.

Yet, the reality he faces stands in stark contrast to his ideals. To protect the peace, he must occasionally dirty his hands, weave lies, and live while suppressing his own authentic feelings. Even though he possesses beautiful wings that allow him to soar freely through the sky, he remains confined within a birdcage made of social rules and crushing expectations. I find myself deeply drawn to his human clumsiness and profound sorrow as he bears this massive contradiction completely alone.

The reason Hawks is so deeply loved by many is that no matter how gritty his circumstances become, he never abandons his ideals. He never tries to advertise his own suffering or hard work to those around him. Refusing to make excuses, he simply continues to demonstrate his commitment through his actions.

As we navigate through life, we all encounter unreasonable situations or find ourselves forced to do things we would rather avoid. There are times when we hide our genuine feelings just to play the role of a good person that society expects from us. Hawks serves as a mirror reflecting the silent emotional pain that modern people carry. Even when bruised and exhausted, he keeps flying for the sake of others with a smile on his face. This selfless way of living, which seeks no reward, moves our hearts deeply.

I am powerfully captivated by his straightforward attitude, willing to conceal his true self if it means ensuring the happiness of others.

If Hawks existed in modern-day Japan, he would undoubtedly thrive as a brilliant public relations specialist heading crisis management for a major corporation.

On the surface, he would capture the public's heart with his bright, approachable personality, significantly boosting the company's brand image. Behind the scenes, however, he would immediately sense the sparks of impending trouble or corporate scandals, swiftly resolving them before anyone else even noticed. He would willingly take on the role of the organization's fixer, creating a safe and secure environment where other employees could work without anxiety. Yet, because he would keep too many problems to himself, he would occasionally edge close to losing sight of his true identity, leading to a solitary professional life where he shares his deepest thoughts only with a select, trusted few.

The way Hawks lives provides us with profound insights into how we can navigate our own lives in society.

Every one of us occasionally folds our own wings in an attempt to meet the expectations of others. However, if we remain true to the core ideals inside our hearts just like he does, we can keep moving forward with our heads held high, no matter how difficult the circumstances. Working hard for the sake of someone else is an incredibly beautiful thing. At the same time, please never forget to cherish and take care of yourself.

Starting tomorrow, try to listen to the quiet voice of your own heart just as much as you care for the people around you. That will be your very first step toward flying freely in a sky that belongs entirely to you.