Eri’s story is by far one of the most tragic yet hopeful in the My Hero Academia universe, as few characters in the series have suffered as much as her. Yet, despite all the pain she went through, the white-haired girl found people who cared about her and gave her a new chance at a peaceful and happy life. By the end of the story, she had gone on to live a normal life, going as far as to seemingly start a band with her friends.

This small but significant detail found in chapter #430 of the manga hints at Jiro Kyoka, one of the series’ most underrated characters, being a major inspiration for Eri. Earphone Jack’s performance during the U.A. School Festival was vital for Eri's development into a joyful teenager, proving how significant her music was for the traumatized kid.

Kyoka's Performance Shaped Eri's Future

She Gave Her Not Only Her Smile Back But a ion

In episode #86 of the My Hero Academia anime, the students of Class 1-A revealed to the world the performance they worked so hard on. While they undoubtedly wanted to impress the attendees of U.A.’s School Festival, they were also trying to make Eri smile again. After being tortured for years at the hands of Overhaul, one of the most powerful and cruel villains in the series, the white-haired girl forgot what it was like to experience true joy. Her happiness was thankfully recovered rather quickly once Kyoka began singing the beloved song Hero Too.

Seeing Eri smile with genuine cheer was a moving moment for not only the students of Class 1-A who fought hard to rescue her, but also for the fans of the series. The interactions between Jiro and her younger friend became scarce from that point onward, with them only seeing each other on counted occasions before the ending of the story. Nonetheless, the emotive performance she gave during Eri’s first festival left a lasting impression on the white-haired girl. In chapter #430, a teenage version of Eri can be seen walking to school.

She is talking with her classmates, a broad smile adorning her face, free from any kind of pain and suffering. What makes this moment even more special is the fact that the three students can be seen carrying musical instruments, implying that they have started their band. This might not reveal much about who Eri became after the series ended, but it does indicate that Kyoka was a major influence on her life. She likely wants to spread the same joy she felt as a child when Earphone Jack sang for her with the rest of the world.

Earphone Jack's Contributions Often Go Unappreciated

Despite Being Vital For Eri’s Story, She is Rarely Mentioned By The Girl

After being rescued from Chisaki’s control during the Shie Hassaikai arc of the My Hero Academia franchise, Eri began to see Deku and Lemillion as her saviors. This is understandable, as they are the warriors who risked their lives to make sure that Overhaul would not be able to harm her any longer. The duo inspired her to be brave, which led her to become an asset for the heroes’ victory during the Final War. Her sibling-like relationship with Izuku and Mirio is among the most endearing and heartwarming in the series.

Nevertheless, chapter #430 makes it clear that Jiro was also essential for her development, as she helped her find her ion for music. The series seldom focuses on how important Earphone Jack was for Eri, preferring to give credit to Deku and Lemillion. Each of the heroes who played a part in creating a brighter future for the white-haired should have been given proper credit. This is the reason why the final chapters of the manga are so important to determine the importance of Jiro in Eri’s life.

Besides her brief appearance during the epilogue of the manga, Eri can be seen in chapter #429 singing during Aoyama’s farewell party while Jiro plays the guitar for her. Despite not being specified during this moment, this seems to be the beginning of her musical journey, with Kyoka as her mentor. Their interaction might be minimal in the manga, but moments like the ones found in the last two chapters of the manga serve as a reminder of how significant Earphone Jack is for Eri and the story in general.

The My Hero Academia universe constantly reminds readers that every little action can have massive repercussions on a person. Eri suffered much more than most children her age, but the care and concern characters like Deku and Kyoka showed her helped her move on from the pain. Showing her sharing precious moments with the heroes who save her makes her story much more wholesome and emotive for fans.