If Kaina Tsutsumi, also known as Lady Nagant, had escaped from the Hero Public Safety Commission (HPSC) much earlier, the trajectory of her life and the broader narrative of My Hero Academia could have shifted dramatically. Let’s explore the potential implications based on her character profile, abilities, and the context provided.
Early Escape and Initial Impact
An earlier escape from the HPSC would likely occur before her imprisonment in Tartarus, possibly after her killing of the Commission President due to her disillusionment with their corrupt practices. This event, originally a turning point that led to her arrest, could instead mark the beginning of her life as a rogue agent. With her exceptional marksmanship, enhanced eyesight, and Quirks (Rifle, Air Walk, and the unnamed Self-Destruct Quirk), Nagant would have been a formidable independent force. Free from HPSC control, she might initially target corrupt heroes and villains alike, seeking to expose the hypocrisy she witnessed, as her past actions suggest a deep-seated desire for justice, albeit warped by her experiences.
Influence on Hero Society
Without the years of confinement, Nagant’s early escape could accelerate the erosion of public trust in the HPSC. Her skills as Japan’s premier sniper, combined with her insider knowledge of the Commission’s dirty work, would allow her to conduct high-profile assassinations or leaks, potentially destabilizing the hero system years before the Paranormal Liberation War. This could lead to an earlier rise in villain activity, as the public’s faith in heroes wanes, creating a power vacuum that groups like the League of Villains or the Gollini Family might exploit.
Interaction with Key Characters
Izuku Midoriya (Deku): An earlier encounter with Deku could occur during his early hero training. Nagant’s initial hostility, as seen in her confrontation with him in the Dark Hero Arc, might persist, but her exposure to his unwavering resolve and compassion could happen sooner. This might lead to her redemption arc beginning earlier, potentially aligning her with the heroes against All For One or other threats like the Gollini Family, especially if she learns of Dark Might’s similar misuse of power.
Hawks: As her junior in the HPSC, Hawks might be tasked with tracking her down. An earlier dynamic could see him attempting to bring her back into the fold or, alternatively, joining her in exposing the Commission’s corruption, given his own struggles with their demands. This partnership could strengthen the hero resistance against emerging villains.
All For One: Without Tartarus to contain her, All For One might recruit Nagant earlier, leveraging her skills and resentment. Her Air Walk and Self-Destruct Quirks, gifts from him in the original timeline, could be offered sooner, making her a key asset in his plans to destabilize society. However, her eventual disillusionment with him, as seen when she turns against him, might still occur if she encounters Deku’s influence.
Potential Alliance with the Gollini Family
Given the speculative context of the Gollini Family’s rise and fall, an earlier escape might place Nagant in Europe during their peak dominance. Her skills could attract Dark Might’s attention, especially if he seeks to bolster his inner circle with powerful Quirks. However, her disdain for corrupt authority figures might clash with Dark Might’s egomaniacal leadership, leading to a temporary alliance that ends in betrayal. Nagant’s precision could counter the Gollinis’ lack of combat skills, but her moral compass might push her to undermine their plans, such as stopping the fortress attack on UA, aligning with heroes like Deku and Class 1-A.
Long-Term Consequences
Redemption and Retirement: If Nagant escapes early and redeems herself sooner, her pardon and retirement might occur by the time of the Final War, allowing her to mentor younger heroes or live quietly, as seen eight years post-war. Her experience could shape a more transparent hero society, reducing the need for her to remain in prison out of fear of exploitation.
Shift in Power Dynamics: An earlier active Nagant could weaken the HPSC’s grip, forcing heroes to adapt to a more decentralized system. This might accelerate the rise of independent heroes like Deku, who embody a new hope, and delay or alter All For One’s plans, given her potential to disrupt his early moves.
Personal Growth: Free from Tartarus’s confines, Nagant might retain more of her physical and mental health, avoiding the severe injuries from the Self-Destruct Quirk. This could allow her to fully reconcile her past optimism with her current cynicism, becoming a bridge between old and new hero ideals.
Speculative Outcome
If Nagant escaped much earlier—say, a decade before the main series events—she might have become a legendary rogue hero-turned-villain-turned-ally, her actions sparking a reformation of the HPSC long before All For One’s Tartarus breakout. Her alliance with Deku and Hawks could lead to a preemptive strike against the Gollini Family, preventing their fortress assault on UA. By the time of the Final War, she might be a retired figure, her scars fewer, her spirit healed by Deku’s influence, and her legacy a cautionary tale of heroism’s dark side turned to light.
This scenario hinges on her encountering Deku’s idealism early enough to shift her path, a plausible outcome given his tendency to inspire change. Her escape would thus serve as a catalyst, reshaping the hero-villain landscape and potentially saving countless lives, including her own, from the toll of corruption and conflict.
