Geten, known as "Iceman" and a formidable member of both the Meta Liberation Army (MLA) and later the Paranormal Liberation Front, possesses a past deeply intertwined with one of the most significant families in the My Hero Academia universe: the Himura clan, from which Rei Todoroki (Shoto's mother) hails. His story reveals a fascinating blend of personal conviction, intense training, and a lineage that connects him to the very heart of hero society.
Geten's Early Life and Training
Geten's past is not one of traditional schooling or societal integration. Instead, he dedicated his youth entirely to honing his unique Meta Ability, Ice Ply. The text explicitly states: "In his youth, Geten didn't attend school and instead focused his efforts on strengthening his power to control ice by himself and becoming a skilled user." This singular focus on power aligns perfectly with his later-revealed social Darwinist philosophy: "one's greatest worth is the strength of one's power."
His dedication paid off, as he became a highly proficient ice manipulator, capable of creating sophisticated ice constructs and controlling ice over vast areas. This self-driven, intense training laid the groundwork for his future role within the MLA.
How Geten Met the MLA
Geten's entry into the Meta Liberation Army was facilitated by none other than its Grand Commander, Re-Destro (Rikiya Yotsubashi). While the exact "meeting" isn't detailed as a specific event, the text strongly implies that Re-Destro recognized Geten's immense potential and helped him further refine his Quirk. "Re-Destro helped Geten hone his Meta Ability." This mentorship or patronage from Re-Destro was crucial, as it led to a significant development in Geten's power: "One time, when the Grand Commander was burned, Geten's ability evolved and suddenly allowed him to control the temperature of ice." This "Awakening" of his Quirk, triggered by a concern for Re-Destro's well-being, solidified Geten's loyalty and gratitude towards his leader.
Geten's deep indebtedness and thankfulness to Re-Destro for "granting him more power" underscore the nature of their relationship. He became a "loyal warrior of the Liberation Army and a devout believer in its principles," particularly the idea of a world where the strongest superpowers dominate the hierarchy. His devotion to Re-Destro is so profound that he becomes "greatly angered whenever anyone gets in Re-Destro's way."
Geten's Close Relationship to Rei's Family: The Himura Connection
The most surprising revelation about Geten's past is his direct lineage to the Himura family, Rei Todoroki's maiden family. The text explicitly states: "He comes from the same family as Rei Todoroki, the Himuras, indicating that he is a distant relative to her and the rest of her children." This makes him a distant cousin to Rei and, by extension, to her children: Toya (Dabi), Fuyumi, Natsuo, and Shoto Todoroki.
Geten himself explains this history to Mr. Compress while they are imprisoned:
The Himura Family's Decline: The Himura family was a "long-running and prestigious family who maintained their wealth and pride through creating branch families." However, their downfall began with the rise of Meta Abilities (Quirks). The family, valuing the purity of their bloodline, "did not want to dilute their bloodline" with the emergence of Quirks.
Arranged Marriages and Scattering: This resistance to "diluting" their bloodline led to the head of the family resorting to selling off their children into marriages. As a consequence, the remaining Himura families became "scattered," with Geten being one of these dispersed descendants.
Rei Todoroki's Connection: Rei Todoroki's "Quirk Marriage" to Enji Todoroki (Endeavor) is directly tied into this Himura family history. While the text doesn't explicitly state that Rei was "sold off" in the same manner as other Himura children during the family's decline, it does mention that her family "arranged her Quirk Marriage to Enji Todoroki." Her father was "honored" by the prospect of the next No. 1 Pro Hero marrying a Himura woman, suggesting a strategic move to regain wealth or prestige for the struggling family. Rei herself accepted the marriage, despite having a choice, "wanting him to help her family with his wealth." This indicates the Himura family's diminished state and their attempts to leverage their lineage for financial stability.
Geten's Relational Status with the Himuras and Rei's Immediate Family:
Himura Clan: Geten is a direct, albeit distant, descendant of the Himura clan. He is a part of one of the "branch families" that were established to maintain wealth and pride, but which ultimately scattered due to the family's decline and arranged marriages.
Rei Todoroki: Geten is a distant relative of Rei Todoroki. They share a common Himura ancestry. While they are family by blood, there's no indication they ever met or were aware of their familial connection before Geten's imprisonment and his conversation with Mr. Compress.
Rei's Parents: Geten's connection to Rei's parents is through the Himura family lineage. Rei's father, in particular, was instrumental in arranging her marriage to Enji, highlighting the family's desperate measures during their decline, which ultimately led to Geten's branch being scattered.
Todoroki Children (Toya/Dabi, Fuyumi, Natsuo, Shoto): As a distant relative of Rei, Geten is also a distant relative of her children. This creates a significant, albeit unknown to them, familial link between Geten and Dabi (Toya Todoroki), whom he fought fiercely during the Meta Liberation Army Arc. The text notes: "Geten and Dabi are revealed to be distantly related through the latter's mother, as Geten was a member of the Himura family. Though whether either villain is aware of this is unknown." This adds a layer of dramatic irony to their intense battle, as two distant relatives from the same lineage, one embracing liberation and the other destruction, clashed without knowing their shared blood.
In summary, Geten's past is defined by his Himura lineage, a family that fell from grace due to the rise of Quirks and their own rigid traditions. This background, combined with his self-driven training and Re-Destro's patronage, shaped him into a powerful and loyal member of the MLA, driven by a philosophy of power and a desire for a world where strength dictates status. His familial connection to Rei Todoroki and her children adds a profound, hidden layer to the narrative, highlighting the intricate and often unknown ties that bind individuals in a Quirk-filled world.
