Summary
From an early age, heroes inMy Hero Academiadevelop quirks and learn how to use them effectively to protect their city. Some possess the power to launch high-power attacks to defeat the villains, while others serve as support heroes, rescuing civilians from the wreckage. Life inMy Hero Academiaisn’t easy for quirkless people, but thankfully, they can rely on the services of the many pro heroes available. Their powers can range fromquirks that can emit elemental attacksto quirks that boost strength and speed while multiplying the user’s size. In the case of Oboro Shirakumo, his quirk reflects his light-hearted nature and motivation to save everyone.
Known by his hero name, Loud Cloud, Shirakumo is a classmate and friend ofShota Aizawaand Hizashi Yamada. The trio of pals develops a strong bond despite their contrasting personalities, finding a similar goal of becoming the strongest hero they can be and saving the world. Each hero harnesses their unique powers, with Aizawa’s quirk-canceling ability and Yamada’s explosive voice, but Shirakumo leans more towards the defensive side. His quirk, Cloud, has the potential of combining with other heroes' quirks, turning the tide of the battle in favor of the heroes with a strategy that is tough to counter.
Oboro Shirakumo’s Quirk: Cloud
First Appearance
My Hero Academia, Episode 107, “More of a Hero Than Anyone”
Debut Date
July 28, 2025
Oboro Shirakumo receiveshis introduction later inMy Hero Academiaas part of a flashback to the backstory of Aizawa and Yamada. As a young boy, Shirakumo is an aspiring hero with white hair and a positive outlook on life. His casual approach to life and quick-witted humor made for a lighter side to life as a hero, often catching his friends off guard with a joke and a smile. His hair resembles a thick cloud, and the attitude of someone with his head in the clouds leads to the perfect description of his quirk: Cloud. Shirakumo can manifest clouds dense enough to touch and sit in, ideally suited for traveling around the city.
The clouds can also hold items, which Shirakumo takes full advantage of to store anything that could be placed in a backpack. This makes preparation for a fight against villains easier for Shirakumo, as he can access the battlefield by riding his cloud and bringing his friends along. Anything needed to achieve any objective can be put into the cloud for future use. Shirakumo’s Cloud may not bethe strongest quirk inMy Hero Academia, but its use shouldn’t be disregarded. There’s plenty of convenience that makes Cloud a quirk that can help win a battle, even if it isn’t meant for taking down a specific villain.
Oboro Shirakumo’s Fighting Style With Cloud
Known more as a defensive hero, Shirakumo’s Cloud quirk doesn’t rely on its power but more on his ability to help others escape battle. The clouds Shirakumo generates can’t cause any damage against villains, but they serve as an excellent resource to help rescue citizens caught up in war and are on the cusp of losing their lives. This lines up beautifully withShirakumo’s motivation to save everyonehe can as he glides through the skies and swoops in, saving anyone needing help. Unfortunately, this means Shirakumo isn’t joining the front lines with Aizawa and Yamada, but he could be a great help to them from a distance.
Shirakumo can also manifest several clouds to create a smokescreen, allowing his allies and quirkless citizens to escape situations. This strategy can double as a support move, allowing his allies to sneak in and launch their attacks while avoiding detection. This makes Shirakumo’s Cloud an excellent support quirk, relying less on power and emphasizing strategic entry and exit. Paired with Aizawa’s ability to stop enemy quirks from activating andYamada’s ability to use his voiceto reach extended areas, the trio effectively gathers intel and ensures everyone can escape the area before the battle.
Cloud’s Usage In Battle
Unfortunately, due to the circumstances leadingto Shirakumo’s alleged death,My Hero Academiafans only saw his quirk in action through the flashbacks offered in the manga and anime. Loud Cloud became popular among the city’s youth as they watched him soar in the skies in his dense clouds, showing off some tricks at times of peace. His Cloud quirk gave Shirakumo the ability to entertain onlookers and give children the opportunity to lift off the ground — under strict supervision, of course. In some sequences in the manga, fans can see Shirakumo and his two friends combining their quirks to take down villains with some crafty teamwork.
Shirakumo also possesses a quarterstaff to attack with and a gourd to use as a speaker. Loud Cloud shows signs of mastery with his ability to use a quarterstaff in action, combining his Cloud quirk with some physical prowess to help Aizawa and Yamada take down their opponents. His gourd allows Present Mic to utilize his Voice quirk at heightened levels, sending out a tremendous attack due to the speaker.
However, as much potential as Shirakumo had, his untimely death duringhis attempt to earn a Provisional Licenseleft many wondering what could have been. Loud Cloud’s nature and aspirations had all the makings of a great hero and made for a great trio alongside Aizawa and Yamada. His sudden passing doesn’t do well for exposure, as Shirakumo didn’t get the opportunity to show off his Cloud quirk as much as one would hope.
The Unknown Of Cloud And Cloud Cover
While Shirakumo’s death was one Aizawa and Yamada continued to mourn, they would eventually learn that the Nomu, known as Kurogiri. Kurogiri is anestablished member of the League of Villainsand serves as the team’s strategist. The revelation of Shirakumo’s survival and subsequent transformation into the Nomu body left Aizawa and Yamada stunned, struggling to acknowledge that their friend and classmate had somehow survived and was a part of the League of Villains.
The sad reality of fighting against the friend they once thought to be dead was one of the more surprising moments ofMy Hero Academia. It’s uncertain whether Aizawa and Yamada will be able to rescue Shirakumo and convert him back to his former self. Should they be able to return him to his old self, it will becomeone ofMy Hero Academia’s best moments, bringing back a well-liked hero who had all the potential but little time to realize his dream.
TheMy Hero Academiamanga is available to read onVizand theDragon Ballanime is available to stream onCrunchyroll.
My Hero Academia
In My Hero Academia, Young Deku is born into a world where people commonly have something called quirks, also known as superpowers. He himself is born without any, but circumstances lead to that changing. He enrolls at the UA High School, a prestigious academy where the worlds future heroes learn how to use their powers.
