Search[1] was the Quirk formerly used by Tomoko Shiretoko, until it was stolen from her by All For One, and later used by Tomura Shigaraki.
Description#
Search allows the user to monitor and observe up to a hundred people at a time. This includes knowing their locations and weak points.[1] The individuals being observed are visualized through the Quirk as star-like vestiges, and can allow the user to know their location up to even miles away. Search also permanently stores the information gained after its usage.[2]
Search specifically targets the Quirk Factor and DNA of a person, so if used on someone who has multiple in their system, they will be able to recognize each as an individual option.[3]
In the anime, using this Quirk causes the user's eyes to glow rainbow-colored.[4]
Weaknesses#
Despite its usefulness, Search isn't completely infallible as an over-reliance on it could result in the user being able to be deceived. This was first demonstrated at the start of the Final War, where the Heroes took advantage of All For One's reliance on Tomura's Search to make him presume they were all far away, only for them to be warped by surprise.[5]
This was also seen when Tomura thought he detected Izuku Midoriya and tried to attack him, but was revealed to have actually sensed Izuku's blood which held Kudo's vestige instead, as a result of using Search on the One For All users as well.[3] These issues overall leave Search prone to anything that can mess with the user's depth perception.
Usage#
Tomoko uses the Quirk to observe the students of Class 1-A and Class 1-B during the Quirk Training Camp.
After it is stolen by All For One and transferred over to Tomura, he first uses the Quirk during the Paranormal Liberation War to track down Izuku and One For All, with the data having been carried over from when Tomoko had previously used the Quirk on him and his classmates.[6]
In the aftermath of the War, the Quirk became a major factor in Izuku's decision to leave U.A., as Tomura's use of Search allowed him to know where he is at any time. All For One also later revealed Tomura had used Search on all the Heroes he faced during the War as well, granting him access to the data as well.[5]
All For One used Search as a way to observe Izuku and all the Heroes at U.A. from the comfort of his secret cave lair. However, the Heroes had predicted this and used it to their advantage in drawing the Villain out, by making him believe they were being exhausted while unable to locate him.
During Izuku's battle against Tomura during the Final War, as part of his plan to forcefully transfer the other One For All users into the Villain, Izuku was able to misdirect Search into detecting his blood instead which held a trace of Kudo. Aided by Smokescreen, this tactic allowed Izuku to launch a sneak attack on Tomura.[3]
Trivia#
- Search and Quirk Bestowal are the only Quirks with known original hosts that were never shown being used by them prior to their ownership transfer.
- It is unknown if All For One received a duplicate of Search prior to his arrest, as while he offered to return Ragdoll's Quirk to her,[7] he isn't directly seen using the Quirk after reconnecting with Tomura.