| Theory |
Citations |
Notes
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| Future Hiro has come from an apocalyptic future where one needs a sword to defend oneself. |
None. |
- Hiro obtained the sword before the apocalyptic events.
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| Since a gun would be completely useless if time were frozen, he uses the sword to defeat enemies. |
None |
+ Hiro can move objects when time is stopped, but there's no evidence he can allow objects (like bullets) to move of their own accord.
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| Hiro uses the sword to channel his powers. |
Hiro claims that having the sword will give him greater control of his power. (Godsend) |
• The veracity of Hiro's belief is not yet known, but if Hiro's powers are wavering due to his shaken self-confidence, as Joe Pokaski and Aron Coleite have implied, it's possible that his belief that the sword will focus his powers will be enough to do the trick.
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| Some evolved humans, such as those with Claire's regeneration ability, might have to be decapitated to be killed, as in the "Highlander" mythos, particularly Sylar. |
Until the tree branch is pulled out of Claire's head by the coroner, Claire's regeneration does not function. (Collision) |
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| Hiro's sword is a reference to Nightcrawler, a Marvel Comics character who possesses teleporting superpowers and uses a sword. Hiro is a member of the Marvel Merry Marching Society. |
None |
- This is more likely a coincidence than a rationale on Hiro's part.
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| Hiro's sword is actually a reference to Hiro Protagonist, a character in Neal Stephenson's book Snowcrash who also dressed in black. |
None |
- This might be a coincidence.
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| With the sword, he will be a deadly adversary, since he will be able to stop time, attack his adversaries while they are helpless, then allow time to resume so that they will feel the effects of the wounds. It is hard to imagine how anyone will be able to defeat Hiro if he has enough warning to use his power to control time. |
When Hiro "stops time", he can still interact with people and objects that are "frozen". (Don't Look Back) |
+ This may be significant regarding Sylar's apparent resistance to bullets. The sword may be instrumental in defeating Sylar if/when the explanation behind his "bulletproof" nature is further explained.
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| The sword isn't for Hiro, it's for Niki. The sword will allow her two sides to be integrated and bring balance to her personality, giving her full access to her power. |
None |
+ Takezo Kensei, the samurai that originally possessed the sword was feared by everyone because he was brutal and powerful, just like Jessica. - However, if the sword is meant for Niki, it's not meant for her for another 5 years, at a minimum, as Future Hiro possessed the sword when he met with Peter.
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| The sword belonged to Future Hiro, but in this present it is meant for Sylar. His uncontrolled power and oppressive childhood combined together are what were turning him into a psychopath. With the sword he gains control over both and becomes sane again and tries to atone for his murderous rampage, and at some point before he gains full control of himself is transported to Feudal Japan. |
None. |
+ The beginning of the story of the ancient wielder of the sword, Takezo Kensei, sounds more like Sylar than Hiro. - However, this would require Sylar to either acquire Hiro's ability to bend time and space or Peter's ability to mimic the powers of others, and the depictions of Takezo Kensei resemble Hiro more than they resemble Sylar.
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| The sword was Hiro's. Future Hiro traveled back in time and was known as Takezo Kensei. |
The painting of Takezo Kensei bears a distinct resemblance to Future Hiro. Both have long hair and a soulpatch. (Godsend) |
• This is a corollary of a previous theory.
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| The sword was never really needed for Hiro to use his powers. It's merely the placebo effect which seems to restore his powers. |
Although Hiro believes his powers are depleted, in a moment of stress he's able to reverse time relative to Hope's bullet, a feat he hadn't accomplished before even when his powers were at full strength. (Unexpected) |
+ Hiro's waning powers were more of a "mind over matter" concept, as he was losing faith in himself, but when he saw the sword and the story attached to it, his faith fell on the sword, not himself. When he obtained the sword, his faith returned and he was able to use his power.
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