The flashback contained in episode #7 of theMy Hero Academiaanime adaptation contains one of the most pivotal moments not only for its protagonist Deku, but also for his rival, Katsuki.After Bakugo fell in a river, Deku offered him help, a small but powerful gesture that would define their relationship for years to come. As a child, Katsuki saw this act as Izuku proving his superiority, despite being Quirkless, and began bullying him.
This tragic misunderstanding was mirrored duringthe final chapter of the manga, #430, with the roles being reversed. Instead of causing further issues for the childhood friends, the last interaction between Deku and Bakugo is a loving tribute to their origins. It also serves as proof of the amazing character development that Katsuki went through as the series progressed.
A Gesture of Friendship Ruined Deku and Bakugo’s Early Relationship
Offering Help Destroyed and Saved Their Friendship
Despite growing up as friends, the relationship between Izuku and Katsuki became strained when the former learned about his condition as Quirkless. Bakugo, who had been told by adults how powerful he was, began to see Deku as a weakling who would never amount to anything. Things only got worse the day the pair and their friends decided to explore the forest near their homes. While leading the group, Bakugo fell into a river, leaving him in a state of shock. It was not until Deku entered the water and offered him a helping hand that Katsuki reacted.
My Hero Academia’s Bakugo Has Never Looked More Powerful Than He Does In New Cosplay
This My Hero Academia Bakugo Katsuki cosplay shows off his stunning hero costume and proves why the U.A. High student is a true hero.
This isthe real reason why Bakugo started bullying Deku, as he berated Midoriya for believing that he was better than him, despite not having any special abilities. This anger would fuel Bakugo’s hatred for Izuku for almost a decade, using every chance possible to attack his rival and “put him in his place”. Years later, during the events of the Dark Hero arc, Bakugo finally understood how wrong he was,giving his friend a deserved apology during episode #136. Nonetheless, their fallout would later be referenced in their final interaction in the series.
Bakugo and Deku’s Relationship Comes Full Circle in the Series Finale
This Time, Bakugo Extends a Helping Hand
In the series' finale, Izuku has spent many years as a civilian, after giving up One for All to defeat All for One in the final battle. However, in the final pages of the last chapter, All Might reveals that all Deku’s friends have saved money from their hero jobs for years (especially Bakugo), to finance a high-tech suit that will let Deku be a hero again. Right after Izuku hears it from All Might, the next panel shows Bakugo, geared up for hero work,extending a hand to Deku, before the closing spread where all the former class 1A students, including Deku, jump into action.
This simple panel brought Deku and Bakugo’s arcs to a close, by showing that Katsuki did indeed learn from his mistakes and is willing to aid his friend when needed. It is a moving detail thatmakes the ending of the series much more special, by turning one of Izuku’s worst memories into a sign of hope for a better future.
Bakugo Has the Best Character Arc in My Hero Academia
When theMy Hero Academiaseries began, Bakugo was presented as an arrogant, cruel, and violent teen who had no qualms about hurting others. Due to his status as a Quirkless individual, Izuku was one of his main targets, withKatsuki going as far as to tell him to die in one of the most disturbing moments in the series. His biggest problem with his former friend was the fact that he still wanted to be a hero, even without the power to help him. Bakugo was a firm believer in the idea that only strength mattered, but that was actually a way to hide his insecurities.
How My Hero Academia Took Deku and Bakugo From Enemies to Rivals
Bakugo couldn’t stand Deku at the beginning of the series, but eventually, he comes to respect the latest inheritor of One For All
Deku, who wanted to help others despite not having any kind of power, was an affront to his philosophy, as Katsuki believed that he did it simply to prove himself as better. Throughout his time as a hero student, he was forced to confront these toxic beliefs, coming to terms with his horrible behavior. There are two moments that perfectly exemplify his growth as a person, the first beinghis willingness to receive help from Kirishima in episode #48. The second one is his final appearance in the series, as seen in chapter #430 of the manga.
Deku Was Right In Never Giving Up On Katsuki
Izuku Knew The Great Hero Bakugo would Become
TheMy Hero Academiaseries made it clear from the beginning that Deku would always be one of Katsuki’s biggest supporters. No matter how cruel his former friend could be, Izuku never once stopped believing in his potential to become an outstanding hero. This was not only due to Deku’s admiration for Bakugo, but also because of his inherent belief in the good of others. Despite how adamantly Dynamight refused to admit it, this unconditional support is largely to thank for his drastic behavior change.
Bakugo used to see others as either pawns or stepping stones on his path to greatness, never once considering their needs or wants. This idea was immediately challenged once the blonde student entered U.A., as he realized thatseveral other characters were stronger than him. When he was at his lowest point, Deku continued to show his support, reminding him almost daily about the great hero he could one day become. In the end, it was Izuku’s friendship and unwillingness to give up on him which allowed Bakugo to grow as a human.
Bakugo’s decision to extend a helping hand to Deku in his time of need proves that he no longer sees aiding others as a sign of weakness. The epilogue of theMy Hero Academiamanga is filled with homages and references to many of the most iconic moments in the franchise. Despite how divisive it might have been, it is undoubtedly a love letter to the fans. Details like Bakugo offering Deku help and fulfilling his character arc, show how much care and attention went into creating this amazing story.
My Hero Academia
Cast
Anime series My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where most have them. Despite his lack of abilities, he enrolls in a prestigious hero academy, striving to learn the true essence of heroism and fulfill his dream of becoming a hero.
