The following article contains spoilers for the My Hero Academia Manga. The unexpected defeat of Bakugo in Chapter 362 of My Hero Academia left an impact on the devoted fandom and his oldest friend Izuku/Deku. It cannot be denied that Bakugo’s death will create massive ripples in the story. This will also probably be paired with implications that resonate deeply. This raises a burning question that hangs in the air: how will Bakugo’s fate affect his oldest friend, Midoriya Izuku?
Despite their tumultuous and at times toxic relationship, Deku’s unwavering admiration for Bakugo has been a consistent theme. This admiration only intensified after they both enrolled in UA, as Deku became fiercely protective of his childhood friend. Whenever Bakugo found himself in peril, Deku’s emotions ran high. He displayed an unwavering determination to ensure Bakugo’s safety. There was an incident when Bakugo was captured, and Deku’s plea to Mr. Compress to “give him back” demonstrated the depth of his attachment towards his friend. The villain’s surprise at such fervor made him question the nature of their connection.
Bakugo’s unexpected death will undoubtedly be the most traumatic event Izuku has experienced yet. The forthcoming revelation of Bakugo’s death will likely elicit a further range of emotions from Deku. The anticipation of Deku’s return to UA after the battle is now tinged with dread, as he may be confronted with the heart-wrenching sight of Bakugo’s lifeless body. While Edgeshot is working tirelessly to save him, there is still no guarantee.
While this prospect is devastating, it is equally intriguing to ponder how Bakugo’s demise at the hands of Shigaraki will challenge and shape Deku’s evolving philosophy towards villains and the nature of heroism itself.
Deku and Bakugo: Sacrifices, Death, and Friendship
During the Paranormal Liberation War arc, Bakugo faced grave danger. This triggered an even more extreme reaction from Deku. When Bakugo was stabbed by Shigaraki Tomura’s Rivet Stab and presumed dead, Deku’s dormant power surged forth, leading to a transformative moment. Deku transitioned from needing the support of Pro-Heroes to single-handedly gaining the upper hand against the villain. It became apparent that harming or disrespecting Bakugo was the quickest way to awaken Deku’s inner fury.
The tumultuous events of the Paranormal Liberation War and its aftermath exposed Deku to the deep-rooted flaws and systemic issues within the Hero Society. It provided him with an intimate understanding of the societal factors that can lead even the most upstanding individuals down the path of villainy. Furthermore, Deku’s failed attempt to usurp All For One granted him a rare glimpse into the shared consciousness he shares with Shigaraki. Here, he was able to see a realm where the tormented soul of Shimura Tenko resides. Upon discovering Shimura’s existence, Deku’s initial instinct was to save Shigaraki from All For One’s malevolent control, regardless of the villain’s heinous actions in the past. This noble goal propels Deku towards UA, fueling his sense of purpose and determination.
For now, Deku has only discussed his decision with the previous holders of One For All. Unsurprisingly, their stance leans towards a more uncompromising approach. They favored the termination of Shigaraki due to the belief that he is beyond redemption. Deku, on the other hand, steadfastly opposes such a path, firmly holding on to the belief that redemption is possible for even the most deeply wounded souls. However, as the news of Bakugo’s fate reaches Deku, the weight of the situation may influence him in another direction.
My Hero Academia is available to stream on Crunchyroll
