Katsuki Bakugo: One of the most powerful characters in My Hero Academia, Katsuki Bakugo is famous for his explosive quirk, his bad attitude, and his rivalry with Izuku Midoriya, the current user of One For All (OFA). OFA can be inherited, and the strength of this power and the users’ will is so great that it is the core of the struggle against All For One. With Bakugo’s ambition, competence and intimate connection to Deku, many fans speculate that his future may be inseparably linked to OFA’s legacy.
Understanding One For All
One For All is one of My Hero Academia’s most powerful and symbolic Quirks, serving as a beacon of hope and a tool to combat evil. It forms the heart of the story’s conflict and is a legacy that binds heroes through the generations.
The Quirk came to be when a Quirkless man was forcibly endowed with a power-storing ability by his brother, All For One. This combined with his natural power ability to pass powers to others, forming a Quirk which could be inherited. Each successor is more potent than the one that came before, bearing the culmination of each of the other users’ strength and will.
Unlike other Quirks, which only one person is able to access, OFA is an inherited Quirk. Each user adds their power to the Quirk and this allows it to grow with the passage of time. It gives it amazing speed, power and endurance far above what a single Quirk could give.
Bakugo’s Relationship with One For All
Katsuki Bakugo has had a unique connection with One For All throughout My Hero Academia, despite never officially inheriting the Quirk. His long-standing rivalry and deep bond with Deku have placed him closer to OFA’s legacy than any other character. From early training sessions to life-threatening battles, Bakugo has repeatedly interacted with OFA’s immense power and even briefly wielded it himself. His sharp instincts, combat brilliance, and drive to surpass Deku have given him insight into OFA that few possess, making his connection to the Quirk highly symbolic and significant to the story’s progression.
Key Events Where Bakugo Interacts with OFA
- During training with Deku at U.A. High, Bakugo learns about the truth of One For All and begins understanding its burden.
- He becomes one of the few people Deku trusts with OFA’s secret, strengthening their bond and mutual respect.
- In Heroes Rising, Bakugo fights alongside Deku and experiences firsthand the Quirk’s incredible power.
His Temporary Use of OFA During the Fight Against Nine
- In Heroes Rising, Deku transfers OFA to Bakugo temporarily so they can defeat the powerful villain Nine.
- Both Deku and Bakugo wield OFA at the same time, showcasing Bakugo’s compatibility with the Quirk.
- After the battle, OFA returns to Deku, but this event hints at Bakugo’s potential connection to the Quirk’s legacy.
Symbolic Parallels Between Bakugo and Past OFA Holders
- Bakugo’s fiery determination and strong will resemble traits seen in OFA’s previous users.
- Like past wielders, Bakugo demonstrates a heroic spirit, risking his life to save others.
- His rivalry with Deku mirrors All Might’s relationship with his own predecessor, showing a cycle of growth and mentorship.
Personality and Relationships
How Bakugo’s Personality Fits the Legacy of One For All Bakugo’s fearless resolve, bravery, and leadership are reminiscent of those of the past One For All users, indicating he possesses a heroic aura even without the use of the Quirk.
Character Arc: Bakugo’s growth as a hero and his journey from a cocky hothead to a mature, teamwork-oriented hero who can acknowledge his faults and see his own strength through his growth and empathy.
Contrast Between Deku’s Cautious and Bakugo’s Violent Approach to OFA: Deku’s conservative approach to OFA is contrasted with Bakugo’s reckless and impulsive approach, resulting in a rivalry that elevates the capabilities of both and enriches the legacy of OFA.
Foreshadowing and Theories
Throughout My Hero Academia, there have been subtle hints that Bakugo may share a deeper connection with One For All than what’s been revealed so far. From his temporary use of OFA in Heroes Rising to the emotional weight placed on his bond with Deku, Bakugo’s character arc is heavily tied to the Quirk’s legacy.
Fans have speculated that his compatibility with OFA and his heroic spirit could play a larger role in the story’s future, potentially making him a successor or key figure in its evolution. These ideas are further supported by the series’ narrative focus on their rivalry and growth, which may foreshadow a bigger purpose for Bakugo in the battle against All For One.
Manga/Anime Hints Suggesting Bakugo’s Deeper Connection to OFA
- His ability to briefly wield OFA in Heroes Rising showed unusual compatibility.
- Deku’s trust in Bakugo to keep OFA’s secret suggests narrative importance.
- Bakugo’s parallel growth to Deku’s mirrors the progression of OFA’s previous wielders.
Fan Theories About Bakugo Becoming a Future OFA User
- Some fans believe Bakugo could inherit OFA if Deku can no longer wield it.
- Theories suggest Bakugo and Deku’s bond makes him a “backup” successor.
- Others predict Bakugo may merge his Explosion Quirk with OFA if the story requires it.
Possible Narrative Reasons for Tying Bakugo to OFA
- Strengthens the rivalry-turned-friendship dynamic central to the series.
- Adds depth to Bakugo’s redemption arc and his role as a future top hero.
- Could symbolize passing the torch or solidifying their partnership in the final battle.
Bakugo’s Future Without OFA
Bakugo does not need One For All as an ability to become a legendary hero, because his natural talent, overzealous training and keen instinct for combat already make him a legendary hero. His development is the product of will, not of borrowed strength.
Bakugo’s Explosion quirk allows him to move faster and hit harder and more versatilely than any other hero, making him one of the most powerful young heroes without the need for OFA.
Bakugo’s growth in self-improvement, humility, and the ability to earn respect shows he can become great in his own way, and it’s a great story even if it has nothing to do with OFA.
Conclusion
While Bakugo’s affiliation with One For All enriches his role in My Hero Academia, his power and development show he does not have to inherit the Quirk to become one of the greatest heroes there is. His usage of OFA, flashback history, and rivalrous relationship with Deku are all things that serve to make him an interesting character, but the heights of his power, his will, and his strong-willed personality combine to make him a hero in his own right. Bakugo’s arc may eventually become intertwined with One For All, but his story ultimately proves that heroism is about courage, growth, and heart-not just inherited power.
FAQs
1. Did Bakugo ever use One For All?
Yes, in My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising, Deku temporarily transferred One For All to Bakugo so they could defeat Nine. The Quirk later returned to Deku.
2. Will Bakugo inherit One For All in the future?
There’s no confirmation, but many fans theorize Bakugo could become a future wielder due to his compatibility and bond with Deku.
3. Why is Bakugo important to One For All’s story?
Bakugo’s rivalry and friendship with Deku highlight OFA’s legacy, showing how two heroes with different paths push each other to grow.
4. Can Bakugo become the No.1 Hero without OFA?
Yes, Bakugo’s skill, intelligence, and Explosion Quirk make him powerful enough to reach the top even without inheriting OFA.
5. What makes Bakugo’s character arc special?
His transformation from an arrogant student to a selfless hero proves his strength is earned, making his journey impactful and inspiring.
