Horikoshi, You Mad Man...
Okay, in light of My Hero Academia: Chapter 284, I am slowly realizing that Horikoshi is going to make Bakugo straight-up suffer at the conclusion of this arc. Because, let’s see -- this whole arc has set up a LOT with Bakugo’s character.
Let’s start at the Beginning of this Arc.
We have this scenario:
I. Hawks Probably Killed Best Jeanist
II. Best Jeanist is the Inspiration for Bakugo’s Name --
-- which is why he wants to wait to tell Best Jeanist in person.
III. Hawks Knows that Bakugo Was Interning With Best Jeanist:
And now, at what could be the “climax” potentially of this arc we have the revelation that:
I. Bakugo has been working towards atoning for his bullying of Izuku, by training with him and being a generally “better” person around him:
II. Bakugo is LEGITIMATELY worried that Deku is about to push himself past his limits and endanger himself, not caring about the consequences:
III. He is literally powerless to save Deku in this instance from Shigaraki, which is why he tells Endeavor to get his stuff in gear and make “this shot count” when aiming for Shigaraki next.
Y’all....We’ve been going into this arc thinking it’s going to feature Deku having to deal with potentially losing Aizawa and Gran Torino, two of his mentors...
...but have we thought about Bakugo?
Bakugo is dealing with potentially be powerless in the face of potentially losing his friend/ally with Izuku...but, what happens when his battle is over? And we pan back to Hawks, who has to explain his role in infiltrating the LOV?
How’s Bakugo going to ALSO deal with the potential that he’s lost his mentor too in the form of Best Jeanist?
This arc is establishing the desperation people will tap into when solely wanting to accomplish a goal, with no care for their own well-being.
We’ve seen that with Hawks and him “sacrificing” himself and his morals to accomplish his goals -- both in the deaths of Best Jeanist and Twice.
We’ve seen this now with Deku, as he’s literally “sacrificing” himself (only his arm so far, but still) to accomplish his goal of defeating Shigaraki.
Hawks’s sacrifice may have done more long-term harm than good, and has a ripple effect against others...Bakugo being one of them.
Deku’s sacrifice is looking to potentially have more long-term negative effects, and does affect those around him...Bakugo being one of them.
What I’m saying is Horikoshi is setting up Bakugo to have a major character development aka “Come to Jesus” moment by the end of this arc, where he’s going to have to sort through a lot of things...and we’re just now seeing it taking shape.
I mean, I’ve been waiting for Bakugo to have some growth for a while in this series, but this is setting up some dark implications...
And to think, in the same chapter we got the start of this horrific reveal that the 4th User and One for All may have some sinister connotations or potential for Deku and his possible demise, we also get Deku saying:
...Horikoshi...YOU MAD MAN...
