Katsuki Bakugo never actually uses One For All. While he temporarily possesses a sliver of the Quirk in episode 20 of season 3, titled “Save the World with Love!”, he doesn’t actively wield its power in the same way as Izuku Midoriya. This distinction is crucial to understanding his character arc and the mechanics of One For All.
The Confusing Episode: “Save the World with Love!”
Many fans misinterpret the events of episode 20 of season 3. During the climactic battle against All For One, Bakugo is indeed holding the One For All stockpiled power for a brief period. This happens because All Might transfers a portion of the Quirk to Bakugo as he prepares for his final attack. However, the Quirk is immediately transferred back to Midoriya. Bakugo’s “use” is essentially a temporary relay, intended to give All Might the necessary boost to overcome his nemesis. He isn’t harnessing the Quirk’s full potential, nor does he develop any abilities associated with it during this fleeting moment.
All Might’s Strategy Explained
All Might’s decision to momentarily transfer One For All wasn’t about Bakugo’s aptitude with the Quirk. Instead, it was a tactical maneuver. All Might was depleted, and the brief transfer served as a symbolic and strategic reinforcement that gave him the mental and physical boost needed to deliver the final blow. Understanding this context clarifies why Bakugo doesn’t demonstrate any specific One For All abilities.
Why Bakugo Doesn’t Wield One For All Afterwards
The core reason Bakugo doesn’t become a wielder of One For All lies in the story’s central theme of heroic succession and chosen successor. One For All is meant to be passed down deliberately, and All Might chose Midoriya based on his character and potential. Handing it to Bakugo, even in that desperate situation, would disrupt the narrative’s established rules and undermine Midoriya’s journey. More importantly, Bakugo himself is not interested in inheriting One For All. He sees himself achieving greatness through his own Quirk, Explosion, and doesn’t want to live in All Might’s shadow.
Separating Fact from Fan Theories
The prevalence of fan theories regarding Bakugo and One For All highlights the character’s immense popularity. However, it’s vital to distinguish between speculation and what is explicitly depicted in the manga and anime.
The Appeal of “What If?” Scenarios
Many fans find the prospect of Bakugo wielding One For All intriguing. His aggressive fighting style and explosive power seem like a natural fit. These “what if” scenarios provide a rich ground for fan fiction and discussions, imagining how Bakugo might utilize the Quirk’s capabilities. However, these remain outside the established canon.
Canonical Evidence: Manga and Anime
The anime and manga explicitly show All Might passing One For All solely to Midoriya. Bakugo’s encounter with the Quirk is limited to that single, strategic transfer. Reliance on officially released material is crucial when discussing the character’s powers and abilities. Any deviation from these sources is considered speculation, not fact.
FAQ: Demystifying Bakugo and One For All
Below are answers to common questions about Bakugo’s relationship, or lack thereof, with One For All, aiming to dispel any lingering confusion.
FAQ 1: Did Bakugo ever truly control One For All?
No. While he briefly held a portion of the Quirk, he didn’t control or wield its power in any meaningful sense. It was a momentary transfer, not an inheritance or an application of its abilities.
FAQ 2: If Bakugo had One For All, what would his fighting style be like?
This is speculative. Given his existing Explosion Quirk, he might combine the two to create even more devastating, close-range attacks. However, this remains purely theoretical.
FAQ 3: Why didn’t All Might choose Bakugo as his successor?
All Might’s selection of Midoriya was based on more than just raw power. He saw a genuine selflessness and heroic spirit in Midoriya that resonated with the original intent of One For All – a Quirk meant to be passed on to someone truly deserving.
FAQ 4: Does Bakugo resent Midoriya for receiving One For All?
Initially, Bakugo harbored resentment and jealousy. He viewed Midoriya as weak and undeserving. However, as the series progresses, he begins to respect Midoriya’s growth and recognizes the Quirk’s suitability for him.
FAQ 5: Could Bakugo still potentially receive One For All in the future?
Given the established narrative and Bakugo’s own ambition to surpass everyone through his own strength, it’s highly improbable. The story focuses on Midoriya’s growth and mastery of One For All.
FAQ 6: What was the purpose of transferring One For All to Bakugo, even briefly?
The purpose was primarily strategic. All Might needed a last-minute surge of power and the transfer, even a symbolic one, provided that boost. It also served as a powerful visual moment in the battle against All For One.
FAQ 7: Did Bakugo gain any residual benefits from holding One For All, even for a moment?
There’s no evidence to suggest that he gained any lasting physical or Quirk-related enhancements from that brief transfer. His power development stems from his own training and growth with the Explosion Quirk.
FAQ 8: How does this situation affect Bakugo’s character development?
This experience serves as a catalyst for Bakugo’s character development, forcing him to confront his own limitations and acknowledge Midoriya’s strengths. He learns to respect Midoriya as a rival and an equal.
FAQ 9: Where can I find the episode where Bakugo “uses” One For All?
You can find the relevant scene in episode 20 of season 3, titled “Save the World with Love!” on various streaming platforms that host My Hero Academia.
FAQ 10: Is the One For All transfer to Bakugo different in the manga?
The One For All transfer to Bakugo plays out almost identically in the manga as it does in the anime adaptation. There are no significant deviations in the storyline or the details of the event.
FAQ 11: Are there any other characters who briefly held One For All besides Midoriya and All Might?
Besides Midoriya, All Might, and the brief moment with Bakugo, One For All has been held by the preceding bearers who each contributed to its stockpiling ability. These individuals are often featured in Midoriya’s visions or during moments of intense power surge.
FAQ 12: What if Bakugo and Midoriya combined their Quirks?
While never explicitly shown, the potential synergy between Explosion and One For All is a popular fan topic. Combining the raw power of One For All with the strategic adaptability of Explosion could create devastating and versatile attacks, but this is purely speculative.
Conclusion: Clarity and Context are Key
Understanding the nuance of Bakugo’s interaction with One For All requires careful attention to detail and a reliance on established canon. While the temporary transfer of the Quirk is undeniable, it’s crucial to recognize that Bakugo never truly uses or wields its power. His story is one of personal growth and the pursuit of strength through his own abilities, not through the inheritance of One For All.