【My Hero Academia Finale】Katsuki Bakugo's Ending Full Analysis: Final Ranking Revealed? Relationship with Izuku Reaches Perfect Conclusion

Preface: A Decade-Long Serialization Concludes, The Future of the Heroes

With the "My Hero Academia" manga officially concluding in August 2024, this passionate ten-year-long epic has finally come to an end. After the dust settled from the final battle, what fans care about most is the ultimate fate of each character. Among them, as the "other protagonist" of the work, Katsuki Bakugo's ending particularly tugs at the hearts of countless readers. Did he achieve his dream of becoming the number one hero? What ultimately became of his relationship with Izuku Midoriya? Based on the final chapter of the manga and the author's additional notes, this article will provide a complete analysis of Katsuki Bakugo's ending.

The Tempering of the Final Battle: From Death to the Strongest Combatant

Before discussing the ending, it's essential to look back at Bakugo's transformation during the final campaign. He experienced a moment of death with his heart stopping, only to be miraculously revived through the sacrifice of Best Jeanist's life. This life-and-death crisis allowed him to completely break free from his past obsessions and achieve the sublimation of a hero's spirit.

After his revival, Bakugo not only awakened his power, displaying astonishing speed and strength capable of rivaling the strongest villain, but he also saved a dying All Might at a critical moment. At this moment, he was no longer the boy who only pursued "victory," but one who truly practiced the essence of a hero: "saving is victory." This tempering laid the most important cornerstone for his ending.

The Manga Ending's Depiction: A New Starting Point on the Hero's Path

In the author's additional notes in the final manga volume (Volume 42), the story depicts the situation several years after the final battle, revealing Bakugo's ending to us.

The Class A classmates reunite after a long time to celebrate Shoto Todoroki's hero agency rising to the number two ranking in the country. On the way to the restaurant, the most crucial scene unfolds: Katsuki Bakugo, who has already established his own hero agency, extends an invitation to Izuku Midoriya, hoping that Izuku will join his agency and work together.

However, Izuku smiles and politely declines the offer. This scene is jokingly referred to by Eijiro Kirishima, who is nearby, as "Bakugo got rejected."

This seemingly simple interaction holds profound meaning. It represents:

• The Fulfillment of the Relationship: Bakugo's proactive invitation proves that he has fully acknowledged Izuku's strength and value and wishes to fight side-by-side as equal partners. This relationship, which evolved from bullying and hostility to recognition and respect, has now reached its most perfect state.
• Their Respective Paths: Izuku's polite refusal is not a rejection of their friendship, but symbolizes that both have grown into independent heroes who will continue forward on their own paths, competing with and supporting each other.

The True Meaning of the Ending: Growth Beyond "Number One"

So, did Katsuki Bakugo ultimately become the number one hero? The manga ending does not provide a clear hero ranking, but this is precisely the brilliance of author Kohei Horikoshi. The true meaning of Bakugo's ending lies not in a cold ranking, but in his mental maturity and growth.

He is no longer bound by the obsession to "surpass All Might and become number one." He established his own agency, becoming an excellent professional hero capable of standing on his own, and he genuinely acknowledges his comrades' achievements (such as celebrating Todoroki's ranking), even proactively extending an olive branch to his former rival. This composure and magnanimity prove far more than any ranking that he has become a great hero.

The complex, decade-long bond between him and Izuku, which started with twisted bullying and ultimately became one of smiling conversation, mutual respect, and being the best rivals and closest friends, is in itself the most fulfilling ending for the character of Katsuki Bakugo.

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