Horikoshi turns Bakugo into the "best wingman ever" as he ships Deku with Ochaco in My Hero Academia volume 42

With My Hero Academia volume 42 set to be released on December 4, 2024, the spoilers for the same have surfaced online. The latest spoilers have shown Katsuki Bakugo in a new light, as he encouraged Izuku Midoriya to realize his feelings for Ochaco Uraraka. Likewise, Ochaco comprehended her feelings thanks to Tsuyu, who acted as her wingwoman.

While Tsuyu being Ochaco's wingwoman isn't shocking, many fans are surprised by Bakugo's involvement in ensuring Deku and Ochaco get the happiest ending in My Hero Academia volume 42. It only shows how much he has grown as a character, from being a bully to a mature person who comprehends others' feelings.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from My Hero Academia volume 42.

How did Horikoshi turn Bakugo into a Deku x Ochacho shipper in My Hero Academia volume 42?

Expand Tweet

According to the latest spoilers, one of the major highlights of the extended epilogue in My Hero Academia volume 42 was Deku and Ochaco realizing their feelings for each other. However, it was only possible thanks to Katsuki Bakugo and Tsuyu Asui.

Following the events of the Final War, Izuku Midoriya aka Deku and Ochaco kept doing things for others' sake rather than themselves. The tragic events of the war plunged Ochaco into the depths of despair, as she blamed herself for Himiko Toga's death.

She felt guilty about living the life Toga wanted to live. That's why, she kept dreaming about Toga. Likewise, Izuku Midoriya couldn't comprehend his own feelings. He pushed himself for others, not paying enough attention to him.

However, everything changed when Bakugo and Tsuyu spoke to Izuku and Ochacho, respectively. Bakugo and Tsuyu's words, which the spoilers haven't revealed, made Izuku and Ochaco realize their actual feelings. The final pages of My Hero Academia volume 42 saw Ochaco regret not being able to talk to Deku during Class A's dinner.

Just then, Deku ran toward her, signifying he realized what his heart truly wanted. He told Ochaco that while he respected everyone equally, he wanted to spend more time with her. Deku added that he wanted to keep talking to Ochaco more from then on.

Just then, Ochaco recalled a dream, where Toga mentioned that she lived the way she wanted, so she wanted Ochaco to do the same. The duo finally realized their feelings and held each other's hands.

Ochaco and Deku in the anime (Image via Bones)

Notably, the epilogue in the manga didn't give Deku and Ochaco the perfect closure. However, Horikoshi rectified that with the extra content in My Hero Academia volume 42.

Moreover, he ensured Bakugo had a role to play in Ochaco and Deku's relationship. Undoubtedly, the Pro-Hero's actions in the final volume speak volumes about his character growth. When the manga had begun, Horikoshi projected Bakugo as a bully.

However, he gradually realized his values and learned to appreciate others, especially Deku. While he still retains his fiery persona, Bakugo isn't the same person he was in chapter 1. Rather, he has emerged in an unlikely persona of a "wingman" to Deku, the person he was envious of before.

How fans reacted to Bakugo being the wingman to Deku in My Hero Academia volume 42

Expand Tweet

Bakugo's character progression has impressed most fans. His actions in My Hero Academia volume 42 reveal his actual feelings and the friendship he has with Deku. Many fans have acknowledged the Pro Hero's actions and felt perfectly captured true friendship.

"Bakugou helping Deku have the courage to express his feelings to Ochako means so much to me" - A fan said.

"Personally I think Bakugo and Izuku have a great send off in the epilogue. They finally talk like equals and friends, without the messiness of their past or jealousy getting in the way. And Bakugo becomes Izuku’s wingman to help him get the girl he’s been pining for 8 years!" - Another fan said.

"Wingman Bakugo is real I won at life. I’m so happy" - A fan said.

However, not everyone is content with the development. Some fans wanted Deku to end up with Bakugo. Therefore, those fans have expressed their disappointment over Bakugo's choice to help Midoriya realize his feelings.

"Bakugo is the one who encouraged deku for ochako? Omg this might be the worst day for that fandom" - A fan expressed their disappointment.

"It's a tough day to be a Deku x Bakugo & Toga x Ochaco shipper. Horikoshi really put their agendas to bed" - Another fan said.

I thought that Horikoshi didn't want to make any ship canon. I don't understand why would he do something like this..." - A fan questioned Horikoshi's choice.

Conclusion

Deku and Bakugo in the anime (Image via Bones)

Overall, Horikoshi knitted the loose ends in Deku and Ochaco's relationship, with the help of Bakugo and Tsuyu. Yet, more than Tsuyu, Bakugo's involvement feels special given the chemistry he shares with Deku. Although some fans are disappointed, the manga never acknowledged Deku having romantic feelings for Bakugo.

Rather, from the onset, the series hinted at the Ochaco x Deku ship for the endgame. As for Bakugo, My Hero Academia volume 42 has given him allegedly the best closure possible, turning him into Deku's wingman. It shows he values his friendship with Deku and wants him to be happy with what his heart truly desires.