Who Would Win: Adult Deku or Bakugo in an Epic Showdown?

Summary

Deku and Bakugo‘s clashes evolve from physical to more emotional battles throughout the series.
Deku will likely have to win the battle through strategy rather than raw power.
Future battles between Deku and Bakugo may revolve around proving their heroism on a grand scale.

In “My Hero Academia,” the narrative often employs similarities as a storytelling device, ensuring that every scene remains significant and relevant. The themes introduced at the start of the series continue to resonate throughout, and the growth of characters can be traced by observing how their behavior shifts in familiar situations. A recurring theme in this series is the frequent confrontations between Deku and Bakugo. Although there are only two officially named conflicts (Deku vs Bakugo 1 and 2), there are numerous instances where they come into direct conflict, not just physically but also emotionally. It could be argued that their first real encounter takes place in the very first scene of episode 1, when a timid Deku attempts to stop Bakugo from bullying someone else.

As the story unfolded, their confrontations escalated significantly, with both characters facing challenges that went beyond mere physical prowess. This intense conflict reached its peak during the dark hero phase, when Bakugo and Class 1-A squared off against Deku in an attempt to bring him back home. Now that the series has concluded, Deku and Bakugo’s rivalry is less hostile than it was at the start, leaving one to wonder how a future confrontation between grown-up Deku and Bakugo might play out.

Warning: Spoilers for the end of the My Hero Academia Manga. Anime-only watchers beware!

Deku vs Bakugo Part 3

Without One for All, How Does Deku Fare Against Bakugo?

In a marked change from their past heated encounters, a direct clash between them seems improbable due to their lack of hostility. Yet, should they find themselves in a standoff, it’s reasonable to expect a stark contrast with their prior conflicts. Now, it’s more likely that only honor is at stake.

In their earlier encounters, Deku wasn’t as powerful as he had been when he last used One for All compared to Bakugo, who had spent his entire life mastering his quirk. However, by the time they fought again (Deku vs Bakugo 2), it was evident that Deku had significantly improved and was more evenly matched against Bakugo than their first bout. If Deku continues to grow and maintain his quirk into adulthood, he’d likely handle Bakugo with greater ease.

Now that his unique ability has been swapped for a super suit, it’s somewhat unclear how Deku’s power will manifest visually. However, we do have some clues to go on.

All Might’s Suit in the final battle
Comments about Deku’s new suit

How does All Might’s Suit stack up?

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but marvel at All Might’s iconic suit! Designed to withstand the formidable power of All For One, it holds up remarkably well in the manga against what’s arguably the most potent quirk globally. Beyond its durability, this suit is equipped with a variety of quirks that mirror One for All and the talented students from Class 1-A. In the hands of a confident and skilled user, a suit like this could truly shine. Guess who fits that description to a T? None other than Deku!

In the series, Deku stands out as one of the individuals with extensive knowledge about hero quirks. His affection and drive are such that he could master a suit similar to All Might’s with remarkable skill. If his power were comparable, the real question would be whether Bakugo was near All For One in terms of power level. However, given that Bakugo was the one who finished off All For One, it remains uncertain what a direct swap (1 for 1) between them would have entailed. This is a challenging question to answer, and even though we know Bakugo dealt the final blow, it’s hard to say exactly how things might have played out if they had swapped powers.

One point of discussion is the cost associated with these superhero suits. It’s mentioned that Deku’s classmates saved up for a considerable amount of time to afford him his suit, but it’s also noted that All Might utilized most of his earnings from his career to purchase his own suit, which was specifically designed for a single battle. In contrast, Deku’s suit is intended to prioritize long-term durability.

It’s widely believed that Bakugo donated a significant amount, perhaps even the majority, towards the acquisition of the suit. Given his highly competitive nature, it’s reasonable to assume he wants only the best for Deku, so that he can challenge the best.

…”…and the project for the new supersuit was backed by some of your former classmates from Class A, headed by Bakugo.” (All Might helping Deku with his new supersuit)

How Would Deku Make the Suit his Own

Given Deku’s frequent inspiration from All Might in making heroic choices, it’s reasonable to assume he’d prefer a suit resembling All Might’s once he gets one of his own. However, due to Deku’s understanding of heroes, eagerness for innovation, and unique use of One for All, his custom-made suit could offer some intriguing design possibilities when he eventually creates it.

The contrast between a suit and an inherent ability (quirk) lies in their flexibility. A suit can essentially be whatever you wish it to be, while an individual’s unique ability can be cultivated, activated, and innovatively combined with others, but there may be even greater potential when the range of quirks is limitless.

It’s plausible that Deku, possessing a vast array of quirks at his disposal, and wearing a suit that allows for ongoing modifications and instant adjustments, might have an abundance of strategic moves to counteract Bakugo, especially considering Bakugo’s lifetime observations.

In this upcoming battle, Bakugo’s strength and intelligence are undeniable. However, given that both fighters have suppressed their emotions, success might hinge on who possesses more knowledge and a more strategic approach.

The Actual Final Battle

Deku and Bakugo Have A New Battlefield on Which to Compete

The future development of Deku and Bakugo’s “conflict,” or more accurately, the progression of their careers as heroes, will likely be determined by their achievements in the realms of both national and international heroism. Although crime rates have decreased significantly but not entirely eradicated, the environment remains somewhat recognizable for these newly-minted pro-heroes. The criteria for evaluation have shifted from class performance to actual feats of heroism on a broader scale.

If we were to speculate about the upcoming skirmish involving Deku and Bakugo, it seems they’d be striving to demonstrate the greatest heroism. The question becomes who can minimize distress, save the highest number of people, and strive for success in saving and winning.

You can watch “My Hero Academia” online through streaming services like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, depending on availability. Additionally, you can read the comic version on the VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump app.

2025-03-20 18:25