10 times Bakugo showed his Kind Side in My Hero Academia

Katsuki Bakugo is the explosive-tempered hero-in-training and fan favorite of My Hero Academia.

Known for his brutal attitude and ruthless fighting style, Bakugo is a hero through and through. However, due to his personality, it can be difficult for fans to remember that Bakugo also has a softer side.

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It’s not often visible, but Bakugo’s soft side appears several times throughout My Hero Academia. These moments, though brief, help balance Bakugo's character. They prove he isn’t just a rage-filled teenager, but a young man with a sense of humor, a conscience, and respect for worthy opponents.

10. Bakugo is a Drummer

Season 4, Episode 86, "Let It Flow! School Festival!"

When Class 1-A decides to hold a concert for the school festival, Kyoka Jiro is put in charge of forming a band. Several students volunteer to play instruments, but the surprise comes from Bakugo. He reveals that his parents enrolled him in drum lessons when he was younger to try and channel his anger. He joins the band reluctantly, but as with most things, he demonstrates great mastery.

Despite his reluctance and refusal to wear matching shirts with the band, Bakugo gives the performance of a lifetime. He plays with skill, putting his whole heart into Jiro's song. He could have refused or played poorly, but he chose to give it his all. The band's performance was a success largely thanks to Jiro, but Bakugo's willingness to participate made a huge difference.

9. Bakugo Offers to Tutor Kirishima

Season 2, Episode 34, "Gear Up For Final Exams"

Contrary to his tough-guy persona, Bakugo is one of the smartest students in Class 1-A. Unfortunately, many of his friends aren't as lucky. When grades are released, Bakugo is at the top, as expected. His friend Eijiro Kirishima, however, has a lot of catching up to do. Bakugo then offers to tutor him for the upcoming exam.

Bakugo isn't the most patient tutor, but it demonstrates a certain kindness on his part to offer his help. Even if he denies it, Bakugo has positive feelings toward others, especially his friends. Even if his patience for teaching is limited, it’s the intention that counts for Bakugo.

8. Bakugo Asks for a Mapo Tofu Recipe

Season 5, Episode 106, "The Unforgiven"

When Midoriya and Bakugo are invited to dinner at Endeavor and Shoto Todoroki's home, they accept without hesitation. There, they meet Fuyumi, Shoto's older sister, who is thrilled to have Shoto's friends over. She prepares a delicious feast for them.

Although dinner doesn't go as planned due to an argument between Endeavor and his son Natsuo, Bakugo enjoys the food enough to ask for Fuyumi's Mapo Tofu recipe. Throughout the series, Bakugo has shown off his culinary skills. This moment reminds fans that Bakugo has hobbies outside of crime-fighting. It’s one of those moments where Bakugo shows interest in something other than becoming stronger than All Might.

7. Bakugo Gives Advice to a Kindergartener

Season 4, Episode 80, "Relief For License Trainees"

After failing the provisional license exam, Bakugo and a few others take remedial classes focused on their weaknesses. However, the lessons become increasingly unusual when their teacher, Gang Orca, brings in a kindergarten class.

The children are uncontrollable, using their powers wildly and refusing to listen to the older students. While the others struggle to manage the kids, Bakugo spots the leader and gives him some advice. In a rare moment of introspection, Bakugo tells him not to look down on others, or he will miss his own flaws. Bakugo speaks from experience, as he begins to realize that he is his own worst enemy.

6. Bakugo Compliments Uraraka

Season 2, Episode 22, "Bakugo vs. Uraraka"

When comparing Bakugo to Ochaco Uraraka, it’s easy to see a massive power gap. Uraraka's zero-gravity Quirk is interesting and useful, but it doesn't match the raw power of Bakugo's Explosion. People were initially worried when Uraraka had to face Bakugo during the U.A. Sports Festival.

Uraraka loses the fight, but she fights valiantly. To everyone's surprise, Bakugo compliments her combat skills, even admitting that she almost had him at one point. Uraraka takes Bakugo's comments with grace, but it's the first time he has said something positive about someone else. Almost everyone doubted Uraraka's skills against Bakugo. Only Bakugo respected her enough to know she shouldn't be underestimated.

5. Bakugo Lets Out a Rare Joyful Smile

Season 3, Episode 40, "Wild, Wild Pussycats"

Bakugo and Izuku Midoriya have had a tumultuous relationship since childhood. They were meant to be friends but became rivals instead. Their rivalry is primarily based on jealousy. Midoriya generally tries to ignore their arguments and get along, but Bakugo struggles with his disdain for Midoriya.

So, when Midoriya gets hit in the groin by a five-year-old, Bakugo can't help but laugh internally. Rather than laughing out loud, Bakugo displays a true smile for the first time in the series. Even if it's at Midoriya's expense, seeing Bakugo so happy was a treat. His smile shows a deeper side of his personality and his immaturity, making him a more well-rounded character.

4. Bakugo Struggles to say "Izuku"

Season 6, Episode 138, "No Man Is an Island"

After his apology, Bakugo makes an effort not to fall back into his old habits. He openly cares about Midoriya's well-being and no longer avoids him like before. However, he still struggles to call Midoriya by his first name instead of something derogatory.

Although they have known each other since childhood, Bakugo was never heard calling Midoriya "Izuku." It wasn’t until his apology that fans heard him say the name. It is heartwarming to see that even back at the dorms, Bakugo remains true to his convictions and calls Midoriya "Izuku." Although difficult for him, seeing Bakugo make the effort shows his growth.

3. Bakugo Hides His Fear at the League of Villains HQ

Season 3, Episode 46, "From Iida To Midoriya"

Bakugo often acts tough, but fans discover a more authentic side after his capture by the League of Villains. The villains mistakenly believe Bakugo shares their hatred for heroes and try to recruit him. True to himself, Bakugo rejects the offer, but his face betrays his fear.

Known for charging headfirst into danger, seeing Bakugo with terror on his face is rare. He puts on a mask of bravery, but his underlying panic makes him feel more real. It reminds viewers that Bakugo is a teenager, trapped by dangerous criminals. Anyone would be terrified in that situation, and Bakugo is no exception.

2. Bakugo Cheered for All Might as a Child

Season 2, Episode 37, "Katsuki Bakugo: Origin"

From the beginning, it's clear that Midoriya and Bakugo share an admiration for All Might. Both boys have looked up to him since they were children. Bakugo has often claimed he wants to become a hero even stronger than All Might.

Flashbacks in My Hero Academia provide context for the characters. One of the most adorable scenes shows a young Bakugo watching All Might on television. The expression of pure admiration on his face is almost too cute to handle. Bakugo acts distant now, but he is just as fascinated by All Might as Midoriya is.

1. Bakugo Apologizes to Midoriya

Season 6, Episode 136, "Deku vs. Class A"

Bakugo and Midoriya have been rivals forever. However, when Midoriya adopts his "Dark Deku" persona as a vigilante, Bakugo and his classmates know they must bring him back. When they finally confront Deku, Bakugo offers an apology for all the pain he has inflicted on him.

Seeing Bakugo admit his wrongs is rare, but apologizing to Midoriya is unprecedented. It marks a turning point in Bakugo's development, showing that he feels remorse for his past actions. Not only is it one of Bakugo's best moments, but it's also one of the series' best scenes. Long-time rivals finally become true allies.