9 : Katsuki Bakugo: Rising Apr 2026
Horikoshi uses this moment to argue that a hero’s "rise" is a spiritual and moral ascent. Bakugo becomes a "Great Explosion Murder God" not through the scale of his blasts, but through the depth of his character. His "rising" is his transition from a lone wolf to the ultimate support system, proving that his greatest strength is no longer his Quirk, but his capacity for sacrifice. Conclusion
The "Rising" chapter bridges this ideological gap. When Shigaraki launches a lethal attack at a vulnerable Deku, Bakugo moves without thinking. For the first time, his body reacts not to defeat an enemy, but to protect a comrade. This shift from "winning to save" to "saving to win" represents the death of his ego and the birth of his heroic heart. Repentance Through Action 9 : Katsuki Bakugo: Rising
The chapter is steeped in the subtext of Bakugo’s guilt. Throughout the Paranormal Liberation War arc, Bakugo privately reflects on his past mistreatment of Deku, admitting to All Might that he didn't understand Deku's selfless nature and felt threatened by it. Horikoshi uses this moment to argue that a
Typically, a "Rising" chapter in Shonen manga features a protagonist gaining a massive power-up. Bakugo’s "Rising" is a subversion because it results in his . This shift from "winning to save" to "saving
"Katsuki Bakugo: Rising" is the emotional climax of a redemption arc years in the making. It strips Bakugo of his pride and leaves him bloodied, yet it is his most triumphant moment. By putting his life on the line for the boy he once tormented, Bakugo finally earns the title of "Hero," proving that true greatness is found in the moments when we choose others over ourselves.
By taking the "Rivet Stab" attack intended for Deku, Bakugo performs a physical act of penance. The imagery mirrors the first chapter of the series, where Deku rushed to save Bakugo from the Sludge Villain. By reversing those roles, the narrative brings their relationship full circle; Bakugo finally acknowledges Deku as a peer and a person worth protecting, rather than an obstacle to be overcome. The Subversion of the "Rising" Trope
From the series' inception, Bakugo’s philosophy of heroism was intrinsically linked to . He viewed All Might as an invincible force that never lost, leading him to believe that "winning" was the only metric of a hero. In contrast, Izuku Midoriya (Deku) prioritized "saving."