Katsuki Bakugou, known as "Kacchan" in childhood and later by the hero names "Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight" or "Dynamight," hails from Musutafu, Japan. He grew up alongside Izuku Midoriya, forging a complex childhood relationship. Bakugou manifested his Quirk, "Explosion," early, enabling detonations from nitroglycerin-like sweat secreted by his palms. Constant praise for this potent ability fueled an arrogant and aggressive personality. He frequently bullied the Quirkless Midoriya, whom he demeaned with the nickname "Deku."
A pivotal incident occurred when Bakugou fell into a river and Midoriya offered aid. Bakugou perceived this as condescension, deepening his resentment toward Midoriya's inherent heroic selflessness—a trait he secretly admired but felt he lacked. This event fractured their relationship for years, with Bakugou escalating his bullying to assert dominance. He attended Aldera Junior High, where academic excellence and his powerful Quirk reinforced his superiority complex. He discouraged Midoriya from applying to U.A. High School, destroying his hero-analysis notebook and issuing threats.
At the U.A. Entrance Exam, Bakugou achieved the highest combat points (77) but earned zero rescue points due to his aggression, still ranking first overall in the practical exam. His initial hostility toward classmates and refusal to cooperate at U.A. stemmed from a conviction that strength alone defined heroism. Early incidents, like attacking Midoriya during training upon discovering his newfound Quirk, exemplified his volatile nature.
Key events drove Bakugou's evolution. His kidnapping by the League of Villains forced a confrontation with his vulnerabilities, and All Might's subsequent retirement during the rescue mission left him guilt-ridden. Failing the Provisional Hero License Exam due to poor teamwork led him to deduce Midoriya's Quirk originated from All Might. This sparked a confrontation where Bakugou vented frustration over Midoriya being chosen as All Might's successor. Following their battle, All Might absolved Bakugou of blame for the kidnapping, and Bakugou vowed to surpass Midoriya, establishing a healthier rivalry.
Bakugou gradually learned humility, demonstrated during the Provisional License remedial course where he collaboratively used Quirks to build playground equipment for children, showing newfound empathy. In the Paranormal Liberation War, he instinctively shielded Midoriya from Tomura Shigaraki's attack, awakening the explosive technique "Howitzer Impact" and acknowledging Midoriya's growth.
During the "Dark Hero" arc, Bakugou delivered a pivotal apology to Midoriya, confessing his past bullying stemmed from insecurity and jealousy of Midoriya's innate heroism. He admitted Midoriya's path was never misguided, marking profound personal growth. In the final war against All For One, Bakugou suffered fatal injuries protecting allies. Resurrected by Edgeshot, he later aided in defeating All For One and Shigaraki, using strategic explosions to disable Kurogiri and clear Midoriya's path for the final strike.
In *My Hero Academia the Movie: Heroes Rising*, Bakugou temporarily inherits "One For All" from Midoriya during the battle against Nine. Their coordinated attack defeats Nine, and Bakugou returns the Quirk afterward, highlighting his willingness to trust Midoriya and prioritize collective victory.
Post-graduation, Bakugou joined Best Jeanist's agency as a sidekick, rising to the rank of No. 5 Pro Hero. Eight years after the final war, he funded a powered suit enabling Midoriya to continue hero work after relinquishing One For All, reciprocating Midoriya's childhood gesture and symbolizing their reconciled bond. His costume evolved to feature streamlined grenade bracers resembling smoke grenades and braids like lit fuses. Permanent scars from battles remain, though rehabilitation restored full mobility to his injured right arm.
Bakugou's fighting style blends explosive power with tactical ingenuity. He employs his Quirk for mobility, defense via shockwaves, and coordinated attacks. His strategic acumen shines in battles like the provisional exam, where he adapted quickly to opponents' weaknesses. Though abrasive, he values honesty and possesses keen perception, easily detecting deception. Outside combat, he enjoys spicy food, mountain climbing, and rigorous training.