Katsuki Bakugo wields an explosive Quirk generating nitroglycerin-like sweat from his palms, ignited to create powerful blasts. Constant childhood praise for this ability fostered a deep-seated superiority complex. He relentlessly bullied his Quirkless childhood friend, Izuku Midoriya, demeaning him, destroying his property, and asserting dominance through violent threats. Bakugo's early motivations fixated solely on surpassing All Might and achieving the top hero rank for personal glory, devoid of altruism. Entering U.A. High School, his arrogance and short temper proved initial liabilities. He dismissed classmates as "extras," used derogatory nicknames, and rejected teamwork. Defeats, especially by Izuku in combat training, forced him to confront his limits. Exposure to life-threatening villain attacks and rigorous training spurred gradual maturity. He began recognizing allies' capabilities, respecting Ochaco Uraraka's tenacity during the U.A. Sports Festival and cooperating strategically in critical situations. While maintaining a crude exterior, he developed a grudging respect for peers like Shoto Todoroki and Eijiro Kirishima. During the "Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training" OVA, Bakugo participated in a rescue exercise locating a civilian dummy within a collapsing building. He initially split off alone, driven by competition. When joined by Denki Kaminari and Kirishima, he insisted on prioritizing the mission, stating real heroes save lives regardless. He demonstrated leadership by reactivating the building's emergency power to stabilize the environment, indirectly preventing Fumikage Tokoyami's Dark Shadow from rampaging. Finding the dummy trapped under debris, Bakugo coordinated controlled explosions with Denki to clear rubble while Kirishima retrieved it. Facing flooding from structural damage, he collaborated with Shoto and Izuku to engineer an escape using ice platforms and geyser propulsion, initially refusing Izuku's physical help despite leg injuries. Bakugo's broader arc includes pivotal moments: his kidnapping by the League of Villains deepened his understanding of evil, and he eventually acknowledged Izuku's worth after learning the truth about One For All. In the Final War, he sustained near-fatal injuries protecting others—a crushed arm and a heart rupture healed via Edgeshot's sacrifice. This culminated in a formal apology to Izuku where Bakugo bowed and used his actual name. Post-graduation, he served as Best Jeanist's sidekick before rising to the No. 5 Pro Hero rank. His costume evolved to accommodate scars, featuring a reinforced sleeve for his damaged right arm, with grenade-shaped gauntlets streamlined into smoke grenade designs. Eight years later, he adopted braids resembling lit fuses. Throughout his journey, Bakugo retains core competitiveness and blunt honesty but evolves into a more strategic and responsible hero. His growth manifests as increased self-awareness, loyalty to allies, and a redefined heroic purpose centered on genuine victory.