In My Hero Academia chapter 404, Bakugo and Deku joined forces to save All Might. Despite All Might appearing to be near death, the pair from UA academy managed to rescue him from the clutches of All For One. This successful rescue mission was made possible thanks to the unique quirk called Gearshift, inherited from one of the previous users of One For All.
During the ongoing battle between Deku and Shigaraki, it is clear that Deku must be feeling fatigued. However, just as Bakugo was ready to assist All Might in his time of need, the current user of One For All risked it all by utilizing the Gearshift quirk to propel Bakugo towards both All Might and All For One.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the My Hero Academia manga.
My Hero Academia chapter 404 sees Deku disobey the Second User
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Upon Katsuki Bakugo's triumphant return, a sense of purpose washed over him. With the alarming news of All Might's peril, he instinctively propelled himself towards Deku, fully aware of the latter's ability to catapult him with incredible velocity towards both All Might and the formidable All For One.
Just as Deku caught Bakugo and was about to launch him, the Second User cautioned against using his Quirk, Gearshift. The recoil from the Second User's Quirk was certain to leave Deku drained. As a result, the Second User implored him to only employ the Quirk if he had complete confidence in the success of his plan.
Deku as observed in the My Hero Academia anime (Image via BONES)
Fans witnessed Deku's successful attempt to catapult Bakugo using the Gearshift, enabling him to reach All Might in time and rescue him. This sequence of events showcased Deku's unwavering belief in Bakugo's ability to save All Might, demonstrating his determination to emerge victorious without any sacrifices.
However, the Second User's perspective appeared to differ. Unlike Deku, the Second User didn't prioritize keeping everyone alive but rather sought to make decisions for the greater good. Recognizing the risks involved in saving All Might, the Second User was prepared to sacrifice the former No. 1 Hero in order to preserve Deku's energy for battling the villains.
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Though this may appear pessimistic to fans, the decision-making of the Second User could have been influenced by his previous demise in his attempt to vanquish All For One. Consequently, he might no longer wish to witness the repetition of this cycle and instead prioritize the defeat of villains over saving others.
As evident from a conversation between Yoichi Shigaraki and the Second User, the latter had previously made the grim decision to sacrifice numerous lives in order to secure victory over All For One. Regrettably, his endeavor ultimately ended in failure.
Yoichi Shigaraki as seen in the My Hero Academia anime (Image via BONES)
However, this sets Deku and Bakugo apart from others. They are heroes driven by a shared desire for victory while ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Deku's trust in Bakugo led him to take a risk and use Gearshift, resulting in the successful collaboration of their abilities and ultimately saving their idol.
This pivotal moment may indicate a shift in the status quo. Unlike the previous generation of One for All users who were willing to sacrifice loved ones, the new breed of heroes prioritizes preserving all lives. This change in mindset could potentially give the heroes an advantage over the villains in the world of My Hero Academia.