My Hero Academia's friendships are some of anime's most touching and mutually beneficial, and those within Class 1-A are the most heartwarming. In just the first few seasons of the series, Class 1-A were subjected to villain attacks, deaths, serious injuries, and being forced to move into dorms for their own safety after a kidnapping. These events, although emotionally draining and intense, allowed the students to grow closer to one another, forced to band together in the face of difficult trials and battles.

Bakugo and Deku's relationship, although it got off to a rocky start, became one of the series' most positive and friendly rivalries, giving these aspiring heroes a source of amicable competition. Their bond has undoubtedly been dramatic, beginning with Bakugo bullying Deku for years, which culminated in an honest apology from Bakugo that changed the course of the duo's friendship for the better. Although Bakugo and Deku’s friendship is definitely one of the best in the series, my favorite Bakugo friendship in My Hero Academia is another even more irable and encouraging one that fans sadly sometimes forget the importance of.

Eijiro Kirishima Helped Bakugo Grow at His Lowest Moments

Kirishima Offers Bakugo Encouragement, but Also Correction and Advice When Necessary

Bakugo's fellow U-A classmate, Eijiro Kirishima, has been his best friend from his first moments at the school. Their bond is complex because Kirishima always offers love and pep talks to his fellow hero, while also holding Bakugo able when he is the one at fault. Nearly everyone in My Hero Academia respects Bakugo's intense power and physical might, but Kirishima sees beyond his outward accomplishments and genuinely cares for Bakugo as a person. When Bakugo has had violent outbursts or threatened his other classmates, such as Neito Monoma or Deku, Kirishima encouraged Bakugo to calm down and think rationally before acting in anger.

Other classmates are too terrified by Bakugo's temper to call him out, but Kirishima is not, because he has earned Bakugo's respect. Bakugo is more receptive to Kirishima's . This is portrayed in small ways, such as when Bakugo only attends the U-A mall hangout at Kirishima's request, and big ways, such as when he helps Bakugo act more kindly or apologizes to people for Bakugo's behavior. Kirishima has a unique position in Bakugo's life, because he is open to Kirishima's honesty more than any other classmate's, including Deku. Even when Bakugo was at his meanest, Kirishima showed him unwavering patience, but firm criticism too.

Kirishima Saved Bakugo Just as Much as Deku and All Might Did

Other U-A High Students, Including Deku, Have Even Commented on the Equal Relationship Between Bakugo and Kirishima

Kirishima's willingness to be patient with Bakugo, while still criticizing him when necessary, proved to me that he is a real friend. Deku and All Might both contributed heavily to Bakugo's character development in their own unique ways. Deku forced Bakugo to confront his own insecurities and change his harmful behavior, while All Might's frank conversation encouraged him to become kinder, more empathetic, and overall, a more righteous hero. Fans often acknowledge the ways these characters helped Bakugo improve as a person, but forget Kirishima's marked impact on him, which was arguably just as significant and life-changing in the long run.

When Bakugo was kidnapped by the League of Villains, Kirishima was crushed and spent all his money on night-vision goggles to help save his friend. Kirishima is usually a very positive person, so seeing his sorrow solidified how deeply he cares for Bakugo. Kirishima was also the one to save Bakugo's life, reaching down to grab his hand and saving him from All For One and Shigaraki. Kirishima was given this crucial job in the rescue attempt because, in Deku's own impactful words, "it's gotta be you, Kirishima... you've built a relationship with him as equals ever since we entered U-A."

Bakugo and Kirishima’s Unbreakable Loyalty is Touching to Me

Kirishima Helped Bakugo Become Kinder, While Bakugo Helped Kirishima Grow Stronger

In this scene and so many others, Kirishima showed through his actions, not just his words, that he is the first true friend Bakugo has ever had. He never lets Bakugo down, even in his darkest and most selfish moments. Kirishima's impact on Bakugo is a bit more pronounced, evidenced in his efforts to save Bakugo from being kidnapped, his continual conversations with his friend urging him to open up to others, and his commitment to always standing by his friend in good times and in bad. However, Bakugo and Kirishima ultimately bring out the best in each other and the friendship is not one-sided.

Bakugo's loyalty to Kirishima is just as evident, in my opinion, although a bit more subtle. Bakugo holds Kirishima in high esteem; he chose him as a partner in the sports festival, frequently cooperates with him when they battle together, and even called him "stupidly strong" and "unbreakable," revealing his recognition of his friend's strength. When Kirishima felt discouraged about himself and his abilities, Bakugo was the first to openly uplift and motivate him. Without Bakugo's encouragement, Kirishima probably never would have unlocked his special move, Red Riot Unbreakable, because Bakugo was the one to help him grow strong enough to unleash it.

Bakugo and Kirishima’s Friendship Is Beautiful, but Sadly Too Often Overlooked by Fans

The Bond Between Them Is Healthy, Mutually Beneficial, Encouraging, and Filled With Respect and Love

Bakugo and Kirishima's friendship is the healthiest and most respectful relationship Bakugo has ever had, and it makes him a better hero every day. The relationship has also aided Kirishima in his growth, helping him become unstoppable and giving him determination he would not have had otherwise. The pair have fun together and share plenty of laughter, but also contribute to one another's character arcs in monumental ways. It is truly a shame to me that their friendship does not receive more attention and appreciation because it is one of the most unconditionally loving, cooperative relationships in My Hero Academia.