My Hero Academia Season 2 Episode 12 Recap – Todoroki vs. Bakugo

Challenge

Inside the waiting room, Todoroki thinks about the possibilities of using his left side and how it will affect him moving forward. Bakugo smashes down the door to find him there. He stumbled into the wrong room but instead of moving on, he confronts Todoroki about what he was doing.

Todoroki remains calm and asks Bakugo if Midoriya has always been the same way since they were young. Bakugo says he doesn’t care about that or his feelings or his family or anything. He invites Todoroki to use all of his power on him before storming off. His mind is set on the top position.

Present Mic introduces the final match with Todoroki and Bakugo intent on reaching the top. Todoroki starts with an all-out ice attack that buries Bakugo, but he manages to dig himself out using his explosions.

Bakugo uses finesse as he knows his opponent is reckless and heavily reliant on raw power. They clash with Todoroki hesitating to use his flames. Bakugo taunts his opponent for holding back and supposedly making a fool out of him.

Identity

Todoroki remains indecisive as his right side freezes up until Midoriya cheers on him from the crowd. Finally, Todoroki uses his flame to defend against the blasting barrage from Bakugo. But in the final moments, he withdraws his flames, and Bakugo blasts away his ice block.

Bakugo wakes to find his opponent out of bounds and unconscious on a bed of ice. Bakugo runs in to yell at him, but Midnight uses her quirk to put the boy to sleep. She declares Bakugo Katsuki as the number one winner of the sports festival.

The awarding ceremony starts with fireworks and fanfare. Due to his unruly temper, they’ve put Bakugo in chains as he’s hoisted up on the first place pedestal. Todoroki remains silent on second while Tokoyami wonders why he’s on a tie with Iida on third. Iida had to go to the hospital to check on his brother.

All Might arrives at the stadium in a showy way to present the medals. The audience feels jealous at the sight of the number one hero awarding the winners. All Might congratulates Todoroki and asks him why he didn’t use his left side. The boy admits he feels lost after the fight with Midoriya, and now has things to settle within himself to move forward. All Might hugs him in support.

Finally, All Might congratulates Bakugo and loosens his mask. Bakugo complains to him that his first place is meaningless and unsatisfactory. All Might explains that competitions don’t have absolute assessments, as he forces the medal on him.

Next Generation

All Might then addresses the rest of the students and praises them for pushing each other to be stronger. They are the foundation for the next generation of heroes.

After returning to class, Aizawa explains that they may get offers from pro-heroes in the few days after the break. Midoriya notices that Iida hasn’t returned yet.

Back at the hospital, Iida finds his mother and sees his brother unconscious after surgery. His brother, Tensei opens his eyes and apologizes to them for losing to the villain.

Days later, Todoroki decides to visit his mother at the hospital even though his sister cautions him. Thoughts of his mother being unable to stand Todoroki’s left side still linger on his memory. He’s not seen her in a long time due to her revulsion, but now he wants to present himself with all that he is.

Uraraka’s parents surprise her at home to throw for a party, while Midoriya’s mom recounts how many times she fainted after watching his fights. She still clueless about his quirk. As a result, Midoriya resolves to not make her and his friends worry.

Our Thoughts

Great conclusion for an amazing arc! 4.5/5