Ep. 23: Midoriya and Bakugo clash in intense combat while All Might offers crucial mentorship and disciplinary consequences follow.

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Bakugo employs rapid close-range attacks to limit Midoriya’s strategic options, forcing the latter to increase One For All to eight percent to keep pace. During the struggle, Bakugo confesses his resentment toward Midoriya’s growth and his self-blame for All Might’s retirement. Although the fight is tight, Bakugo secures victory by pinning Midoriya. All Might, who observed the entire match, absolves Bakugo of guilt regarding his retirement and explains the history of One For All, prompting Bakugo to keep it secret. He advises both that balancing Midoriya’s altruism with Bakugo’s competitive drive will enhance their heroism. All Might returns them to their dorms, where Aizawa suspends Midoriya for three days and Bakugo for four. Despite the result, All Might deems the encounter essential for their development as rivals.