Warning: Spoilers for My Hero Academia, Chapter #406Bakugo has come a long way in My Hero Academia, and one of the biggest displays of his growth came in chapter #406, when Bakugo used a different nickname to refer to himself that he had never really embraced before. That name is, of course, Deku’s preferred nickname for him: Kachan.

The name “Kachan” is derived from Katsuki Bakugo’s first name, from the first syllable (“ka”) followed by the diminutive but friendly suffix, -chan. It’s a term of endearment that refers to a close and friendly relationship between two characters, so it’s always been a little strange that Midoriya is the main character that refers to it, perhaps when they were young and got along well. Midoriya’s use of his nickname translates to “worthless” even after being slapped with the insulting name “deku”.

Bakugo’s “Kachan” hug proves how he grew up

In the past, Bakugo disliked the name Kachan, at least from Midoriya, and his hatred of it kept the word from spreading to his other classmates, who occasionally tried to use it. Introducing himself as Kachan and everyone to everyone is amazing. Bakugo seemed to accept his name just as Midoriya accepted the name Bakugo gave him – Deku. While Bakugo probably doesn’t intend to change his hero name or anything like that, his willingness to own it proves that he’s come a long way since his early days in Division 1-A.

Of course there are some differences here; Kachan, for example, was not a “deku” insult and was used by other people besides Midoriya (including Bakugo’s other childhood friends). Still, the time is clearly meant to have some significance as a note to end a chapter, and in this era of the series, the only person who actually uses that name is Midoriya. Bakugou’s determination may indicate a resurgence now that he’s back on his feet. And in all the hero’s mite (He was honored to use the hero’s name) And he was given a most important task; Bakugo was probably so excited he felt like that kid again.

Regardless of his intent, the use of “Kachan” clearly recalls Midoriya using that nickname, and Bakugo’s acceptance of it comes as something of a final acceptance of who he is. Bakugou can be both a hero and a friend, the latter being the title he fought for the most. The personal nature of such a nickname, along with declaring one’s identity, can also imply a bit of respect for everyone, something driven home by the All for One insult. Calling himself “Kachan”, Bakugo seems to bury one of My Hero Academia’s longest-running rivalries, finally confirming Bakugo and Midoriya as true friends.

Read My Hero Academia on Manga Plus

Read on Manga Plus