My Hero Academia Episode 22: Bakugo vs. Uraraka

The final duel of the first round begins between Katsuki and Ochaco. Katsuki warns Ochaco to give up, stating he won't hold back. Tenya asks Izuku for his advice to Ochaco, and Izuku suggests she strike first to touch Katsuki and send him out of bounds with her Quirk.

Ochaco anticipates Katsuki's initial attack but is hit by his explosion. Katsuki reminds her she should have dropped out, then attacks again, but only explodes her P.E. uniform, which she used as a decoy. Ochaco tries to surprise him, but Katsuki's quick reflexes allow him to blast her away. She continues to attack relentlessly, while Katsuki uses his explosions to keep her at bay, which upsets some of the crowd.

Some fans believe Ochaco is desperate because her feint failed. Neito points out they should look closer. The crowd starts to boo Katsuki for being too rough, but Shota calls out the person who started the uproar. He explains that Katsuki's intensity acknowledges his opponent's strength, and he is doing everything to win.

The smoke clears, and Ochaco remains standing despite Katsuki's barrage. Katsuki is uneasy that she is still in the fight. Ochaco thanks Katsuki for keeping his focus on her. Katsuki then looks up to see a large amount of debris floating above the stadium. Neito explains that Ochaco stayed low, causing Katsuki's explosions to tear up the ring floor, creating debris. She then kept him focused on her with constant attacks, making him unaware of the impending "Meteor Shower."

As Ochaco releases her Quirk, sending the debris falling towards Katsuki, she rushes him to exploit an opening. However, Katsuki unleashes a powerful explosion that repels all the debris and also blows Ochaco away. Ochaco attempts to stand and fight but collapses, having reached her limit after many explosions. Though unconscious, she crawls towards Katsuki, recalling her promise to help her family by becoming a hero. She ultimately falls unconscious, and Katsuki is declared the winner.

Midnight has Ochaco carried to Recovery Girl's office, and Katsuki leaves the ring, advancing to the next round. He encounters Izuku, becoming irritated. Katsuki accuses Izuku of giving Ochaco her strategy, but Izuku defends Ochaco, stating the plan was hers alone. He tells Katsuki he had nothing to do with it and that if the battle was harder than anticipated, it was because of Ochaco, not him. This irritates Katsuki, who then walks to the stands, where his classmates tease him for his villainous approach. Denki expresses disbelief at Katsuki attacking a "fragile girl," but Katsuki replies that Ochaco is definitely not frail.

Izuku goes to the waiting rooms to prepare for his next match against Shoto. He is surprised to find Ochaco there instead of Recovery Girl's office. She explains she was fully healed except for minor scrapes and criticizes herself for losing. Taken aback by her lively attitude, Izuku asks if she's okay, and she confirms she is.

Meanwhile, Eijiro and Tetsutetsu's arm wrestling match begins. Tetsutetsu's iron arm gives way, and Eijiro wins, advancing to the next round. Eijiro offers Tetsutetsu his hand, commending him on a good fight. They shake hands, and Midnight is pleased by their sportsmanship. With the second-round roster complete, the next battle is set to begin. Izuku leaves Ochaco after she wishes him good luck. Ochaco then receives a call from her father.

Her father praises her performance, and her true feelings surface. Saddened by her loss, Ochaco claims she didn't do well and failed. Her father continues to encourage her, and she becomes emotional, admitting she wants to help her parents sooner. Tears flow as her father says he believes she will become a great, caring hero and that he is immensely proud. While walking to the stage, Izuku becomes emotional, reflecting on Ochaco's encouragement when he was supposed to be reassuring her. Suddenly, a Flame Hero appears in the corridor.

The Flame Hero tells Izuku his power is similar to All Might's, but Izuku dismisses it and tries to leave. The Flame Hero continues, saying he expects Izuku to fight Shoto hard to prepare him to surpass All Might. Aggravated, Izuku reminds the Flame Hero that he is not All Might and the Flame Hero's son is not him.

Izuku walks away, pondering Shoto's declaration to win the festival using only his right side. When Ochaco returns to her seat, Tenya is alarmed by the tear marks on her face. He confesses he would be frustrated in her position. Fumikage advises her not to dwell on remorse but to use Izuku's match as encouragement.

The stadium is filled with anticipation for the second round's first match between Izuku Midoriya and Shoto Todoroki. The two frontrunners exchange a few words, while Tenya, Ochaco, and Fumikage discuss how Izuku might win. Elsewhere, a character is advised to pay close attention to the match because the two boys might become formidable obstacles. This character replies that he is not worried about a couple of kids.

Back at the stadium, Thirteen recalls that Shoto and Izuku tried to save All Might from villains. All Might responds that they have more in common than they realize, both possessing an intense aura. Izuku and Shoto take their battle stances, bracing for their bout.