“My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” Episode 7, titled “Makoto/Truth,” brings a mix of lighthearted moments and intriguing character developments to the forefront. This episode introduces Makoto Tsukauchi, a college student with a keen interest in the vigilantes of Naruhata, and delves deeper into the complexities of heroism and vigilantism within the established society. As Koichi navigates his dual life as a student and a vigilante, the episode explores the nuances of public perception, personal identity, and the very definition of a hero.
Academic Alliances and Hidden Agendas
The episode begins with Koichi struggling in his college Hero Sociology class due to his late-night vigilante activities. A senior student named Makoto Tsukauchi notices his predicament and offers to help him study. Koichi, easily excited by the prospect of receiving help from a woman, eagerly accepts her offer. However, Makoto has an ulterior motive: she wants Koichi to be her bodyguard while she investigates the vigilantes of Naruhata—Knuckleduster, The Crawler, and Pop☆Step—for her thesis.
Makoto’s Investigation
Makoto’s interest in vigilantes stems from her academic exploration of hero society. She explains to Koichi that vigilantes are a natural occurrence in society, emerging in times of need, and eventually either becoming recognized heroes or being eliminated. The hero system, according to Makoto, was created to define true villains. This leads to discussions about the rights of individuals with quirks and the fine line between vigilantism and heroism.
Pop’s Jealousy
As Koichi and Makoto begin their study session at his apartment, Pop☆Step is caught off guard. Already present at Koichi’s home, she’s forced to hide when she overhears him talking to Makoto. This leads to comical moments as Pop tries to remain hidden, growing increasingly jealous of Makoto’s presence. Her attempts to conceal herself result in Koichi inadvertently throwing trash at her, heightening the comedic tension.
Unveiling Truths and Hidden Identities
Makoto’s true intentions are revealed when she explicitly states that she wants to learn more about the Naruhata vigilantes for her thesis. This revelation sends chills down Koichi’s spine, but he is unable to refuse her request. He agrees to help her, further complicating his already complex life.
A Sister’s Secret
Later, it is revealed that Makoto is the younger sister of Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi, a recurring character in the main “My Hero Academia” series. This connection adds depth to her character and suggests that her interest in vigilantes may be more than just academic. It is also revealed that Makoto has a quirk called “Polygraph” that allows her to detect lies through physical contact.
The Polygraph Test
During their investigation, Makoto and Koichi encounter a thief with a “Soccer” quirk who steals Makoto’s laptop. Koichi quickly jumps into action, changing into his Crawler persona to retrieve the laptop. After the incident, Makoto shakes Koichi’s hand and uses her quirk to ask if he is the Crawler. To her surprise, Koichi’s denial registers as the truth, leaving her confused and uncertain about her suspicions.
Training and Public Perception
Honing Skills
Amidst the academic and social challenges, Koichi continues his training with Knuckleduster. The episode showcases Koichi’s incremental improvements as he gains a better understanding of his quirk. This progress is gratifying, as it feels earned through dedication and hard work.
Public Opinion
Makoto’s investigation involves surveying people about their opinions on the Naruhata vigilantes. The results are mixed: The Crawler is perceived as creepy, Knuckleduster is met with wariness, and Pop☆Step is mainly recognized for her looks and performances. Koichi is particularly frustrated by the misnaming of “The Crawler” to “The Cruller.”
Themes and Analysis
The Blurring Lines of Heroism
Episode 7 delves into the complex relationship between vigilantes and heroes. Makoto’s research questions the very definition of heroism, highlighting that the only legal distinction between a hero and a vigilante is a government-issued license. This raises ethical questions about the nature of justice and the role of individuals in protecting society.
Identity and Perception
The episode also explores themes of identity and perception. Koichi struggles with his public image as The Crawler, feeling misunderstood and underappreciated. Makoto’s inability to identify him as The Crawler due to a simple misnomer underscores the importance of perception in shaping reality.
Romantic undertones
Pop’s jealousy and possessiveness towards Koichi add a subtle romantic element to the story, while his obliviousness provides a touch of humor. The dynamic between Koichi, Pop, and Makoto creates interesting interpersonal tensions that promise further development in future episodes.
Production and Animation
Studio Bones Film continues to deliver high-quality animation, blending lighthearted and serious moments seamlessly. The episode features expressive character work and visually striking frames that enhance both the humor and tension. The animation style maintains a consistent level of quality, contributing to the overall engaging viewing experience.
Final Thoughts
“My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” Episode 7 is a well-balanced installment that combines character development, world-building, and subtle narrative seeds. The introduction of Makoto Tsukauchi adds a fresh dynamic to the story, while the exploration of heroism and vigilantism provides thought-provoking commentary on the “My Hero Academia” universe. While the episode maintains a light tone, it effectively sets the stage for significant developments in the future.
