Episode 7 of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, titled “Makoto/Truth,” offers a compelling blend of character development, world-building, and humor, injecting a breath of fresh air into the series. Released on May 19, 2025, the episode introduces a new character, Makoto Tsukauchi, and delves deeper into the nuances of hero society while keeping viewers entertained.
A Helping Hand with a Hidden Agenda
The episode revolves around Koichi Haimawari’s struggles with his college studies, which are suffering due to his vigilante activities. To his luck, Makoto Tsukauchi, an upperclassman, offers to tutor him in Hero Sociology. Koichi, naturally excited by the prospect of receiving help from a woman, readily accepts her offer. However, there’s a catch: Makoto needs Koichi to assist her with a task related to her thesis.
Makoto is interested in the “Vigilantes of Naruhata”—Knuckleduster, The Crawler, and Pop☆Step—and she wants Koichi’s help as a bodyguard and guide while she investigates them. This puts Koichi in a precarious position, as he must help her without revealing his own identity or those of his companions.
The Crawler’s College Life
The interactions between Koichi and Makoto are a highlight of the episode. Koichi’s eagerness to impress Makoto is endearing, and their study sessions provide insightful exposition on the history and structure of hero society. The episode explores the blurred line between vigilantes and heroes, highlighting that the only legal distinction is a government ID.
Makoto explains that vigilantes are a natural occurrence in society, arising in times of need. Historically, they either become recognized heroes or are eliminated. The hero system was created primarily to define what constitutes a true villain. This raises complex questions about people’s rights and the role of government in determining who is a hero and who is a villain.
Pop Step’s Jealousy
Adding to the comedic element, Pop☆Step is present in Koichi’s apartment during Makoto’s visit. Jealous and annoyed, she hides, leading to several humorous moments as Koichi tries to clean up his apartment without revealing her presence. Her jealousy and frustration are palpable, adding a layer of romantic tension to the story.
Makoto’s Quirk and True Identity
The episode also reveals Makoto’s Quirk, “Polygraph,” which allows her to sense the truth through physical contact. At the end of their outing, Makoto shakes Koichi’s hand and asks if he is the Cruller (a mispronunciation of “Crawler”). Koichi denies it, and her Quirk surprisingly confirms that he is telling the truth. This leaves Makoto confused and adds a layer of mystery to her character.
Furthermore, it is revealed that Makoto is the younger sister of Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi, a recurring character in the main My Hero Academia series and a close ally of All Might. This connection raises the stakes for Koichi and his fellow vigilantes, as Makoto’s investigation could bring unwanted attention from the authorities.
Unpacking the Themes
“Makoto/Truth” delves into several themes relevant to the My Hero Academia universe:
The Nature of Heroism: The episode questions the definition of a hero and the criteria society uses to distinguish heroes from vigilantes. It suggests that the line between the two is often arbitrary and dependent on legal recognition rather than inherent qualities.
The Role of Vigilantes: The episode explores the reasons why some individuals choose to operate outside the established hero system. It suggests that vigilantes may be motivated by a desire to help others, a distrust of the government, or a belief that the hero system is inadequate.
The Price of Secrecy: Koichi’s struggle to keep his vigilante identity secret highlights the challenges and sacrifices involved in living a double life. The constant fear of exposure and the need to deceive those around him take a toll on his personal life.
Critical Reception
Critics have generally praised “Makoto/Truth” for its character development, world-building, and humor. Some have noted that the episode is less action-packed than previous ones, but that it serves an important purpose in layering the world of Vigilantes and exploring its themes.
Anime News Network noted that the episode provides insight into society’s history and the definition of a vigilante, delivered through Koichi’s college course.
CBR highlighted Makoto’s examination of early Hero Society and how the episode integrates Koichi’s college experience into the story.
But Why Tho? praised the episode’s ability to immerse viewers in its world and offer more information and perspectives than the main series.
Final Thoughts
“Makoto/Truth” is a strong episode of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes that balances character development, world-building, and humor. The introduction of Makoto Tsukauchi adds a new dynamic to the story, and the episode’s exploration of hero society’s complexities is thought-provoking. While it may not be as action-packed as some previous episodes, “Makoto/Truth” is a well-crafted and engaging installment that deepens the My Hero Academia universe.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, offering both subbed and dubbed versions of the episode.
Characters Introduced in Episode 7:
- Makoto Tsukauchi: A senior college student and the younger sister of Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi. She is researching vigilantes for her thesis and seeks Koichi’s help. Her Quirk is “Polygraph,” which allows her to detect lies through physical contact.
