Essential Insights
- Koichi’s Quirk undergoes rapid transformations due to his challenging encounters and experiences.
- Initially underwhelming, Koichi’s Quirk, Slide and Glide, has developed into a multifaceted ability.
- Unlike typical Quirks that gain a singular new power upon awakening, Koichi’s Quirk shows consistent evolution.
At the beginning of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, Koichi possessed what might be termed a lackluster Quirk, merely enabling him to glide along the ground at a unimpressive pace. However, as he confronts increasingly formidable adversaries, the evolution of his Quirk accelerates remarkably.
Slide and Glide, Koichi’s Quirk, might have remained nascent because of his mother’s protective instincts, who would often swat him as a child, fearing he might float away. Yet, through daily exposure to high-pressure scenarios and accumulating experience, Koichi’s Quirk has undergone extraordinary changes, transforming from its initial form.
Who Is Koichi?
An Aspiring Pro Hero Engaging in Vigilante Activities in Naruhata
Haimawari Koichi is a former vigilante residing in Tokyo’s Naruhata district. He has always dreamed of becoming a Pro Hero and, like many aspiring heroes, holds All Might in high regard. Within Naruhata, he has earned the nickname The Crawler.
Despite his ambitions of becoming a Pro Hero, Koichi’s initial Quirk did not possess the strength necessary to affect battles significantly. During his early days as a vigilante, he often found it challenging to defeat villains autonomously, frequently relying on allies Pop Step and Knuckleduster until Pro Heroes arrived.
Unveiling the Truth About His Quirk
Koichi May Have Repressed His Quirk Subconsciously as a Child
Upon encountering Knuckleduster, Koichi began training in martial arts, which enabled him to develop his Quirk further. His Quirk, named Slide and Glide, requires him to make contact with the ground at three distinct points to function. In Chapter 31, Koichi describes his Quirk as having a repelling force that allows him to glide. Initially, the speed of his Quirk matched that of a bicycle. Given the reduced foot traffic in Naruhata due to a new expressway, he capitalized on his morning training sessions, and by Chapter 7, he learned how to properly halt using his Quirk.
Koichi uncovered deeper truths about his Quirk in Chapter 18. As an infant, he had the ability to float, but his mother’s use of her Fly Swatter Quirk to keep him grounded may have led him to forget about this talent over time.
The Evolution of Koichi’s Quirk
Daily Battles and Defensive Experiences Catalyzed Koichi’s Quirk Evolution
Throughout the My Hero Academia: Vigilantes series, Koichi’s Quirk progressively evolves. Unlike others like Bakugo Katsuki and Uraraka Ochaco, who experienced awakening during life-threatening moments, Koichi’s transformation was more gradual. Quirks typically awaken during periods of intense stress or dangerous situations.
Before he met Knuckleduster, Koichi had not undergone any formal martial arts training. Often, he was left battered after encounters with various villains. However, this on-ground, real-time training significantly contributed to the evolution of his Quirk.
While still determining his fighting style, Koichi often found himself on the defensive against adversaries. Ironically, this tactic facilitated the rapid evolution of his Quirk, albeit unconsciously on his part. All For One, in Chapter 108, acknowledges that Koichi’s rapid Quirk development stems from the extensive practical experience he acquired during villain confrontations.
Even in non-life-threatening situations, the stress of apprehending villains allowed for the substantial growth of Koichi’s Quirk. Transitioning from simply gliding, he acquired the ability to float, adhere to walls, and project force blasts from his hands. Furthermore, his Quirk enables the creation of a protective barrier around targeted areas, marking a drastic evolution from its original capability.
Koichi’s extensive encounters with villains have resulted in remarkable evolution in his Quirk. Since most of his experiences involve active engagement with villains, he has honed not just his reflexes but also his Quirk, unlocking new abilities with each unique challenge.
His experiences with the Villain Factory have accelerated this evolution. As highlighted earlier, Koichi could float during infancy; however, he gradually lost access to this ability. Thus, it is likely that his Quirk always had the potential for such feats; it simply required unlocking. Factors like psychological barriers and his mother’s swatting may have hindered this progress.
Comparing Koichi’s Quirk Evolution with Others
Unlike Others, Koichi’s Quirk Continuously Evolves Instead of Acquiring a Single New Ability
In the realm of My Hero Academia, characters experience their Quirk awakening in unique ways, particularly compared to Koichi. Generally, a life-or-death or high-stress circumstance sparks a Quirk’s awakening. For instance, Bakugo Katsuki’s explosion ability emerged to protect Midoriya Izuku, while Uraraka’s Quirk surfaced when Toga stabbed her.
While their Quirks awakened, they acquired merely additional abilities. In contrast, Koichi’s Quirk evolves continually, adapting with every encounter. From a lackluster ability at the series’ beginning, Koichi’s Quirk has advanced significantly, allowing him to contend with formidable foes, including Number 6. Thanks to his newly developed skills, he has even taken on the role of a sidekick to Captain Celebrity in America.
My Hero Academia is now streaming on Crunchyroll.
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