The following article contains major spoilers for My Hero Academia: Vigilantes.

Summary

Pop Step has feelings for Koichi, hinting at a potential romance between the two.
Kazuho/Pop Step faces a rival in love, Makoto, who develops feelings for Koichi.
The series leaves Koichi's romantic future open-ended, creating speculation among fans.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is now airing, and many fans are excited to learn more about the franchise's universe. In addition to deeply expanding the My Hero Academia lore and delving into many concepts introduced in the original series, MHA Vigilantes also features an abundant number of charismatic characters.

Kazuho Haneyama, better known in the series as the street performer and idol wannabe Pop☆Step, has already won the hearts of many fans. Furthermore, the series increasingly hints at a potential romance between Pop Step and Koichi Haimawari, the protagonist. Will this romance be real, or will it just become shipping material for the fanbase?

picture: makoto tsukauchi in my hero academia vigilantes.

My Hero Academia Vigilantes Introduces Pop Step's Rival in Love

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes just introduced a new character who appears to have captured Koichi's heart. But who is Makoto Tsukauchi?

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By Laura Gassert

Pop Step Definitely Feels Something For Koichi

At the beginning of the story, it seems Pop Step and Koichi seem to meet by pure accident, but we later learn that this is not exactly the case. Koichi is unaware of it, at least for now, but he saved Kazuho a few years prior to the start of the story, and she has been obsessed with him ever since. Although Kazuho acts harshly toward Koichi, deep down she admires him. She is probably the first person in the series to consider him a true hero. Koichi, on the other hand, believes he saved someone else back then.

Dummy. You truly are a dummy. What do you mean, "hero spirit"? What do you mean, "good enough for me"? Try being less of a pushover. Besides, that "boy whose name you don't know"... That was me. And I'm not a boy!

— Kazuho in Episode 5

For now, Koichi seems to view Kazuho only as a friend. Honestly, given that she is still in high school while he is in college, it makes sense that Koichi is not interested in romance right away. As they grow closer, they have a great dynamic as a potential romantic couple. Romantic relationships that are slowly built over time tend to attract a massive number of fans because it is sweet to see love slowly bloom inside the characters. In addition to both being charismatic, they seem to work well together as a potential couple.

Makoto, Kazuho's Rival in Love

As much as Kazuho/Pop Step might love Koichi, she has already found her rival in love. Makoto Tsukauchi, a supporting character introduced in Episode 7, accidentally stepped into a love triangle that made fans unsure about who deserves to become Koichi's partner. Makoto Tsukauchi is a senior at Koichi's university, and she is interested in researching vigilantism. It's clear that she approached Koichi because she suspects that he is part of the Naruhata Vigilantes, which makes things even more thrilling.

Makoto is an attractive woman (she actually uses lenses to enhance her appearance), but for now she doesn't seem to have feelings for Koichi yet. He, on the other hand, would definitely be interested in trying something with her. While Koichi clearly finds Makoto attractive, his opinion of Kazuho is unclear. Later on, Makoto will eventually fall in love with him, and she will even confess her feelings for him by the end of the series.

Who Will Take Koichi's Heart?

Although Vigilantes hints at a few potential romantic interests for Koichi, the series may disappoint those expecting a concrete romance. At the end of the series, Koichi is surprised when Makoto confesses her feelings for him, but he doesn't answer her right away. Makoto gives him time to respond because she knows he might be interested in Pop Step. Ultimately, however, none of these relationships are confirmed, leaving many fans frustrated. At least, Makoto and Kazuho leave their differences behind and develop a great friendship.

Considering that Kazuho is considerably younger than Koichi, it makes a lot of sense that he wouldn't date her while she was still a minor. However, the series later has a timeskip when both Kazuho and Koichi are older, so there would be room for them to end up together eventually. Alternatively, it would make sense for Koichi to choose Makoto because they are likely to be living in the US by the end of the series. Perhaps the anime will change that.

Where to Watch My Hero Academia: Vigilantes

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is streaming on Crunchyroll, with new episodes airing every Monday (subbed and dubbed in English). There are rumors that the second season has already been greenlit, but the official announcement will likely be made after the broadcast of the last episode of the first season.

My Hero Academia main series is available to stream on Crunchyroll, subbed and dubbed in many languages.

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