Pop Step’s True Feelings: Why She Really Sought Out Koichi in MHA Vigilantes

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Summary

  • Pop Step approached Koichi to thank him for saving her and to apologize for making him late for his entrance exam.
  • Pop Step developed feelings for Koichi over time but did not confess her feelings to him.
  • Pop Step believed Koichi had the potential to be a hero and grew closer to him by visiting daily and helping with various activities.

Despite seemingly forming as a trio without Koichi realizing it, numerous individuals in his life regard him as their hero, unbeknownst to him. There was an additional layer to Pop Steps’ initial encounter with Koichi; while they exchanged humorous banter, the situation was more complex due to Koichi’s cluelessness and Pop Steps’ tsundere demeanor.

Initially, it was clear that Pop Step had encountered or recognized Koichi before their first meeting. Since Pop Step was well-known as a friendly neighborhood figure, it might have been because of his vigilante persona that he recognized Koichi. Yet, as the series My Hero Academia: Vigilantes unfolds and Pop Step’s feelings for Koichi are revealed, so is the true motive behind their initial encounter.

Differences Between the Anime and Manga

Can These Changes Impact Their Relationship?

In the “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” series, it’s during one of many unannounced live shows that Koichi initially encounters Pop Step. Much like in the anime, Koichi comments on how handy Pop Step’s power seems, expressing his own Quirk as less than impressive while watching her performance. Yet, in the comic book version, Koichi calls out to Pop, alerting her about approaching police officers. Since using powers publicly is against the law, as Pop was performing and employing her power, she would be facing potential legal consequences from law enforcement.

Even though it was Koichi who gave the warning, Pop Step identified him immediately without any words, suggesting that Pop already knew Koichi. Yet, their past remained unknown at that point. In the anime, Koichi doesn’t warn Pop about law enforcement, but instead slips away using his Quirk, avoiding interaction between them. Later, Pop approaches Koichi as he was doing good deeds in the neighborhood, offering him a bottle of water and mocking him for his All Might hoodie.

You’re the one who warned me about the fuzz during my show, right? I wanted to say thanks, somehow.

Pop Step – Chapter 1 (Manga)

In the comic book, Pop Step seizes this moment to express gratitude towards Koichi for alerting her during her performance, giving her an excuse to interact with the trainee hero. Despite noticeable variations between the anime and the manga, they’ve unquestionably grown more acquainted as the vigilante group has spent increased time together. Although they differ, it’s apparent in the comic book that Pop Step had been trying to find a chance to talk to Koichi, even observing him getting attacked at the convenience store, indicating how long she’s been keeping tabs on him.

So, Why Did Pop Step Really Approach Koichi?

Young Feelings That Had Yet To be Conveyed

Arc Vigilantes Beginning
Chapter 1 – 8

In the world of Pop Step and Koichi, beyond the variations between anime and manga, there’s more to their water-bottle exchange than meets the eye during one of his breaks. Throughout the series, it becomes clear that Pop Step harbors feelings for Koichi, which she subtly expresses through her blushing and behavior reminiscent of a tsundere character. Yet, Koichi remains oblivious to these signs, even though they are apparent to those observing them closely.

Basically, all that playing at being a hero ended up screwing over your potential career path.

In Chapter 8 of the series, we learn about Koichi’s and Pop Step’s past. While Koichi was on a school trip to Tokyo for a hero high school entrance exam, he rescued a boy who had fallen into a river. Amazingly, this boy turned out to be Pop Step. After rescuing her, Koichi gave his coat to the child as she was shivering from the cold river water. Years later, Pop Step continued to value that Silver Age Edition coat, storing it in her closet and occasionally wearing it as a keepsake.

Pop Step sought out Koichi not just because he often helped around their neighborhood, even facing bullying from delinquents, but because she found him intriguing. At first, all she wanted was to express genuine gratitude for his act of rescue; however, over time, her feelings towards the boy grew deeper. Despite developing feelings for Koichi as well, Pop Step believes that he is truly her hero.

  • Pop wanted to thank Koichi for saving her.
  • Apologize for ruining and making him late for his entrance exam.
  • Confess that she believes Koichi has what it takes to be a hero.

Over the course of these events, Pop Step harbored feelings for the older boy, yet she never shared them. Meanwhile, both Pop and Koichi were engrossed in their vigilante duties, with Pop also participating in the Narufest happenings. Overall, they found contentment in their lives, assuming they’d carry on this way. As the two drew nearer, Knuckleduster was missing from the group for a stretch, leaving Pop and Koichi to manage things independently.

With this arrangement, Pop Step started dropping by Koichi’s place every day, preparing meals for him and utilizing his apartment for her diverse undertakings – be it grooming herself or planning for Narufest. In doing so, Pop Step managed to draw closer to the older boy. It wasn’t until Episode 1 that she uncovered his true identity, having only been familiar with his pseudonyms and clandestine activities beforehand.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

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2025-05-02 21:14