Where is koichi in mha

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Koichi Haimawari is a character from the My Hero Academia spin-off series 'My Hero Academia: Vigilantes,' which takes place 5 years before the main series. He is a 17-year-old student at Naruhata High School who becomes a vigilante known as 'The Crawler' after developing a Quirk called 'Slide and Glide' that allows him to move at speeds up to 60 km/h. Unlike main MHA characters, Koichi operates outside the hero system in the Naruhata district, focusing on street-level crime.

Key Facts

Koichi Haimawari appears in 'My Hero Academia: Vigilantes,' a spin-off manga series that began serialization in 2016
He is 17 years old and attends Naruhata High School, operating as a vigilante 5 years before the events of the main MHA series
His Quirk 'Slide and Glide' allows him to move at speeds up to 60 km/h by emitting repulsion forces from his hands and feet
Koichi appears in 124 chapters of the Vigilantes manga, which concluded in 2022 after 6 years of publication
He never appears in the main My Hero Academia anime or manga, remaining exclusive to the Vigilantes spin-off

Overview

Koichi Haimawari is a central character in the My Hero Academia spin-off series 'My Hero Academia: Vigilantes,' which explores the hero society from a different perspective than the main series. Created by Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrated by Betten Court, the Vigilantes manga began serialization in Shueisha's Jump GIGA magazine in 2016 and concluded in 2022 after 124 chapters. The series is set approximately 5 years before the events of the main My Hero Academia storyline, providing background on hero society development and street-level crime.

Unlike the main series focusing on UA High School students training to become licensed heroes, Vigilantes follows characters operating outside the official hero system. Koichi represents the 'everyman' perspective in a world dominated by powerful Quirks and institutional heroism. The series explores themes of justice, legality, and what it means to be a hero when operating without official sanction or recognition from hero agencies.

How It Works

Koichi's role and development throughout the Vigilantes series follows a structured progression from ordinary citizen to capable vigilante.

Character Introduction and Setting: Koichi is introduced as a 17-year-old high school student at Naruhata High School who initially appears Quirkless. The series begins with him being saved from a villain attack by vigilante Knuckleduster, which sets him on his path. Naruhata district serves as the primary setting, representing a more grounded, urban environment compared to UA High's campus.
Quirk Development and Abilities: Koichi's Quirk 'Slide and Glide' manifests gradually, allowing him to emit repulsion forces from his hands and feet. Initially limited to sliding at moderate speeds, he develops the ability to reach approximately 60 km/h and eventually learns aerial maneuvers. His fighting style evolves from purely defensive to incorporating strategic mobility and limited offensive capabilities.
Vigilante Activities and Partnerships: Koichi operates as 'The Crawler' alongside other vigilantes including Pop Step (a 16-year-old idol with spring-like legs) and Knuckleduster (a Quirkless martial artist). They tackle street-level crimes, rescue operations, and confront minor villains that official heroes often overlook. Their activities highlight the gaps in the official hero system's coverage.
Connection to Main MHA Timeline: The Vigilantes series establishes connections to the main My Hero Academia universe through cameo appearances by younger versions of established characters. Aizawa appears as a 22-year-old pro hero, and All Might makes appearances in his prime. These connections place Koichi's story firmly within the broader MHA chronology while maintaining narrative independence.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Koichi Haimawari (Vigilantes)	Izuku Midoriya (Main MHA)
Legal Status	Unlicensed vigilante operating outside hero system	Licensed hero student at UA High School
Quirk Type	Slide and Glide (mobility-focused, max 60 km/h)	One For All (power stockpiling, inherited quirk)
Primary Setting	Naruhata district, urban streets	UA High School, various training facilities
Time Period	5 years before main MHA events	Current timeline of main series
Support System	Informal vigilante team (Pop Step, Knuckleduster)	Formal hero education with teachers and classmates
Publication Duration	124 chapters over 6 years (2016-2022)	400+ chapters ongoing since 2014

Why It Matters

Expanding the MHA Universe: Koichi's story in Vigilantes significantly expands the My Hero Academia worldbuilding by showing hero society from a ground-level perspective. While the main series focuses on the top 1% of heroes in training, Vigilantes explores how ordinary people with modest Quirks navigate a superpowered society. This provides crucial context for understanding the societal pressures and inequalities that exist outside elite hero institutions.
Exploring Legal and Ethical Dimensions: The vigilante concept challenges the official hero system's monopoly on justice, raising questions about legality versus morality. Koichi's journey demonstrates that heroism can exist outside formal structures, yet also shows the risks and limitations of operating without legal protection or resources. This adds depth to the MHA universe's exploration of what truly defines a hero.
Character Development Model: Koichi represents a different type of protagonist growth compared to main series characters. His power development is gradual and earned through practice rather than inheritance or sudden awakening. From initially struggling with basic Quirk control to becoming capable of handling street-level threats, his progression shows that heroism isn't solely about raw power but also about determination and practical experience.

Looking forward, Koichi Haimawari's legacy in the My Hero Academia universe demonstrates the richness possible through well-executed spin-off storytelling. While he may never crossover into the main series, his complete 124-chapter narrative provides a satisfying exploration of street-level heroism that complements the epic scale of the primary storyline. The Vigilantes series success suggests continued potential for expanding the MHA universe through diverse perspectives and character types beyond the central UA narrative.