My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 18: Heroes Defeated as AFO Steals Hawks’ Quirk

My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18, titled “It’s A Small World,”premiered on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 5:30 pm JST. In this gripping episode, Ochako uncovers Toga’s real body amid the chaos of Twice clones, while the heroes find themselves in a critical battle against AFO, who has now harnessed the power of Rewind.

As the conflict escalates, Gigantomachia makes a dramatic entrance. Under the influence of Shinso’s Brainwashing, Machia turns against AFO. The episode provides insight into how Shinso and Kirishima were able to control Machia, as the heroes launch a renewed offensive against the formidable Demon Lord.

Yet, even with their combined efforts, AFO proves too powerful; he easily defeats Machia and uses Rewind to heal any injuries, gaining the upper hand over the heroes. As he attempts to seize Tokoyami’s quirk, a battered Hawks intervenes, prompting AFO to take Hawks’ quirk instead.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18.

My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18: Shinso directs Gigantomachia against AFO, but the Demon Lord overpowers the heroes

Opening events of My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18: Shinso guides Machia into battle against AFO

This episode of My Hero Academia begins with Ochako, Tsuyu, and Jiro on a quest to locate Toga’s true body among the multitude of Twice duplicates. Utilizing her understanding of Toga’s character, Ochako successfully identifies the original.

Meanwhile, Tokoyami, supported by Hawks, unleashes the Dark Shadow’s Light of Baldur at AFO. The other heroes and Shiketsu High students join in the fight. However, AFO uses Rewind to heal himself, regress to a younger state, and make his escape. As Tokoyami and the team chase after him, they soon spot Gigantomachia approaching.

AFO commands Machia to incapacitate the heroes, but to his surprise, Machia turns on him instead. AFO realizes that Shinso and Kirishima are controlling the giant from atop Machia’s back.

Ashido saves Shinso (Image via Bones)
Ashido saves Shinso (Image via Bones)

The storyline flashes back to the brutal conflict at the Jaku Hospital Ruins, where Machia was kept confined. The PLF forces attempt to awaken Machia by employing high-frequency sound waves that mimic AFO’s voice. While Mt. Lady and other heroes try to thwart their plan, Machia awakens and strikes at Mt. Lady.

Kirishima rushes to Shinso, who had been concealed to use his Brainwashing abilities on Machia, but the Sludge Villain has taken control of Shinso. Amidst the chaos, Ashido intervenes, using her acid to halt Machia’s attack, showcasing her specialized training with Bakugo and Shoto for this crucial moment. She frees Shinso by dissolving the Sludge Villain, empowering him to brainwash and command Machia by imitating AFO’s voice.

My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18: The heroes intensify their assault against AFO with new reinforcements

AFO attempts to steal Shinso's Brainwashing (Image via Bones)
AFO attempts to steal Shinso’s Brainwashing (Image via Bones)

In My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18, the team at the Jaku Hospital Ruins learns of AFO’s advancements. The narrative jumps back to the current confrontation, where the heroes, now bolstered by Machia, continue their offensive against AFO, but their efforts are still insufficient.

Realizing the extent of the Aoyama family’s deceptions, AFO becomes determined to capture Shinso’s Brainwashing quirk, targeting Machia, Shinso, and Kirishima. Hawks expresses concern that if Shinso is harmed, the Brainwashing will be disrupted, allowing the villains to reclaim control of Machia.

AFO unexpectedly strikes Machia, who to everyone’s astonishment, speaks out, questioning why AFO, his master, abandoned him. The Break in Brainwashing is evident, and flashbacks reveal past moments of abandonment during the Paranormal Liberation War.

AFO in My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18 (Image via Bones)
AFO in My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18 (Image via Bones)

Shinso remarks that only Deku and Machia have been able to resist his Brainwashing for this long, indicating it functions mainly as a failsafe for Machia’s anger over his perceived betrayal. He reflects that, despite often being seen as a villainous quirk, it cannot manipulate people’s hearts.

Machia, Mt. Lady, and Tokoyami/Dark Shadow prepare a collaborative strike to keep AFO occupied while news reporters fly through the adverse weather conditions in helicopters, determined to cover the conflict and reignite hope in the heroes.

Meanwhile, Gentle’s courageous actions are broadcast worldwide by La Brava, inspiring countless viewers. Back in the battle, despite their relentless efforts, the heroes still fall short. AFO, using Rewind to recover from his injuries, delivers devastating blows to Mt. Lady and Machia, before incapacitating Tokoyami, Hawks, and the other heroes.

My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18 closing moments: Heroes confront defeat as AFO captures Hawks’ quirk

In the closing scenes of My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18, AFO stands triumphant, having vanquished the heroes. Appreciating Tokoyami’s defiance, he sets his sights on stealing Tokoyami’s Quirk. Despite severe injuries, Hawks tries to impede AFO by aiming for his heart, but his efforts are in vain.

AFO steals Hawks' quirk (Image via Bones)
AFO steals Hawks’ quirk (Image via Bones)

AFO overwhelms Hawks, taunting him for his weak quirk before seizing his Fierce Wings. In a bold move, Mineta intervenes, offering his own quirk to AFO to spare Tokoyami.

The episode concludes with a news helicopter approaching, as AFO relishes the prospect of showcasing the heroes’ defeat, thereby further undermining public trust in them. Nevertheless, Hawks clings to the hope that heroes can prevail as AFO advances towards Shigaraki.

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