Eijirou Kirishima

Kirishima is sociable, straightforward, loyal, and enthusiastic. His constant references to whether actions are "manly" reflect a personal code rather than narrow ideas about masculinity: courage, honesty, perseverance, and protecting others are the qualities he admires.

That confidence hides longstanding insecurity. Before U.A., Kirishima compared his apparently ordinary defensive Quirk with flashier abilities and feared that he lacked the instinct to act when someone was endangered.

His admiration for the Pro Hero Crimson Riot helps him redefine courage. Kirishima comes to understand bravery not as the absence of fear but as acting despite fear so that he will not regret standing aside.

Hardening allows Kirishima to harden his skin and body, sharply increasing both offensive and defensive power. Hardened limbs can strike with considerable force while his reinforced body withstands impacts, blades, and other attacks.

Sustained damage can gradually weaken the hardening, so Kirishima trains to increase its durability and duration.

His signature Red Riot Unbreakable pushes Hardening to an extreme level for a limited period. His entire body becomes jagged and heavily reinforced, allowing him to withstand attacks that would overwhelm his normal defenses.

Kirishima becomes one of the most socially connected members of Class 1-A and develops an especially effective partnership with Katsuki Bakugou.

During the attempt to rescue Bakugou from the League of Villains, Kirishima is deliberately chosen to extend his hand because the group recognizes that Bakugou is most likely to accept help from him without feeling patronized.

His internship with Fat Gum and Tamaki Amajiki gives Kirishima his first sustained experience with professional combat. Facing Rappa Kendo forces him to confront the same fear of freezing that has haunted him since middle school.

During the Paranormal Liberation War, Kirishima runs through Gigantomachia's assault to deliver the sedative created by Momo, succeeding after Mina initially freezes when she recognizes the giant's voice. The moment directly reverses their childhood encounter, when Mina acted while Kirishima could not.

Katsuki Bakugou is one of Kirishima's closest classmates. Kirishima's direct personality allows him to interact with Bakugou without being intimidated by his aggression.

Mina Ashido attended the same middle school as Kirishima. Her instinctive courage becomes one of the examples that pushes him to change himself.

Fat Gum supervises Kirishima's work study and encourages his development as a defensive hero.

Tamaki Amajiki works alongside Kirishima during the Shie Hassaikai operation.

Crimson Riot is Kirishima's personal hero and the inspiration for both his philosophy and hero name.

Rappa Kendo becomes the opponent who forces Kirishima to prove that his determination can withstand overwhelming physical pressure.