My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18: The heroes lose the fight against AFO as the Demon Lord steals Hawks' quirk

My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18, titled It's A Small World, aired on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 5:30 pm JST. In this episode, Ochaco finds Toga's real body amid the swarm of Twice's clones. Meanwhile, the heroes struggle to hold their ground against AFO, now equipped with Rewind.

Subsequently, Gigantomachia enters the scene. Now, under the control of Shinso's Brainwashing, Machia turns against AFO. The episode briefly explains how Shinso and Kirishima managed to subdue Machia. The heroes intensify their offensive against the Demon Lord once again, with the new reinforcements.

However, despite their combined efforts, AFO easily subdues Machia and uses Rewind to heal any damage, eventually overpowering the heroes. As he moves to steal Tokoyami's quirk, a wounded Hawks intervenes, leading to AFO taking Hawks' quirk instead.

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

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My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18: Shinso uses Gigantomachia against AFO, yet the Demon Lord overwhelms the heroes

My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18 opening events: Shinso directs Machia into battle against AFO

My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18 opens with Ochaco, Tsuyu, and Jiro searching for Toga's real body among the Twice doubles. Using her insight into Toga's personality, Ochaco identifies the real one.

Meanwhile, Tokoyami, with Hawks' support, unleashes Dark Shadow's Light of Baldur against AFO. The Shiketsu High students and other heroes assist him. However, AFO uses Rewind to heal, regress to an even younger state, and escape. Tokoyami and the others chase after him but soon notice Gigantomachia approaching.

AFO orders Machia to subdue the heroes, but to his shock, Machia attacks him instead. AFO quickly realizes that Shinso and Kirishima, riding on Machia, are controlling the giant.

Ashido saves Shinso (Image via Bones)

The story rewinds to the battle at the Jaku Hospital Ruins, where Machia was confined. The PLF forces attempt to wake Machia using high-frequency sound waves mimicking AFO's voice. While Mt. Lady and the other heroes try to stop them, Machia awakens and strikes Mt. Lady.

Kirishima rushes to reach Shinso, who was secretly hidden to brainwash Machia, but the Sludge Villain has taken control of Shinso's body. While Kirishima struggles to free him and the heroes struggle against Machia, Ashido intervenes, stopping Machia's blow with her acid, strong enough to melt his skin.

It's revealed she underwent special training with Bakugo and Shoto for this specific purpose. She then frees Shinso by melting the Sludge Villain, allowing him to brainwash and command Machia by imitating AFO's voice.

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My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18: The heroes continue their assault on the Demon Lord with the support of new backup

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

In My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18, the Jaku Hospital Ruins team learns of AFO's progress. The narrative shifts to the present, where the heroes, with reinforcements and Machia, continue attacking AFO, but it's not enough to stop him.

Realizing how the Aoyama family deceived him, AFO becomes eager to steal Shinso's Brainwashing quirk and targets Machia, Shinso, and Kirishima. Hawks fears that if Shinso is hit, the Brainwashing will disengage, allowing the villains to regain control of Machia.

AFO strikes Machia, who shockingly speaks, asking why AFO, his master, abandoned him. Knowing the Brainwashing has worn off, Hawks is puzzled by Machia's behavior. Flashbacks reveal moments when AFO abandoned Machia, both in the past and during the Paranormal Liberation War.

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

Shinso notes that only Deku and Machia have resisted his Brainwashing this much, adding that it merely acts as a failsafe on Machia's anger over being betrayed. Shinso reflects that while his quirk is often viewed as villainous, it can't control people's hearts.

Machia, Mt. Lady, and Tokoyami/Dark Shadow prepare a combined attack to keep AFO engaged. The focus briefly shifts to news reporters flying through the bad weather in choppers, determined to broadcast the battle and restore hope in the heroes.

Meanwhile, Gentle's heroics are streamed globally by La Brava, inspiring viewers. Back in the fight, despite the heroes' relentless offensive, it remains insufficient. AFO, using Rewind to heal his injuries, lands lethal blows on Mt. Lady and Machia, before taking down Tokoyami, Hawks, and the other heroes.

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My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18 closing scenes: The heroes face defeat as AFO steals Hawks' quirk

In the ending scenes of My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18, AFO stands victorious, having defeated all the heroes. Admiring Tokoyami's resistance, he declares his intention to steal his quirk. Hawks, despite being gravely injured, attempts to stop him by piercing AFO's heart, but the effort is futile.

AFO steaks Hawks' quirk (Image via Bones)

AFO easily overpowers Hawks and mocks him for his weak quirk before stealing his Fierce Wings. Mineta then bravely steps in, offering his own quirk to AFO in exchange for sparing Tokoyami.

The episode concludes as a news chopper approaches, with AFO delighting in the opportunity to show the world the heroes' defeat and shatter public faith in heroes even further. However, Hawks clings to the belief that there's still hope for heroes as AFO makes his way toward Shigaraki.

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