TV-Series
Description
Makoto Tsukauchi is a supporting character in My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, a spin-off and prequel manga series that later received an anime adaptation. She is introduced as a 21-year-old university student who serves as a senior to the protagonist, Koichi Haimawari. She is also the younger sister of police inspector Naomasa Tsukauchi, which gives her a direct link to the professional hero community and law enforcement. Later in the story, she takes on the role of general manager for the Captain Celebrity Corporation, handling public relations and managing the image of the pro hero Captain Celebrity. Additionally, she is an amateur social researcher with a keen interest in uncovering hidden truths.

Makoto possesses a Quirk called Polygraph, which functions as a lie detector. To activate it, she must make physical contact with another person, typically through a handshake. When activated, a faint yellow-green electric aura appears over the point of contact, and she can determine whether the person is intentionally lying or telling the truth. However, the Quirk has a notable limitation: it operates on the literal precision of words rather than physiological cues. If the target speaks a statement that is technically true due to wording or a misunderstanding, the Quirk will register it as truthful even if the person intends to deceive. This weakness is demonstrated early in the story when Makoto suspects Koichi is the vigilante known as the Crawler, but she accidentally calls him the Cruller during her questioning. Because Koichi is not that specific vigilante, her Quirk registers his denial as honest, allowing him to evade exposure. This moment also reveals her confidence and directness in pursuing her suspicions, as she was willing to use a polite handshake as a pretext to test him.

In terms of personality, Makoto is intelligent, independent, and studious, with a strong determination to achieve her goals. She is generally kind and pleasant in social interactions, but she is also shrewd and not above using slightly underhanded methods to get what she wants. She is cheerful, highly sociable, and proactive, often taking the lead in conversations and investigations. Her combination of charm and sharp intellect allows her to navigate complex situations and gather information from others effectively. She is fascinated by the truth and driven by a desire to uncover the mysteries surrounding the vigilantes of Naruhata, as well as the activities of the pro heroes she works with.

Her role in the story is primarily as an information gatherer and supporter. She does not participate in combat but provides critical intelligence and connections. She uses her Polygraph Quirk to verify facts, and her association with her brother Naomasa gives her access to police resources. She also serves as a publicist and manager for Captain Celebrity, helping him maintain his reputation while also keeping a close watch on his behavior. Through her investigations, she becomes aware of the vigilante team led by Knuckleduster, including Koichi and Kazuho Haneyama. Despite initially trying to expose them, she eventually deduces Koichi's secret identity through reasoning and chooses to respect his feelings by keeping it to herself, showing her capacity for trust and discretion.

Makoto's key relationships include her brother Naomasa, who is a respected detective and a close friend of All Might; Koichi Haimawari, whom she mentors as a senior student and later allies with after learning his true nature; and Captain Celebrity, whose public image she manages and whose personal flaws she must navigate. Her dynamic with Captain Celebrity parallels that of a clever reporter and a brash superhero, with Makoto often acting as the grounded intellect that keeps his ego in check. Her interactions with the other vigilantes are marked by a mix of curiosity and caution, but she ultimately becomes a valuable ally.

Over the course of the series, Makoto develops from an inquisitive outsider into a trusted confidante. She learns to balance her investigative instincts with respect for others' secrets, as seen when she keeps Koichi's identity confidential. Her professional responsibilities grow as she takes on more duties with the Captain Celebrity Corporation, and her ability to use her Quirk in nuanced ways improves. She does not undergo a dramatic personal transformation, but she gains a deeper understanding of the gray areas between heroism, law, and vigilantism.

Notable abilities beyond her Quirk include her sharp analytical mind, strong social skills, and a talent for research and deduction. She is not a fighter, but her mental acumen and ability to extract truthful information make her an effective asset in the background of the narrative. Her contributions often help move the plot forward by revealing crucial clues or by providing a civilian perspective on the events unfolding in Naruhata.