Movie
Description
Eijirō Kirishima trains at U.A. High School before launching his professional hero career under the name Red Riot. His Quirk, Hardening, grants him extreme bodily solidification, offering formidable defense and augmenting his physical strikes. This power first surfaced accidentally at age three, cutting his right eye during sleep and leaving a permanent scar. Initially resenting his Quirk for causing harm, he later embraced it after discovering the hero Crimson Riot, whose similar abilities and philosophy profoundly inspired him.

Attending Mustafa Private Middle School, Kirishima knew Mina Ashido distantly. A pivotal junior high incident shaped his self-view: he intervened against bullies but was injured and defeated, while Mina successfully calmed a threatening individual in a separate confrontation. Witnessing her courage made Kirishima feel cowardly, prompting him to initially abandon his U.A. dream. His resolve reignited upon seeing an old Crimson Riot interview, where the hero advocated acting despite fear to avoid regret. Inspired, Kirishima recommitted, trained intensely, and adopted a spiky red hairstyle symbolizing his determination and tribute to his idol.

Kirishima earned second place in the U.A. entrance exam through combined combat and rescue points. He cultivates a boisterous, outgoing persona centered on ideals of "manliness," frequently labeling actions or individuals as "manly" or "unmanly" based on bravery, nobility, or resolve. He values chivalry, selflessness, and living without regret, often moved to tears by displays of conviction. Despite projecting confidence, he occasionally doubts his Quirk's effectiveness compared to flashier powers, an insecurity tracing back to junior high. Kirishima exhibits fierce loyalty, willing to break rules to aid friends, and experiences deep self-criticism when unable to assist others.

Academically, Kirishima started poorly but improved via diligent study. In combat, he favors direct, defensive strategies, using his hardened body to shield allies and endure attacks. Key battles include:
- Fighting villains alongside Katsuki Bakugo at the U.S.J. after being warped to the Ruins Zone.
- Achieving a draw against Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu during the U.A. Sports Festival due to identical Quirks and fighting styles.
- Enduring Kendo Rappa's amplified punches during the Shie Hassaikai raid, protecting Fat Gum long enough for a counterattack, earning respect from both sides. His physical durability surpasses his Quirk alone, noted by Bakugo after surviving point-blank explosions during their festival match. Hardening has limits, weakening under sustained damage and causing fatigue, though Kirishima demonstrated mid-battle reinforcement against Rappa by focusing his resolve.

Kirishima spearheaded the mission to rescue Bakugo from the League of Villains, cementing their mutual respect. Bakugo, who rarely acknowledges equals, holds Kirishima in high esteem. Their friendship endures, seen patrolling together eight years post-graduation.

As a Pro Hero, Kirishima first served as a sidekick for Fat Gum before establishing his solo career. Eight years after U.A., he ranks as Japan's No. 12 Pro Hero. He seeks sidekicks compatible with his fighting style and maintains strong bonds with former classmates, attending events like Shoto Todoroki's celebration for reaching No. 2. Kirishima remains optimistic about heroes' relevance, asserting societal dangers persist despite overall peace.