"Drive it Home, Iron Fist!" is the fifth episode of My Hero Academia's third season, and the 43rd episode overall.
The League of Villains continue to attack the students, who are still scattered around the training grounds. Aizawa authorizes the kids to use their Quirks against the villains, who are on the hunt for Bakugo. Todoroki and Bakugo are up against Moonfish who has powerful retractable teeth, while Kendo and Tetsutetsu confront Mustard, the source of the poison gas. After entrusting Kota to Aizawa, Midoriya chances upon Shoji, who informs him that Tokoyami has lost control of Dark Shadow.
Tropes present in this episode:
- Blown Across the Room: Tetsutetsu is thrown backwards several feet by a .38 revolver, which would be extreme even if he weren't made of steel.
- Brains and Brawn: Kendo and Tetsutetsu have this dynamic in this episode. Kendo is more level-headed and analytical than the brasher, more physical Tetsutetsu.
- Cross-Popping Veins: Bakugo's veins get some serious pumping after he realizes Midoriya told Mandalay that he's a target.
- Drama-Preserving Handicap: Due to the strict laws prohibiting the unlicensed use of Quirks most of the students are forced to not use their Quirks, even at the mercy of a villain threat. Aizawa later passes a message for Midoriya to deliver to Mandalay of the WWP for broadcast, noting that he will accept the consequences for this afterwards: All students are now authorized to use their Quirks to defend themselves.
- Shout-Out: Mustard asks if Tetsutetsu is trying to be the Terminator.
- Something Only They Would Say: Midoriya is the only classmate who ever calls Bakugo "Kacchan". The fact that Mandalay is calling for the students to find "Kacchan" makes Bakugo blame Midoriya for this whole mess.
- Taking the Bullet: Tetsutetsu jumps in front of a bullet meant for Kendo. He's mostly fine thanks to his hardening Quirk, although he bleeds a little afterwards as his stamina depletes and his Quirk's protective metal coating weakens.
- Talking Is a Free Action: Averted with Spinner and Magne who get into an argument after the former saves Midoriya from the latter due to believing that Stain choose him as a true hero. Mandalay and Tiger take this opportunity to pounce on the two villains and capture them.
- Talk to the Fist: Spinner and Magne get into an argument about whether or not to kill Midoriya. Tiger and Mandalay knock them out while they're doing so.
- Victory by Endurance: Mentioned by Mustard, who says that all he has to do to beat guys like Tetsutetsu is outlast them until their Quirks run out.
