5 Anime Mentors Who Changed the Hero’s Life Forever

Ahmed Riaz

2 hours ago

Mentor figures in anime are those who have the most impact on the protagonist. They train them beyond their limits and teach them important life lessons throughout their respective series, even inspiring fans. While all of them are pivotal to a protagonist’s development, a select few mentors in anime have drastically shaped the destinies of heroes.

These mentors don’t just offer wisdom or advice to the protagonist as the series progresses. All five have sacrificed something or committed an act that would forever change the protagonist and, as a result, even the narrative.

All Might’s Decision to Make Deku His Successor Created MHA’s Greatest Hero

Deku kneels in front of All Might in My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is one of the most popular hero genre anime of all time. Izuku Midoriya, mostly known as Deku, was born Quirkless, but was still determined to become a hero. On one fateful day, he met All Might, his idol and Number 1 Hero. After witnessing the protagonist save others at the risk of his own life, All Might decided Deku was worthy of his Quirk, One For All, one of the most powerful in My Hero Academia.

That decision wasn’t a light one, as he was aware of the danger it posed for Deku. However, All Might trusted that the protagonist had the potential to become the greatest hero. Although Deku’s journey was traumatic and many villains would push his limits, he eventually fulfilled his dream. He was arguably a bigger inspiration than All Might for many, including a few villains. Still, without All Might’s help and sacrifice to diminish his own Quirk, Izuku Midoriya wouldn’t have come so far, and My Hero Academia wouldn’t even exist.

Koro-Sensei Restored the Self-Worth of Class 3-E

Koro-sensei draws on school board with octopus-like hands in Assassination Classroom

While Assassination Classroom might not be the most palatable anime for every viewer, Koro-sensei’s relationship with Class 3-E is incredibly wholesome and motivational. The students of Class 3-E are purposefully isolated from the rest of the school as a psychological tool against the “superior” students to maintain their grades. This rigged system made Class 3-E give up on studying altogether and instead cause chaos. This changes when Koro-sensei gets assigned as their teacher.

Although Class 3-E is tasked with killing Koro-sensei by the end of the school year, which is nearly impossible with his superpowers, the teacher-student dynamic steadily grows, especially with Nagisa Shiota. Koro-sensei taught them how to rise above their low status, tailored his teaching style to each student’s needs, and fixed their weaknesses. Every anime fan agrees that they would love a teacher like Koro-sensei. Without his presence in Assassination Classroom, Class 3-E would’ve remained ostracized and shown no growth.

Monkey D. Luffy Wouldn’t Have Set Sail Without “Red-Haired” Shanks

One Piece’s world is vast, but it revolves around Monkey D. Luffy, the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, who currently holds the Mythical Zoan Fruit, the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika. Although his journey began when he was 17 years old, it was “Red-Haired” Shanks who sowed the seeds when he was 7 years old. Without Shanks and the Red Hair Pirates staying on Foosha, Luffy would not have desperately wanted to become a pirate nor aimed to be the King of Pirates. However, Shanks’ influence runs deeper than this.

Shanks had acquired Luffy’s Devil Fruit, publicly known as the Gum-Gum Fruit back then, by stealing it from Who’s-Who. While it’s not revealed yet in One Piece what he intended to do with it, Luffy’s hunger did not discriminate, and he ate it. Moreover, the mountain bandit kidnapped Luffy on a boat as revenge against Shanks. When the Sea King attacked the boat, Shanks came to the boy’s rescue, sacrificing his arm in the process. While later chapters reveal a hidden ulterior motive, Shanks’ bravery is fundamental to Luffy’s resolve.

That’s not the last of it. As a parting gift, Shanks gave Luffy Gol D. Roger’s iconic straw hat. So, from saving his life to accidentally giving him legendary powers, Luffy owes Shanks everything. The Red-Haired Emperor may not have taught him as Silvers Rayleigh did, but Luffy’s destiny as the King of Pirates clicked into place because of him.

Jiraiya was Key to Naruto’s Emotional Development

Although Kakashi Hatake is the more popular mentor figure among Naruto fans, Jiraiya had the most impact on Naruto as a character. Without the Toad Sage, the protagonist would never have grown as a person and become Hokage. Masashi Kishimoto goes about it devastatingly, with Jiraiya’s demise at the hands of his former pupil, Nagato, making it one of the saddest anime deaths. However, it was an important lesson for Naruto.

Jiraiya’s death forces Naruto to face the truth and understand the cycle of hatred. Although his parents died, the protagonist never knew them and hadn’t experienced real loss until Jiraiya, who became like a father figure during their travels together. Naruto’s grief and anger allowed him to sympathize with Sasuke and put himself in his rival’s perspective. Moreover, he mastered Sage Mode to honor Jiraiya’s memory and fulfill his dream of peace. Without this tragic turning point, Naruto’s profound themes wouldn’t have worked as effectively.

Tanjiro Carries on Kyojuro Rengoku’s Will

Rengoku speaks his last words to Tanjiro in Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer’s Mugen Train Arc is considered one of the best arcs, and the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, is the highlight of it. While Tanjiro has always been a good-natured person, Rengoku impacted his moral compass even more. His enthusiastic and fiery spirit is infectious. When Akaza killed the Flame Hashira, Tanjiro felt guilty for not being strong enough. However, Rengoku ensured that Tanjiro would leave this encounter stronger than ever.

Rengoku used his last words to comfort Tanjiro and motivate him. Rengoku’s one specific phrase, “Set your heart ablaze,” left a lasting impact on Tanjiro, and by extension, Demon Slayer fans. Now, whenever Tanjiro uses Sun Breathing, Rengoku’s words ring in his head. Although he hadn’t mentored him for long, their interaction limited to a single arc, the Demon Slayer protagonist was never the same after Rengoku’s death. He became more responsible and determined, carrying on the Flame Hashira’s will.

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