Student and Mentor relationships aren’t uncommon in anime culture, where a character is quite weak and finds the right teacher who trains him in the world’s ways. The best part about watching them is how a student slowly learns and then, towards the end, grows up to be even stronger than the teacher.
Many shonen anime have represented these kinds of bonds. For your comfort, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten anime characters who’ve managed to surpass their mentors.
10Natsu Dragneel
The infamous Dragon Slayer and the certified goofball of Fairy Tail wasn’t always as strong as he is today. He, too, was once a young boy who was losing to his guildmates like Laxus and Gray. But as the series progressed, he and his friends faced various challenges and emerged victorious over their fears and foes.
The fire Dragon Igneel was the one who taught him his signature Dragon Slayer Magic. He was not only Natsu’s mentor but also his father, who had always been watching him. He must have been proud seeing him becoming one of the strongest mages of Fairy Tail.
9Yuji Itadori
Yuji Itadori is a kind and good protagonist but overshadows other sorcerers like Yuta and Gojo. He was from a non-sorcerer background, so it took him some time to understand his curse techniques. Still, he was a fast learner
Recently, he went viral after the latest Jujutsu Kaisen chapter for awakening his Domain Expansion. His training with his mentors, Atsuya Kusakabe and Gojo Satoru, was indeed fruitful.
8Edward Elric
Elric’s brother’s story was an unforgettable saga of tragedy and hope.
In this fictitious universe, Izumi Curtis was the teacher of the Elric brothers, who taught them the foundation of Alchemy and transmutations. By the end of the series, Edward was bravely taking down the powerful Homunculus. He could also bring his brother back, suppressing their mentor at last.
7Shigeo Kageyama
Shigeo Kageyama, also known as ‘Mob,’ is the titular character from Mob Psycho 100. He has an impressive psychic power, which prompted his to-be master, Reigen Arataka, to take him under his wing.
Despite Reigen’s shrewd nature, he is actually a good teacher, sensing and solving the problems of Mob. In the end, Mob grows both physically and mentally stronger, which his mentor couldn’t be more happy about.
6Rudeus Greyrat
Rudeaus Greyrat is a reincarnated protagonist of the Mushoku Tensei who is a ‘magic genius’ from the childhood. His new parents decided to hire Roxy Migurdia as their son’s tutor.
Under her tutelage, Rudeus sharpened his magic and general skills. She also helped him overcome his fears of going outside. Throughout the story, he gradually grows up to be a powerful mage, finally in the position to surpass his teacher.
5Naruto Uzumaki
The closest relationship Naruto has ever shared with anyone in the series is Jiraiya. Their bond was forged even before Naruto was born. He eventually meets Naruto during his first Chūnin Exam.
Jiraiya, as a mentor, taught Naruto many fundamental techniques like Rasengan, summoning Jutsu, and controlling the Kurama’s powers. Naruto grew much under Jiraiya’s wing, which became more evident in his amazing feats and battles. Towards the end, he was a much more powerful and wise ninja, exceeding his beloved teacher.
4Gohan
Gohan, from childhood, was an adorable and gentle boy who didn’t have much interest in fighting like his father. He underwent difficult training to utilize his Saiyan potential to protect his loved ones.
After Goku’s demise during his fight with Raditz, Gohan is entrusted to Piccolo, who trains him in his ways. From then on, they developed a beautiful connection, which was also reflected in their training sessions. Today, Gohan is a refined fighter, with him unlocking his potential, something Piccolo is also proud of.
3Tanjiro Kamado
Tanjiro was a kind-hearted boy who peacefully spent his day with his family in the woods. But everything changed after his family’s massacre and his sister turning into a demon. He decided to join the Demon Slayer Corps but needed training to pass the final selection.
Giyu convinced former Water Hashira Urokodaki to train Tanjiro, which he was initially reluctant to do. Tanjiro was able to finish the gruesome one-year training and also succeeded in becoming a corp. Today, Tanjiro is one of the strongest demon slayers who has defeated various powerful demons
2Nagisa Shiota
Nagisa Shiota was a student of class 3-E of Kunugigaoka High School whose class was tasked with the assassination of their teacher. Korosensei, as his mentor, taught him and his classmates many fighting techniques and valuable life lessons throughout the school year.
Nagisa, during his time with Korosensei, was able to let go of his past insecurities and eventually evolved his abilities. Korosensei, in his last moments, was shown to be very proud of the person Nagisa had grown up to be.
1Izuku Midoriya
Izuku Midoriya had always held a deep admiration and respect for Japan’s No. 1 Hero, All Might. After witnessing Izuku’s courage, All Might share his quirk with him and decides to make him the next successor for One For All.
With all the training to utilize the quirk’s true potential, Izuku and All-Might formed a close mentor-student relationship. All Might was always there to help him and closely watched his progression. Deku successfully met his mentor’s expectations when he defeated the Tomura and All for One.
So, these anime characters had humble beginnings but found the right mentors and are now stronger than them. Do you have any more recommendations like this? Then, don’t hesitate to drop it in the comment section below.
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