1. Anything could – My academic world of heroes
Toshinori Yagi, known worldwide as All Might, is a towering symbol of peace and justice in the world of “My Hero Academia.” As a former wielder of the One For All quirk, he embodied what it meant to be a hero: selfless, powerful, and inspiring. His mere presence could quell the villains and lift the spirits of everyone around him. In his prime, All Might was invincible, and his overwhelming power made him a living legend.
However, his battle with All For One left him with a serious injury, damaging his respiratory and digestive systems. This injury drastically reduced the time he could maintain his muscular hero form. Once capable of prolonged battles, All Might began to rely on precise timing to use his quirk. His final fight with All For One pushed his broken body to the limit, extinguishing the last remnants of his power. Physically, All Might remained frail, reliant on medications, and struggling with his mortality, even as he continued to mentor Izuku Midoriya.
All Might’s decline serves as a poignant reminder that even heroes are not invincible, and his struggle to maintain hope despite his limitations resonates deeply with fans.
2. D. Roger Goal – One piece
Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, was a figure of unparalleled power and charisma in “One Piece.” Not only did he conquer the Grand Line and discover the legendary One Piece, but he also inspired countless pirates to follow in his footsteps. Roger’s strength rivaled that of Edward “Whitebeard” Newgate, a man known as “the strongest man in the world”. His spirit, ambition, and mastery of Haki have made him a near-invincible force on the seas.
Tragically, Roger’s life was cut short due to a terminal illness. On his last voyage, as he approached Laugh Tale, Roger’s health rapidly deteriorated. Although he achieved his ultimate goal, his condition left him little time to enjoy his success. Rather than fade away quietly, Roger chose to turn himself into the Navy, orchestrating his execution to trigger the Great Age of Pirates.
This decision highlights Roger’s indomitable will; even in death, he sought to inspire others. Fans often wonder how much Roger might have shaped the world had he lived longer, especially considering his unparalleled strength and charisma.
3.Uchiha Itachi- Naruto
Uchiha Itachi is one of the most enigmatic and tragic characters of “Naruto”. Born a prodigy, he learned ninja techniques at an early age, earning a place in the elite Anbu Black Ops. With his Mangekyō Sharingan, Itachi wielded devastating abilities such as Tsukuyomi, a time-manipulating genjutsu, and Amaterasu, an unquenchable black flame. Despite his incredible power, Itachi’s life was filled with sacrifice and secrecy as he prioritized the safety of the Leaf Village above all else.
Behind his stoic demeanor, however, Itachi battled a terminal illness that steadily drained the life out of him. To continue to protect his brother Sasuke and carry out his plans, Itachi relied on drugs to keep himself alive. His illness significantly limited his stamina during combat, forcing him to end fights quickly before his body gave out. In his final battle against Sasuke, Itachi fought not to win but to awaken his brother’s potential, ultimately succumbing to his illness.
Itachi’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of unfulfilled potential, leaving fans to wonder what heights he might have reached if not for his illness and the sacrifices he made.
4. Jūshiro Ukitake – Bleach
Jūshirō Ukitake, the captain of the 13th Division in “Bleach”, was a Soul Reaper with immense spiritual power and unparalleled wisdom. His zanpakutō, Sōgyo no Kotowari, is among the most unique and reflects his great potential as a fighter. Ukitake’s kind-hearted nature and leadership have made him one of the most respected figures in Soul Society.
However, Ukitake’s life has been plagued by chronic illnesses since childhood. Diagnosed with a debilitating lung disease, he frequently coughed blood and had to avoid prolonged fighting. His condition worsened as he overexerted himself emotionally or physically, limiting his ability to fulfill his duties as captain. Despite his illness, Ukitake took on a significant role in protecting the Soul Society, later even sacrificing himself to maintain the Soul King’s balance.
Fans often lament that Ukitake’s illness robbed him of the opportunity to display his true power on the battlefield, leaving his legacy as one of potential rather than realized greatness.
5. Izumi Curtis – Fullmetal Alchemist
Izumi Curtis, the skilled alchemist who trained Edward and Alphonse Elric, was one of the most formidable characters in “Fullmetal Alchemist.” His survival training in the Briggs Mountains is legendary, and his combat skills have often been described as monstrous. Her strength, intellect, and deep understanding of alchemy made her a force to be reckoned with, surpassing even her talented students in many ways.
Izumi’s health, however, was severely compromised due to her tragic attempt at human transmutation. Desperate to revive her stillborn child, she violated the taboo of alchemy, which failed and cost her several internal organs, including her uterus. This left her with chronic pain and serious health problems, often coughing up blood during stressful times. Despite her condition, Izumi continued to fight for her beliefs, demonstrating resilience and strength until her final days.
In the 2003 anime adaptation, Izumi’s condition worsened so drastically that she died before the events of Conqueror of Shamballa. His story remains a tragic reminder of the consequences of forbidden alchemy, leaving fans mourning the loss of a powerful and compassionate character.