In many popular anime, side characters are more than just background or support for the main cast. Many of them possess incredible potential and power, sometimes even overshadowing the protagonists.
Here are 7 key side characters who rank among the strongest in their own anime universes.
1. Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z)
When it comes to the strongest side characters, the Saiyan Prince Vegeta stands out. As Goku’s longtime rival, Vegeta constantly pushes himself to break his limits.
Throughout the story, he unlocks increasingly powerful transformations, with the latest being Ultra Ego. In this form, the more damage Vegeta takes, the stronger and more explosive his fighting energy becomes.
2. Killua Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter)
Killua is Gon’s closest friend and irreplaceable companion. Coming from the infamous assassin family Zoldyck, he endured a harsh childhood training.
Thanks to this, Killua not only has incredible speed and sharp tactical thinking but also wields a powerful Lightning-based Nen ability, making him one of the most fearsome young Hunters.
3. Roronoa Zoro (One Piece)
The first member to join Luffy’s crew, Zoro has grown into a legendary swordsman and is recognized as the “right hand” of the new Four Emperors. His power has evolved dramatically through each story arc.
Now, he not only masters the Three-Sword Style but also wields Conqueror’s Haki, a supreme power reserved for the strongest.
4. Uchiha Sasuke (Naruto Shippuden)
The only one who can match Naruto on equal footing, Sasuke carries the genius bloodline of the Uchiha clan. Over time, he awakens ultimate ocular powers like the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and Rinnegan.
With these skills, Sasuke can trap opponents in illusions, unleash the black flames of Amaterasu, and summon the full-body Susanoo. He was a key figure in turning the tide during the Fourth Great Ninja War.
5. Yuno (Black Clover)
Unlike his childhood friend Asta, who has no magic, Yuno is a natural magic prodigy. At the coming-of-age ceremony, he was chosen by the legendary four-leaf clover grimoire and the wind spirit Sylph.
With continuous power-ups throughout the story, Yuno remains one of the strongest young mages in the Clover Kingdom.
6. Uryu Ishida (Bleach)
A talented Quincy, Uryu Ishida possesses a powerful ability called Antithesis. This power lets him reverse the situation between any two targets.
Simply put, if Uryu takes a fatal hit, he can use Antithesis to transfer all damage and pain to his opponent while fully healing himself.
7. Hiei (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Closing the list is Hiei, one of the most popular characters from Yu Yu Hakusho. Beyond his terrifying physical strength and speed, this demon possesses a third eye called the Jagan, granting him special abilities like telepathy and control over black flames.
From a dangerous enemy at first, Hiei became Yusuke’s most trusted ally.