Bullying is a widespread problem affecting many people, but in the world of anime, some characters get a golden chance to turn things around. They are given the opportunity to grow stronger and successfully harness that power. In the end, they become formidable figures who are hard to defeat.
1. Kenichi Shirahama – History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi
At the start of History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi, Kenichi Shirahama is seen as the weakest student at his school. Even in the karate club, he is treated like a punching bag and beaten by other members.
However, Kenichi’s life changes after he trains under the strongest martial arts masters at the Ryozanpaku dojo. He grows remarkably powerful. Eventually, the opponents he faces are no longer school bullies but some of the most dangerous martial artists in the world.
2. Izuku Midoriya – My Hero Academia
Born without a Quirk (superpower), Deku was bullied from a young age. He was even mocked and teased by Bakugo, one of the worst bullies, right in the first chapter of My Hero Academia.
However, after proving himself by saving Bakugo, someone he initially hated, All Might entrusted him with the incredible power of One for All.
Although Midoriya needs time to fully master this power, he has used it to fight against powerful supervillains.
3. Ippo Makunouchi – Hajime no Ippo
In the first chapter of Hajime no Ippo, Ippo Makunouchi is a victim of bullying. He is targeted and teased by delinquents at school.
Ippo’s life changes after Mamoru Takamura rescues him. Waking up at the boxing gym, Ippo is given the chance to vent his anger on a punching bag with a picture of his bully taped to it. His strength is so great that even the heavy bag shakes. From there, Ippo grows into one of the strongest professional boxers in the world.
4. Naruto Uzumaki – Naruto
Naruto’s bullying went far beyond school. He endured insults and was ostracized by the entire village because he was the Jinchuriki (host) of the Nine-Tails.
Fortunately, Naruto had people like Iruka and Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen, who treated him kindly amid his loneliness. Their kindness helped Naruto avoid developing a bad personality.
Today, Naruto is known as the village hero. It’s thought-provoking to consider how those who once insulted him now see the very person they feared as the strongest protector of Konoha.
5. Sanji – One Piece
Sanji was once seen as the family failure in the Vinsmoke household. His brothers constantly bullied him. Even Reiju, his only kind sister, didn’t dare openly help him. Sanji’s father, Judge, was indifferent enough to let Sanji escape.
Now, Sanji has grown into one of the strongest fighters in One Piece. He is probably the third or fourth strongest member of the Straw Hat crew after Jinbe joined.
6. Krillin – Dragon Ball
Before training with Master Roshi, Krillin came from Orin Temple. However, he was bullied by senior students there. The memory of this bullying was so deep that Krillin would immediately become fearful when seeing those seniors and accept their insults.
But those seniors who tried to intimidate Krillin before the tournament had no idea how strong he had become. When Krillin fought one of his bullies, he was knocked flying through a wall.