Sensei-student relationships are often explored in the animeverse. They give our favorite protagonists the perfect opportunity to thrive and overcome their foes. Not only do they help their pupils get a power grip but also help them thrive in the real world. These teachers/mentors pass on their hard-earned knowledge and power to the student of their choice, thus weaving the path of tomorrow.
In almost all animes, we’ll find training arcs or similar situations where our protagonist changes majorly, especially if that’s related to their power. Their change in attitude, finding a motive to keep going, and tricks to face the world, are all hammered into them by their mentors. While some do have very unusual methods of teaching, at the end of the day the protagonists get stronger.
Also Read: How Do Obito’s Abilities Remain Unchanged Even After He Keeps Changing His Sharingan?
Top 15 Sensei-Student Bond
15. Jukai And Hyakkimaru (Dororo)
Jukai is a prostheses maker and he traveled alone the world helping those who have no one to stand by their side. During one of his journeys, he finds the baby Hyakkimaru drifting in the river. Hyakkimaru missed body parts due to a curse. Jukai helps him mend his body through prostheses and teaches him a sword so that he can protect himself. Hyakkimaru calls him “mama” and treats him as his true parent.
14. Biscuit Kreuger And Gon/Killua (Hunter x Hunter)
Biscuit or Bisky proved to be a crucial character for Gon and Killua. They met each other in the Greed Island arc where Bisky teaches the two boys to use nen at an advanced level. Because of her guidance, the boys learned nen quickly and it became handy in the latter Chimera Ant arc. Biscuit was also the teacher of Wing who in turn taught the basics to Gon and Killua earlier in the series.
13. Saitama And Genos (One Punch Man)
Unlike a normal sensei-student relationship, Genos was a self-proclaimed student of Saitama. Genos respects Saitama greatly and persistently followed the latter in his quests. Though oftentimes Saitama doesn’t take Genos seriously, it’s no doubt these two share special bonds.
12. Korosensei And Nagisa Shota (Assassination Classroom)
This monster teacher and the Class 3-E students share a weirdly special bond. At first, the students tried to kill their teacher by any means possible though in time things softened down. Unlike typical adults, Korosensei refused to let any of his students fall behind in class. This inspired the protagonist Nagisa Shota as later she follows in her sensei’s footsteps.
11. Reigen And Mob (Mob Psycho 100)
Though the relationship between the two started on a twisted note, Reigen later in the series starts to genuinely care about Mob. He teaches Mob how to accept himself, deal with worldly problems, adjust to society, and many more life lessons. Though he was unable to guide him regarding his powers, he imparted him with valuable knowledge about life.
10. Igneel And Natsu (Fairy Tail)
Igneel, the dragon was not only the adoptive father of Natsu Dragneel but also a mentor. He taught Natsu how to use dragon slayer magic, how to take care of himself, and how to read and write. Even after disappearing, Natsu kept on searching for him. Their bonds didn’t change even after the former’s death, as Natsu took on his will to live on.
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9. Izumi Curtis And Ed/Al (FullMetal Alchemist)
Izumi’s role in the life of Ed and Al was great. They are who they are because of Izumi. Like the two boys, Izumi shared an inkling to learn sinister alchemy magics. She trained the boys so that they don’t stride into the wrong part and took care of them as her own children.
8. Kyo And Kazuma (Fruits Basket)
After losing his real father to mental illness, Kyo found himself consoled and in the arms of Kazuma. He became his adoptive father and trained him in martial arts. While no one wanted to look at Kyo because of the curse, Kazuma not only took him under his guidance but also tried to find ways to free the boy of his cursed fate.
7. Iruka And Naruto (Naruto)
The first person to ever treat Naruto like a family and accept him as a member of the Leaf Village was Iruka. He gave Naruto the confidence and the power to strive in the world, to keep his dreams alive and achieve them. Their bonds grew stronger over the course and Iruka was always there for Naruto. Naruto even asked him to play the role of his father during his wedding.
6. Gran Torino And Izuku Midoriya (My Hero Academia)
Gran Torino is a cute old sensei, but a terrifyingly powerful one too. He is not only a mentor to Izuku, but also to All Might. All Might is who he is today all because of his teacher. When Gran Torino learns that All Might passed on his powers to Izuku, he takes the young kid under him and teaches him about his powers. Through his guidance, Izuku learns a new way to use his powers than before.
5. Sakonji Urokodaki And Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer)
Though Sakonji only appears at the beginning of the series, his influence is not to be taken lightly. He was not only the mentor to Tanjiro but also to the current water Hashira Giyu Tomioka. Tanjiro learned sword art from him. He also talked to Nezuko in his sleep, telling her that humans are her family and demons are the enemy. His influence sure is felt throughout the entire series.
4. Might Guy And Rock Lee (Naruto)
One of the most heartwarming and joyful student-sensei bonds in Naruto is Might Guy and Rock Lee’s. Unlike others, Rock Lee was incapable of using ninjutsu or genjutsu. Looking at his strong determination, Guy takes him under his wing and teaches him taijutsu. They form a strong bond with one another with Lee looking up to Guy as his role model.
3. Gojo Satoru And Itadori Yuuji (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Gojo is the strongest character in the Jujutsu universe. He teaches Itadori about curses and his power to use them. Apart from teaching Itadori, he treats the rest of his class equally. Time and again Gojo stated that he saw endless potential in them and will do everything to make their future brighter. Though he can be foolishly sinister at times, he is deadly powerful against foes.
2. Jiraiya And Naruto (Naruto)
Jiraiya one of the legendary Sannin is a powerful ninja. He is a master at using ninjutsu and takes Naruto’s power to a new level. It is with him that Naruto learns to use the Rasengan and the Sage Mode. His training levels up his power vastly. Jiraiya even wrote a book in which he believed the prophesied child was Naruto. They formed a familial bond that goes far from the minute bonds of teacher and student.
1. Rayleigh And Luffy (One Piece)
Rayleigh, the Dark Knight and the right-hand man of the King of Pirates are undoubtedly one of the greatest pirates in the One Piece world. After seeing Luffy and his Straw Hats, he gets impressed with the boy and takes him as his direct pupil. He teaches Luffy how to use the two types of Haki, and the Conqueror’s Haki in battles for two years. They form a deep bond with each other, as Luffy greatly respects Rayleigh.
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