The figure of the elder is present in most animes and mangas. Shonens often portray the elderly as very powerful and wise individuals. In this article, we will get to know who the strongest elders in anime are.
Remembering that the order of the elements in this list is based on an exclusively personal perception. Therefore, please feel free to disagree in the comments, so we can learn about other ranking possibilities and points of view.
Since they are characters from different fictional universes, it is not easy to rank them in a 100% faithful or correct manner, considering that each anime/manga has a different scale of power. The most that can be done is a simple comparison based on speculation and hypothesis building.
That said, let’s go to the list!
NOTE: Spoiler Alert!
Table of Contents
1 – Netero (Hunter x Hunter)
Isaac Netero is a character from the manga Hunter x Hunter, created by Yoshihiro Togashi. He is an elderly man with white beards who, at first glance, appears weak. However, Netero is considered by many to be the strongest character in 1, being the holder of incredible Nen abilities (Nen is the name given to the “power” in the series) and having been for a good part of the anime the President of the Hunter Association. He fought on equal terms with the king of the chimera ants, Meruem. His main ability consists of summoning a giant Buddha that fights alongside him, copying his movements. He deserves the first place.
2 – Shigekuni Yamamoto (Bleach)
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto is a character from the anime/manga Bleach, written and illustrated by Tite Kubo, which was quite successful here in Brazil. Yamamoto was the captain of the first division of the Gotei 13. He has a long beard and a fire-type bankai, considered the strongest sword (zanpakuto) in the series (from an offensive standpoint). Feared and respected by all, he is undoubtedly one of the most powerful elders in all shonen anime. He deserves the second place.
3 – Master Roshi (Dragon Ball)
Master Roshi (or Muten Roshi) needs no introduction. Perhaps the most famous “old man” on this list, he actively participated in the entire Dragon Ball franchise and in a more secondary way in Dragon Ball Z, Kai, GT, and Super. He is the creator of the Kamehameha, the main technique of Son Goku and several other characters in the series. He taught Goku, Krillin, and Yamcha at the beginning of the manga. In addition, he has transformations that allow him to take on a muscular form. He deserves the third place.
Also read: Japanese phrases from Dragon Ball Z
4 – Dohko of Libra/Elder Master (Saint Seiya)
Dohko of Libra (elder master) is one of the strongest gold saints in the anime/manga Knights of the Zodiac. For a good part of the classic series (post-holy war period), Dohko of Libra is already old and in permanent vigil at the 5 ancient peaks in Rozan. He received from Athena the technique to slow down aging and was the master/advisor of Shiryu of Dragon during the classic series. He deserves the fourth place.
5 – Makarov (Fairy Tail)
Makarov Dreyar, son of one of the founders of the Fairy Tail Guild, current master of the guild and one of the ten holy mages. He is the grandfather of Laxus (Thunder Dragon Slayer) and according to some guides of the series, he is over 88 years old. He is also one of the most charismatic characters in Fairy Tail. Without a doubt, Makarov deserves the fifth place.
6 – Jiraiya (Naruto)
A charismatic character, he taught Naruto the techniques of summoning and Chakra manipulation (rasengan). He shares personality similarities with Master Roshi, also being one of the comic reliefs of the manga. He is one of the three legendary ninjas (sannin) along with Tsunade and Orochimaru, and was a disciple of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the third Hokage. He became one of the most memorable characters in Naruto, especially after his mortal fight against Pain. He deserves the sixth place.
7 – Genkai (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Master Genkai was the master of Yusuke and Kuwabara at the beginning of the series Yu Yu Hakusho. Later, she participates in the dark tournament in her young form. She fights against Toguro and ends up dying during the tournament, a fact that leaves Yusuke, Kuwabara, and their friends in deep sadness. However, some time later, Genkai finally resurrects. She deserves the seventh place.
8 – Sarutobi (Naruto)
Hiruzen Sarutobi (Third Hokage) was the master of Jiraiya, influenced several generations of ninjas from Konoha, and was responsible for sealing Orochimaru’s arms in a confrontation that resulted in his death. He possesses powerful jutsus, such as the summoning Enma and other fire jutsus. Interestingly, Sarutobi had some of his characteristics based on the legend of Sarutobi Sasuke. He deserves the eighth place.
We recommend reading: Sarutobi Sasuke – The ninja legend
9 – Gran Torino (Boku no Hero Academia)
Now let’s talk about Boku no Hero Academia. Despite his short stature and fragile appearance, Gran Torino actually possesses a quirk that allows him to be extremely fast and agile, the Jet. Torino first appears in the series because he chose the protagonist Izuku Midoriya to be his student during the anime/manga. He was also a personal friend of Nana Shimura, who in turn trained All Might. It is worth noting that Shimura was the only woman to master the One For All technique.
Moreover, Gran Torino is an extremely charismatic and skilled character. Therefore, he deserves the ninth place.
10 – Silver Fang (One Punch Man)
Silver Fang (also called “Bang”), better known as one of the strongest heroes in the anime/manga One Punch Man, is an S-class hero and rank 3 who belongs to the hero association. He is an 81-year-old man with a distinctive physique. He is also one of the characters who recognizes the strength of Saitama, the protagonist of the series. He deserves the tenth place.
And you? Do you know any other “badass” elder? Let us know in the comments!
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