For most anime that employ power systems, particularly shōnen anime, power progression is often a major thrill for fans. Ideally, in these anime, the heroes grow stronger, unlock and master new abilities, and push past their own limits while simultaneously keeping fans hooked on their journeys. Yet, this does not quite happen in the same manner for every character.
Some burst onto the scene with raw and unique talents and abilities or even standout fights that instantly make them fan favorites. However, their high points are rather short-lived, to a near-jarring degree, as these characters stall and fade back into the background as quickly as they emerged.
These characters reached their crescendos early and never fully regained their place in the spotlight. For most fans, they breed nostalgia and unrealized expectations as to what they could have been.
Kiba Inuzuka (Naruto)
Naruto’s introduction of Kiba and his canine companion, Akamaru, made for an early dynamic duo in the series. His fierce energy, loyalty, and unique fighting style all made him a standout character during the Chunin Exams, particularly in his battle against Naruto. Despite ending in Kiba’s defeat, the fight showcased him as a capable warrior who had room to grow.
Many fans expected his influence on the story to expand, considering his competitive personality and the fierceness of his abilities. Instead, Kiba’s potential only declined steadily as the story moved on. In Naruto Shippuden, he was relegated to minor fights and comical moments, unable to keep up with the constantly escalating power levels of the main cast.
Looking again, you could likely attribute his fadeout to neglectful writing. By the Fourth Shinobi World War, Kiba’s presence in the story had been extinguished, as his younger feats remained his strongest contact point in the story.
Tenten (Naruto)
Tenten is another Naruto character who didn’t quite live up to her potential. Being a weapons specialist, Tenten possessed a unique martial skill set that was distinct from that of her peers at the ninja academy.
Early in the story, during the Chunin Exams, her abilities hinted at many creative possibilities as she seemed poised to grow into a tactical powerhouse. Unfortunately, Tenten’s character never got the same level of development that other characters enjoyed, which meant, unlike Rock Lee or Neji, she didn’t get her narrative arc.
After a disappointing showing against Temari, her involvement in the story’s events became minimal, mainly reduced to parts that only follow up on the story and nothing more significant. With those first impressions, Tenten exuded the qualities of one with potential. Sadly, she was sidelined by the main narrative.
Gilthunder (Seven Deadly Sins)
Gilthunder, in a way, represents all that went wrong with the Seven Deadly Sins anime. As a Holy Knight, Gilthunder’s introduction immediately positioned him at the forefront of expectations, and his lightning-based powers made him just as outstanding as the main cast.
Following his introduction, his actions were central to the story’s conflict, embodying the kingdom’s corruption while also hinting at a deeper conspiracy. This combination made him one of the more intriguing supporting heroes. Unfortunately, after the initial arcs, Gilthunder’s significance dwindled.
As the Sins themselves grew in strength and the battle stakes escalated beyond human capacity, Gilthunder became unable to keep up the pace. His early promise as a character on par with the main cast quickly faded, and by the time the series’ end came around, Gilthunder had more or less become a relic of the past.
Giorno Giovanna (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind)
Very few anime characters leave a captivating first impression like Giorno Giovanna, the protagonist of Golden Wind. His Stand, Gold Experience, made him formidable right from the jump, and early episodes showcased the cleverness and ambition that shaped him into a hero with both vision and strength.
Yet as the series progressed, you could feel his involvement with the main story dwindle. Much of Golden Wind’s middle arcs focused more heavily on other members of Bucciarati’s crew, such as Narancia, Abbacchio, and Bruno himself. Giorno, although present, often lingered around the story’s periphery.
At least, until the climax, when Gold Experience Requiem finally gave him godlike power, and while his ultimate victory was decisive, it felt almost disconnected from his earlier build-up. As a result, Giorno peaked in intrigue and narrative drive early on, which left room for the feeling that more could have been done with his character.
Chad or Yasutora Sado (Bleach)
Chad, a.k.a Yasutora Sado, embodied quiet strength in Bleach. His introduction to the series quickly depicted two things: his fierce loyalty to Ichigo and all of his friends, and a surprising ability to hold his own against Hollows, despite being human.
It is these two things that gave him a platform for his character among the heroes of the show. The Soul Society arc was his highest point in the series, and unfortunately, it was the obvious choice for his character. Beyond that point, Chad could offer little value to the story elsewhere.
With Ichigo and his other friends all growing incomprehensibly against new villains and allies escalating the battle stakes beyond him, Chad’s development took a significant hit. By the introduction of the Arrancar and Thousand-Year Blood War arcs, Chad had become the equivalent of a filler character within the cast.
Gray Fullbuster (Fairy Tail)
The calm and collected Ice-Mage of Fairy Tail, Gray Fullbuster, is one whose character evokes polarizing views. Quickly outstanding as one of the series’ most promising fighters, his early battles displayed not only his raw talent but also an exciting mix of creativity and strategy, mainly as a result of the innovative use of his ice powers.
His rivalry with Natsu also added further depth to his character, fueling his memorable moments in the series. Nonetheless, as the story unfolded, Gray’s role seemed to plateau.
Indeed, he remained a solid fighter; however, his place in the spotlight only got smaller as Natsu’s fiery powers hogged all the attention. Even after receiving development arcs, the results proved insufficient to recapture the sharp excitement of his character from earlier parts in the series.
Usopp (One Piece)
Among the Straw Hats, you could definitely tell Usopp was never the strongest fighter. However, his courage and resourcefulness shone through in key moments. Moments like the Arabasta arc, in which he battled alongside Chopper against Mr. 4 and Miss Merry Christmas. The fight showcased everything great about his character: creative tactics, determination despite fear, and growth as a true pirate.
This was Usopp at his finest hour, pushing beyond his limits to protect his crew. However, beyond this point, nothing Usopp does carries nearly as much narrative weight. Though he eventually gained significant upgrades, like his sniping skills during Dressrosa, his narrative high point arguably remained in earlier arcs where he proved himself against near-impossible odds.
Neji Hyūga (Naruto)
Neji Hyūga was introduced to Naruto as a prodigy of the Hyūga clan, wielding the Byakugan with near-perfect mastery at merely 14 years of age. With a calm demeanor and brutal efficiency, particularly during the Chunin Exams, Neji seemed nearly untouchable.
His highest point in the series came in his battle against Naruto, where all of his ideals and values came crashing down at Naruto’s unshakeable wall of determination. That duel defined him, showing not only his combat prowess but also his deeply ingrained bitterness. After his defeat and eventual change of heart, Neji remained strong.
However, strength was the only thing that remained for him through the rest of his time. His involvement in major battles, including the Fourth Shinobi World War, was not hidden, but none matched the impact of his character’s earlier introduction. His eventual death, while noble, exactly underscored just how far he had faded from the spotlight of the story’s progression.
Rock Lee (Naruto)
Rock Lee’s underdog introduction to Naruto instantly captured the hearts of many. Nothing suggests underdog like a shinobi unable to use ninjutsu or genjutsu, but determined to succeed solely through taijutsu and sheer grit. His performance during the Chunin Exams, particularly his battle against Gaara, remains one of Naruto’s most celebrated fights. Unfortunately, Rock Lee’s trajectory flattened thereafter.
Reliant on just martial arts and unable to use ninjutsu, injuries sidelined him, and while he contributed in later arcs, he was never the same again. As a result, while Naruto and the main cast surged ahead with new powers and techniques, Lee’s combat style, albeit impressive, was ultimately subsumed.
His early rise was a double-edged sword that cemented him as a fan favorite but also set expectations for him that the story never quite met again. To many, Rock Lee remains the ideal example of a hero whose moment of brilliance came too quickly and never actually stayed.
Gohan (Dragon Ball Z)
Very few anime characters embody the phrase “peaking too soon” quite like Gohan. Introduced as Goku’s son with a vastly untapped potential, his power bursts during the Cell Saga were promising to watch.
Although briefly, you could say Gohan eclipsed even his father, Goku, after defeating Cell in one of the series’ most iconic battles. But after this spectacular triumph, his trajectory nosedived. Subsequent arcs rebranded him as a scholar, effectively softening his fighting spirit.
And while he still had flashes of greatness during the Buu Saga and in Dragon Ball Super, Gohan’s peak in raw power, narrative importance, and emotional impact undeniably came during the Cell Saga. Therefore, was his potential wasted? Or simply a case of ‘not all kids toe their father’s footsteps’? The answer to both would likely seem a personal one.
