Unresolved Dreams: Tragic Demise of 7 Promising Anime Heroes

Anime often portrays heroes who are defined by their unwavering determination in pursuing their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face. These characters inspire fans with their bravery, resilience, and unwavering belief in their own abilities. However, it is not uncommon for these heroes to meet an unfortunate end before achieving their aspirations.

This question holds great interest among anime enthusiasts, as some of the most beloved characters in anime history have failed to reach their goals, leaving fans curious about what could have transpired. Whether through tragic conclusions or unexpected plot twists, the stories of these fallen heroes continue to captivate fans, serving as a reminder of the fragile nature of life itself.

7 Ace (One Piece)

Fire Fist Ace was renowned in the One Piece manga and anime series for various reasons. However, it was his role as the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates that truly catapulted him into the limelight. Possessing the fiery powers of the flare-flare devil fruit, Ace had a strong desire to see Whitebeard become the Pirate King, even though the aging pirate himself lacked such aspirations.

Tragically, Ace met a brutal end at the hands of Akainu while trying to safeguard his younger brother Luffy. Although Ace was unable to fulfill his own aspirations, Luffy continues to carry on his legacy, striving to become the Pirate King while also protecting the people who were dear to Ace.

6 Nana Shimura (My Hero Academia)

Nana Shimura, the seventh holder of the One for All quirk, dedicated herself to fulfilling the mission of her predecessors - the defeat of All For One. Guided by her close friend Gran Torino, Nana reached incredible heights and took on the responsibility of training All Might, who would eventually become her protege and successor.

Nana's journey is a tale of both tragedy and heroism. Born into a world where the concept of heroes was still in its infancy, she swiftly climbed the ranks to become one of the most revered and formidable heroes of her era. Sadly, her life was tragically cut short during her battle against All For One, the longstanding nemesis of the One For All quirk holders.

5 Jiraiya (Naruto)

Jiraiya, known as one of the most skilled ninjas of his time, was among the legendary Sannin of Konohagakure. Even formidable figures like Itachi Uchiha and Kisame from the Akatsuki feared his abilities. While training Naruto Uzumaki to surpass him, Jiraiya also harbored a desire to become a bestselling author.

Tragically, Jiraiya's life and aspirations were abruptly ended by his former student Nagato. Utilizing six bodies, the powerful entity known as Pain caught Jiraiya off guard following a grueling battle. Despite his gruesome and premature demise, Jiraiya's legacy lives on through Naruto, his godson and devoted pupil.

4 Jonathan Joestar (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)

Jonathan Joestar, the enigmatic protagonist of the renowned JoJo's Bizarre Adventure anime series, led a life brimming with excitement and mystery. From the moment his brother, Dio Brando, was adopted into their family, Jonathan's world was plagued by misfortunes. Despite the adversities inflicted upon him by Dio, Jonathan always maintained an optimistic and vibrant outlook on life.

Tragically, Jonathan's life was prematurely ended when Dio acquired extraordinary vampire abilities. After numerous confrontations, Dio finally emerged victorious, tragically ending the life of the beloved hero from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood. In his lifetime, Jonathan had but a few simple desires - to live as a true gentleman and to enjoy a peaceful existence alongside his beloved wife, Erina Pendleton. Yet, even these aspirations were mercilessly snatched away from him.

3 Erwin Smith (Attack On Titan)

Erwin Smith, the commander of the Survey Corps in the Attack on Titan anime series, had a profound desire to unveil the mysteries of the outside world and the Titans. He firmly believed that the government and military were concealing the truth from the general population, and he was resolute in his mission to expose it.

Despite his leadership and dedication to exploring beyond the walls and gathering vital information about the Titans, Erwin ultimately fell victim to the relentless Titans, meeting his demise at the hands of the Beast Titan. Nevertheless, Erwin's legacy lives on through skilled soldiers like Levi and Mikasa Ackerman, who carried the torch and successfully brought an end to the Titan threat.

2 Sir Nighteye (My Hero Academia)

Sir Nighteye, also known as Mirai Sasaki, gained popularity as a hero in the My Hero Academia anime and manga series. He worked alongside All Might, Japan's top hero, and held high hopes for his success. However, All Might's severe injury inflicted by All For One ultimately led to his retirement. Despite this setback, Nighteye remained determined to find a cure for All Might's injuries.

Tragically, Sir Nighteye met his demise at the hands of Kai Chisaki, a yakuza aiming to strengthen his organization by obtaining the quirk-destroying bullet. Manipulated by Chisaki's schemes, Nighteye perished during a confrontation with the heroes in the Overhaul arc.

1 Kite (Hunter X Hunter)

Kite’s aspiration in Hunter x Hunter was to seek out and research extraordinary and formidable beings. Being an expert hunter specializing in the study of rare and novel species, Kite also delved into their diverse abilities and behaviors. He firmly believed that through the study of creatures, he could acquire knowledge that would benefit humanity and contribute to the improvement of the world.

In his pursuit of making the world a better place through the study and exploration of organisms, Kite encountered the Chimera ants. Unfortunately, instead of gaining insight into their abilities for the betterment of humanity, Kite met his demise at the hands of Neferpitou, one of the three Royal Guards serving the king.