Every Major Dragon Ball Z Villain & Their Best Fight

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z is an evergreen anime classic that’s as popular as ever 35 years later. Many of the Dragon Ball franchise’s staples, such as Super Saiyan transformations, are introduced in Dragon Ball Z as its heroes reach unprecedented heights. Dragon Ball Z is full of unforgettable heroes, all of whom get pushed out of their comfort zones when it comes to the series’ powerful villains.

Dragon Ball Z’s major antagonists are iconic characters who have made significant impacts that extend beyond Dragon Ball alone. Frieza, Cell, and Buu are all landmark shonen villains. Dragon Ball Z’s fiercest foes engage in suspenseful fights, but each enemy has one battle that stands out more than the rest.

10 Raditz’s Big Battle Against Goku & Piccolo Unites Two Former Foes

Dragon Ball Z Episodes 3, 4 & 5, "Unlikely Alliance," "Piccolo's Plan," & "Gohan's Rage"

Dragon Ball Z wastes absolutely no time when it comes to raising the stakes and putting its heroes up against unimaginable danger. Raditz, Goku’s alien brother from outer space, lands on Earth and immediately disrupts Dragon Ball’s status quo. Raditz is the first Saiyan threat that Dragon Ball Z introduces and his powers are so immense that it forces Goku and Piccolo to team up for the first time. There’s an electric quality to this clash, as Goku and Piccolo are forced to put aside their differences and implicitly trust one another.

Raditz doesn’t showcase a wide arsenal of energy attacks and this fight instead focuses on physical strength and speed as the Saiyan confidently takes on Goku and Piccolo at once. This fight reaches a terrifying breaking point when Goku realizes that the only way in which they’ll be able to defeat Raditz is if he also sacrifices himself. It’s proof of Goku’s unwavering status as the ultimate hero as well as the introduction of Piccolo’s signature Special Beam Cannon technique. This might be Raditz’s only fight, but it’s still a memorable encounter with permanent consequences for the franchise.

9 Nappa’s Burly Bully Bravado Is Broken By Goku

Dragon Ball Z, Episodes 28 & 29, "Goku's Arrival" & "Lesson Number One"

Nappa’s strength is proven to be significantly inferior to that of Vegeta, but he still causes irrevocable casualties before Goku shows up to save the day and protect his planet. Nappa is responsible for the deaths of Chiaotzu, Tien, and Piccolo, but none of these feel like proper fights due to how greatly the heroes are overwhelmed. Admittedly, Goku turns the tables on Nappa in much the same fashion, but there’s still more substance to this short showdown.

Nappa becomes Goku’s first opportunity to test out his improved powers and just what’s possible with his new Kaio-Ken Attack. It’s an enlightening experience that helps remind audiences why Goku should never be underestimated. The ease at which Goku neutralizes Nappa also makes his subsequent struggles against Vegeta all the more significant.

8 Vegeta Faces Earth’s United Efforts When He’s Challenged By Goku, Gohan & Krillin

Dragon Ball Z, Episodes 30-35

Goku and Vegeta’s Saiyan Saga skirmish remains one of Dragon Ball Z’s most memorable battles and a high that the series has chased ever since. There’s palpable animosity between Goku and Vegeta, which becomes a powerful reflection of nature versus nurture due to these two Saiyans’ contrasting backgrounds. What makes this fight so satisfying is that it’s successfully structured so that audiences never get bored. Goku’s Kaio-Ken opening act against Vegeta makes for an effective introduction until Vegeta ascends to greater heights with his Great Ape transformation.

There’s a true sense of danger once this behemoth crushes Goku’s bones and leaves him completely helpless to his aggressor’s attacks. This fight against Vegeta stands out so much because it makes such strong use of Dragon Ball Z’s supporting players and properly emphasizes the power of teamwork. Krillin follows through with Spirit Bomb support, while Gohan’s own Great Ape form gives Vegeta a taste of his own medicine. Yajirobe is even able to swoop in when it matters most and assist his allies.

7 Frieza’s Feud Against Goku Becomes The First Super Saiyan Spectacle

Dragon Ball Z, Episodes 78-105

Frieza remains one of Dragon Ball’s most relentless antagonists and he continues to cause trouble to this day in Dragon Ball Super. The fight against Frieza on Planet Namek features cooperation from all the series’ top heroes as Frieza cycles through numerous transformations before he attains peak power. The clash against Frieza is full of milestones, whether it’s Piccolo’s fusion with Nail or the deaths of Krillin and Vegeta.

The fights between Piccolo and Frieza’s second form and Gohan against Frieza’s third form are excellent, but they can’t compete with the extended altercation between Goku and Frieza’s final form. This fight needlessly extends itself to 27 episodes, 11 of which feature Goku as a Super Saiyan. However, the heights are among Dragon Ball Z’s greatest moments and it’s invigorating to see Goku fight as a Super Saiyan for the first time. There’s plenty in this battle that can be trimmed, but it’s the perfect encapsulation of the series.

6 Android 18 Seriously Humbles Vegeta’s Super Saiyan Hubris

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 135, "Deadly Beauty"

Dragon Ball Z’s Android invasion is a fascinating period of transition, especially for Vegeta. The Saiyan Prince has never felt stronger after his Super Saiyan upgrade and the way in which he demolishes Android 19 leaves him feeling invincible against these artificial antagonists. Vegeta’s powerful build-up makes his fall from grace against Android 18 all the more effective. Android 18 and Vegeta fight across a busy highway where they hurl attacks at one another as they move across moving vehicles.

It’s an exciting extra element that brings something new to Dragon Ball Z’s battles, which are often isolated in nature. Vegeta’s Super Saiyan strength is immense, but Android 18 breaks Vegeta’s arm with her vicious blows. This helps establish Android 17 and 18’s phenomenal power and how they have infinite energy at their disposal, unlike Saiyans who grow progressively weaker over time.

5 Android 17 Meets His Match With Piccolo’s Prolific Power-Up

Dragon Ball Z, Episodes 148 & 149, "The Monster Is Coming" & "He's Here"

Vegeta’s loss against Android 18 is a devastating wake-up call for the heroes. Piccolo sets his sights on 18’s brother, Android 17, which leads to one of the Cell Saga’s best battles before its central villain achieves perfection. Piccolo has recently fused with Kami and become stronger than ever.

This helps him hold his own against Android 17 in a fierce fight that’s full of destructive energy blasts, like Piccolo’s Hellzone Grenade. Piccolo doesn’t always get his due in Dragon Ball Z, especially following the Cell Saga. This makes Android 17 and Piccolo’s brutal battle one of the better showcases of the Namekian’s power and potential. There’s no true winner to this fight and these two enemies are forced to work together once Imperfect Cell crashes the party.

4 Perfect Cell’s Clash With Super Saiyan 2 Gohan Signals A Significant Turning Point In The Series

Dragon Ball Z, Episodes 181-191

Dragon Ball fans are certainly accustomed to the idea that Goku is destined to defeat each story arc’s major villain and become the first one to stumble upon a new transformation. The Cell Saga is so celebrated because it bravely breaks from this formula and proudly celebrates Gohan realizing his full potential. Cell’s self-destruct gambit ends Goku’s life and it’s Gohan who has to step up and save the planet.

It’s extremely satisfying to see Gohan achieve his destiny and surpass his father – something that’s been teased since Dragon Ball Z’s start – but his inaugural Super Saiyan 2 transformation makes this an unforgettable fight. A new side of Gohan presents himself that feels like the synthesis of what both he and his father represent. Gohan is able to outsmart Cell’s strategy, protect the planet, and make his father proud. It’s a cathartic conclusion in every regard.

3 Majin Buu Faces The Wrath Of Super Saiyan 3 Goku In Their First Fight

Dragon Ball Z, Episodes 245 & 246, "Super Saiyan 3?!" & "Buu's Mutiny"

Majin Buu is an ancient evil who’s responsible for innumerable casualties across the galaxy. Buu descends the Earth into chaos and each of his different forms are uniquely dangerous. Buu’s first form, also known as Innocent Buu, is a horrifying mix of childish and cruel. Buu views wanton destruction as a silly game, which makes all of his attacks all the more disturbing.

Goku does his best against Innocent Buu and unveils his Super Saiyan 3 transformation for the first time. This alone makes the battle quite memorable, even if Goku doesn’t secure the victory. Goku’s transformation causes ripple effects across the world and his intense energy becomes a deadly counterpoint to Buu’s abject silliness. This fight successfully sets up the horrors and challenges to come as Buu grows stronger.

2 Super Buu’s Battle Against Gotenks Is One Of Dragon Ball Z’s Weirdest Encounters

Dragon Ball Z, Episodes 261 & 262, "Gotenks Is Awesome" & "Unlucky Break"

Super Buu isn’t Buu’s final form, but he’s an intimidating threat who wipes out most of the planet’s population simply because he’s bored and impatient. Super Buu is the culmination of Evil Buu’s consumption of Good Buu and his newly-sleek physique ditches Innocent Buu’s more farcical appearance. Fusion becomes a pivotal procedure in the latter-half of Dragon Ball Z’s Buu Saga. Goten and Trunks are able to multiply their powers as Gotenks and even achieve Super Saiyan 3 status. Gotenks has one of the most unique attack arsenals in the series.

The comical nature of this battle is occasionally criticized, but it’s unlike anything else in Dragon Ball Z. Gotenks bombards Super Buu with explosive ghosts, constant missiles, and even temporarily transforms this apocalyptic threat into a volleyball. Gotenks’ battle against Super Buu is immediately followed by the villain’s fight with Ultimate Gohan. Ultimate Gohan versus Super Buu is also an exceptional assault, but it’s slightly more disappointing due to Gohan’s failure on this front.

1 Kid Buu’s Final Fight With Goku Solidifies The Saiyan’s Status As The Ultimate Shonen Hero

Dragon Ball Z, Episodes 279, 280, 281 & 286, "Battle For The Universe Begins," "Vegeta's Respect," "Minute Of Desperation" & "Spirit Bomb Triumphant"

Kid Buu is the Majin menace’s final form and a threat that proves to nearly be too much for Earth’s greatest heroes. Goku applies everything that he’s learned throughout the entirety of Dragon Ball Z into this fight. Goku has incredible Super Saiyan strength at his disposal, but it’s fitting that he secures this victory in his base form as he relies upon the planet’s trust and energy to deliver an overwhelming Super Spirit Bomb.

Goku’s Super Spirit Bomb becomes the perfect reflection of how he’s earned the planet’s trust and moved so many lives with his heroic acts. There’s a temporary interlude during Goku and Kid Buu’s brawl where Vegeta and Innocent Buu challenge Kid Buu so that Goku can regain his strength and properly power up his Spirit Bomb. It’s Goku’s greatest accomplishment, even if it’s technically a group effort from the entire planet.

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My Hero Academia: How Does Quirk Transferring Work?

Superhero powers are often a bit hard to understand upfront. After the age of Superman, powers tended to get more complex, expanding in scope and detail. The X-Men stories, in particular, have gotten ever increasingly more complicated as stories have grown. Anime is not immune to this either, with series like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure creating ever more complex circumstances for abilities to work. The straightforwardness of Dragon Ball has become a lot harder to find. While the practice of escalation in this way is confusing, it is often pretty fun. It's hard to explain how Satoru Gojo's powers work, but they're always a spectacle to behold. However, confusion is often the biggest issue when it comes to getting into a series.

My Hero Academia actually starts pretty simply—blond boy makes an explosion, protagonist's bones explode while he tries to get stronger, etc. But as the series marched along, the powers got more complicated. From Stain's complicated blood-type paralysis Quirk to La Brava's vague ability to power up her beloved, tons of abilities need a lot of description to make any sense. One power that is a bit more difficult to describe is also one of the most plot-crucial: One For All. This Quirk needs at least a little bit of explanation.

One For All Started Simple to Understand

To talk about how transferring Quirks works, a person first needs to understand the complex backstory of One For All. This Quirk became the legacy of Yoichi Shigaraki. His brother, All For One, initially thought that his younger brother was Quirkless and, using his own Quirk, gave him a Quirk that was made for stockpiling. However, Yoichi did actually have a Quirk, but its only power is that it could be passed along to someone else. The transferring Quirk and the stockpiling Quirk ended up merging to create the Quirk that would be known as All For One. Both brothers offer different versions of transferring Quirks that work in incredibly different ways. Understanding those differences is the key to understanding the concept as a whole.

The Quirk All For One allows the user to steal any Quirk from any person they come into contact with. They can then choose to keep the Quirk or to pass it along to someone else. All For One (the person) demonstrates this quite often throughout the franchise as he takes in multiple Quirks and doles them out to his followers. He even does this to Shigaraki Tomura in his attempts to take over his body and turn him into his successor. Except for One For All, there doesn't seem to be much of a limitation on All For One's ability to steal and re-purpose Quirks. However, there are side effects for bodies that aren't adapted to certain Quirks, and they can often have a harder time dealing with those Quirks. There is also a chance for Quirks to blend and combine. All For One himself is seen doing this in his own fights.

One For All, conversely, is a Quirk that can only move itself and only with the express consent of someone who possesses it. All Might has to agree to pass along the Quirk to Deku before offering his hair to be eaten to complete the transfer. This also prevents it from being stolen—for the most part, anyway. A person can't just commit a stray act of cannibalism to obtain it. The Quirk also comes to merge with other Quirks and each user of One For All makes the Quirk stronger by comparison. For example, Bruce's natural Quirk, Fa Jin, allows for the build-up of kinetic energy for future One For All users to show signs of super strength. There is a period of adjustment for the Quirk, however, and no one inherits it at full strength. The users slowly grow into the Quirk, so keeping the body trained is important. All Might lost a lot of access to the powers of the Quirk after losing multiple organs.

The biggest downside to One For All is that it can shorten the life span of its users. Just like a body can not be built for a transferred Quirk, a body cannot handle all that raw power at once. The fourth user of the Quirk died at age forty and that was considered "old age." It's akin to adding more water to an already full cup, which is why passing it to someone who is Quirkless is ideal. This would liken them to an already empty cup just being filled, like Deku. After transferring the Quirk, the user has some leftover access to the ability, sort of like the smoldering embers after a fire is put out. Eventually, this will run out and never be replenished. There is a phrase in gaming, high-risk-high-reward play style, and this would be an incredibly accurate way to explain this Quirk. The transference aspect of it is so important to its foundation, but it also makes everything a little more dangerous with each generation.

What Are The Consequences of Using All For One and One For All?

Both One For All and All For One are incredibly powerful Quirks in their own right, but the modern One For All would not exist if not for its similar Quirk. All For One was the catalyst for One For All's creation, and it created the greatest challenge that the user would ever face. The act of transferring Quirks doesn't happen without other things happening. As a result, it acts almost like a Jenga tower depending on what the Quirk is and who, exactly, is receiving it. There are a lot of different factors that determine whether a person can even survive having a Quirk transferred into them at all.

Opposite to One For All, All For One does better at transferring Quirks into people who either have them or have had them. There is a not insignificant chance that the person's mind and body will be ruined. A body that has already had a Quirk is a little more ready to receive one than one that hasn't, but that doesn't guarantee survival. People like Spinner are shown to become nearly mindless and violent after being bestowed with Quirks. Two were given to him, and they basically made him into a monster. Even if a person can handle the initial transfer, that doesn't mean it will work out. Aoyama's Navel Laser doesn't agree with his body at all; he needs a piece of support gear to use it, or he gets terrible stomach aches.

Quirk transferring in some way, shape, or form is one of the most important abilities in the entirety of My Hero Academia. It set up the entire plot for the most part and actually worked to shape the entire world of the series itself. It is both the most simple and complex Quirk in the show, and its owners are also simple yet complicated people. All Might and All For One are both two sides of the coin of Quirk transferring. It can take a little work to understand it—something that All Might himself worked on for ages with his own research—and more discoveries are frequently made about its depths in the universe. Taking the time to understand it can only help with a fan's appreciation of the show. Studying up on One For All and All For One may take a lot of effort, but it is a great opportunity for fans to go Plus Ultra.

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Naruto's Byakugan, Explained

The shonen action anime series Naruto regularly expanded upon its incredible combat system, starting with basics like substitution jutsu and kunai knives and then moving on to incredible ninjutsu and even the likes of hiden jutsu and kekkei genkai. As Naruto's power levels rose, the story started adding powerful eye-based jutsu, with the Sharingan, Byakugan, and Rinnegan being the three greatst dojutsu of all. The first two were introduced fairly early on, and they were treated as counterparts.

While the Sharingan is the trademark of the Uchiha clan, such as Naruto's shonen-style rival Sasuke Uchiha, the famed Byakugan is the iconic dojutsu of the esteemed Hyuga clan. There is plenty to learn about how the Byakugan works in ninja-based combat, who uses it and how, and even how the Byakugan impacted Naruto's storyline and themes. The Byakugan is also example of what happens when an anime's power scaling starts getting out of control, unfortnately for all Byakugan users.

How Does the Byakugan Work in Naruto?

The Byakugan Allow Its User to Perceive Things in far Greater Detail

The Byakugan eye originated from the Otsutsuki clan, but later became the primary dojutsu of the Hyuga clan, one of the most prominent ninja families in the entire Hidden Leaf Village. While the Sharingan is the all-seeing red eye, the Byakugan is the all-seeing white eye. Both dojutsu have the obvious function of seeing and perceiving more things than ordinary shinobi can with mundane eyeballs, but the Sharingan and Byakugan work in different ways.

Notably, while a Sharingan or Rinnegan's user will awaken those dojutsu at some point in their lives, anyone who inherits the Byakugan kekkei genkai is born with it, and the Byakugan is always visible. A Sharingan can visibly be turned on and off, while a Byakugan is a permanent physical trait of a ninja who bears this dojutsu. The Byakugan only fully activates on command, but the white/lavender quality of the eyes is always there.

One of the main uses of the Byakugan eye is to see and perceive things in far greater detail than ordinary ninjas can. With the Byakugan, a ninja almost has telecopic vision, able to see people and other objects from some distance away. The exact effective distance varies based on the individual and how much training they have, because in Part I, Neji Hyuga could see things up to 50 meters away with his Byakugan eyes, but after the anime's time skip, his range was 800 meters or more.

Kaguya Otsutsuki, being an otherworldly being with near-divine power, could see almost the entire world with her Byakugan. While used this way, a Byakugan's user can see through barriers and obstacles, even more so than a Sharingan user can. This is excellent for locating a hidden enemy or detecting would-be ambushers, among other uses. The Byakugan has practically no blind spots, either.

When activated, Byakugan eyes can see in a 360 degree dome around the user, with only a narrow, cone-shaped blind spot stemming from one of the user's upper vertebra. Only a precise, well-timed attack can slip through that blind spot in the heat of combat to fool the Byakugan's user and strike a blow. Otherwise, a Byakugan user is impossible to surprise with sudden ambushes or attacks from unexpected angles.

One of the most effective and memorable uses of the Byakugan is to see the flow of chakra in another person, more so than a Sharingan user can. Not only that, a trained Byakugan user can see the chakra pathway system, which is almost like a vascular system for chakra, including the 361 tenketsu, or pressure points. Seeing all that allows a Byakugan user to determine if the subject is using genjutsu, but there's more to it.

On offense, a Byakugan user can use that vision as a reference to perform unique taijutsu called the Gentle Fist style. The physical movements and chakra flow of Gentle Fist may not be a kekkei genkai, but the Gentle Fist style does rely on the Byakugan's sight, so Gentle Fist only delivers results when paired with this dojutsu. Thus, only the Hyuga clan trains with the Gentle Fist style, making it an example of a hiden jutsu.

A Byakugan user can then use Gentle Fist to precisely strike the opponent's pressure points to manually open or close them, thus altering the flow of chakra in their opponent. In most cases, such as in battle, Gentle Fist is used to close all of the opponent's pressure points, blocking off their flow of chakra and rendering them unable to use ninjutsu, genjutsu, or any other technique that calls for chakra usage.

Thus, ninjas who rely heavily on jutsu are rendered nearly helpless unless they happen to be handy with weapons or taijutsu as backup options. Notably, the Gentle Fist technique cannot block off a jinchuriki's Tailed Beast chakra, so the Byakugan isn't truly foolproof. That is a rare exception, however. In most cases, the Byakugan is a fearsome dojutsu that can make quick work of most opponents with detection and Gentle Fist.

Who Are Notable Users of the Byakugan and How Do They Use It?

Some Notable Users Are: Neji Hyuga, Hinata Hyuga, & Ao

The Naruto anime had more prominent Sharingan users than Byakugan users, so fans were given far fewer examples of how the Byakugan can be used and how it can vary from one character to another. Still, Naruto at least gave anime fans a few major examples so they can see how this dojutsu works. Arguably, the "main" Byakugan user is Neji Hyuga, Hinata's cousin. Neji and Hinata both introduced the Byakugan in the Chunin Exam story arc, with them using during their brief yet intense duel in the Forest of Death's tower.

They both used Gentle Fist against one another with their Byakugans activated, but after winning, Neji did far more in his next match against Naruto Uzumaki. Neji would demonstrate the Byakugan's strengths and weaknesses in even greater detail during his battle against Kidomaru in the Sasuke retrieval story arc. Neji Hyuga didn't hold back when he fought Naruto Uzumaki in their memorable duel of Byakugan vs Shadow Clones.

In a way, that duel was like Gaara vs Rock Lee 2.0, a fierce clash of natural talent vs hard work, with the Byakugan being the "hard work" side of things. In that battle, Neji activated his Byakugan and used it to guide his Eight Trigams 64 Palms style, one of the most advanced forms of Gentle Fist, and Naruto Uzumaki was helpless before it. With deadly precision and insight, Neji Hyuga struck all of Naruto's chakra points, and for a moment, it seemed the match was over. Naruto was only a passable taijutsu and weapon user at the time, and he relied on jutsu like the Shadow Clone jutsu.

Neji thought he had won, and against almost any other opponent, he was right. But then Naruto used his half-other powers with Kurama's chakra, something the Byakugan could not have expected. With that immense chakra, Naruto fought back with renewed power, using shadow clones and some resourceful trickery to strike Neji from underground. The Byakugan may see through obstacles, but at the time, Neji couldn't perceive Naruto underground, a fact that Naruto exploited. Based on Neji's experience and training, that was a drawback of the Byakugan, but with later training, he could see more and further than ever.

Neji used the Byakugan again to fight Kidomaru, a spider-themed member of the Sound Four ninja team. Neji could easily spot Kidomaru anywhere in their forest battlefield, giving him an advantage that Neji's teammates would have lacked. However, being a cunning and insightful Sound ninja, Kidomaru detected the narrow blind spot in Neji's Byakugan, and exploited it to the best of his ability.

Another notable Byakugan user is a Mist ninja named Ao, who is closely connected to the Mizukage. He is a rare example of non-Leaf ninjas succeeding in stealing a kekkei genkai trait from Leaf ninjas, and Ao took great pains to protect his stolen prize. His right Byakugan eye was normally hidden under an eyepatch in Naruto Shippuden, but he could still use it and see things from under the eyepatch.

Ao also had talismans on his person that would cover and protect his right Byakugan eye if anyone tried to forcibly take it from him. The Root ninja Fu Yamanaka discovered that for himself when he successfully took control of Ao's body in the days leading up to the Fourth Great Shinobi War, only to have the talismans block Ao's Byakugan when Fu tried to remove it via Ao's possessed body.

How Does the Byakugan Affect the Hyuga Clan and International Politics in Naruto?

The Hyuga Clan Will Do Whatever It Takes to Protect Byakugan

The presence of a powerful or dangerous kekkei genkai can greatly affect the lives of its wielders or even the politics of the shinobi clan that bears it, both in positive and negative ways. In the Hyuga clan's case, the Byakugan is a gift because of its formidable powers in combat or when tracking enemies, but it comes at a humanitarian cost. The Hyuga clan is determined to protect the precious Byakugan eye at all costs, and the clan has a lot of ground to cover.

While only some Uchihas awaken the Sharingan and even fewer awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan and its powers, 100% of Hyugas are born with Byakugan. To deal with this, the Hyugas have a strict system in place, one that Neji Hyuga despises. The Hyuga clan is split between its main family and branch family, with the main family's members being privy to the clan's greatest secrets and having special privileges.

By contrast, the branch family's members are viewed as lesser, and they are expected to risk and even give their very lives to protect the main family's members. As for the Byakugan's role in all this, the branch family's members all have curse seals place on them, showing how far the Hyuga clan will go to protect its trademark dojutsu. The main family's members keep their Byakugan eyes safe from theft by having branch family members defend them, but there's no one to defend branch family members and their Byakugan eyes.

So, if a branch family member dies, their curse seal will destroy the Byakugan to keep it out of enemy hands. Aside from that, main family members can use a hand seal to cause pain in a branch family member of even destroy their brain. In one notable case, a prominent Cloud Village ninja kidnapped Hinata Hyuga to steal her Byakugan eyes, only for Hiashi Hyuga, Hinata's father, to kill Hinata's kidnapper.

The Cloud Village demanded blood for blood, so Hiashi's twin brother Hizashi, who belonged to the branch family, was sacrificed in Hiashi's place. It was because of the Byakugan's coveted power that Hizashi, Neji's father, had to die. However, Hiashi accomplished his goal of smoothing over relations with the Cloud Village, preventing an escalation of the growing conflict.

The Byakugan Was a Victim of Power Scaling

For a time, the Byakugan and Sharingan were depicted as counterparts, two powerful dojutsu that allowed their users to see things that other ninjas could not. The Sharingan could copy jutsu, while the Byakugan could see the chakra pathway system and thus seal its points. For many episodes, these two dojutsu were roughly on par with one another, but after a point in Naruto Shippuden, those two two dojutsu became distinctly unequal. In fact, after a point, the Byakugan felt practically obsolete, but no Naruto fan would say that about the Sharingan.

Over time, the anime kept making the Sharingan even more powerful, mostly through the Mangekyo Sharingan's incredible jutsu including the Amaterasu, the Tsuguyomi, and most of all, the Susano'o. Such jutsu had little to do with stealth, insight, or ninja trickery, and had much more to do with reckless power scaling. With the Mangekyo Sharingan, a ninja could become a blunt offensive powerhouse, with Susano'o being more like chakra mechas than any proper ninja tool or technique.

After a point, the Sharingan and its Rinnegan counterpart meant everything for the story in terms of both power and plot relevance, such as Madara Uchiha's plan to cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi and trap the world in a giant genjutsu to force world peace. Some characters like Sasuke even had the Rinne Sharingan. Compared to all that, the Byakugan felt obsolete, even weak, since Naruto's combat system kept moving away from stealth and tracking and toward Dragon Ball Z-style clashes of power.

Jutsu like the Susano'o, giant Rasengan variants, and biju cloaks took over Naruto Shippuden's fight scenes. The Byakugan certainly didn't have its own Susano'o or Amaterasu to keep up, so it faded away as an insightful tracking tool that no one needed in an era of leveling mountains and fighting space gods. That might make fans nostalgic for the days when the Sharingan and Byakugan were equal to the eye-based techniques that the Hidden Leaf Village could proudly call its own.

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The Most Powerful Devil Fruits In One Piece, Ranked

A good power system has become a must in any shonen series. Some fan-favorite power systems include chakra from Naruto, nen from Hunter x Hunter, or quirks from My Hero Academia. While many of these are the result of careful planning to create complex yet tangible battles, there aren't many that are as full of personality and zaniness as the Devil Fruits from One Piece.

Devil Fruits are magical fruits that grant their eater powers — such as the ability to control gravity, revive from the dead, or become mochi — at the cost of being unable to swim. However, not every Devil Fruit is born equal, and some are clearly superior to others when it comes to combat prowess. In fact, the most powerful Devil Fruits in all of One Piece can alter the course of an entire story arc or saga, and great battles have been fought to either change the world with a Devil Fruit or find a way to survive that fruit's supernatural wrath. Unsurprisingly, many of the strongest Devil Fruits are in the hands of mighty villains or pirate ship captains.

Updated on April 29th, 2024 by Louis Kemner: This list of the most powerful Devil Fruits in One Piece has been updated with new material for ease of reading. These are the most exciting and consequential Devil Fruits in the entire anime, after all, and they are all worth careful consideration.

35 The Dice-Dice Fruit is a Savage Fruit of Living Steel

The Alabasta saga upped the ante for Devil Fruits, adding a variety of powerful new Fruits to challenge the Straw Hats during their debut on the Grand Line. Most of those hostile Devil Fruit users belonged to the Baroque Works organization, including Daz Bonez, or Mr. 1. He clashed with Roronoa Zoro the swordsman in Alubarna's streets to show off his sharp fighting style.

With the Dice-Dice Fruit, Daz Bonez could slice and dice anything or anyone after turning his body parts into blades or saws. On offense, he could use sword-like kicks or slash with bladed claws, or even rotating buzz saws. On defense, the Dice-Dice Fruit protects its user with a body as hard as steel. It's an impressive fruit, but it has since been made obsolete by stronger, fancier Devil Fruits, so the Dice-Dice Fruit ranks last among the strongest Devil Fruits seen in One Piece.

34 Bonney's Age-Age Fruit Is More Powerful & Important Than Fans Realize At First

Though Jewelry Bonney was first introduced during the Sabaody Archipelago arc, fans learned more about her Devil Fruit in the Egghead Island arc. Bonney is more powerful than fans anticipated as her paramecia type Age-Age Fruit allows her to manipulate her age, the age of others, and objects. This ability has been particularly beneficial to Bonney as she is a pirate and a former World Government hostage. Bonney constantly alternates between future and past versions of herself to remain unrecognizable to those who seek to capture her.

As explicated by the Five Elders, Bonney has more freedom with her Devil Fruit than most. Chapter 1103 of the manga reveals that the fruit allows "you to transform into any future, but the more you know of reality, the narrower your future possibilities become." Meaning, a huge part of Bonney's abilities are reliant on her imagination – reality, doubt, and fear hinder her transformations. Still, this can be easily overcome. Bonney has proven that this fruit weakens and confuses her enemies immensely.

33 The Revive-Revive Fruit Gives The User A Second Chance At The Life

The Grand Line is home to countless Devil Fruits, but few are as strange as the Revive-Revive Fruit. Wielded by Brook of the Straw Hat Pirates, this Paramecia-type Devil Fruit strengthens the soul of its user to the point that they are granted a second chance at life.

Although the Revive-Revive Fruit's powers remained dormant until Brook passed away from disease, it ultimately guided the Humming Swordsman's soul back to his corporeal form. In addition, the Devil Fruit also granted Brook the ability to manipulate his soul in various manners, making it extremely helpful in a variety of situations. He's been known to scout ahead for the Straw Hat Pirates with his soul, something he never could have done without the Revive-Revive Fruit's powers.

32 The Snake-Snake Fruit, Model: Yamata-no-Orochi Gives Its User Many Lives

Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruits are among the rarest in One Piece, and they almost always grant unique abilities in addition to the normal effects of their Zoan transformations. Such is the case for the Snake-Snake Fruit, Model: Yamata-no-Orochi, which effectively affords its user eight lives — one for each of its serpentine heads.

The Snake-Snake Fruit, Model: Yamata-no-Orochi was eaten by Kurozmi Orochi, who used the Devil Fruit to escape death numerous times. However, after his last remaining head was severed by Denjiro, the Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit presumably returned to circulation.

31 The Barrier-Barrier Fruit Is Indestructible

The Barrier-Barrier Fruit gets major points for nearly making its user indestructible. Based on a Japanese children's gesture where one crosses their fingers to create a ward, the Barrier-Barrier fruit grants its user, Bartolomeo, a single, indestructible plane when he makes the motion.

Unlike other strong Devil Fruits that grant similar qualities of invincibility, the barrier created by the Barrier-Barrier Fruit can take a variety of shapes and sizes. Barto used this power to win a battle royale while standing still and even created a giant wall to bulldoze a large mass of enemies. He's undeniably the most dangerous Monkey D. Luffy fan in the world.

30 The Clear-Clear Fruit Is A Highly Coveted Fruit For Many Reasons

Few abilities pose as much of a direct threat as invisibility. Although One Piece's Observation Haki limits its benefit, the Clear-Clear Fruit and its respective powers are still among the series' most desirable commodities. First wielded by Absalom, this Devil Fruit and its powers of invisibility eventually fall into the dastardly hands of the Blackbeard Pirates.

The Clear-Clear Fruit's new user, Shiryu, is an extremely adept swordsman, making him a massive threat now that he is armed with the ability to strike from the shadows. However, only time will tell if its effects are ultimately negated by skilled Haki usage. So, for now, the Clear-Clear Fruit ranks fairly low among the strongest Devil Fruits seen so far in One Piece's anime.

29 The Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Model: Brachiosaurus Makes The User A Giant

Kaido's crew, the Beast Pirates, are almost exclusively composed of Zoan-type Devil Fruit users, including their three strongest soldiers, the All-Stars. Queen, the second-strongest member of Kaido's crew, uses the Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Model: Brachiosaurus, allowing him to transform into a half-human, half-dinosaur hybrid at will.

Ancient Zoan-type Devil Fruits are even stronger than traditional Zoan-type Devil Fruits. Accordingly, Queen's durability and strength surpass almost every single member of the Beast Pirates, speaking to his status as one of the strongest pirates in the New World.

28 The Swamp-Swamp Fruit Can Absorb Anything

Even the weakest Logia-type Devil Fruits are dangerous against most opponents, so despite the Swamp-Swamp Fruit's relative lack of offensive capabilities, it's still a force to be reckoned with. Its user, Caribou, accumulated a bounty of 210 million Berries before reaching Sabaody Archipelago, due in large part to his reliance on his Devil Fruit.

The Swamp-Swamp Fruit is capable of transforming its user into a half-earth, half-water substance that functions similarly to quicksand. As evidenced by Caribou, opponents without Haki are extremely susceptible to the effects of the Logia-type Devil Fruit.

27 The Plume-Plume Fruit Makes The User Untouchable

Generally, side characters and Devil Fruits introduced during One Piece's East Blue Saga become fairly irrelevant by the later events of the series. However, Marine Vice Admiral Smoker and his Logia-type Devil Fruit, the Plume-Plume Fruit, are still making waves in the New World.

As is the case for all Logia-type Devil Fruit users, Smoker is effectively invulnerable against any opponent without Armament Haki. He almost captures Luffy multiple times thanks to his powers, and if it were not for his sense of personal justice, then Smoker would have almost certainly put an end to at least one Straw Hat Pirates' time as a pirate. Notably, the Plume-Plume Fruit is the first Logia type that One Piece ever introduced, appearing in the Loguetown story arc.

26 The Gas-Gas Fruit Allows The User To Fly

Caesar Clown is an expert when it comes to manufacturing chemical weapons of mass destruction, making him the perfect candidate for the Gas-Gas Fruit. Much like the Smoke-Smoke Fruit, the Gas-Gas Fruit allows Caesar Clown to transform into a gas-like form that is also capable of flight.

However, the Gas-Gas Fruit is significantly more versatile than the Plume-Plume Fruit. Using its powers, Caesar Clown can control multiple forms of gasses, many of which are extremely poisonous to the vast majority of his opponents. Still, Luffy had a relatively easy time defeating Caesar Clown in battle, which is either a comment on the Gas-Gas Fruit's powers or Caesar Clown's limited fighting prowess as someone who favors science over combat.

25 The Hobby-Hobby Fruit Can Ruin Lives

The Hobby-Hobby Fruit lets its user turn other people and animals into toys with just a touch, which initially sounds fun until realizing that doing so also erases all memory of the victim from others. There's even a scene in One Piece that suggests a loving husband, having been transformed into a toy years ago, had to serve his family while his wife moved on to another man.

Now, imagine this for an entire country, subjugating anyone who opposes the tyrannical ruling force. It doesn't matter how strong a person is. As long as the user can touch them, they're turned into cute toys to be enslaved by the kingdom. As an added bonus, the Hobby-Hobby Fruit also halts the aging process of its user, like Sugar, who will forever look 10 years old despite currently being 22. If Haki didn't almost certainly disrupt the effects of this Devil Fruit, it would easily be the strongest in One Piece. But as things stand, the Hobby-Hobby Fruit ranks modestly among the best Devil Fruits in the series.

24 The Sand-Sand Fruit Dries Out Its Opponents

Virtually every Logia-type Devil Fruit is extremely powerful, due in large part to the fact that they automatically endow their users with invulnerability to non-Haki-based attacks. One of the first examples of this effect is the Sand-Sand Fruit, wielded by the iconic leader of Baroque Works, Crocodile. It's no wonder he became one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea with such power at his disposal.

Unlike some lesser Logia-type Devil Fruits, the Sand-Sand Fruit also benefits from a distinct advantage on offense. By using its powers, Crocodile can dehydrate anything that he comes into contact with, immediately rendering opponents a literal husk of their former selves. He can also make stone crumble to sand, giving him an environmental advantage in some battlefield venues.

23 The Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: Leopard Doesn't Have A Specific Weakness And Has Been Awakened

When Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates launch their assault on Enies Lobby, the World Government mobilizes several of its strongest soldiers to foil their plans. Chief among these soldiers is the strongest assassin in CP9 history, Rob Lucci. With his Devil Fruit, the Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: Leopard, Lucci can transform into a human-leopard hybrid, increasing his offensive capabilities.

All Zoan-type Devi Fruit significantly enhance the physical abilities of their user. Lucci is no exception. His ruthless personality and exceptional use of the Six Powers rocketed him up the ranks of CP9, but his possession of the Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: Leopard is what truly makes him an elite assassin. More recently in One Piece, Rob Lucci had a Devil Fruit awakening, allowing him to keep pace with the Straw Hats and actually threaten them at Egghead Island.

22 The Stone-Stone Fruit Can Control Stone

The villain Pica sadly got little time to shine during the Dressrosa Arc, but he still managed to stand out with his impressive Devil Fruit power. With the Stone-Stone Fruit, Pica can manipulate and absorb all stone around him, with his initial showing of this being when he literally absorbed all of Dressrosa to create a giant armor for himself.

Even to a giant like Hajrudin, Pica overshadowed everyone and devastated by punching people with their own neighborhoods. Although Zoro made quick work of the character, the Stone-Stone Fruit left its impact on the landscape of Dressrosa. Against most other pirate crews, Pica would have had an easy time claiming victory as a stony titan.

21 The String-String Fruit Is Stronger Than Its Name Suggests

Donquixote Doflamingo, the former King of Dressrosa, is already a terrifying force, thanks to his innate use of Haki and his twisted personality. However, what really solidified him as an underworld terror was his Devil Fruit, the String-String Fruit.

The String-String Fruit seems like a pretty tame Devil Fruit until Doffy starts controlling people like puppets and trapping them in midair. Besides being a quick marionette kit, the String-String Fruit can also splice large buildings at a distance, pierce people like bullets, create a countrywide cage, and even repair the user's own internal organs. That shows how versatile strings can be, especially in the hands of a creative, cruel Devil Fruit user like Doflamingo.

20 The Magnet-Magnet Fruit Can Create Magnetic Fields

The Paramecia class of Devil Fruits is easily the most varied in terms of strength, and as a result, it includes some of the most uniquely powerful abilities in the series. The Magnet-Magnet Fruit allows its user to control metallic objects and, if awakened, apply magnetic charges to any tangible object/opponent.

Eustass Kid, the current wielder of the Magnet-Magnet Fruit, is as tenacious and durable as any pirate sailing the Grand Line. This makes him the perfect candidate for his Devil Fruit, and together, they are among the most destructive presences in the New World. With such a power, Kid helped Trafalgar Law take on the mighty Big Mom at Onigashima and scrape a narrow victory. So, the Magnet-Magnet Fruit ranks in the middle among the strongest Devil Fruits in the series so far.

19 The Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchi No Makami Transforms The User Into A Wolf

The rarest type of Devil Fruit, Mythical Zoan, grants their users abilities that extend far beyond the physical enhancements provided by all Zoan types. In the case of the Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchi no Makami, it provides its user with the ability to utilize ice in a variety of different ways.

Currently, Yamato possesses the Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchi no Makami. During the Raid on Onigashima, she displays many of its powers, even standing against Kaido — an Emperor of the Sea — for an extended moment thanks to its strength. One Piece fans hope that Yamato may return later in the Final Saga and show off even more of what this canine Devil Fruit can do.

18 The Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Model: Pteranodon Makes The User Prehistoric

In a similar vein to Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruits, most Ancient Zoan-type Devil Fruit provides its user with a completely unique set of abilities. King the Conflagration represents the pinnacle of their strength, as he wields what is arguably the most desired Devil Fruit of the entire subclass — the Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Model: Pteranodon.

The Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Model: Pteranodon transforms its user into an ancient, winged creature known as a pteranodon, instantly granting the ability to fly. Since partial transformations are a major part of Zoan usage, King is able to sprout wings at any given moment, making him one of very few airborne characters in One Piece.

17 The Venom-Venom Fruit Can Kill Its Target With Noxious Poisons

The near-inescapable prison Impel Down houses the most heinous criminals in the history of One Piece, so it only follows suit that the World Government would station one of its strongest fighters there. Magellan, the user of the Venom-Venom Fruit, serves as the prison's warden prior to the series' timeskip. Even after the Straw Hats reunite in the New World, Magellan maintains his status as Impel Down's strongest fighter.

Despite the appearance of its effects, the Venom-Venom Fruit is actually a Paramecia-type, rather than a Logia. The potent poison that it produces paralyzes his foes, threatening the lives of anyone it comes in contact with. While Magellan's status as a Haki user is unknown, his monstrous Devil Fruit powers help him defeat even the most durable criminals.

16 The Press-Press Fruit Gives The User Telepathic Like Powers

Each of the Marine Admirals possesses an incredibly strong Devil Fruit. In Fujitora's case, he is no exception. His Press-Press Devil Fruit allows its user to manipulate gravitational forces, resulting in one of the strongest Paramecia-type fruits in all of One Piece.

While Fujitora is undoubtedly strong in his own right, his Devil Fruit abilities separate him from other Marines. The Press-Press Fruit can manipulate objects as large as battleships, but it can simultaneously apply multiple smaller gravitational fields as well, resulting in a Devil Fruit worthy of the Marines' top brass.

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10 Best Dragon Ball Z Video Games, Ranked

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z has irrevocably changed and influenced the anime and manga industries, but its impact on the gaming world often goes overlooked. There are more than 50 Dragon Ball video games that have been telling stories and entertaining audiences for nearly as long as the manga. Dragon Ball Z video games have helped keep the franchise relevant and popular during the manga and anime’s dark periods. There are also many ideas and characters that originated in Dragon Ball video games that have gone on to appear in its anime and feature films.

Dragon Ball video games have come a long way since their humble origins. Modern titles do a remarkable job of simulating the series’ fast-paced energy and making audiences feel like they’re truly controlling the anime. The large number of Dragon Ball Z video games can occasionally feel overwhelming and intimidating, especially when curious newcomers don’t know which games are worth their time. Fortunately, there are some excellent Dragon Ball Z video games that go above and beyond and have proven themselves to be the best of the bunch.

10 Dragon Ball Z: Attack Of The Saiyans Is A Turn-Based RPG That Celebrates The Series’ Earliest Chapters

There's a growing trend for Dragon Ball Z video games to cover as much story as possible. However, there's something to be said for Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans' more focused approach that narrows in on Dragon Ball Z's introductory Saiyan Saga, with some of the original Dragon Ball's Piccolo Jr. Saga included for good measure. The turn-based RPG allows the player to control Goku, Piccolo, Gohan, Krillin, Yamcha, and Tien, which is a relatively unique line-up for a Dragon Ball Z game. Attack of the Saiyans is rich in nostalgia, right down to its visuals, but without ever feeling old-fashioned.

Attack of the Saiyans does take some liberties with how it remixes the anime's narrative and some of the characters that it slots in as enemies. The battle system, which indulges in a Rage Meter, is also not without its flaws. There's still such a unique quality to Attack of the Saiyans that makes it well worth the audience's time, whether they're fans of classic RPGs or Dragon Ball. The game even incorporates Broly as an anachronistic secret boss.

9 Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit Pushes The Fighting Game Formula To New Heights

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is a standout fighting game that's very much an evolution of the Budokai franchise, right down to how it's also developed by Dimps. Burst Limit attempts to simplify the Dragon Ball Z fighting experience after the heightened spectacle of Budokai 3. There's a stripped-down roster that features under two-dozen characters, yet still fits in some more obscure choices like a Saibaman, Recoome, and Super Saiyan Third Grade Future Trunks. Burst Limit also only covers up to Dragon Ball Z's Cell Games Saga, rather than tackling the entire series. Some appreciate this focus, but to some it feels like a step backward in lieu of the excess and freedom of the Budokai games.

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit prides itself in being marketed not as a fighting game, but as a "Dragon Ball Z game." The Z Chronicles story mode is a satisfying narrative that also indulges in some hypothetical "What If?..." scenarios that involve Bardock and Broly. The addition of "Drama Pieces," which are in-battle cutscenes that get triggered when certain conditions are met, are also a fun development. Burst Limit also takes advantage of its PS3 and Xbox 360 hardware with gorgeous cel-shaded aesthetics that effectively evoke the anime's visual style. In a vacuum, Burst Limit would be a totemic Dragon Ball Z title, but it doesn't offer as much as some of the other more comprehensive releases.

8 Dragon Ball: Raging Blast & Raging Blast 2 Prioritize Destruction & Deep Cut Characters

Spike Chunsoft's Dragon Ball: Raging Blast and its sequel are fun Dragon Ball Z fighters that helped close out the 2000s with class. The Raging Blast games trade comprehensive story modes for an added emphasis on more detailed combat, with destructive environments and combo attacks being some of the series' bigger selling points. The Raging Blast games also attempt to explore power scaling in unique ways, whether it's characters who are given a natural advantage or certain battle set-ups where some individuals are compromised in order to reflect certain events from the series. Fighting genre fans will also appreciate the games' 16-player Budokai Tournament mode, which goes beyond the standard fighting game experience.

The Raging Blast titles also attempt to take some risks with their rosters, which include some rarer characters like Chiaotzu, Videl, Cell Jr., Cui, and Nail. There's also some fun to be had with "What If?..." character transformations that were never explored in the anime, like Super Saiyan 3 Broly and Vegeta. Raging Blast 2 is also notable for not only touching on the events of the Dragon Ball Z Side Story: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans OVA, but also including a remake of the niche Dragon Ball story. The Raging Blast games get a lot right, but lackluster AI and repetitive controls and combat hold back these titles from being as revered as other Dragon Ball Z fighters.

7 Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Is A Comprehensive Open World Anime Experience

There had been dozens of substantial Dragon Ball Z games by the time of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot’s release, but none had truly immersed audiences in Akira Toriyama’s world and let them explore it to such a degree. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot set out to combine open-world action RPG elements with the fighting genre to create a definitive Dragon Ball Z experience. Not only does the game cover the entirety of Dragon Ball Z, as well as several filler episodes, but subsequent DLC releases have covered Dragon Ball Super's introductory sagas and even the original Dragon Ball's concluding 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament. These expansions have helped Kakarot stay relevant for years after its original release.

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a truly impressive accomplishment that shows just how far Dragon Ball games have come. That being said, it's not without its shortcomings. Unnecessary quests and collection-a-thons can trivialize the experience and prolong it in perfunctory ways. Additionally, there's surprisingly little Goku material in the game once characters like Gohan, Vegeta, Future Trunks, and Gotenks enter the picture. An expanded roster usually isn't a bad thing, but it's odd to have Goku often feel like an afterthought in his own game.

6 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Trilogy Translate Arcade Fighter Perfection To Dragon Ball

Dimps' Dragon Ball Z: Budokai trilogy were fundamental titles for many Dragon Ball fans during the early 2000s. New Budokai games were released each year, yet somehow these titles didn’t feel rushed or incomplete. There are still fervent debates about which fighting series is superior between the Budokai and Budokai Tenkaichi games, but the answer really comes down to which type of fighting games the audience prefers. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai is a more traditional 2D arcade fighter experience that's akin to something like Tekken.

There's an emphasis on the genre's fundamentals and comprehensive movesets, while the Budokai Tenkaichi games embrace 3D environments and push the fighting genre to more complicated places. By the third Budokai game, the series has not just incorporated characters and concepts from Dragon Ball Z movies, but also the original series and Dragon Ball GT, which was a rarity at the time. There are also some particularly playful original characters that indulge in fusion's endless possibilities, like the Tien and Yamcha union, Tiencha, and Goku and Hercule's fused form, Gokule.

5 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Trilogy Is A Truly Overwhelming & Excessive Fighting Experience

Dimp's Budokai trilogy finally gave Dragon Ball fans an exceptional fighting experience, but Spike Chunsoft's Budokai Tenkaichi games followed in Budokai's wake and quickly resonated with modern gamers who weren't precious about traditional arcade fighter fundamentals. The Budokai Tenkaichi games are more interested in a grandiose action spectacle that's more representative of Dragon Ball's heightened battles. 3D battles that seamlessly switch from ground to aerial combat as energy blast power struggles ensue were unprecedented at the time.

One of the Budokai Tenkaichi trilogy's biggest selling points was its comprehensive roster that spans the entirety of the Dragon Ball franchise and even brings in Dr. Slump's Arale for good measure. The original Budokai Tenkaichi has a roster of 60 characters, which expands to 90 once their respective transformations are considered. However, Budokai Tenkaichi 3 balloons this total to 162 characters, which remains the biggest roster for a Dragon Ball game. It's no surprise that the franchise's upcoming sequel — Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO — is already causing such excitement.

4 Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors Transforms The Anime’s Action Into Card-Based Combat

It's easy to dismiss any retro Dragon Ball game that's several decades old, but doing so cuts audiences off of some surprisingly solid releases, such as Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors for the Game Boy Color. Legendary Super Warriors lacks the aesthetic polish and features of modern Dragon Ball games, but it beautifully distills the entire Dragon Ball Z franchise — as well as two bonus Future Trunks stories — into a turn-based strategy title that utilizes a card fighting system. Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors has 125 unique cards that provide a detailed combat experience that truly rewards audiences who repeatedly play through the game. Legendary Super Warriors features unlockable villains and other engaging perks that make the game’s subsequent playthroughs feel distinct.

Legendary Super Warriors is a satisfying single-player experience, but its incorporation of the Game Boy Color’s Link Cable also means that players can trade cards and battle friends. Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors is a relic of the past, but it's a Dragon Ball Z game that's incredibly deserving of a modern port or update so new generations can experience its tight and entertaining gameplay. Card-based fighters have slowly made a comeback and Legendary Super Warriors is a great example of how to do the genre right.

3 Dragon Ball Z: Legacy Of Goku Trilogy Is A Robust Retro Throwback

The Game Boy Advance’s Legacy of Goku trilogy – Legacy of Goku, Legacy of Goku II, and Buu’s Fury – are more than two decades old, yet they’re still often cited as Dragon Ball gaming highlights. Webfoot Technologies’ Legacy of Goku games made waves as the first North American-developed Dragon Ball Z games, rather than Japanese productions that were later localized to other regions. These handheld RPGs break down each of Dragon Ball Z’s major story sagas in a loving manner that’s as playful as it is passionate.

Tight gameplay, enjoyable collectibles and extra content, and attractive 32-bit sprites fill these games with a charming personality that’s often absent in the more mature Dragon Ball fighters. Legacy of Goku II and Buu’s Fury even include Bruce Faulconer’s score from the Dragon Ball Z English dub, which makes them the ultimate burst of nostalgia. The first Legacy of Goku is a successful RPG, but it’s Legacy of Goku II and Buu’s Fury that truly stand out with their expanded character rosters and additional story material that features popular movie villains like Cooler, Broly, and Janemba.

2 Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Is An Extreme Fighting Game That’s Still Going Strong Nearly A Decade Later

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 combines online fighting frenzies with an elaborate story mode that pulls from every corner of the Dragon Ball universe. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 hit consoles in 2016, but it continues to release new DLC material nearly a decade after its release and has an incredibly active player base. Xenoverse 2 is still so popular with fans and draws in new players every day, which is why many audiences believe there may never be a Xenoverse 3.

Xenoverse 2 is also one of the few Dragon Ball console games that includes characters from Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, such as Gohan Beast and Orange Piccolo. This alone is a solid reason to give Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 a try. Even now, there are still new DLC storylines and characters that are on the way that add to the game’s already impressive roster of 125 characters.

1 Dragon Ball FighterZ Achieves Sublime Anime Action In A Perfectly Polished Package

Dragon Ball FighterZ may not have the same bloated roster as Xenoverse 2 or Budokai Tenkaichi 3, but it’s a strong reminder of how less can often be more. Arc System Works has an impressive history with modern fighting games and Dragon Ball FighterZ is such a glorious adaptation of the anime. FighterZ’s incorporation of ki charging, Dragon Rush attacks, and its clever Shenron System all facilitate fast-paced gameplay with beautiful graphics.

Dragon Ball FighterZ’s ongoing DLC releases have more than doubled the game’s initial roster to 44 characters, which celebrate each Dragon Ball series, but also introduces original characters like Android 21. There’s also a surprising amount of Dragon Ball GT love on display. Dragon Ball FighterZ remains a top title more than six years after its release, and it should be genuinely interesting to see if Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is able to replace it as peak Dragon Ball gaming.

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Dragon Ball's Goku & Vegeta Roll Into America's Sushi Scene in Limited-Time Super Collab

Dragon Ball Super will soon get a limited-time revolving sushi bar collaboration across North America, with fans able to combine food and fandom across 62 locations and multiple states around the country.

In collaboration with Toei Animation and Crunchyroll, Kura Sushi will launch the "Dragon Ball Super Bikkura Pon Collaboration" at all its U.S. restaurant locations from May 1, 2024. The official site adds, "For a limited time, enjoy new prizes, merch, in-store giveaways and space décor that feature Goku, Vegeta, Beerus, and additional characters from the popular Japanese anime series, while supplies last!" Readers can check out the official announcement and images and see more information below.

The Dragon Ball Super x Kura Sushi collab sees fans able to collect numerous prizes, including acrylic stand keychains, foam sticker three-piece sets and enamel pins when ordering food. Alternatively, they can purchase the prizes in-store or via online delivery while stocks last. Kura Sushi currently has 62 locations across the U.S. in 18 states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Texas and more.

Toei Animation Goes All-In on Its Food & Anime With Dragon Ball and One Piece Collabs

Toei Animation is going all-in this month with food and anime. CBR's 10 Anime Characters With the Largest Appetites, Ranked by How Much They Can Eat in One Sitting sees Goku lose out to just one character -- One Piece's Monkey D. Luffy, set to feature in the new, official One Piece café launched this month, and marking the first in American history. There, fans can get hold of exclusive merchandise and One Piece-inspired food, drink and more, making for a great getaway or regular adventure.

Crunchyroll streams the Dragon Ball Super anime, describing the series: "After 18 years, we have the newest Dragon Ball story from creator Akira Toriyama. With Majin Buu defeated, Goku has taken a completely new role as...a radish farmer?! With Earth at peace, our heroes have settled into normal lives. But they can’t get too comfortable. Far away, the powerful God of Destruction, Beerus, awakens to a prophecy revealing his demise at the hands of an even more formidable being. When his search for the Saiyan God brings him to Earth, can Goku and his friends take on their strongest foe yet?"

Source: Kura Sushi

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10 Most Useless Bleach Characters

In an action/adventure shonen anime like Bleach, every character is expected to do their part. Warriors like the Soul Reapers, Arrancars, and Quincy have a duty to fight well and use their powers to serve their superior officers, and plenty of Bleach characters deliver on that front. Non-combatants like Orihime Inoue can contribute in other ways, like with her defensive abilities or even just providing shelter and emotional support for their allies. Unfortunately, some Bleach characters fail to do anything at all.

The most useless Bleach characters are those who either repeatedly failed to accomplish what was expected of them, those who never had any real powers at all, or characters who were ultimately made redundant by their more relevant (and powerful) friends and allies. Such characters had little to no impact on Bleach's word with either their words or actions, and things would have been largely the same even if they weren't around. Unsurprisingly, useless anime characters like these tend to be unpopular or even mocked by the fandom, and the Bleach franchise has its fair share.

10 Wonderweiss Margela Failed To Accomplish His One & Only Task

Most of the Arrancars under Sosuke Aizen's command were expected to fight with their own swordplay and unique Hollow release forms, but Wonderweiss Margela was different. Sosuke Aizen modified him to become an anti-Yamamoto ace in the hole, though Wonderweiss was also allowed to fight in battles where Yamamoto was absent, perhaps to get him used to fighting.

Wonderweiss had Espada-level power and was meant to contain Yamamoto's fire-based shikai, but it didn't make much of a difference. Yamamoto simply used barehanded martial arts to pummel and destroy Wonderweiss, restoring his flame powers. In the end, Wonderweiss made no real difference aside from giving Yamamoto an excuse to show off his own martial arts skills.

9 Luppi Antentor Accomplished Absolutely Nothing As Grimmjow's Replacement

Ichigo's rival, Grimmjow Jeagerjaques got himself kicked out of the Espadas when he lost his arm. Aizen chose an Arrancar named Luppi Antenor to replace him, but Luppi ended up being one of the most underwhelming Espadas in the series, past or present. His released form was fairly powerful, but it had no unique tricks, and Luppi was sloppy enough to let his guard down.

Perhaps Luppi was only meant to keep the heroes busy while Ulquiorra kidnapped Orihime, but even then, Luppi was jarringly useless. He failed to kill anyone or even deal any lasting damage to Bleach's heroes, and then got himself killed once Grimmjow's arm was restored. No one objected to Luppi's sudden murder, suggesting that no one, least of all Aizen, saw Luppi as a useful or important ally.

8 Tetsuzaemon Iba Acted Tough But Never Backed His Attitude Up

Even compared to the other Lieutenants, Tetsuzaemon Iba of squad 7 is an underwhelming fighter who doesn't feel worthy of serving directly under a Soul Reaper Captain. Tetsuzaemon may look and sound cool with his Hiroshima mobster vibe, but it's evidently all for show. Tetsuzaemon never won a meaningful victory in Bleach and has a basic melee-type shikai.

In no story arc did Tetsuzaemon accomplish anything worthwhile unless Bleach fans count his lecture to Ikkaku about not holding back in battle. Tetsuzaemon did even less in the Thousand-Year Blood War, where he did little more than watch the better Soul Reapers do all the fighting. He helped his de-powered Captain evacuate the battlefield, but that doesn't count for much.

7 Ikkaku Madarame Fumbled His Most Important Fights

It's true that Ikkaku Madarame of squad 11 won a few fights in Bleach's story, but even if he's not literally useless or worthless as a fighter, he still has quite the bad track record. As one of Kenpachi's subordinates, Ikkaku is expected to be one of the Gotei 13's best fighters, but he lost every important fight he found himself in. One notable example was his loss against Ichigo early in the fondly-remembered Soul Society arc.

Ikkaku barely won against Edrad Leones even with bankai, which isn't flattering, and he swiftly lost to Poww in a later arc, almost allowing the real Karakura Town to replace the fake one. Ikkaku also did very little in the TYBW story arc, and the same could be said about his friend, Yumichika. They were supposed to be ahead of the curve for their rank, but they did little to prove it.

6 The Only Thing Loly Aivirrne Cared About Was Earning Aizen's Love

Some of the Arrancars serving under Sosuke Aizen were underwhelming and did very little good for their Soul Reaper boss, unable to stop Ichigo's team from crossing Hueco Mundo's dunes to infiltrate Las Noches. One such Arrancar was Loly Aivirrne, who spent more time with selfish pursuits than actually serving Aizen.

Loly and her friend Menoly didn't do much to fight Aizen's enemies. Instead, they bullied Orihime a few times, jealous of the attention Aizen gave to his human captive. Like Grimmjow, Loly was little more than a disruption in Aizen's plans, making her even worse than useless. She and Menoly later fought back against Quilge Opie, but they didn't stand a chance and needed Ichigo's team to save them.

5 Kiyone Kotetsu Could Only Watch As Things Happen

Kiyone Kotetsu and her rival, Sentaro Kotsubaki, both served directly under Captain Jushiro Ukitake in the Soul Society arc. While Ukitake was grateful for their support and friendship, he didn't actually get much use out of them. Kiyone and Sentaro had minimal combat skills, and neither of them could cure Ukitake's illness.

Kiyone accomplished practically nothing in Bleach's story, and ended up a commentator and bystander for every major event in the Soul Society and beyond. Years later, Kiyone became squad 4's Lieutenant, serving under her older sister Isane, but Bleach fans may be skeptical that Kiyone is doing much good for her new Captain aside from decent healing kido.

4 Yachiru Kusajishi Is Merely Someone To Protect, Nothing More

On the plus side, Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi keeps Kenpachi Zaraki happy as his unofficial foster daughter, allowing the two of them to function as a tiny found family in Bleach's anime. Yachiru does have some combat skills with her shikai, but otherwise, she didn't do a whole lot for squad 11 or the Gotei 13 as a whole.

Yachiru is usually happy to let Kenpachi do all the fighting, serving as token emotional support and little else. Not much changed in Bleach because of Yachiru, but then again, that's not what fans want from her. Instead, Yachiru is an adorable mascot for squad 11, a cheerful kid who brings out the best in her scarred Captain. She also provides ample comic relief as one of Bleach's funniest characters.

3 Ryunosuke Yuki Was A Wimpy Soul Reaper In The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc

Ryunosuke Yuki was a minor Soul Reaper who made his debut early in the Thousand-Year Blood War story arc, serving in squad 13 alongside Shino Madarame. Ryunosuke was almost like a stand-in for new Bleach fans, a curious and fresh-faced Soul Reaper who was in awe when he met protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki one night.

Aside from providing that humble perspective, Ryunosuke was of very little use to Bleach's heroes, and he failed to slay any notable Hollows or defeat a single Quincy on-screen. His ultimate fate is not clear, but given his lack of screen time, he either got himself killed or was just background fluff in a fight that Bleach fans never even saw. In either case, Ryunosuke had nothing to contribute to the great war against the Wandenreich.

2 Shino Madarame Was Easily Defeated By Various Foes

Shino Madarame was more experienced and skilled than her companion Ryunosuke, but like him, she failed to accomplish much in Bleach's final arc and she wasn't of much use to anyone around her. Interestingly, the Bleach novels confirmed her last name and thus established her as Ikkaku's younger sister. They have a similar temper, but are otherwise fairly different and even serve in different squads.

Shino was just a fun fluff character early in the TYBW arc, serving as Ryunosuke's stern yet well-meaning mentor in the days leading up to the Sternritters' overwhelming invasion. Like Ryunosuke, Shino has an uncertain fate in the story, so fans can presume that Shino either got herself killed or was just another soldier in some off-screen battle that made no real difference.

1 Hiyori Sarugaki Was A Bad Lab Assistant And Lieutenant

Hiyori Sarugaki was one of the eight Visoreds, or ex-Soul Reapers who gained Hollow powers due to Sosuke Aizen's experiments with the Hogyoku. Hiyori was not completely useless in battle, since she had a decent melee-type shikai and had total control of her Hollow mask, but she didn't achieve any notable victories or make a serious difference in the story.

Shinji Hirako made some difference by convincing Ichigo to train with the Visoreds, and he took down some Quincy soldiers with his tricky bankai. Hiyori didn't do anything like that, and she only played a minor role in Ichigo's visored training. In her Soul Reaper days, Hiyori had a big mouth but didn't do anything to back up her words, either on the battlefield or in Kisuke Urahara's lab.

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Dragon Ball Super Artist Tributes Akira Toriyama in New Drawing of Nearly 20-Year-Old Game Character

Earlier this year, the world lost Akira Toriyama, who, in addition to creating the Dragon Ball franchise, had a prolific career as a character designer for major video game franchises like Dragon Quest. In honor of the artist's legacy, Dragon Ball Super artist Toyotarou has created new artwork showcasing one of Toriyama's older video game heroes.

On Dragon Ball's official site, the latest entry in Toyotarou's "Tries to Draw" series is artwork of Shu, who hails from the Blue Dragon video game franchise. As shown below, Toyotarou's illustration depicts a young boy with a cheeky grin alongside the game's titular icon. Shu's design shares many classic Toriyama elements, including a spiky hairstyle that is highly reminiscent of Goku's. Toyotarou also released a brief introductory statement alongside his drawing. "Akira Toriyama was in charge of character design for this game [Blue Dragon], but as a V Jumper fan (V Jump fan), I have to put in a word for the manga version drawn by Noriko Otake!" Toyotarou wrote. "It was a really great read, plus Toriyama was involved with designing the characters and more, so you can read and enjoy it as if it were a Toriyama manga!"

The Plot of the Blue Dragon Video Game and Anime Series

The first Blue Dragon RPG, which was developed by Mistwalker (Lost Odyssey) and Artoon (Blinx: The Time Sweeper), launched exclusively for Xbox 360 consoles in December 2006. Within the game's world, the inhabitants are constantly under threat by a powerful being called the "Land Shark." One day, the monster attacks Shu's home village, causing most of the villagers to evacuate. Eventually, Shu and his friends discover that the Land Shark is actually a mechanical tool of Nene, the villainous monarch of the Grand Kingdom. On behalf of the fallen victims at Taita village, Shu and his allies embark on a quest to confront Nene and put an end to his mechanical army. In order to do so, Shu's party assumes control of beings called "shadows" that are given life after splintering off from Nene's tainted soul. Studio Pierrot (Naruto, Bleach) later adapted the game's story into an anime series, which aired from April 2007 to March 2009.

In the wake of Toriyama's death, Toyotarou has paid tribute to several lesser-known works by the late manga artist. On April 4, Dragon Ball's official site highlighted a series of Toyotarou drawings featuring characters from Dr. Slump, Savings Soldier Cashman and Dub & Peter 1 -- three of Toriyama's earliest manga. Dr. Slump, which debuted four years prior to Dragon Ball, chronicles the adventures of its titular scientist and his eccentric yet powerful robot daughter, Arale. Savings Soldier Cashman (1990-1991) follows the heroic exploits of "Cashman," who begins a career as a superhero in order to collect repair funds for his broken-down ship. Dub & Peter 1 (1992-1993) revolves around local "bad boy" Dub and his artificially enhanced talking car, which he uses to impress girls.

Toyotarou's Dragon Ball Super Has Been Confirmed to Return

Toyotarou started working alongside Toriyama in 2015, which is when Dragon Ball Super made its debut in the pages of V-Jump magazine. Following the conclusion of the "Super Hero" arc, Dragon Ball Super abruptly halted publication. However, Dragon Ball's website recently confirmed that Super will eventually return with a new story arc. Additionally, Toei Animation is still preparing for the Fall 2024 debut of Dragon Ball Daima, a brand-new anime that is intended to commemorate the franchise's 40th anniversary. According to the show's producers, Toriyama was more involved with Daima than with any previous anime project. While Toei has revealed little about the plot, it has been established that the series will revive many classic elements from the original Dragon Ball manga.

The latest chapters of Dragon Ball Super are available in English from VIZ Media. The manga's respective anime adaptations, which include Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super, are available to stream on Hulu and Crunchyroll.

Source: Dragon Ball official site

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Review: Chainsaw Man Chapter 164 Gives Denji – & Fans – A Moment To Process Their Loss

Tatsuki Fujimoto's Chainsaw Man has hardly let-up on the action as of late. Asa’s mission to rescue Denji was characterized by endless fights, shocking moments and non-stop hilarity at every turn. That's what makes Chapter 164, "Charred Remains", hit just as hard as a punch from any Devil.

"Charred Remains" gives fans a moment of reprise to sift through the rubble left behind from an action-packed arc. From the moment Denji was taken prisoner by Public Safety, he was separated from Nayuta, the one person who accepted him for who he was. In Chapter 164, Denji finally has a moment to catch his bearing and address the elephant in the room: where is Nayuta? It's a mystery that fans have been just as concerned with as Denji himself, and Chapter 164 finally begins to do the leg-work in the search for Denji's little sister.

Denji's Search For Nayuta Begins

Denji Finally Has a Moment to Look for Nayuta -- But It May be too Late

Denji has slept throughout the majority of the past ten or so chapters of Chainsaw Man, but he's hardly gotten any rest. The last time he was awake, Denji nearly had a breakdown when he realized that Nayuta was missing, and he never got the chance to look for her before he was taken into the Tokyo Devil Detention Center. Then, as soon as he woke up in Chapter 163, "Dream Balls", Denji was immediately attacked by both Katana Man and Yoru. When Yoru attempts to pull Denji's chord in order to force Chainsaw Man out of him, he stops her, telling her "if Nayuta's safe, I'll fight you all you want."

Whether due to a moment of empathy from Yoru, or Asa's sheer emotion at that moment of vulnerability from Denji, Asa switches places with Yoru and the group accompanies Denji to the last place he saw Nayuta. What makes the scene so powerful isn't Denji's desperation, as that’s something fans have grown more than accustomed to at this point. Instead, it's Asa and Yoru's reaction that really drives home how tragic Denji's situation has been.

Asa & Yoru's Situation Is More Complicated Than Ever

Asa has several character flaws that make her an awful match for Denji, yet she's also the most potentially healthy romantic relationship he's ever had. This juxtaposition of the good with the bad is something Fujimoto has made clear from the very beginning of Chainsaw Man, and few characters embody that theme as perfectly as Asa. She is quite literally a devil and a regular girl combined in one person, which forces both parts of her to come together in accepting those opposing aspects of themselves. At this point in the series, Asa and Yoru are more acclimated to one another than they've ever been, yet they’re still just as conflicted as when Yoru first possessed Asa's body.

This is shown when Asa and Yoru trade places back and forth throughout Chapter 164. Fujimoto spent a lot of time showing the inner conflict Asa goes through with Yoru in previous chapters, so even though it’s not explicitly shown in this chapter, it’s implied through Asa's dialogue. When Denji says to Asa "first you randomly kick me in the balls, now you’re being nice to me?! You make no sense!” Asa's first inclination is to tell him "that wasn't me!" but she catches herself mid-sentence, likely due to the influence of Yoru inside her mind. This spurs Asa to tell Denji "turn into Chainsaw Man and fight me! Once we fight, you’ll be able to live an ordinary life!"

While these two statements seem to oppose one another at first, Asa has good reason for suggesting this. Asa's main goal has always been to find Chainsaw Man for Yoru so that Yoru will separate from her and leave her alone -- that was always their agreement. Additionally, Fami suggested to Asa that if Chainsaw Man were killed, it would free his human form up to live a normal life. Now that she realizes Denji is Chainsaw Man, killing Chainsaw Man would mean freeing both herself and Denji from their burdens. The fact Asa is heading in this direction shows that she can actually care about Denji himself as a person, instead of just Chainsaw Man.

Asa's acceptance of Denji for who he is will be important, especially in the place of pain he’s in over Nayuta's disappearance. It’s a great setup for future chapters to explore Denji’s relationship with Asa, especially considering how up-in-the-air things were left off between them after their second date. The plot has definitely thickened as Asa's awareness of Denji's secret identity will undeniably have a strong impact on her own situation with Yoru going forward. In only the course of two chapters, Fujimoto made the situation infinitely more complex between Asa and Denji, even as many of the initial problems between them were simultaneously cleared up.

Even when Asa is her characteristic narcissistic self when she does things like tell Denji that she accidentally killed someone she cares about too, or refuses to eat sushi when it's the one thing he says he'd eat, there's something endearing about how hard she's trying to help Denji. The fact she even shared her darkest moment -- her mother's death -- with Denji (albeit in a characteristically awkward way), shows that Asa is trying her hardest to empathize with Denji. Asa-Denji shippers are sure to have a field day with Chapter 164, as it really solidifies how much Asa cares for him despite the difficulties they went through in the past.

Is Nayuta Alive Or Dead?

Nayuta Was Last Seen Being Attacked By An Angry Mob

Chapter 164 revolves around Denji's feelings about Nayuta being missing, and offers some headway into whether she's alive or dead. The group goes to search for Nayuta at the last place she was seen: in front of her and Denji’s apartment building before being attacked. Denji searches through the rubble for any sign of her, but can't seem to find anything. That should be a good sign, but the rest of the group doesn't think so.

Yoru suggests that the fact Nayuta was about to be attacked by a group of armed adults should be all the proof Denji needs to know that she was killed. Fans, and Denji, know it's not that simple. After all, Nayuta is the Control Devil, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and one of the strongest Devils in existence. That being the case, Nayuta being attacked by adults doesn't imply that she is dead at all. In fact, the Control Devil can't technically die, as all Devils are just reborn in Hell after their physical bodies are destroyed. On the other hand, if the Control Devil's body were destroyed, that would mean the death of Nayuta herself and the rebirth of a new version of the Control Devil.

That would ultimately be the worst case scenario for Denji, but all hope isn't lost. Nayuta's body not being found at the scene at the very least leaves the possibilities open. Still, it doesn't do much for fans who were hoping to definitively have all their questions answered. Nayuta's whereabouts are just as ambiguous as they were when she first went missing, perhaps even more so now that her death at the scene of the initial conflict can't be confirmed.

Chapter 164 Gives Denji New Friends in His Corner

While Asa and Fami's group all came together during the Tokyo Devil Detention Center rescue mission mostly out of random necessity, they've shown signs of becoming a tight-knit group. Everything they've gone through together inadvertently brought these people with conflicting beliefs closer, to the point that they've almost become something akin to friends. When Asa is shown in the last panel with Samurai Sword, the Devil Hunter Club, and Fami standing behind her, it's a powerful image that speaks a thousand words.

All these people only came to look for Nayuta for the practical purpose of bringing Denji out of his funk, but seeing how emotional he has become over Nayuta's absence, they couldn't help but empathize with him. Even Katana Man, who was once a villain who saw Denji as his worst enemy, calls Asa a "bitch" when she tells Denji she doesn't want to eat sushi. Despite how emotional Denji is throughout this chapter, it's extremely heartwarming to see how much Asa and the rest of the group rally behind Denji.

The search for Nayuta was always a mystery that fans were hoping to see addressed, so seeing that Denji has so many people by his side to potentially help him get her back is a rare reassuring thing for him. Chapter 164 is a much-needed moment of introspection that gives fans, and Denji, a chance to look back on the fast-paced events from previous chapters to see what was left in the aftermath. What fans will find is that Denji lost (for now) the most important person in his life, but gained several more allies in the process.

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