What exactly is potential? Defining it can prove difficult. It’s an abstract concept that attempts to project one’s future peak, assuming everything goes according to plan. But understanding what makes up one’s potential is entirely subjective. In anime, potential is sometimes determined in terms of future strength and power.
Other times, “potential” describes a character’s ability to learn new skills. But someone’s full potential is rarely achieved because everything must play out perfectly. They must survive their early encounters, learn from great teachers, and maintain a motivation that can easily be destroyed. Putting these factors aside, there are a number of anime characters who seem to have limitless potential.
10 Gon Freecss’ Potential Is Acknowledged By Everyone (Hunter X Hunter)
Every character who encounters Gon Freecss can’t help but marvel at his bottomless potential. Despite his young age, the powerful Nen user Razor described him as a “monster,” whilst Nobunaga wanted the Phantom Troupe to recruit him. It’s possible fans have already witnessed Gon’s full potential when he fought Neferpitou toward the end of the Chimera Ant arc.
During the fight, Gon transformed into an adult and his Nen output increased exponentially. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely Gon will reach that state ever again. It was stated the attainment of this form would only be possible through decades of relentless training.
9 Yuji Itadori Can Combine Cursed Energy With His Incredible Physical Abilities (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Yuji proved his tremendous potential early on when he survived consuming Ryomen Sukuna’s finger and prevented the King of Curses from taking over his body. Since then, the young sorcerer has found a way to combine his elite physicality and athleticism with the cursed energy that surges through his body.
Alongside Todo, Yuji took on the cursed spirit Hanami and more than held his own. Despite his sorcerer career still being in its infancy, Yuji has survived battles with several special grade curses and learnt from the likes of Gojo and Nanami. Gojo stated that Yuji may one day surpass his own unrivaled talent.
8 Boruto Uzumaki’s Natural Talent Echoes Sasuke Uchiha’s (Boruto)
As the son of the most powerful Hokage ever, a lot is expected from Boruto Uzumaki. Fortunately, he delivers. Unlike his father, Boruto is a natural, his prodigiousness more akin to Sasuke Uchiha’s. Additionally, he’s the vessel of Momoshiki Otsutsuki, granting him supreme power and mysterious abilities.
So far, fans of the show have seen the young shinobi access the dojutsu known as the Jogan, but its abilities are still not fully known. Add in his large chakra reserves and his Hyuga bloodline, and Boruto will be a force to be reckoned with.
7 Inosuke Hashibira Created His Own Breathing Style (Demon Slayer)
Inosuke’s latent ability tends to get overlooked. Despite no prior training, Inosuke created his own Breathing Style. This power, known as Beast Breathing, takes advantage of Inosuke’s exceptional senses. Just by touching the floor, the powerful Demon Slayer can accurately sense everything on a mountain.
And due to his unusual upbringing — he was raised by boars — Inosuke’s movements are unpredictable to Demons and humans alike. His friendly rivalry with Tanjiro brings out the best in both of them, with the pair of Demon Slayers constantly engaging in a game of one-upmanship.
6 Edward Elric Sacrificed His Potential To Save The World (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Currently, Edward Elric’s potential is zero due to him sacrificing his powers at the end of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Prior to that, Edward was the youngest State Alchemist in history, he saved the world from an apocalyptic threat, and he defeated seemingly invincible Homunculi. Oh, and this all happened before he turned 18.
The alchemic prodigy gave all of this up to save everyone and return his brother’s soul to his body. But fans can’t help but wonder what dizzying heights Edward would have reached if he never lost his powers.
5 Gohan’s Potential Is Limited By His Pacifist Nature (Dragon Ball Z)
Gohan’s potential is well documented; his early progression during the relative infancy of Dragon Ball Z was terrifyingly rapid. He was the first to reach Super Saiyan 2 despite being just a child and used this form to overpower Perfect Cell, a villain who manhandled the likes of Vegeta and Goku.
But Gohan lacked the fighting spirit commonplace amongst Saiyan warriors. He was a natural pacifist and family man, and this lack of drive has resulted in an inconsistent progression. Both Goku and Vegeta are now significantly more powerful than the half-Saiyan.
4 Muichiro Earned The Rank Of Hashira When He Was Just 14 (Demon Slayer)
Muichiro reached the rank of Hashira at just 14 years old. That statement alone is enough to prove his extreme potential. The young Demon Slayer is a distant and apathetic individual with divine swordsmanship.
He obtained the Hashira rank in 2 months, a feat that’s practically unheard of. As the Mist Hashira, Muichiro has defeated hundreds of Demons and bested an upper-rank member of the Twelve Kizuki. It turns out that he is a descendant of Michikatsu Tsugikuni, the Upper Rank One Demon who utilizes his own breathing style.
3 Shoto Todoroki Has The Potential To Surpass All Might (My Hero Academia)
Possessing the Half-Cold Half-Hot Quirk, Shoto’s multifaceted ability grants him limitless potential. Add in the fact that his father is the current number 1 hero and it’s easy to see why some believe he could one day surpass All Might.
But Shoto’s path hasn’t been an easy one. He neglected his flames as a symbolic rejection of his father Endeavor. This made him vulnerable, and the young hero has already experienced his fair share of defeats. With his relationship with his father now on the mend, Shoto might finally live up to his brimming potential.
2 Killua Is The Greatest Prodigy In Zoldyck History (Hunter X Hunter)
Like his best friend Gon, Killua’s abilities leave an impression on everyone he meets. The young assassin ticks all the boxes. He comes from a line of Nen-using master assassins with immense strength. His intellect is unrivaled for someone so young and has proven himself to be a shrewd tactician. And his immense physical gifts have been maximized by years of torturous training.
The only initial concern was his lack of mental resilience, but since the removal of Illumi’s needle, Killua’s willpower is unquestionable. He’s touted as having the potential to be the strongest Zoldyck in history, and he may end up as the strongest Nen user in the world.
1 Sarada Uchiha Is The Daughter Of Two Legendary Shinobi (Boruto)
There aren’t many shinobi who can boast of a bloodline as impressive as Sarada’s. The daughter of Sasuke and Sakura, the young Uchiha has inherited exceptional qualities from both of them. She has unlocked her Sharingan and often demonstrates an impressive mastery of it.
Additionally, Sarada has inherited the calm and calculated mind of her father, serving her well when partnered with the impulsive Boruto. If that wasn’t enough, Sarada has demonstrated monstrous strength similar to Sakura. Fans of Boruto can’t help but think young Sarada has barely scratched the surface of her potential.
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