1. All Might – My Hero Academia
Toshinori Yagi, known globally as All Might, is a towering symbol of peace and justice in the world of “My Hero Academia”. As the former holder of the One For All quirk, he embodied what it meant to be a hero: selfless, powerful, and inspiring. His presence alone could quell villains and lift the spirits of everyone around him. In his prime, All Might was invincible, and his overwhelming power made him a living legend.
However, his battle with All For One left him with a critical injury, damaging his respiratory and digestive systems. This injury drastically shortened the time he could maintain his muscle-bound hero form. Once capable of prolonged battles, All Might became reliant on precise timing to use his quirk. His final fight with All For One pushed his broken body to its limits, extinguishing the last remnants of his power. From a physical standpoint, All Might was left frail, relying on medication and struggling with his mortality, even as he continued mentoring Izuku Midoriya.
All Might’s decline represents a poignant reminder that even heroes are not invincible, and his struggle to uphold hope despite his limitations resonates deeply with fans.
2. Gol D. Roger – One Piece
Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, was a figure of unparalleled might and charisma in “One Piece”. Not only did he conquer the Grand Line and discover the legendary One Piece, but he also inspired countless pirates to follow in his footsteps. Roger’s strength rivaled that of Edward “Whitebeard” Newgate, a man known as the “Strongest Man in the World.” His spirit, ambition, and mastery of Haki made him a nearly invincible force on the seas.
Tragically, Roger’s life was cut short due to a terminal illness. During his final voyage, as he approached Laugh Tale, Roger’s health rapidly deteriorated. Though he reached his ultimate goal, his condition left him with little time to enjoy his success. Rather than fade away quietly, Roger chose to turn himself in to the Navy, orchestrating his execution to spark the Great Pirate Era.
This decision highlights Roger’s indomitable will; even in death, he sought to inspire others. Fans often wonder how much further Roger could have shaped the world if he had lived longer, especially given his unparalleled strength and charisma.
3. Uchiha Itachi – Naruto
Uchiha Itachi is one of the most enigmatic and tragic characters in “Naruto”. Born as a prodigy, he mastered ninja techniques at an early age, earning a place in the elite Anbu Black Ops. With his Mangekyō Sharingan, Itachi wielded devastating abilities such as Tsukuyomi, a genjutsu that manipulates time, and Amaterasu, an unquenchable black flame. Despite his incredible power, Itachi’s life was riddled with sacrifice and secrecy as he prioritized the safety of the Hidden Leaf Village above all else.
Behind his stoic demeanor, however, Itachi battled a terminal illness that steadily drained his life. To continue protecting his brother Sasuke and fulfill his plans, Itachi relied on medication to keep himself alive. His illness significantly limited his endurance during combat, forcing him to end fights quickly before his body gave out. In his final battle against Sasuke, Itachi fought not with the intent to win but to awaken his brother’s potential, ultimately succumbing to his illness in the process.
Itachi’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of unfulfilled potential, leaving fans to wonder what heights he could have reached if not for his illness and the sacrifices he made.
4. Jūshirō Ukitake – Bleach
Jūshirō Ukitake, the captain of the 13th Division in “Bleach”, was a Soul Reaper with immense spiritual power and unmatched wisdom. His zanpakutō, Sōgyo no Kotowari, is among the most unique, reflecting his great potential as a combatant. Ukitake’s kind-hearted nature and leadership made him one of the most respected figures in the Soul Society.
However, Ukitake’s life was plagued by chronic illness from childhood. Diagnosed with a debilitating lung disease, he frequently coughed up blood and had to avoid prolonged combat. His condition worsened when he exerted himself emotionally or physically, limiting his ability to fulfill his duties as a captain. Despite his illness, Ukitake took on a significant role in the protection of the Soul Society, even sacrificing himself later to maintain the balance of the Soul King.
Fans often lament that Ukitake’s illness robbed him of the opportunity to showcase his true power on the battlefield, leaving his legacy as one of potential rather than fulfilled greatness.
5. Izumi Curtis – Fullmetal Alchemist
Izumi Curtis, the masterful alchemist who trained Edward and Alphonse Elric, was one of the most formidable characters in “Fullmetal Alchemist”. Her survival training in the Briggs Mountains is legendary, and her combat skills were often described as monstrous. Her strength, intellect, and deep understanding of alchemy made her a force to be reckoned with, surpassing even her talented students in many respects.
Izumi’s health, however, was severely compromised due to her tragic attempt at human transmutation. In a desperate effort to revive her stillborn child, she violated the taboo of alchemy, which backfired and cost her several internal organs, including her uterus. This left her with chronic pain and severe health issues, often coughing up blood during stressful moments. Despite her condition, Izumi continued to fight for her beliefs, demonstrating resilience and strength until her final days.
In the 2003 anime adaptation, Izumi’s condition deteriorated so drastically that she passed away before the events of Conqueror of Shamballa. Her story remains a tragic reminder of the consequences of forbidden alchemy, leaving fans mourning the loss of a powerful and compassionate character.