10 anime protagonists who worked the hardest to achieve power

Anime protagonists demonstrate that authentic strength develops through effort rather than inheritance. Gifted beginnings exist, but the most memorable characters reach greatness through relentless training and steadfast determination.

Through sheer determination, these anime individuals prove that hard work can stand up against the most amazing supernatural abilities despite facing physical limits and overwhelming challenges.

The stories of these characters demonstrate the power of resilience and self-belief, which teaches viewers that true greatness emerges from effort rather than just results. While these anime heroes start off weak, they develop into exemplars of perseverance who show what it means to never surrender.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the opinions of the writer.

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Goku, Senku, and 8 other anime protagonists who worked the hardest to achieve power

1) Goku from Dragon Ball Series

One of the anime protagonists, Goku (Image via Toei Animation)

Among all anime protagonists, Goku takes the lead as the most committed practitioner of martial training. Being a Saiyan compels him to always look for more powerful fighters while pushing his body to extreme limits through very harsh training programs. Goku continuously enhances his abilities, from his initial training under Master Roshi to his ability to survive extreme gravity conditions in space.

As a grandfather, he never stops learning new techniques, which include mastering Ultra Instinct and training with angels. His relentless pursuit of personal growth has established him as the most formidable protagonist in anime history.

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2) Senku Ishigami from Dr. Stone

One of the anime protagonists, Senku Ishigami (Image via TMS Entertaintment)

Unlike most anime protagonists who focus on physical training, Senku's path to power is purely intellectual. He spent years memorizing scientific knowledge, formulas, and principles before being petrified for 3,700 years. After awakening in the stone world, Senku works tirelessly to rebuild civilization from scratch using nothing but the scientific method and determination.

His ability to recreate modern technology through pure knowledge and experimentation showcases how anime protagonists can achieve incredible power through mental discipline and relentless study.

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3) Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia

One of the anime protagonists, Izuku Midoriya (Image via Bones)

Born quirkless in a world where superpowers are the norm, Izuku Midoriya represents the underdog spirit that defines the greatest anime protagonists. Before inheriting One For All, he trains his body to breaking point just for the chance to become a hero.

Even after gaining his quirk, he continues pushing himself through painful training to master each percentage of his power without destroying his own body. His analytical mind and unwavering determination to save others make him one of the hardest-working anime protagonists of the modern era.

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4) Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer

One of the anime protagonists, Tanjiro Kamado (Image via Ufotable)

Tanjiro's journey begins with tragedy but is forged through determination. He undergoes two years of grueling mountain training under Sakonji Urokodaki, learning sword techniques and breathing forms while navigating deadly traps.

Even after becoming a demon slayer, he never stops training to protect his sister, Nezuko. His mastery of Water Breathing and later Sun Breathing techniques comes through constant practice and an unbreakable will to save his family, proving that anime protagonists can overcome any obstacle through dedication.

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5) Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist

One of the anime protagonists, Edward Elric (Image via studio Bones)

Edward starts his journey toward alchemical mastery as a child prodigy, but discovers true growth through challenges. Despite losing his limbs during an unsuccessful human transmutation, he endures physical and emotional suffering to become a State Alchemist. Edward dedicates endless hours to reading ancient texts and practicing transmutation circles while researching the Philosopher's Stone.

His desire to bring his brother back to life pushes him to understand complex alchemy that surpasses adult comprehension and establishes him as one of the anime world's most intellectually motivated protagonists.

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6) Asta from Black Clover

One of the anime protagonists, Asta (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In a world where magic defines worth, Asta is born with absolutely nothing. He refuses to accept defeat by undertaking the most extreme physical training known. Asta stands out among anime protagonists by performing thousands of push-ups, sit-ups, and squats each day to build incredible physical strength, while others would have given up.

His persistent dedication enables him to control anti-magic swords, demonstrating that anime protagonists can reach greatness through sheer willpower and continuous effort.

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7) Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach

One of the anime protagonists, Ichigo Kurosaki (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Ichigo's power growth comes through repeatedly subjecting himself to dangerous training scenarios. From learning to control his hollow side to mastering his Bankai in three days through Yoruichi's accelerated time chamber, he consistently chooses the most difficult path to power.

Ichigo gains new powers through direct confrontation with dangerous situations, unlike many anime characters who develop power over time. His readiness to gamble his entire existence and his humanity exhibits the profound commitment that distinguishes outstanding anime heroes from their peers.

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8) Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece

Monkey D. Luffy (Image via Toei Animation)

During his youth, Luffy trains with his sworn brothers Ace and Sabo through harsh regimens in perilous mountainous regions and forests. He does not stop pushing his rubber powers to new extremes after beginning his journey and continues perfecting his Gear techniques through experimentation.

Luffy distinguishes himself from other anime leads through his capacity to advance his skills during critical situations and learn new fighting methods while engaged in combat. The way he develops his Devil Fruit abilities through experimental methods illustrates the unconventional paths anime protagonists take to gain power.

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9) Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto

Naruto Uzumaki (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Naruto stands out among anime protagonists as the ultimate symbol of perseverance and determination. His village rejected him, and he had no innate skills, but he made up for it through intense training sessions.

Through the use of his thousands of shadow clones, Naruto manages to condense multiple years of training into mere days while mastering complicated jutsu via repeated practice. Naruto achieves each significant milestone through his continuous hard work and his steadfast belief in his abilities.

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10) Saitama from One Punch Man

Saitama (Image via Madhouse)

Saitama's basic training routine demands an extraordinary level of human dedication. Throughout three consecutive years, he maintains his daily exercise of 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups, along with 100 squats. He also runs 10 kilometers without fail in all weather conditions and despite any injuries or personal challenges.

Saitama demonstrates such intense dedication to his routine that it breaks his limit and causes him to lose his hair, unlike other anime heroes who practice more complex training methods. The most basic methods can achieve superior results when someone applies complete dedication to their execution.

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Conclusion

The main characters of these anime stories demonstrate that genuine strength comes from continuous self-development instead of inherent talents or supernatural abilities. They transcend perceived boundaries by utilizing their training abilities, mental fortitude, and determined spirit.

They distinguish themselves through sheer determination and tenacity in magical realms and super-powered dimensions. The ultimate strength of these characters emerges from their human nature, which drives them to persevere against all odds.

These characters demonstrate that true heroism comes from dedication and perseverance, surpassing supernatural powers, because the most memorable heroes gain power through ceaseless determination and growth.

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