Asta's rivals finally acknowledging him brings Black Clover full circle

Black Clover chapter 381 marks an important milestone in the series, as Asta's long-term rivals finally recognize his merit and bring the story full circle. Asta's lack of magic had always been seen as a hindrance; however, his unrelenting will and Anti-Magic are now necessary assets in the fight against Lucius Zogratis.

Yuno's use of Asta's power, coupled with the spirit of their allies like Mars and the Diamond Kingdom mages, shows how far Asta has come. He is accepted as someone of merit by those who doubted him - a nice redemption arc that cements Asta's growth. More broadly, this is a moment where Asta's worth and bonds are acknowledged, allowing everything he fought for to be recognized and respected.

Disclaimer: The article reflects the opinion of the writer and includes spoilers from the latest Black Clover chapter.

How Mars and Yuno acknowledging Asta brings Black Clover full circle, explained

Asta is now getting recognized by his rivals in Black Clover (Image via Pierrot)

The events that unfold in Black Clover chapter 381 represent a significant emotional and character milestone for Asta in completing a journey he began as an underdog. Asta got to this point from having no magic in a world where almost everything is done with magic.

Once the rival of Yuno and the others, the Magic Knights considered Asta useless in terms of his abilities. But after a lot of hard work and gaining Anti-Magic, Asta once again proved that he was worthy in battles that determined kingdoms.

In the latest chapter of the manga, those years are brought full circle. Yuno, Asta's strongest rival and best friend, not only accepts Asta's Anti-Magic but uses it against Lucius Zogratis, an act that proves absolute trust in Asta's skill.

Mars fighting alongside Asta in the anime (Image via Pierrot)

This isn’t the Yuno seen in earlier arcs, whose pride would have resisted relying on someone else’s power. Here, he openly acknowledges Asta’s strength, even marveling at the difficulty of handling his swords. It is one of the daily burdens Asta has carried without complaint.

The return of Mars and the Diamond Kingdom mages further supports this acknowledgment. Once the powerful foe who viewed Asta as nothing more than another hindrance, Mars risks his life to save him now, contradicting Moris's saying that Asta is a flaw by acknowledging him as his ally. This transformation encapsulates the profound influence Asta has on those who once opposed him.

Final thoughts

Yuno uses Asta's Black Magic to fight Lucius (Image via Pierrot)

Black Clover chapter 381 marks a significant moment in Asta’s journey. His long-time rivals, such as Yuno and Mars, are now beginning to recognize his strength. They are acknowledging his progress from being a magicless underdog to the essential hero.

Yuno's use of Asta's Anti-Magic and Mars's defense of Asta represent a high level of trust or acceptance. As a person who was ridiculed and seen as weak, Asta is now the best hope for the kingdom. This reinforces the idea of the story that anyone can get better through hard work, and not simply by being talent-born.

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About the author

Mudassir Kamran is an Anime Journalist at Sportskeeda and has over four years of experience covering the anime and manga industry. With a degree in Data Science, he brings analytical precision and structured research to his writing, ensuring factual accuracy and thoughtful insight in every piece.

His passion for anime was sparked by Death Note, whose psychological depth and gripping narrative inspired him to dive deeper into the medium. Over time, Mudassir developed a strong admiration for creators like Isayama sensei, Oda sensei, and Toriyama sensei—praising their visionary storytelling and global influence.

Mudassir maintains high standards in his journalism—cross-referencing Reddit discussions, official updates, and credible sources to provide clear and objective reporting. He respects reader privacy, avoids speculative claims, and strives to maintain a balanced perspective in all his coverage.

Outside the anime world, he enjoys non-fiction books, gaming, and spending time outdoors exploring new places.

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Edited by Mudassir Kamran