The presence of a mentor-like figure inanimeoften allows us to see an incredible character’s journey. These mentors are usually the reason for what our favorite characters later become in their arc. Such teachers or mentors also give us some of the most memorable moments, where these wise masters push their disciples beyond their limits through their methods and principles.
While some of these teachers guide with tough love and others with compassion, almost everyone leaves a mark of their training on their students, which can be seen much later in their journey. And when they build the personalities of these legendary warriors, they also take the story further, and sometimes, their presence on-screen becomes so essential that you can’t help but love them.
10Franken Stein – Soul Eater
Franken Stein is a mad scientist with a literal screw in his head. As a professor at Death Weapon Meister Academy, his eccentricity and insanity make him one of the most bizarre mentors of all anime.
He’s often unpredictable, but one thing’s for sure: Stein genuinely cares about his students, training them in combat while teaching them how to master their souls. Moreover, Frank is literally obsessed with dissecting everything, which provides him and his students a complete understanding of things. While his methods are unconventional, he prepares his students for the brutal world of meisters around them.
9Master Roshi – Dragon Ball
The 300-Year-Old Pervy Mentor
Before Dragon Ball became a universe-spanning battle series,it started with Master Roshi training young Goku and Krillin in martial arts. Though he often acts like a perverted 300-year-old man, one cannot exclude him from the list of brilliant mentors.
As the creator of the legendary Kamehameha, Roshi’s experience teaches his students discipline and the importance of using strength wisely. From where the show starts, he may not be the strongest warrior anymore, but he proves he still has plenty of wisdom to offer. In fact, he is one of the biggest reasons that made Goku who he was.
8Monkey D. Garp – One Piece
Luffy’s Vice Admiral Grandfather
The Marine Vice Admiral, Monkey D. Garp, had celebrity status in One Piece, where pirates would get frightened by even hearing his name. Being Luffy’s grandfather, Garp trained him, but that doesn’t mean he went easy on him.
Known for his brutal training, Garp raised Luffy and Ace by throwing them into jungles, tying them to flying balloons, and making them fight for survival. Though his methods were extreme, Garp genuinely cared about these kids. So, while he may wear the Marine uniform, his loyalty to family makes him one of the show’s most well-written teachers.
7Satoru Gojo – Jujutsu Kaisen
The Most Powerful Sorcerer Of Today
Satoru Gojo is arguably the strongest sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen, but he’s also one of its most reckless teachers. Working as a mentor in Tokyo Jujutsu High, Gojo doesn’t just teach sorcery; he teaches defiance, encouraging his students to question the corrupt Jujutsu society.
Although Gojo’s laid-back personality contrasts with the power he possesses, he is a serious man where it is required. His belief in preparing the next generation rather than relying on the old system of schooling is what makes him a revolutionary teacher. Plus, he makes learning look cool, which is a bonus.
6Jiraiya – Naruto
Among the three legendary Sanins, Jiraiya was probably the funniest one, and for this reason, he got along with Naruto so well. Acting as a second father to Naruto, the Toad Sage, Jiraiya, takes him under his wing, teaching him everything from ninja skills to controlling his chakra.
But beyond these skills and techniques, Jiraiya gives Naruto something even more important: his guidance. He teaches him patience and discipline, and with his lessons became such a beloved character that his death still brings tears to one’s eyes. Even when he was gone, his teachings stayed with Naruto, making him fulfill his dream of becoming a Hokage.
5Shouta Aizawa – My Hero Academia
He Teaches His Disciples Responsibility Above Everything
Shouta Aizawa, better known as Eraserhead, may not have the flashy personality of other heroes, but as a teacher, he’s one of the best. At U.A. High School, he trains Class 1-A with a strict but fair approach, making sure they grow to become capable heroes.
Unlike celebrity heroes like All Might, Aizawa doesn’t sugarcoat reality. He constantly reminds his students that being a hero isn’t about fame or glory, it’s about responsibility. His no-nonsense attitude and dedication to teaching his students keep him grounded and make him a very relatable character.
4Yoriichi Tsugikuni – Demon Slayer
The Most Legendary Demon Slayer Ever Born
The creator of the Sun Breathing Technique, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, is one of those teachers whose impact on the Demon Slayer Corps can never be forgotten. Yoriichi’s techniques inspired his students to create versions of their own. These techniques were then passed down centuries after centuries and eventually led to Muzan’s downfall.
As a mentor, Yoriichi was incredibly kind and humble, going to the level of his students to teach them. His meeting with Tanjiro’s ancestor, Sumiyoshi, was what led to the preservation of his iconic breathing techniques, which the future generations needed to continue their fight against demons.
3Kakashi Hatake – Naruto
The Mentor Of The Famous Team 7
Naruto Uzumaki was trained by several powerful shinobi in the Hidden Leaf Village, but mentoring him was never easy. For Kakashi, the challenge was even greater as he had to guide all of Team 7, including Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, all of whom had wildly different personalities and ambitions.
But what this sensei taught them, above all the skills, was that being a ninja is all about loyaltyand teamwork. His ability to balance tough training with emotional support made him one of the most well-rounded teachers of Naruto.
2Koro-sensei – Assassination Classroom
A Tentacled Mentor Who Might Just Destroy Everything
Koro-sensei is unlike any teacher anime has ever seen, mainly because he’s a tentacled octopus-like creature who threatens his students to destroy the Earth. However, despite being capable of doing horrible things, he becomes the best teacher Class 3-E could ever have.
Under his teachings, students who were once considered failures grew into skilled assassins, not just learning how to be incredible fighters, but also lessons about confidence and self-worth. On top of that, Koro-sensei’s humor, and the care he has for his students make his eventual fate all the more heartbreaking.
1Uncle Iroh – Avatar: The Last Airbender
The Tea-Loving Commander Of The Fire Nation
The former Fire Nation commander, Uncle Iroh, is one of the most beloved characters in Avatar: The Last Airbender. While he’s not a traditional teacher,his wisdom not only guides Prince Zuko through his redemption arcbut also leaves a mark on any character he interacts with.
Unlike most Fire Nation soldiers, who are filled with hatred for other nations, Iroh believes in peace and kindness. His lessons go beyond fire-bending as he teaches about life itself. And sometimes, all you need is a quiet moment and a cup of tea with him.
