Summary
One of the most satisfying dynamics inAnimeis when former enemies put aside their differences and grow into strong allies or even close friends. Whether it’s bitter rivals learning to work together, past foes finding common ground, or unlikely duos forming an unshakable bond, these relationships add incredible depth to a story.
From intense battles to heartfelt moments of understanding, it’s a moving kind of experience to see a friendship forged in fire. In anime, some of these friendships may develop after a tumultuous meeting while others grow with time. Here are some of the best enemies-to-friends in anime.
8Meruem And Komugi
Hunter x Hunter
At first, Meruem, the ruthless Chimera Ant King, sees humans as nothing more than weak, expendable creatures. However, his interactions with Komugi, a blind girl who excels at the board game Gungi, slowly change him.
He first intends to kill her after defeating her in Gungi, but her exceptional talent at the game has him losing over and over until he begins to respect her intelligence. As they continue to play, their relationship deepens beyond the game, with Meruem growing protective of Komugi leading to the development of one of the most touching bonds in the story.
7Gen And Senku
Dr. Stone
When Gen Asagiri first appears, he’s working as a spy for Tsukasa’s Empire, tasked with finding out whether Senku is alive or not. When Gen spends time with Senku, he grows impressed with his abilities and the progress he’s made.
He easily defects to Senku’s side, believing that his is the winning corner. While this is his primary reason for joining, his loyalty solidifies and he becomes one of Senku’s most trusted comrades who remains by his side, being a powerful ally with his skills as a mentalist.
6Bakugo And Deku
My Hero Academia
Bakugo and Deku’s rivalry is one of the most heated in My Hero Academia. As a child, Bakugo bullied Deku for being quirkless, seeing him as weak and pathetic. His hot-headed nature constantly goes against Deku’s meek personality. Despite this, Deku still wants to treat Bakugo as a friend.
As they end up as classmates, training as heroes together, Bakugo still remains abrasive towards Deku. Eventually, Bakugo reveals the source of his hostility and it deepens the relationship between the two. Despite their differences, mutual respect develops between them, and they help one another grow as people and as heroes.
5Gaara And Naruto
Naruto
Both Gaara and Naruto were outcasts as children, feared by their villages due to the powerful creatures sealed within them. However, while Naruto sought connection, Gaara embraced isolation, becoming a merciless killer.
When they encounter each other during the Chunin exam, Naruto vows to avenge those Gaara has hurt. Later on, the face off against each other and Naruto overpowers Gaara. Naruto’s words also reach Gaara and he eventually abandons his destructive path. He ends up becoming a respected leader and Naruto’s loyal friend.
4Scar And Edward Elric
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Scar is introduced as a vengeful Ishvalan warrior who hunts down state alchemists, blaming them for the destruction of his people. Edward Elric, the youngest state alchemist, is naturally one of his targets. Scar almost succeeds in eliminating Edward in their first encounter.
Over time, however, Scar learns the truth about the corruption within the military and begins fighting against Edward’s enemies. As Scar meets new allies and develops new motivations, he eventually sides with Edward, setting aside their differences to beat a common foe.
3Dimple And Mob
Mob Psycho 100
When Dimple first comes into the picture, he is an evil spirit who wishes to ascend to godhood and be worshiped by all of humanity. When he meets Mob, he tries to get him to join his cult and tries to kill him when he fails.
When he loses, he pretends to be Mob’s friend with the intention of taking over his powerful body. Instead, he ends up being Mob’s faithful companion and helps him navigate through tough social experiences in his school life.
2Kage And Bojji
Ranking Of Kings
Kage is a former member of the Shadow clan, forced to flee as a young child to escape his clan’s demise. Growing up rejected and isolated, he eventually develops a cunning personality and commits thievery in order to survive. When he first meets Bojji, he robs him of everything he’s got.
Surprised that Bojji would be so gullible, he follows him out of interest. His heart softens for the unfortunate prince and he decides to stay by his side to help and watch him grow.
1Ishigami And Iino
Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Ishigami and Iino’s relationship is built on misunderstandings. Iino sees Ishigami as lazy and delinquent, while Ishigami finds Iino overly strict and annoying. Their constant bickering makes it seem like they would never get along, but small moments of kindness gradually shift their dynamic.
Ishigami stands up for Iino when she faces public humiliation, and Iino, in turn, starts to appreciate Ishigami’s hidden depth. Their relationship does not stop being tumultuous and full of arguments, but they eventually develop an admiration for each other and their bonds deepen beyond their harsh words.
