In anime, it's a commonly accepted truth that the villains are brutal sociopaths with little to no concept of empathy. Although this is most oftentimes true, there have been instances where they have shown mercy to the hero of their story for one reason or another—even if it's out of character.
Poetically, their decision to spare their foe would later cost them dearly—sometimes, it would even take their life. Through identifying examples of when a villain's mercy cost them, fans can best appreciate the subtle irony of how they were defeated with a sliver of their own humanity.
10 After Wamuu Spared Joseph, The Hamon User (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
During their first encounter, Wamuu spared Joseph's life under one condition—that he becomes stronger. This pact was secured through a poison ring he implanted in his chest.
Though the villain would get exactly what he wanted, it would result in his own demise. Through ingenuity, increased Hamon, and underhanded tactics, Joseph was able to outsmart and kill Wamuu during the next encounter in the arena. However, Kars would not be as merciful or nearly as easy to defeat.
9 Aizen Sparing Ichigo Would Cost Him Later (Bleach)
After Aizen revealed his insidious intentions and the fact that he framed Rukia, Ichigo and Renji collaborated to bring the traitor down. As brilliantly as they worked together, Sosuke defeated both of them with minimal effort, stopping the substitute Soul Reaper's zanpakuto with a single finger.
Though he would severely injure his opponents, he did not kill them. Consequently, Ichigo would have an opportunity to continue refining his strength, later concentrating his spiritual pressure into raw physical force so that he could defeat Aizen in their second match at the end of the Espada Arc.
8 Ragyo Missed Her Chance To Kill Ryuko (Kill La Kill)
After Ryuko had been apprehended, Ragyo capitalized on the Life Fibers in her body and transformed her into a vessel of her will. She turned her against Senketsu, Satsuki, and the rest of the allies she once knew.
However, because the sadistic woman didn't kill her outright, her friends could win her heart back over. Shortly after, Matoi would be infused with all Life Fibers from Honnoji Academy, taking the fight to her mother and defeating her in a climactic final battle.
7 Kuro Underestimated Usopp's Connections (One Piece)
Captain Kuro allowed Usopp to live since he was convinced no one would believe what he saw. To the denizens of Syrup Village, he was correct. However, the young sniper found new allies in the Straw Hat crew.
After beseeching them for assistance, they agreed to thwart the disembarking pirates' efforts before they could slaughter everyone in the town. This would later result in Kuro's direct defeat by Luffy. If he took Usopp, he never would have been defeated.
6 Esdeath Gave Tatsumi Dozens Of Chances To Switch Sides (Akame Ga Kill!)
It wouldn't take long into Esdeath and Tatsumi's relationship for the former to uncover the latter's allegiances. However, she did not attempt to kill him as might be expected—instead, she insisted on showing him a superior way of life.
Because of her mercy, Tatsumi was able to defeat the Emperor despite his superlative Imperial Arms. This removed the general's greatest asset in the battle to protect the city, and Akame soon cornered her.
5 Shigaraki Wasted The Perfect Chance To Kill Deku (My Hero Academia)
As Midoriya was waiting for Uraraka, Shigaraki suddenly seized his throat from behind and ordered him to sit down so that they'd have a pleasant chat in public. It was a harrowing encounter that emphasized that Deku cannot afford to let his guard down.
Despite the danger he was in, Tomura decided not to kill him. Consequently, Deku would have an opportunity to hone One For All and become a threat in the impending war.
4 Sasuke's Refusal To Kill Naruto Led To His Defeat (Naruto)
The first battle in the Valley of the End culminated with Sasuke's victory over Naruto. He decided not to kill his former friend since he felt like he didn't need to gain the strength he sought.
His mercy caused some consequences a few years later. Having mastered sage jutsu, befriending Kurama, and gaining Hagoromo's blessing during their final encounter, Naruto was able to fight Sasuke and bring him back to the Hidden Leaf Village.
3 Heathcliff Turning Off His Immunity Made Him Lose (Sword Art Online)
In the first battle between Heathcliff and Kirito, the former could triumph since he could hack into the game's coding, effectively slowing down time and making Kirito miss the one opening he had.
The Black Swordsman complained about this after he was exposed, and the game designer agreed to turn off his immunities. While he would still find success against Kirito, the fight would conclude with both of their lives being depleted to zero—and Aincrad being defeated.
2 Father's Attempt To Rehabilitate Greed Backfired (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Greed was a rogue homunculus who was far more interested in fulfilling his own ambitions than his Father's. This left him at odds with his brethren, who melted him into a pit of lava at their master's request and inserted him into the body of the captive Ling Yao.
However, this did not efficiently staunch his rebellious nature. Because they did not kill him outright, he would later defect to the heroes' side, providing valuable insights and peerless strength to help free Amestris from Bradley's clandestine oppression. Even Father's last-ditch effort to reclaim Greed would cost him his life.
1 Annie's Choice To Spare Armin Revealed Her Identity (Attack On Titan)
During the Warriors' attempt to claim Eren, the Female Titan encountered Armin. Though she was ruthless in dispatching the other Scouts, she would not kill him. As a result, he immediately became suspicious of her true identity.
His theories would be confirmed after he escorted Leonhart to a tunnel, prompting her inside. With her nature exposed, she lashed out at Paradis and fought Eren in a brutal battle that would destroy much of the city. If she had killed Armin when the opportunity presented itself, she would never have been captured.
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