In the world of anime, it's common for characters to seek out a challenge. This is often for a number of varied and creative reasons, whether the one in question is attempting to increase their own strength through conflict or trying to prove their skills to their colleagues.
The trope is so ubiquitous that it is often taken for granted in many of anime's most popular and beloved characters. By identifying those who are always looking for a challenge, we can better appreciate the merits (and detriments) of their insatiable fighting spirits.
10 Zoro Isn't Afraid To Fight Opponents Out Of His League (One Piece)
Since the beginning, Zoro's singular goal has been to become the world's finest swordsman. In order to fulfill such a lofty endeavor, he never backs down from fights and is even willing to defy opponents significantly stronger than himself.
This was demonstrated during Don Krieg's attack of the Baratie, where he came across Mihawk. Despite the man's status as a Warlord and the finest blademaster to ever exist, Zoro did not shy away from a fight. Unfortunately, he was defeated almost immediately and scarred for the rest of his life.
9 Levi Never Hesitates Against Any Target (Attack On Titan)
Levi is dauntless in his mission to protect Paradis from internal and external threats. Throughout his tenure as the captain, he charged headfirst toward imposing adversaries like Annie Leonhart and Zeke Yeager, defeating the latter on numerous occasions.
Even after being significantly injured from the shrapnel of a thunder spear, Levi participated in the final battle against Eren Yeager after the Rumbling began. Although he didn't strike the final blow, the captain kept his promise to take accountability for Eren's actions.
8 L Enjoyed His Competition With Light Until Its Abrupt Conclusion (Death Note)
As the world's smartest detective, there was only one problem for L; his intellect was almost never adequately challenged. Even after Kira began his mysterious and supernatural killings, it only took a matter of days for him to discern who was responsible.
However, he wouldn't attempt to press charges against Light until he had definitive proof of his guilt. Instead, he challenged him by extending an invitation to join the anti-Kira task force. Although the gambit would ultimately cost L his life, the progress he made helped his successor complete his work.
7 Kenpachi Zaraki Intentionally Weakened Himself To Make Fights More Interesting (Bleach)
Kenpachi Zaraki was obsessed with combat and used it to define his entire existence. Because of his enormous strength, he deliberately weakened his spiritual pressure with an eyepatch so that battles would last longer. This was most prominently seen during his fight against Ichigo.
The captain's strength was so immeasurable that he even wore his handicap at the beginning of his fight against the fifth Espada, Nnoitra. Once the villain had cut it off, he quickly realized the price of his mistake and was executed for his arrogance.
6 Netero Was Desperate To Find An Opponent Stronger Than He Was (Hunter X Hunter)
Isaac Netero was the chairman of the Hunter's Association and among the series' most powerful characters. Having spent years in training and meditation, he became frustrated that few remained to challenge his strength.
When news arrived of Meruem's onslaught at the NGL, Netero was surprisingly overjoyed. During the final confrontation with the King of Ants, Netero refused to end the conflict bloodlessly since he wanted to fight a rival that either equaled or surpassed him in strength. Ultimately, this decision would result in his death.
5 Wamuu Allowed Joseph Joestar To Live So That He Could Be Challenged Later (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
Wamuu was a member of the Pillar Men who was driven by honor. During the first encounter with Joseph Joestar, he was intrigued at the hero's bluff that he could surpass him given enough time and provided an opportunity to do so.
As a warrior, Wamuu was drawn to a challenge and felt that it would be unfair to kill the Hamon user while he was unprepared. After his defeat in the arena, he ensured that his treacherous subordinates would not upset the terms of their duel by harming Joseph.
4 Bakugo Notoriously Sought Out Challenges & Started Fights (My Hero Academia)
Bakugo was easily the most antagonistic member of Class 1-A. His mission to become the best incentivized him to antagonize classmates, as he couldn't hope to be the new number one hero in the future without defeating them first.
He was so belligerent that he even challenged Deku to a fight after discovering that he wasn't lying about inheriting One For All. Despite how Deku had mastered All Might's power, Bakugo still managed to overcome him.
3 Escanor Jumps At The Chance To Fight Anyone Who Can Match Him (Seven Deadly Sins)
As the Lion Sin of Pride, it's unsurprising that Escanor has an ego to match the massive power he wields. The knight constantly seeks out new challenges, demonstrating just as much interest in proving his strength as he does saving his friends.
This was demonstrated in his fights with Galand and Estarossa, both members of the Ten Commandments who he defeated with little hesitation. Escanor even overpowered Meliodas after the latter's corruption by the Demon King and expressed gratitude for having had the chance to do so.
2 Esdeath Always Sought To Test The Limits Of Her Strength (Akame Ga Kill!)
Esdeath was the terrifying military general of the Empire and a woman who wielded formidable strength. Her Imperial Arms could conjure massive columns of frost and even stop time itself.
Given the power Esdeath wielded, it's unsurprising that she took great pleasure in crushing anyone who was foolish enough to challenge the nation. After Tatsumi fled from her once his allegiances to Night Raid were revealed, she loved him even more since he gave her a meaningful challenge worth pursuing.
1 Sasuke Loved Challenges That Tested His Strength (Naruto)
In addition to his natural belligerence, Sasuke used challenges as an opportunity to gauge his progress toward his goals. For example, he only joined Orochimaru after failing to overcome the Sound Four. Without the fallen Sannin's instruction, he felt as if he'd never be capable of taking vengeance on Itachi for the murder of his clan.
Even after his brother's death, Sasuke maintained his direct approach to overcoming adversity. During the attack on the Five Kage Summit, he didn't hesitate to confront the Forth Raikage despite the man's legendary strength and speed.
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