Oftentimes, genius plans can lead to some of the most incredible moments in anime. Nothing has a more satisfying payoff than a carefully developed strategy, especially when it means intelligence triumphs over raw brute strength.
However, not all schemes are executed as intended. In some instances, a character's objectives can go horribly awry, leaving them significantly worse off than if they'd done nothing in the first place. By identifying a number of failed plans throughout anime, we can better understand how things tend to fall through when put into action on the field.
10 The Warriors' Plan To Infiltrate Paradis Was A Disaster That Cost Two Powerful Shifters (Attack On Titan)
The Warriors went to Paradis in order to retrieve the Founding Titan with minimal cost to the Marleyan military. Although they were nearly successful in a number of instances (such as the forest attack and Eren's abduction by Reiner), the mission was ultimately an appalling failure.
Not only did the Warriors return home empty-handed, but they also lost both the Female and Colossal Titans. They were barely even able to keep the Jaw Titan on account of Ymir's uncharacteristic obsequiousness.
9 Spandam's Attempt To Contact Lucci Was A Disaster (One Piece)
While Spandam was escaping to the Gates of Justice with Robin, he accidentally withdrew a golden transponder snail instead of his regular one. This made what should've been a status report from Rob Lucci into a disaster that destroyed Enies Lobby itself.
Instead of attempting to contact the Marines and rectify his mistake immediately, Spandam acted as if everything was going according to plan. Not only did his arrogance cost the World Government one of its strongest fortifications, but they also didn't even kill a single one of their enemies for the trouble.
8 The Rebels' Plan To Delay Bradley Was Unsuccessful (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Fuhrer King Bradley was drawn from the capital to investigate a disturbance on its borders. However, his train was sabotaged, ideally providing the time Olivier's garrison needed to mount a successful political coup.
Olivier's forces had hoped to kill or at least slow Bradley down long enough to build fortifications in Amestris. However, they ultimately managed neither. Bradley massacred dozens of invading soldiers upon his return, including Captain Buccaneer and Ling Yao's bodyguard, Fu. Fortunately, Greed was able to minimize fatalities with his Ultimate Shield ability.
7 Orochimaru's Plan To Destroy The Leaf Ultimately Backfired (Naruto)
Initially, Orochimaru's plan was to use the Sand Village in order to destroy the Leaf. The Chunin Exams provided a believable method of getting his soldiers in place for Konoha's pending downfall.
Although the fallen Sannin was successful in killing Hiruzen, the costs of his mission outweighed the benefits. Not only did the loss of his arms cripple his ability to fight for years, but the Leaf and Sand villages were also able to reconcile their differences and unite as powerful allies. Together, they defeated Orochimaru's Sound Four henchmen and almost reclaimed Sasuke.
6 Kirito's Plan To Liberate Asuna Got Him Indentured To Heathcliff Instead (Sword Art Online)
In order to emancipate Asuna from her guild, Kirito challenged Heathcliff to a duel. Having acknowledged the Black Swordsman's reputation, the man offered to free Asuna if Kirito won. Conversely, losing would indenture Kirito to the guild along with her.
Although Kirito performed admirably, he couldn't possibly have anticipated that Heathcliff was actually Aincrad's creator. On the verge of losing, the villain slowed his opponent down so that he could navigate around his attacks and defeat him.
5 The Royal Guards' Plan To Save Meruem Accomplished Nothing & Got Them Killed (Hunter X Hunter)
After suffering the unmitigated impact of Netero's nuclear bomb, Meruem was on the verge of death. In order to save the King, Youpi and Shaiapouf both infused him with what remained of their strength.
Although this restored and enhanced Meruem beyond imagining, it was still a futile gesture. Not only was the radiation poisoning in his body a death sentence, but the Guards' exposure to him guaranteed that they wouldn't survive the night, either. Nonetheless, the King acknowledged his comrades' sacrifices in his last moments and finally expressed his gratitude for their service.
4 Galand's Attempt To Torment Escanor Backfired Hilariously (Seven Deadly Sins)
When Galand came across Escanor, he posited a cruel challenge. The two would exchange blows, and the person to die or run first lost. Given that Galand had accidentally knocked his opponent unconscious with a boisterous slap on the shoulder, the demon couldn't begin the game until the next morning.
It gave Escanor an opportunity for his Sunshine ability to take effect. Now significantly stronger and more durable than Galand, he shrugged off the demon's attack and prepared to respond with his own. Since the villain fled, he became a victim of his own commandment and was turned to stone.
3 The Spider-Demon Daughter's Attempt To Escape Rui Got Her Beaten & Executed (Demon Slayer)
In order to "rebuild" what Rui felt he had lost, he abducted nearby travelers and offered them a chance to join his family. One of the girls he had taken to become his sister was understandably appalled by her new conditions and sought to run away however possible.
Although another of Rui's family agreed to assist her, it was ultimately a trap. After she was exposed for "betraying" her kin, the Spider-Demon Sister was beaten and immolated alive through exposure to the sun.
2 Overhaul's Plan To Recruit The League Started A Feud (My Hero Academia)
After All Might's retirement, Overhaul approached the League of Villains with the intention of recruiting them as members of his organization. Predictably, Shigaraki wasn't thrilled by this proposition and ended up attacking him.
The conflict cost both parties dearly, with the loss of Mr. Compress' arm and the death of Magne weighing heavily against an already strained League of Villains. Although Shigaraki sent Toga and Twice to "assist" Overhaul in his objectives, they were actually only there to spy on him.
1 Stroheim's Attempt To Weaken Kars Strengthened Him Beyond Imagining (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
When Kars was on the cusp of defeat, Stroheim arrived with UV lights to finish him off. He attempted to exploit the Pillar Man's weakness to light by overwhelming him with an array of concentrated lenses.
However, since Kars had already taken the Red Stone, the light's effects were inverted. Instead of killing the villain immediately, they empowered him beyond mortal imagination. If not for a stroke of blind luck, Kars would have murdered Joseph Joestar and everyone else who previously stood in his way.
0 Comments