Facebook
Reddit
Email
Sabito from Demon Slayer had wasted potential, but these 8 anime characters had it even worse. Find out who deserved more screen time.
Sabito of Demon Slayer is one of the most endearing supporting characters in the series. Considering his very short time on the screen, he had a major effect on the story. Sabito had immense talent and a rich history and played a remarkable role in Tanjiro’s development. Unfortunately, the story cut off his promise before it could fully unfold. Most readers will complain about how much he could have done if he had lived just a little longer past the Final Selection.
But Sabito is not the sole anime character to have wasted potential. There are numerous characters, for reasons ranging from narrative decisions, screen time deprivation, and sudden departures, who have left fans frustrated with their untapped potential. In this article, we look at eight characters from different anime who had even greater wasted potential than Sabito.
1. Kyōjurō Rengoku (Demon Slayer)
Kyōjurō Rengoku was one of the most inspiring and charismatic Hashira, yet his time in the story was tragically brief. Introduced properly in the Mugen Train arc, he immediately established himself as a powerhouse with unmatched resolve and kindness.
Rengoku’s strength and leadership would have greatly helped the Demon Slayer Corps in the final battles. However, his premature death cut his potential short, despite its emotional impact on the story. Unlike other Hashira, he never had a major fight before Mugen Train, leaving fans wishing they had seen more of his true power.
2. Neji Hyuga (Naruto)
Neji Hyuga was initially a Hyuga clan prodigy possessing superior skills and intelligence. As Naruto’s childhood rival, he emerged as one of the brightest up-and-coming ninjas in the series.
Neji’s role significantly diminished after the Chunin Exams arc, and he rarely had major fights in Naruto Shippuden despite his immense talent. His death in the Fourth Great Ninja War felt forced and unnecessary, lacking both proper buildup and emotional weight.
3. Gohan (Dragon Ball Z/Super)
Gohan was set to surpass Goku, especially after he transformed into Super Saiyan 2 against Cell. However, he never lived up to that potential in later arcs.
After Cell’s defeat, the story sidelined Gohan and shifted the focus back to Goku as the main hero. His transformation into the Great Saiyaman reduced him to comic relief, making him feel less significant. Even in Dragon Ball Super, he struggled to regain relevance, though he had brief moments of redemption.
4. Hiyori Sarugaki (Bleach)
Hiyori was a member of the Visored, ex-Soul Reapers who were blessed with Hollow powers. She was a spunky individual and a good fighter, but she never reached her full potential.
The Visoreds had immense power, but the story underutilized them. Hiyori never had a major, defining fight, and after the Arrancar Saga, she gradually faded into the background.
5. Yamato (One Piece)
Yamato was launched as one of the most intriguing members of the cast in One Piece, heavily connected to Kaido and extremely fond of Oden. While there has been an absolute buildup around their character, their function in the plot felt like it didn’t deliver.
Yamato had a unique fighting style and immense strength but was often sidelined during key moments in Wano. The story built up Yamato’s dream to join the Straw Hats but never fulfilled it, leaving fans disappointed. Despite a strong connection to Kaido, the emotional payoff in Yamato’s story arc felt underwhelming compared to other major characters.
6. Kallen Kozuki (Code Geass)
Kozuki was one of the best mecha pilots in Code Geass, even better than some of the best fighters in the series. She was a fierce fighter and a devoted Black Knight.
Despite her amazing fighting abilities, Suzaku and Lelouch overshadowed Kallen throughout the series. Her character development stalled in the second season, leaving her growth feeling incomplete. By the end of the series, she never received the resolution she truly deserved.
7. Marco the Phoenix (One Piece)
Marco was the initial division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates and possessed one of the most special Devil Fruits in One Piece. Even though he was legendary, he never achieved his true potential during a fight.
The series omitted his duel with Blackbeard, depriving viewers of a major battle. Instead of taking the lead in main arcs, he remained a supporting character. Despite possessing a rare Mythical Zoan fruit, the story never fully explored his true capabilities.
8. Kento Nanami (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Kento Nanami was a fan favorite sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen and was famous for his no-nonsense work attitude. His intelligent mind and combat prowess made him one of the most revered mentor figures in the series.
He was one of the best sorcerers, yet the story never gave him enough high-stakes battles to showcase his full potential. His death, while emotional, felt premature, cutting short everything he could have achieved. His friendship with Yuji also had the potential for deeper exploration, offering Yuji another strong role model figure.
Conclusion
While Sabito’s potential was undoubtedly wasted in Demon Slayer, these characters suffered even greater narrative neglect. Whether due to abrupt deaths, lack of screen time, or underutilization, each of them had the potential to be far more impactful. Hopefully, future adaptations or spin-offs will give some of these characters the development they deserve.
Looking For More?
Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!
