When people think of anime, they often imagine talented young protagonists. However, not all-powerful characters in the anime are high school-aged teenagers. Some of the strongest characters are actually older, individuals with years and even decades of experience.
These old Characters have overcome countless challenges since before the protagonist was even born. While they may have been young prodigies at one point, they have no trouble showing that they are still as formidable as ever.
Here are some of the strongest old characters in anime who are ageless and incredibly powerful:
Strongest Old Characters In Anime
1. Master Roshi (Dragon Ball)
In the anime Dragon Ball, Master Roshi stands out as one of the most accomplished martial artists in history. As the founder of the Turtle School, he developed his unique martial arts style. Master Roshi’s mastery of the Kamehameha technique is legendary; he can unleash it with enough force to extinguish fires.
Despite training his talented student Goku for several months, Master Roshi still possesses powerful strength and combat skills, capable of besting Goku in hand-to-hand combat.
2. Hiko Seijuro (Rurouni Kenshin)
Despite his youthful appearance and black hair, Hiko Seijuro is an elderly man, which surprises even his student Kenshin Himura.
As the master of the Hiten Mitsurugi style, Hiko Seijuro remains the most powerful character in the Samurai X series.
While he trained Kenshin in this style, it was initially designed for someone with Hiko’s large build, making it challenging for Kenshin, who is smaller in stature, to master its techniques fully.
3. Isaac Netero (Hunter x Hunter)
Netero is the chairman in the Hunter Association, a prestigious organization that licenses some of the world’s most influential individuals.
As the former head of the Hunter Association, he was revered as the strongest nen user globally. Despite his advanced age, Netero still exhibits incredible speed and numerous exceptional abilities.
His strongest technique is the Bodhisattva Guanyin Type 100, an nen ability that capitalizes on his immense speed to deliver devastating attacks on his opponents.
However, in the anime Hunter x Hunter, another old character reigns supreme as the strongest character: Zeno Zoldyck, Killua’s grandfather.
4. Hiruzen Sarutobi (Naruto)
The Third Hokage may appear as a gentle elder in Naruto‘s early stages, but his power should not be underestimated.
Once hailed as a shinobi deity, he is renowned for his exceptional skills in ninjutsu. Among the Hokage, he is one of the mightiest, having mentored all three legendary Sannin.
In his final battle against Orochimaru, although age had taken its toll on Hiruzen, he still proved to be a strong opponent. Only Orochimaru’s extensive use of forbidden techniques to maintain his youth allowed him to match Hiruzen’s prowess.
5. Yamamoto Shikeguni Genryusai (Bleach)
Yamamoto Genryusai, captain of the Gotei 13 Division 1, holds a revered position as the creator of the entire Gotei 13. Despite his advanced age, he’s trained some of the most skilled Shinigami, showcasing his remarkable strength in swordsmanship and physical prowess. Additionally, he’s adept at shunpo, the Shinigami technique of high-speed movement.
However, Yamamoto’s strength may not always be apparent at first glance. Many opponents underestimate him until they’ve truly experienced the full extent of his abilities.
6. Silvers Rayleigh (One Piece)
Silvers Rayleigh, known as the Dark King, holds an important role in One Piece. As the former vice-captain of the Roger Pirates, he’s part of one of the most notorious pirate crews in history. Despite his age, Rayleigh is a powerhouse, boasting immense strength and skill.
He’s shown his powers by facing off against opponents like Admiral Kizaru on the Sabaody Archipelago, holding his ground easily. Rayleigh’s endurance is equally impressive, demonstrated by his ability to swim between islands and fend off dangerous sea creatures single-handedly.
In One Piece, other notable old characters like Whitebeard and Monkey D. Garp also stand out as strong figures in their own right.
7. Housen (Gintama)
In the comedic shonen anime Gintama, humor is woven into every aspect of the show’s storyline. However, amidst the laughter, there are strong antagonists like Housen, a humanoid alien with terrifying strength and abilities.
Housen, the former division leader of the Harusame Space Pirates, is renowned as the King of Yato, a powerful alien tribe known for their combat powers. His abilities extend far beyond physical strength, boasting invulnerability and rapid healing.
As one of the most powerful beings in the galaxy, Housen presents an alarming challenge to the protagonists, adding depth and tension to Gintama’s storyline.
8. Makarov Dreyar (Fairy Tail)
Makarov Dreyar, the patriarch of Fairy Tail, has been a guardian to the guild’s members for many years. As a mage, Makarov can transform into a giant at will, unleashing his power when needed in battle.
While Makarov prefers to avoid conflict, he is not hesitant to step in and take decisive action when the situation demands it.
A master of the Three Great Fairy Magics, Makarov is renowned for his command of Fairy Law, which targets anyone deemed an enemy by the caster.
9. Bang (One-Punch Man)
Also known as Silver Fang, Bang stands as one of the most powerful S-Class heroes within the Hero Association. A master martial artist in One-Punch Man, his exceptional abilities set him apart.
Bang’s powers in both speed and strength surpass even Genos, despite the latter’s numerous upgrades. Bang effortlessly outmatches foes that Genos struggles to contend with.
Aside from Saitama, the only other hero capable of matching the might of this esteemed elder is his brother, Bomb. Trained and honed by Bang, Bomb knows martial arts skills on par with his brother’s.
10. Yoshinobu Gakuganji (Jujutsu Kaisen)
And last, the most powerful old character in the anime Jujutsu Kaisen is Yoshinobu, serving as the principal of Kyoto Jujutsu High School.
Though he may come off as arrogant, his main goal is to prevent disastrous events like Sukuna’s revival through Yuji Itadori from happening.
Despite his elderly appearance, Yoshinobu possesses strength and can defeat first-class sorcerers like Masamichi Yaga.
These are just a few of the overpowered old characters in anime, proving that age doesn’t diminish their power.
