In anime, deception is a recurring theme of the story. Sometimes, it may play a minor plot point, while in other occasions, it significantly changes the direction of the action. This makes the act of lying an essential part of the narrative, though it only goes as far as the person spreading the misinformation.
Some characters are so profoundly successful at lying that they have deceived the story's most crucial heroes or villains, sometimes even both. By recognizing these individuals and discussing them, the fanbase can gain a robust understanding of the most diabolical and manipulative minds in anime history.
10 Aizen (Bleach) - Deflected Blame & Anger Onto Rukia
As crafty as he is powerful, Lord Aizen was once a captain in the Soul Society. His proximity to them allowed him to understand their workings intimately as he prepared to launch his own crusade from the comfort of Las Noches.
Aizen was able to misdirect his former comrades' anger at Rukia, almost resulting in them executing her irresponsibly. Though he would eventually reveal himself, it was not before his power had already grown considerably, and he was ready to put the next phase of his plan into motion.
9 Kuro (One Piece) - Fooled An Entire Village Despite Warnings Against Him
Kuro was a diabolical villain and easy the most intelligent adversary that Luffy had faced in the entirety of the East Blue arc. His three-year-long scheme was intended to eliminate any chase the marines might have given him and to claim Kaya's immense fortune for himself.
He was so proficient at lying that even after the entire village had been warned of his intentions, no one was inclined to believe Usopp or his friends. Were it not for the Straw Hat Crew's timely intervention, his plans would have come to fruition, concluding with the demise of his own allies whom he had also deceived.
8 Heathcliff (Sword Art Online) - Acted Like He Wasn't The Game's Designer
Heathcliff was the leader of one of Aincrad's most successful guilds during their quest to escape the game in which they had been trapped. What his allies did not understand was that he was the architect behind their imprisonment, seeking to keep a close eye on his "players" as they progressed through the levels he had designed for them.
It was a ruse that Kirito was only able to discover through close proximity to him and by having fought against the game master in single combat. Further, it took over three-fourths of the levels to be completed before it finally dawned on him.
7 Tonpa (Hunter X Hunter) - Used Deception Over Strength To Sabotage The Hunters
Many of the participants in the Hunter Exam sought fame, fortune, or renown as they rallied through its trials. Tonpa had a different objective. His sole desire was to sabotage the other contestants and watch their dreams be dashed for his own amusement.
Since he was vastly weaker than many of the hunters he worked alongside, he accomplished this through deception, preferring to spike the drinks he offered new prospects. His lying was so remarkable that he was almost able to turn the entire group against Leorio, understanding the flaws of democratic voting.
6 Fraudrin (Seven Deadly Sins) - Turned A Whole Kingdom Against Meliodas
Fraudin may not have been the strongest of the Ten Commandments, but he was arguably the most damaging of those among them. His unique ability allowed him to possess the bodies of mortals, first commanding Hendrickson's vessel and later, Dreyfus's.
Because of this deception, he was able to usher back his comrades and turn the entire kingdom of Liones against Meliodas and his allies. They were forced to prove themselves through the nobility of the actions, with whatever words they could hope to persuade their former friends with falling on deaf ears.
5 Walter (Hellsing) - Deceived & Betrayed The Ones Closest To Him
Walter was the reliable butler to Integra Hellsing and an alleged enemy of the Millennium Organization. He served her family for almost his entire life, being one of the few to earn his mistress's trust.
Unfortunately, it would be misplaced. After he was defeated by nazi agents, he had turned his weapons against Alucard, revealing that it was his intention the entire time to slay the vampire. Were it not for his adversary's profound resilience and strength, the fallen butler's duplicity may have even succeeded. None suspected his intentions until he revealed them personally.
4 Zetsu (Naruto) - Was A Step Ahead Of Madara
Zetsu presented himself as a member of the Akatsuki, primarily dedicated to scouting missions. Even after the organization fell apart, he still served as a trusted agent of Madara Uchiha.
However, this would become the fallen shinobi's undoing, as it was revealed that Zetsu's true allegiance was exclusively to that of his "mother," Kaguya. Further, he had rewritten the Uchiha tablets to compel Madara's Infinite Tsukuyomi, which would ultimately serve his own ends, not his associate's. His manipulative prowess enabled him to strike the killing blow against what was presumed to be an unbeatable ninja.
3 King Bradley (Fullmetal Alchemist) - Fooled The Alchemists & The Entire Nation
The undisputed ruler of Amestris, King Bradley was not only able to fool the state alchemists that surrounded him (including the Elric brothers), he also successfully deceived the entire nation into compliance for most of the story.
This was despite the fact that there have been a handful of rogue agents screaming his intentions since the plot began. It would almost be too late when the heroes realized that the men they had defeated were actually correct the entire time.
2 Faye Valentine (Cowboy Bebop) - Unkept Promises After Stealing
Faye Valentine was one of Spike Spiegel's allies and a wandering bounty hunter. Unlike the rest of the crew, she was constantly unreliable, stealing their money and sometimes ship, only to return and promise it will never happen again.
Though her deceptions may understandably be grating to the heroes, it also plays in their favor. She serves as a wonderful spy on their behalf, infiltrating the compounds of their targets and gleaning their weaknesses. Her charisma is her greatest asset and redeems the woman's many flaws.
1 Light Yagami (Death Note) - Protected His Secret Identity As Kira
As intelligent as he is driven, Light Yagami is perhaps the most experienced liar in anime history. He was able to join the task force seeking to bring him to justice early into the story despite the fact that its leader, L, had already known of his true identity.
Even after L had died, the suspicions cast upon Kira were gradually dissuaded on account of the calculated maneuvers he made to "prove" his innocence. Ultimately, his exposure would be on account of his overconfidence and the incompetence of his minions.