In anime, knocking someone unconscious is usually an indication that the fight has ended. More often than not, rendering an opponent comatose is an excellent way to subdue them since logic dictates that unconscious people can't pose a threat or even fight back.
However, there are a surprisingly high number of characters who pose a threat even after being taken out of commission. Through identifying how they manage to continue standing after being incapacitated, we can better appreciate their tenacity, versatility, and why one must never make assumptions about when a fight is over.
8 Kakyoin Defeated Death 13 After Losing Consciousness (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
Death Thirteen was a particularly treacherous adversary since it could haunt dreams. Most Stand users were unable to resist him since they couldn't manifest their powers while they were sleeping.
Fortunately, Kakyoin managed to find a loophole. By compelling Polnareff to knock him out while Hierophant Green was active, he brought his Stand with him to the dream world. When the villain prepared to attack the (presumably) unexpecting crusaders, he discovered that Kakyoin wasn't nearly as powerless as he had hoped.
7 Cavendish Had A Deadly Dark Side That Could Obliterate Powerful Foes (One Piece)
While conscious, Cavendish might seem fairly unimpressive. He is flamboyant, obnoxious, and only a somewhat formidable fighter, with his bounty being overshadowed by many other New World pirates.
However, a dark spirit possesses him when he falls asleep, even in the middle of the day. It was savage enough to eradicate an entire battlefield of coliseum contestants and defeat Donquixote executive Dellinger single-handedly. In his unconscious state, Cavendish is so deadly that he is even a threat to those he cares about.
6 Alluka's Other Self Was A Wish-Granting Wraith (Hunter X Hunter)
As perhaps the weakest member of the Zoldyck family, Alluka might not seem like much of a threat. However, her possession by a Dark Content creature granted her power as immeasurable as it was mysterious.
It allowed her to answer any wish no matter how drastic, although it must be used with caution. After giving Nanika a lofty request, the next series of tasks she'll ask for in exchange for a subsequent wish will be steep or even fatal. For example, she might ask the person she's "playing" with to kill themselves or rip off fingers as offerings.
5 Kirito Is In His Element In The Virtual World (Sword Art Online)
Otherwise known as "the Black Swordsman," Kirito is an ordinary person in the real world. However, he is a virtual legend in Aincard and similar MMOs, with an extensive list of accolades to dazzle friends and deter challengers. The only catch is that his real body is unconscious during playtime.
For instance, he nearly overwhelmed Heathcliff in their first duel, only losing on account of his opponent's cheat codes. Moreover, he successfully traversed a level designed to be impossible in order to save Asuna from the scheming Sugou. Some of his acquired skills even translated into real life, as proven through his real-world rematch with Sugou at a hospital parking lot.
4 Gaara's Shukaku Was A Menace All On Its Own (Naruto)
A significant advantage of harboring a Tailed Beast is that it can function independently of its user. This is partially why Jinchuriki are so successful at escaping from genjutsu and have considerably formidable battle prowess.
During the final moments of Naruto's fight with Gaara, the latter was unconscious while Shukaku wreaked havoc. Fortunately, a headbutt was sufficient to wake Gaara up, subdue him, and present him with a better way to live.
3 When Doppio Goes Unconscious, His Alter Ego Is Summoned (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
Doppio is a kind man with youthful features and an unassumingly chipper disposition. However, his welcoming veneer hides a dark secret. He shares a body with Diavolo, a criminal kingpin and one of the series' strongest Stand users.
Whenever Doppio goes unconscious, his brutal alter ego replaces him. Diavolo has demonstrated such proficiency for carnage that he has one of the highest kill counts of any JoJo's villain.
2 Doctor Londes Was The Clandestine Leader Of Scratch (Cowboy Bebop)
Doctor Londes was a cult leader who insisted that virtual life surpassed the limits of physical existence. As time passed, he gradually gained a considerable following and almost abducted Faye Valentine.
Due to the threat that Londes poses, Spike was shocked to uncover that his real body was that of a catatonic hospital patient. Although he put an end to Londes' connection with his followers and second life, it was nonetheless a sobering experience since the virtual world was all that the villain could ever hope to have.
1 Zenitsu Annihilates Monsters After Passing Out (Demon Slayer)
At first, Zenitsu might seem underwhelming to many. He's cowardly, sniveling, and only knows a single sword technique that his master taught him. When trouble is near, the boy may sometimes even pass out from fright.
However, Zenitsu is at his strongest after losing consciousness. By utilizing his "Thunder Breathing" technique, he can rip through adversaries at the speed of lightning. Ironically, he has no memories of his victory after waking and will often chalk up dead demons to bizarre coincidence or the work of any nearby comrade.