Anime fans love characters that fall into the category of "bad boy" or "tsundere." These characters often act as a foil to the more loud and obnoxious protagonists, especially when the protagonist is the overly nice type. While they like often like to mock and belittle those around them, their actions often say something very different.
The characters who act the meanest are often the most loyal, and they're usually the person the protagonist can go to when they need to hear some hard truths. Outsiders may see a bad boy or tsundere's actions as cold-hearted and mean, but to the people who are close to them, it's obvious they care despite what they actually say.
10 Hiei Is A Reliable Jerk
YuYu Hakusho
Hiei is a murderous demon who holds no love for anyone, or that's what he likes people to believe. When he first joins up with Yusuke in YuYu Hakusho, it's very clear that he doesn't care for his human companions.
However, even early on in their friendship, he's willing to risk his life for his teammates. During their first mission in Maze Castle, Hiei risks being squashed by a giant boulder in order to save the others. Hiei may have an image of himself he wants to portray, but Yusuke knows Hiei doesn't mean half the rude things he says.
9 Bakugo Is More Than A Bully
My Hero Academia
When anime fans think of the "bad boy" type, Bakugo from My Hero Academia is usually the character that comes to mind. He's rude and aggressive towards everyone, especially his childhood friend Midoriya. Bakugo even refers to the rest of his classmates as "extras."
Bakugo may have a bad attitude, but it's obvious he recognizes how strong his classmates are. During the USJ attack, Bakugo dismisses Kirishma's worry over their classmates because he is certain they can handle themselves. He also respects Uraraka's abilities enough to go all out during their match at the sports festival. Bakugo may be loud and aggressive, but he respects the people around him in his own way.
8 Uryu's Actions Don't Match His Words
Bleach
Uryu from Bleach is the type to do someone a favor and then act like he only did it because everyone but him is too incompetent. His hatred of Soul Reapers usually leads to him acting incredibly cold towards Ichigo and the Soul Reapers associated with him, but that doesn't stop Uryu from lending a hand when they need it.
When Ichigo needs help saving Rukia during the Soul Society arc, Uyru is ready and willing to help. However, he still makes sure Ichigo knows he's doing it not to be a good friend but because he wants to make the Soul Reapers look bad. Considering Uyru nearly gives up his Quincy powers to help save Rukia, it's pretty obvious he actually cares about protecting his friends.
7 Loid May Care For His Family More Than The Mission
Spy X Family
Loid from Spy X Family may claim he acts solely for the good of the mission, but it's pretty obvious he cares for his fake family. Loid could easily act cold towards Anya and Yor when no one is around to see them, but when they are home alone, Loid plays the part of a perfect father and husband.
He even sets up a spy adventure using WISE resources just to make Anya happy. Loid may not want to admit it to himself, but it's very obvious to everyone watching that he's become content with the domestic lifestyle.
6 Sasuke Is Always Thinking About Naruto
Naruto
The only things important to Sasuke from Naruto are getting revenge and restoring his clan. When he first joins Team 7 under Kakashi, Sasuke dismisses teamwork and thinks of Sakura ad Naruto as useless.
However, as team 7 grows, it's obvious that Sasuke becomes fond of his teammates, though he doesn't like to admit it. During Shippuden, when Sasuke has already abandoned the village, he still shows an interest in his former teammate's wellbeing. Not to mention, his attempts to kill them are halfhearted at best. Sasuke struggles with loyalty, but even he can't escape a friendship with Naruto.
5 Queen Hilling Loves Bojji In Her Own Way
Ranking Of Kings
Queen Hilling seems like an evil stepmother when she's first introduced in Ranking of Kings. She believes that her son, Daida, is more qualified to be king than Bojji, and she even acts dismissive toward Bojji's feelings. However, with the future of the Kingdom on her shoulders after King Bosse's death, she might have been prioritizing what's best for the Kingdom.
Queen Hilling may not act like it, but she makes it clear that she actually cares for his physical well-being. She jumps out a window to save Bojji from falling to his death and heals his wounds with magic. Such acts come as a surprise to fans, who expected her to be coldhearted towards her stepson.
4 Mustang Isn't The Man People Think He Is
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood isn't a good person, and he's fully aware of this fact. As an alchemist, he takes part in the war with Ishval, which kills hundreds of innocent people. He appears to be the type of person who shows little mercy for his enemies and little care for his comrades, but how he presents himself couldn't be further from the truth.
Mustang lets everyone believe he burned Maria Ross alive to avenge General Hughes' death, but he actually fakes her death to protect her from being falsely accused. He may have done some terrible things, but that certainly doesn't mean he's a heartless monster.
3 Tsukishima Is Far More Competitive Then People Realize
Haikyuu!!
Tsukishima from Haikyuu! is the type of person who is hard to be friends with. He loves to point out people's mistakes, especially Hinata and Kageyama's. Out of all the members of the Karasuno team, Tsukishima cares the least about volleyball.
Coach Ukai even comments that his heart just isn't in it, which affects his growth in the sport. However, Tsukishima isn't as uncaring about volleyball as his teammates seem to think. Tsukishima's competitiveness comes out when Karasuno competes against Shiratorizawa. Tsukishima becomes so pumped up during the match that he screams when he manages to block Ushijima. Considering how hard he pushes himself, it's pretty obvious he's grown to care about volleyball.
2 Sesshoumaru Doesn't Like To Express Himself
Inuyasha
Sesshoumaru From Inuyasha is the type of demon who detests humans. As a pure demon, he sees half-demons and humans as weak lower life forms that deserve no sympathy. However, it isn't only humans that receive his mistreatment.
His loyal companion, Jaken, is often ordered around and abandoned by Sesshoumaru. Considering Sesshoumaru's treatment of humans, it's surprising when he saves Rin from the brink of death. He even begins to care for her even though he will never admit to it. Sesshoumaru and Rin eventually have children, which makes it pretty obvious he actually cares.
1 Aizawa Is A Surprisingly Good Teacher
My Hero Academia
Aizawa from My Hero Academia initially comes across as the teacher no kid would ever want. He threatens Class 1-A with expulsion on the first day and even tells Midoriya that he wouldn't make it as a hero. Despite his harshness, however, it becomes obvious that he's actually pushing his students to be better heroes.
Aizawa has a tendency to expel students, but what people don't know is he immediately re-enrolls them. Aizawa is actually the best teacher Class 1-A could have because he's not only preparing them for the real world, he's also giving them support when they need it.