The typical journey for most anime characters involves going from strength to strength and surpassing limits. They are shaped and educated by their hardships and become stronger fighters because of them.
But not all experience a continuous rise. Battles bring with them life-changing injuries that impact a character's strength and speed. Others fall victim to the ageing process, experiencing the unavoidable natural decline. And some lose access to an external power that proved to be handy during difficult times.
8 Levi Was The Victim Of Several Serious Injuries (Attack On Titan)
For a significant portion of Attack on Titan, Captain Levi was humanity's strongest soldier and arguably the strongest character in the entire world. Mindless Titans posed no threat to him, and even Titan Shifters, including the Beast and Female Titan, were thoroughly outclassed by Levi's skill.
However, as time went on and the stakes were raised, Levi found himself on the receiving end of several injuries that impacted his fighting ability. He lost a few fingers and an eye to the Beast Titan's suicide attempt and would finish his Scouts career in a wheelchair. Despite the injuries, Levi can proudly say he was never bested in combat.
7 Gohan Was No Longer Focused On Becoming Stronger (Dragon Ball Z)
It appeared the sky was the limit for Gohan. As a child, he displayed terrifying power and limitless potential, exemplified by his Super Saiyan 2 transformation and domination of Perfect Cell at just 10 years old. Despite being barely out of diapers, Gohan had surpassed his father and Vegeta with barely any training.
He benefitted from being a human-Saiyan hybrid which granted greater room for growth. But Gohan lacked the love for fighting his father and Vegeta prided themselves on, and he slowly fell down the hierarchy of strongest warriors. He would continue to show glimpses of his frightening potential—such as unlocking his mystic form—but these were only brief moments within a pacifistic life.
6 Julius Novachrono's Magic Saved His Life But Made Him A Child (Black Clover)
Julius Novachrono's Time Magic is extremely rare and powerful and allows him to apply it in countless ways. After saving the Clover Kingdom from Patri's attack, Julius was stabbed by the elf and appeared to be dead. However, unbeknownst to everyone, Julius had been storing time within the seal on his head and accumulated a total of roughly 13 years.
When he returned from the dead, Julius took the appearance of a teenage boy and his magical skill was no longer what it once was. Julius' decline makes sense from a writers perspective as he was too powerful of a character to have around at all times. With Julius at full strength, Yami and Asta would never have surpassed their limits.
5 Naruto Lost Kurama And A Significant Portion Of His Power (Boruto)
When Naruto first co-operated with Kurama, his power reached an entirely different level. With the Demon-Fox by his side, Naruto had access to the vast chakra that was previously dormant and he improved as a shinobi in every way. He overcame every opponent including gods like Kaguya and Momoshiki.
But in an emotional farewell, Naruto said goodbye to Kurama, who used up his life force when entering Baryon Mode against Isshiki. Naruto is still a formidable shinobi without him, capable of entering Sage Mode. But he's no longer superhuman, and this signifies a passing of the torch.
4 Askeladd Experienced The Physical Decline That Comes With Age (Vinland Saga)
Askeladd is a formidable character who combines skill and experience to thrive in the cutthroat world of Vikings. In his battle with Thors, Askeladd manages to distract the strongest Viking and quickly strike, cutting Thors, but not deep enough to fatally wound him. He does lose the battle but enhances his own reputation with an impressive showing.
However, as the years go by, Askeladd loses the speed and strength that once made him so impressive, and he is unable to overcome 50 men that a younger version of himself would have no problem dispatching. Although weaker than he once was, Askeladd remains deadly thanks to his intelligence and battle experience.
3 All Might No Longer Possesses One For All (My Hero Academia)
All Might was the former number one hero and Symbol of Peace. He personified everything a hero should be with his unwavering moral compass, selfless attitude, and overwhelming strength. For a long time, All Might carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, and he did so with the help of his Quirk, One For All, which granted him unrivalled strength, speed and durability.
In his final battle with All For One, All Might walked away with the victory but lost his Quirk in the process. He now spends his time nurturing the younger generation and advises Midoriya on how to master One For All.
2 Edward Elric Gave Up Alchemy To Restore His Brothers Body (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Edward Elric was a prodigy in every sense, and many expected him to become the greatest state alchemist in history. And he lived up to the hype, displaying his supreme prowess to overcome Father and the Homunculi, saving the world in the process. But in order to recover the physical body of his brother, Edward needed to make a deal with Truth—a deal of equivalent exchange.
For Truth to return Alphonse's body, Edward gave up the ability to use Alchemy, losing a huge part of his identity. Of course, it was a no-brainer for Edward who got his brother and best friend back. The young alchemist lost his power but gained his family.
1 Sasuke Lost His Rinnegan And A Big Part Of His Power (Boruto)
As an Uchiha prodigy, Sasuke always possessed tremendous skill with ocular jutsu. His application with the Sharingan made him a feared shinobi and helped him overcome the likes of Itachi and Danzo. Upon receiving the Rinnegan, Sasuke's strength increased exponentially and he teamed up with Naruto to take down the gods Kaguya and Momoshiki.
Recently, Sasuke lost his Rinnegan after Momoshiki took over Boruto's body and stabbed him in the eye. With his trump card gone, it will be interesting to see how Sasuke adapts his fighting style. But with his limitless jutsu and intellect, he remains a formidable warrior.