While a character might be most recognizable for legendary signature moves or memorable aesthetics, there is one thing which distinguishes themselves as individuals the best; sacrifice. A character willingly paying the ultimate price for the sake of another is a wonderful way to gauge their priorities and values where words might be insufficient.

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However, just because a sacrifice is poignant does not mean it served a substantial role in the cause they supported. It's time to examine some of anime's most visceral sacrifices and determine whose final price paid off well.

10 TRAGIC: Jiraiya Discovers Nagato's Truth (Naruto)

Jiraiya in Sage Mode with two toads in Naruto Shippuden.

Jiraiya did not approach Pain under the pretense he would win. Though it was a desirable outcome, he sought anything that would tilt the scales in the Leaf's favor. Ultimately, he found it; through careful observation and a painstaking brawl, Jiraiya came to realize the truth of Nagato's paths.

The message he sent was carved into the back of a frog, which he sent directly to Konoha. Though it was initially encrypted, it translates to "The real one is not among them." Naruto would use this information against Pain and save the Leaf in the process.

9 USELESS: Gin Double Crosses Aizen (Bleach)

Gin sacrificed everything for the chance to take down Aizen. He threw away a promising career as a Soul Reaper, his relationship with Rangiku, and even any regard to his physical safety. No one in the Soul Society were privy to his plan, which was a necessary precaution to defeat the scheming Sosuke.

Gin's unique position as Aizen's right hand allowed him to touch his Zanpakuto, making him immune to its sway. Nonetheless, despite the deadly blow he struck against Aizen, it was one soon undone as he quickly recovered. Gin paid for his deception soon after, with little to show for it.

8 TRAGIC: All For One Passes The Torch To Shigaraki (My Hero Academia)

All For One infects Shigaraki in My Hero Academia

Intuitively, one might attribute the events of the Kamino Incident as a feat of All Might's sacrifice, though this isn't the case. Toshinori's powers were already waning - unleashing them upon All For One was the most expedient way he could have spent what he had left.

Conversely, All For One could have chosen to wait until All Might's power had withered completely before revealing himself. However, Shigaraki and the League still needed him. Therefore, he chose to emerge from the shadows to save his pupil, even if it would cost him his freedom and dignity.

7 USELESS: Uvogin's Defiance (Hunter X Hunter)

Uvogin interrogated

When Kurapika captured Uvogin in Nen chains and began interrogating him, the mightiest member of the Phantom Troupe refused to talk. Despite how viciously his organs were shattered or even when a chain was ensnared around his still beating heart, he would not sell out his comrades, even for a temporary respite.

However, this would ultimately prove pointless. Kurapika managed to kidnap Chrollo Lucifer anyway, stripping him of his power and bringing the rest of the Troupe to heel.

6 TRAGIC: Nezuko Protects Tanjiro (Demon Slayer)

When Tanjiro fought Rui in his accursed forest, he was in over his head. The Kizuki demon's webs were stronger than steel, slicing through blades and bone alike. Tanjiro nearly found this out firsthand before Nezuko thrust herself in the web's path, soaking the damage for her brother.

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Though Nezuko's demonic nature enhanced her durability, it was still an attack potent enough to weaken her and leave her at Rui's mercy. Were it not for Tomioka's unexpected intervention, it would have cost her her freedom.

5 USELESS: Yugi Lets Kaiba Win (Yu-Gi-Oh!)

Kaiba threatening suicide

When it was time for the duelists to approach Pegasus's castle and Yugi had collected his star chips, Pegasus made Seto Kaiba an intriguing offer; defeat Yugi and be given the chance to duel him personally.

Though Seto was unable to secure a fair victory, Yugi threw the game because Kaiba would have jumped off the castle, killing himself otherwise. However, he would later lose in his duel against Pegasus, nullifying any meaning Yugi's sacrifice may have had, save placating Seto's ego.

4 TRAGIC: Netero's Bomb (Hunter X Hunter)

netero-hxh

While Meruem told Isaac Netero that he no longer had plans to conquer the world, the master hunter (understandably) didn't believe him. Provoking him to fight through the promise of telling him his name, a legendary battle ensued - a fight that Netero counted on losing.

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What the King didn't know was that Isaac had planted a bomb inside himself. The proximity he had to the hunter in his explosively destructive death was the only thing capable of putting him down for good, and even then, Meruem managed to survive for a short while after.

3 USELESS: Asuna's Gambit (Sword Art Online)

In the final clash between Kirito and Heathcliff, the Black Swordsman made a request that Asuna not be involved. Though the Game Master accepted, it was one she would override later by thrusting herself between their duel in what would have otherwise been a fatal strike to Kirito. Regardless, this would be proven unnecessary.

After the duel continued, Heathcliff continued to dominate his opponent, depleting his health to zero. Kirito used his complacency to his advantage, willing himself to strike a final vengeful attack on him despite its technical impossibility. Therefore, Asuna's death was unnecessary, as he won with no HP left anyway.

2 TRAGIC: Chiyo Resurrects Gaara (Naruto)

Chiyo bringing Gaara back to life naruto

When the Akatsuki had captured Gaara and siphoned him of his Jinchuriki, Gaara died as a consequence. There was nothing even the combined healing techniques Sakura or Tsunade could have done to heal him; nothing, save paying the ultimate cost.

Expending what life force she had left, Granny Chiyo exchanged her mortality for Gaara's, returning the Kazekage to life. He would later go on to lead the Allied Shinobi Forces into battle against some of the worst evil their world had yet seen.

1 USELESS: Greed's Folly (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Greed disintegrates Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Greed's death might seem poignant on paper: he gave his life to weaken Father, the man who both robbed him of his agency and his identity. It would have fulfilled a great irony, given that the Homunculus of avarice died selflessly. However, it wasn't a death with purpose.

Elric was already beating Father's head in, which is why the latter pursued Greed's stone in the first place. Greed wouldn't need to weaken his father's body for the forces of good to prevail, nor should Edward and the others have stood around, watching Greed get ripped from his host's body.

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