When one thinks of villainy, they usually picture cackling masterminds or ruthless warlords marauding across the countryside. Behind every sneering evildoer is their faithful advocate, ready to support them however they need. That isn't to say they're always subordinates – they are sometimes the contrary.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) categorizes ESFJ as "Extroverted, Observant, Feeling, and Judging." They are focused people, willing to provide support and guidance for their friends while maintaining strong personal values. It's time to uncover the pillars of stability for some of the most nefarious minds anime has ever seen.
10 Kurogiri (My Hero Academia)
Appointed as All For One's physical stand-in, Kurogiri acts as more than a check to Shigaraki's foul disposition; he is the level head from which the deranged team unifies.
Kurogiri is also arguably the most essential member of the League of Villains, even more than Tomura himself. Kurogiri's portal creation is responsible for the League's longevity and has resulted in many narrow escapes, as mentioned by Gran Torino during his capture. After he was defeated by him, Shigaraki's group was forced to become more conservative with their tactics.
9 Shaiapouf (Hunter X Hunter)
Better known for his nickname "Pouf," the butterfly chimera ant is perhaps the most fervently sycophantic of the three Royal Guards. He is constantly bending over hand and knee to appease his King, whether through performing a song or enacting his will.
Pouf is also zealous about sharing his wisdom with Meruem – often to his detriment. He resented the blind girl his master had taken into his care, predicting (perhaps correctly) that she would ultimately be his undoing. If Neferpitou had donated her vitality along with the other two guards after the King was poisoned, it's possible he would have been strong enough to survive its corrosive effects.
8 Mokuba (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
Yugi and Kaiba may have had a shared interest in liberating Mokuba (more than once), though it was one bred of the former's humanity and in spite of the child's behavior. As unassuming and pure as he may appear, Mokuba has visited sinister intent on Yugi to win the affection of his older brother.
One example comes from a time where Yugi was captured and forced to play Capsule Monsters, a spin-off game loosely combining elements of D&D and Chess. Grave consequences awaited the loser – fortunately, the King of Games was the one to decide them.
7 Kabuto (Naruto)
Orochimaru's most loyal (and only surviving) servant, Kabuto's service has been invaluable to the Sannin's schemes. He has infiltrated the Chunin Exams, cared for Orochimaru after his defining battle with Sarutobi, and even created horrifically powerful Jutsu of his own using the DNA of the Sound Four.
Kabuto is more than his benefactor's servant; he is also his confidant. Kabuto is the only person the Kage of the Sound Village trusts with his most sensitive information, fully placing his faith in the medical ninja. Together, they are one of the Leaf's most serious threats.
6 Ryuk (Death Note)
Though L and his servant, Watari, are technically the antagonists of Death Note, Light and Ryuk are the villains. The shinigami may not share the benevolence of other ESFJs for his patron or the humans he surrounds himself with, nonetheless fulfilling the role of consul most reliably throughout the show's 37 episode runtime.
Ryuk is extremely sociable, delighting in a human's reaction for the first time they see him. His services may come at the expense of an apple, but the advice and conversation he imparts to Yagami are free. After all, their novelty is payment enough.
5 Dwarf In The Flask (Fullmetal Alchemist)
The original homunculus's meek and sniveling appearance may have initially reflected the extents of his strength, yet it was a necessary ruse as he gained in power. Through "innocuous" queries and impish playfulness, the dwarf managed to dupe Hohenheim into constructing a body for him; from there, his power would only increase.
Nevertheless, he provided novelty and companionship to the patron Elric during his time in his glass prison, providing a perfect outlet for the troubled man's many queries.
4 Kaname Tosen (Bleach)
As tragic as Tosen's betrayal might have been, it was an understandable one. He had never had the opportunity to appreciate the world as everyone else had, making Sosuke's whispers of glory and vision one too tantalizing to resist.
Alongside Gin, Tosen was one of the few former members of the Soul Society Aizen trusted enough to let near him. His confidence was well placed; through restoring his sight in his Resurrección form, he correctly anticipated that Kaname felt unwavering loyalty toward him.
3 Jaken (Inuyasha)
Though Sesshomaru would later become the reluctant ally of Inuyasha, Jaken was the most resistant of the group to the partnership. He was especially belligerent when his master viewed his brother as a direct enemy, consistently prompting him to destroy the protagonists while stroking his ego in the process.
Despite his gibbering obsequiousness, Jaken is Sesshomaru's most reliable companion, remaining dutifully at his side through threats and abuse verbal and physical. Whether his loyalty is out of respect for his master or a necessity for him to survive is uncertain, though he has thrust himself into danger on Sesshomaru's behalf.
2 Monspeet (Seven Deadly Sins)
Unlike many of the other demons whose strongest emotions are malice, Monspeet's primary role has been one of Derieri's companion and retainer. He and Meliodas are both testaments that demons may have a drive to love just as strong as to hate, should they choose it.
Monspeet's placid demeanor is also a perfect compliment to Derieri's aggressiveness. She is usually excessively eager to thrust herself into the midst of battle, while Monspeet is too reserved. As partners, they balance out and complete one another in meaningful ways different matches do not (such as Drole and Gloxinia).
1 All For One (My Hero Academia)
The true mastermind behind the League of Villains, All For One is remarkably humane in the way he treats his henchmen. His philosophy is not one of rigid utilitarian dominance which harshly punishes failure. It invites those who find imperfections within themselves to join him and remake their lives through his quirk.
All For One is soft-spoken, patient, and understanding, as seen through his willingness to forgive Shigaraki's many failures. All For One is more than mere sentiment, as he even exchanged his freedom so that his pupil and allies might escape All Might.