The world of anime is full of many conniving and intelligent characters, some more deceitful than others. These lies have shaped their respective stories dramatically, whether for how they misled their target or the ramifications of being uncovered for their treachery.
However, there have been instances where completely inane lies have been believed, often working to the manipulator's advantage. By identifying the most impractical fibs that have ever been told, we can better appreciate how gullible the individuals of their respective stories must have been in order to fall for them.
10 The Hauler Tricked A Beggar Out Of Claiming Vengeance (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
A young man had accidentally got a beggar killed for his surly disposition during his day job of hauling corn. The vagrant's death came with a chilling promise; he would wreak his vengeance when he least expected it and when his vanquisher was at his happiest.
Many years passed since the omen was issued, and when the transient's specter finally returned, he mistakenly slaughtered the man's servant instead (since they had swapped faces). This is particularly strange since the ghost had allegedly been stalking his unintended murderer since the time of his demise.
9 Tatsumi Told Esdeath He Wasn't A Part Of The Rebellion (Akame Ga Kill!)
After Tatsumi had been found a worthy suitor for Esdeath, he attempted to work the situation to his advantage. Once they had alone time with each other, he tried his hand at coaxing the general to abandon her fealty to the Empire, instead joining the rebel cause.
This was a lie since he denied being explicitly affiliated with Night Raid and the other insurrectionists. Tatsumi would later admit that this deception was untenable, deciding to be more straightforward with his intentions and further gaining Esdeath's respect for his courage.
8 Chrollo Lied About His Identity To Neon Nostrade (Hunter X Hunter)
When Neon Nostrade had absconded from her overprotective bodyguards, Chrollo Lucifer (the leader of the Phantom Troupe) eagerly capitalized on the opportunity. He gained her trust through accompanying her to dinner, even testing the young woman's Nen ability by asking for a demonstration.
There are a number of factors that should have rendered his strategy impossible. Not only did her father caution Neon against such unscrupulous individuals, but the "disguise" he wore was also merely a headband to conceal the iconic tattoo on his pate. He should have been easily recognizable, especially given the intelligence at the disposal of Yorknew's crime families.
7 All Might Lied About His Health For Years (My Hero Academia)
Toshinori was intent on appearing as physically robust as possible to the many denizens of Japan in spite of the serious injury on his chest. Since maintaining his muscle form would place enormous exertion on his body, he simply limited the exposure that he had with the rest of the public.
However, this nearly backfired and killed him when Wolfram and a group of terrorists hijacked a formal event. The expectation the Symbol of Peace put on himself made it impossible for him to revert to his regular form and weakened him when he was finally able to turn his strength against his captors.
6 Arlong Lied About Nami Being Able To Pay Her Debt (One Piece)
In order to guarantee her compliance, Arlong made a proposition to Nami. Should she collect an ample sum of money, he and his fish-men would no longer terrorize the village of her birth.
After betraying Luffy and delivering the promised haul to the aquatic tyrant, what goods she had kept away were promptly confiscated by the marines. This was Arlong's intention the entire time, setting Nami back from her objective and guaranteeing her subservience (until the Strawhat crew's intervention).
5 Satsuki Lied About Killing Ryuko's Father (Kill La Kill)
At the beginning of Kill La Kill, Satsuki encouraged the notion (and even deliberately stated) that she had killed Ryuko's father in front of her and the rest of the school. This was to test her ability and determine whether or not she was capable of the impending life fiber disaster.
Though her ploy may have been successful, it also made Matoi lose control when Nui Harime revealed the truth. This put the entire academy (but more urgently, the recently defeated Elite Four) at critical risk.
4 Lisa Lied About Her Origins To Vulcan (Fire Force)
The plan that Giovanni arranged in case Vulcan was not compliant was far-fetched at best. He planted one of his pliable spies to live with him for a long time, effectively serving as an extension of his own family.
Potentially, this could have backfired once the rogue leader of the third division made his gambit at the assault on Vulcan's house. However, his spy would remain loyal to him, refusing to abscond from the battlefield with her former partner despite having an ideal opportunity to do so.
3 L Fooled Light With An Imposter (Death Note)
When the Kira killer was first uncovered, L had his suspicions about how he was conducting his murders. To test his theory, he arranged for a man already on death row to take his place during a public briefing. Should Yagami strike him down as he spoke, the detective would have adequate parameters to narrow his search.
Because Light fell for what would have been a transparent ruse later in the series, L knew that the killer had to be somewhere in Japan. This knowledge would soon entwine their fates.
2 Armin Fools Annie And Exposes Her (Attack On Titan)
After the initial attempt on Eren's life, Armin almost knew with certainty that Annie Leonhart was behind the Female Titan. To test this hypothesis, he attempted to lure her into a dark passage - since titans lost their power source without the sun, this would have ideally drawn her out if she was who he expected.
Her refusal only confirmed the scout's deepest fears and shortly resulted in a brutal battle for the fate of the inner walls. The mistake Leonhart made was almost uncharacteristic of her usually cold and inhospitable nature.
1 Obito Was Fooled By Zetsu Into Hating Kakashi (Naruto)
After being kept under Madara's care for an unspeakable amount of time, Obito was released once he became physically strong enough to shatter the barrier keeping him trapped. His first goal was to find his former teammates, only to discover Kakashi plunging his chidori through Rin's chest - a deliberate ploy arranged by the Uchiha's former caretaker.
The scheme to turn Obito's heart toward villainy was asinine for a number of reasons. Not only would it have entailed that he discover Kakashi at the exact moment he struck Rin down, arriving any earlier (and watching her throw herself in front of his attack) would have also made him privy to the truth.