Fruits Basket is all about the Chinese zodiac spirits who possess the Soma family clan and how one clumsy high school girl has the power to heal their battered souls. As Tohru Honda meets the members of the zodiac and becomes a pseudo-member of the family, she comes face to face with their darkest secrets.
With all the flirtations between members of the zodiac and Tohru, it's no wonder that fans would root for certain pairings and create ships between them. Some characters are clearly made for each other, while other pairings would be a total disaster. See which are the 10 best and worst pairings.
10 Worst: Shigure And Ayame
Shigure and Ayame, the dog and snake zodiacs, have been best friends since they were children. Both of them are too playful and flirty to make any sense as a couple. As a running gag, they make jokes that may make others believe that they are in a relationship.
Both are free with their affections, which is seen by Shigure's flirty nature with girls and Ayame's touchy-feeling ways when it comes to Tohru. This pairing is one of the worst, considering their personalities and carefree attitudes.
9 Best: Hiro And Kisa
Hiro and Kisa, the ram and tiger zodiacs, make one adorable pair. Although only in middle school, Hiro knows that he's in love with Kisa. However, with the curse of the Soma clan, that love ends up hurting her. Tohru sees how hard Hiro is trying for Kisa's sake, and guides him with her words of encouragement.
Hiro is ready to stop acting like a brat and start acting like the prince charming he wishes to become for Kisa. He's still growing, but he resolves to become a man worthy of protecting his loved one.
8 Worst: Shigure And Akito
Shigure and Akito have a weird dynamic between them. It's as though Shigure is a dog returning to its owner, which is only relevant considering his zodiac. But, it clearly goes beyond that simple relationship. Both are scheming in their own ways and to their own ends, regardless of how it affects the people around them.
The ends justify the means, at least, that's what these two would say. They make an awful pairing due to their deliberate facade of friendliness and unhealthy dependence on each other.
7 Best: Ritsu And Mitsuru
Ritsu is the monkey zodiac, and Mitsuru is Shigure's editor. They make a perfect pair because of their over-the-top flustered ways. Ritsu is a crossdresser and constantly apologizes, while Mitsuru is forever on the verge of ending her life due to Shigure's teasing behavior.
When the two go on an errand for Shigure, the pair become more acquainted through their mutual troubles and bad habits. They even make plans to meet up again, so this ship is definitely sailing in the right direction.
6 Worst: Yuki And Hatsuharu
Yuki and Hatsuharu, the rat and ox zodiac, make a splendidly awful pair. Yuki displays his calm, cool, and collected facade, while Hatsuharu is in his "black" mode, where he becomes assertive. Hatsuharu once disliked Yuki, because of the zodiac folklore, where the rat road on the ox's back.
Yuki clears up the misunderstanding upon which Hatsuharu declares Yuki his first love. Hatsuharu freely admits to his love of Yuki, but this rat zodiac is having none of that. This pair is better off as friends than in any intimate relationship.
5 Best: Kagura And Kyo
Kagura and Kyo, the boar and cat zodiacs, were made for each other. Kyo can take a beating, and Kagura can dish it out, especially when her emotions run high. She loves him so much that she literally cannot contain herself, which results in her chasing him down and punching or kicking him with her love.
Kagura doesn't hide her love of Kyo and has felt this way since they were children. Kyo doesn't take too kindly to her treatment of him, but he doesn't hate her either. This adorable pair is one wild ride as Kyo survives hit after hit of Kagura's love.
4 Worst: Momiji And Tohru
Momiji, the rabbit zodiac, acts much younger than his actual age. Although a high school student, his personality is similar to that of an elementary student. His cutesy attitude lends him an air of innocence, which allows him to get away with sleeping in the same room as Tohru during their hot spring trip.
This pair is one of the worst because of the brother/sister vibe they give off. Even if Momiji wants to bathe with Tohru, it isn't laced with hidden meaning, and also illustrates Tohru's naivete when it comes to boys.
3 Best: Tohru And Kyo
Kyo, the cat zodiac, is a wonderful tsundere character. He's quick to anger and quick to defuse. Throughout the anime, Tohru has a healing effect on Kyo, and her words become the balm to his insecurities. On the other hand, Kyo does his best to listen to Tohru and be there for her when she needs it most.
This pairing is one of the best because of Kyo's continual efforts to alieve Tohru's anxiety, and Tohru's need to let Kyo know how great of a person he is. Together, they create cute and heartwarming moments.
2 Worst: Kyo And Yuki
Kyo and Yuki, the cat and rat zodiacs, are one of the worst pairs to ever exist. They're opposites, so it's only natural that they'd constantly play at cat-and-mouse with each other. Kyo is always looking to pick a fight, while Yuki would rather be left alone than engage him in battle.
Yuki is Kyo's martial arts rival, which is the driving force behind their constant interactions. Kyo's goal is to beat Yuki, but Yuki has no intention of letting him win. Their competition and lack of regard for one another make this duo an awful pair.
1 Best: Tohru And Yuki
Tohru and Yuki share subtle moments of flirtation throughout the show. For a white day gift, he gives her a blue hair ribbon. Blue is the embodiment of Yuki, which shows him marking her as his. Tohru gets flustered by Yuki's teasing, but at the same time, she doesn't hate it.
Yuki admits to always trying to figure out Tohru but believes that she experiences the world differently from others, especially since she didn't kick up a fuss when learning about their zodiac secret. As they navigate through their worries and insecurities, this precious pair continually works to help and encourage the other.