In anime, it's virtually impossible to predict everything that will happen. There are too many fantastical and mysterious elements to anticipate, making it challenging for even the most intelligent characters to come up with a plan of action too infallible to be broken.
However, there are a handful of characters who manage to stay a step ahead of their competition regardless of circumstances. By identifying the many clever ways they outsmart opponents and predict disasters, we can better appreciate why they are respected among friends and enemies alike.
10 Joseph Is So Prepared That He Even Predicts What His Enemies Will Say (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
Despite his relative inexperience, Joseph Joestar adapts to the hand he's been dealt. He can predict and counter dire situations so quickly that he's even able to anticipate what his opponents will say next.
This was demonstrated during his battle against Santana, where he predicted the villain's vampiric nature and goaded him into sunlight despite being completely unprepared for the encounter. He defeated Kars in a similar way at the conclusion of Battle Tendency.
9 Dorian Is Prepared Even When Injured (Baki)
Dorian was one of the five escaped convicts who challenged Baki and his friends. He displayed incredible resilience and tenacity throughout his rampage and had enough confidence to stroll past an army of people intent on killing him.
The villain has tools for any situation, such as gasoline, lighters, and razor wire. He even managed to defeat a man who had followed him home and attempted to capitalize on his injuries to kill him. Ironically, Dorian was only bested when forced to address his own paradoxical nature. By having never fulfilled his dream of tasting defeat, he failed for his entire life.
8 Netero Came At Meruem With The Ultimate Contingency Plan (Hunter X Hunter)
Netero spent most of his life undefeated and earned his position as the leader of the Hunter's Association. After hearing about the threat of chimera ants, he became exhilarated by the promise of a meaningful challenge.
When it began to seem as if Meruem was too much for him, Netero had a final contingency. Before the fight began, he placed a bomb in his chest that would detonate as soon as his heart stopped. By taking his own life, he ensured that Meruem was doomed as well.
7 Aizen Was A Brilliant Tactician (Bleach)
Aizen was perhaps the only person capable of betraying the Soul Society and avoiding their wrath. Everything he had done was for the sake of strengthening himself and unlocking the true power of the Hogyoku.
He was also mindful not to underestimate his opponents, as proven when designing a minion specifically for the purpose of countering Yamamoto. Although Gin managed to land a successful hit through Aizen's chest, the man had already grown so powerful that his several-year-long betrayal scheme was of little consequence.
6 Erwin Led The Scouts With Grace & Courage (Attack On Titan)
Although seldom placed in ideal situations, Commander Erwin led the Scouts as best he could. Under his leadership, they mounted a successful civil war, defeated the titan threat, and uncovered the truth beyond the walls.
Erwin's finest plan involved distracting Zeke so that Levi could ambush him from behind. While it was mostly successful, it cost a significant portion of the regiment their lives, and Zeke ended up escaping regardless. All the same, it fulfilled its intended purpose of winning the battle for Shiganshina.
5 Near Completed L's Work Of Bringing Down Light (Death Note)
After L's death, it seemed as if Kira had won. His message spread far and wide, even garnering tens of thousands of cult-like adherents.
However, Kira failed to anticipate that his opponent had successors. By playing off of L's work and benefitting from Mello's underhanded tactics, Near managed to prove the killer's identity with certainty. When Light was finally exposed before the Japanese Task Force, he attempted and failed to kill them all. In the end, Near proved himself worthy to continue L's legacy through his actions.
4 Merlin Had A Contingency For Everyone, Including Her Friends (Seven Deadly Sins)
Merlin was handily the most intelligent member of the Seven Deadly Sins. She often utilized her wits when her comrades were outmatched, such as during their fights against Galand and Chandler.
The sorceress does not apply her ruthless cunning solely toward enemies. She also used the Sins in order to defeat the demon race and usher forth the will of chaos. Her friends were stunned by the betrayal but were willing to forgive her anyway.
3 All For One Rules From The Shadows (My Hero Academia)
At one point, All For One's dominion was as wicked as it was pervasive. He ruled with an iron fist and stole the Quirks of anyone powerful enough to defy him.
After being defeated by All Might, he continued scheming from the shadows. Over time, he has groomed Shigaraki into a weapon and slowly built upon the strength of the nomu. His plans continued to take effect even after he was imprisoned, as proven through the League of Villains' triumph over the Meta Liberation Front.
2 Monkey D. Dragon Was The Cunning Leader Of The Revolutionary Army (One Piece)
Monkey D. Dragon was the leader of the Revolutionary Army. For years, he has rallied people from all walks of life to oppose the World Government while avoiding the retribution of prowling marines.
In addition to watching over his own people, he has not forgotten about his son, Luffy. Smoker would have caught him at the climax of the Loguetown arc if he had not made an unexpected intervention. Dragon's actions have garnered one of the series' highest bounties and reflect the danger he poses to the established global order.
1 Shikamaru Is Konoha's Finest Tactician (Naruto)
Shikamaru's tactical prowess has been acknowledged since his youth. It was part of why he was one of the only genin to be promoted after the Chunin Exams despite forfeiting his match with Temari.
Ever since, Shikamaru's accolades have only grown more impressive. In addition to spearheading a rescue mission against Orochimaru's Sound Four, he was the only shinobi of the Konoha 11 to defeat an Akatsuki member by himself. When Naruto finally fulfilled his dream of becoming Hokage, Shikamaru was appointed as his advisor almost immediately. It was one of the best decisions that both men have ever made.