When it comes to fighting crime or even in day-to-day life, mentors are an essential element to growing. They are one of the first people that teach the difference between right and wrong, helping to enhance a person’s skill or personality for the better. They help them overcome their disciple's limitations, doubts and enemies. While some may show tough-love, in the end, without their support, many of the popular heroes in anime wouldn’t be here today. Among the many student-teacher pairs in anime, there are some that have pulled heartstrings due to how wholesome their relationship is. Here are the most wholesome student-teacher relationships in anime.
7 Koro-sensei & Class 3-E - Assassination Classroom
When it comes to beloved teachers, Kuro-sensei is the first that comes to the mind of fans. While the whole school had given up on the students of class 3-E, this teacher didn’t. In fact, he came up with the most bizarre, yet happy activities for the kids to forget their troubles. Even enabling each of them to embrace themselves and strive to be better. The entire goal of Assassination Classroom was for the students to kill their teacher. Yet, their relationship strayed further away from that and turned into respect. In the end, although Kuro-sensei was gone, the class continued on to respect his wishes and remember his teachings.
6 Reigen & Mob - Mob Psycho 100
Although their relationship started with Reigen wanting to use Mob for his powers, it didn’t take long for him to truly start caring about him and become an ideal mentor for him. Despite having no powers, Reigen does everything he can for his disciple. Whether it’s giving him life lessons, love advice, teaching him self-worth or even helping him control his powers, he has proved that there’s nobody more well-suited to guide the supernatural genius. For Mob, although he knows that his mentor doesn’t have any powers, he truly respects Reigen for encouraging him every time. During the latest season finale of Mob Psycho 100, Mob had lost control and even the most powerful of espers couldn’t control him. Reigen risked his life to snap Mob back to reality. That is truly wholesome.
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5 Gojo & Itadori - Jujutsu Keisen
Gojo Satoru is easily the strongest character in Jujutsu Keisen. However, the one thing that makes him shine as a good mentor is not his powers; it’s his way of treating all the students with respect and care. He sees the endless potential of Itadori, and encourages him to use his powers for the good. Even going as far as to protect him from the higher ups whenever needed.
4 Urokodaki & Tanjiro - Demon Slayer
Having known how Tanjiro wanted to bring an unstable demon along with him, Urokodaki took them under his wing. He trained his new student with respect, care, and tough-love from day one. Even though he could have handed Nezuko to the Demon Slayer Corps, the ex-water hashira instead protected her while she slept and prepared daily food for Tanjiro to eat after his training. Knowing his student’s mission to face the worst of demons, Urokodaki worked him to the bone for a whole year. When Tanjiro was finally returned from the final selection alive, the mentor greeted him with tears.
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3 Rock Lee & Might Guy - Naruto
If there’s one thing that Naruto is good for, it’s having the most wholesome teacher-student relationships. Among them, Might Guy and Rock Lee stand out as the characters with the best student-teacher relationship. It is one of the most heartwarming and genuine in the entire series. Unlike many other characters in the anime, Lee can’t mold chakras. Which means there are many shinobi techniques, such as ninjutsu or genjutsu, that he can’t use. This puts him at a big disadvantage in front of his peers or enemies. As a master of taijutsu, the mentor could have picked anyone to be his apprentice; but he believed in Lee’s potential and took him in. He saw Lee’s determination and decided to help him fight for his dream. In the end, Lee became one of the best fighters in the group. Moreover, due to his caring and mentoring persona, Lee looks up to Guy, and they share a joyful bond.
2 Saitama & Genos - One-Punch Man
Having done just a few exercises every day to become the most powerful being in the universe, Saitama wasn’t looking for any students. All he wanted to do was be a hero. However, this inspired Genos and despite being turned down multiple times, he became Saitama’s self-proclaimed student. It is absolutely adorable how Genos follows Saitama around, watching him fight and taking notes. Although the superhuman doesn’t teach the cyborg anything, he doesn’t mind having him around. There were even times when Saitama had to scold Genos for overusing his powers to the point of almost going towards self-destruct. Since then, the student has gained even more respect for his master. They have now become good friends as well, which is very pure and tugs at the heartstrings of fans.
1 All Might & Izuku - My Hero Academia
As an aspiring hero, Izuku has looked up to All Might since he was a child. Watching videos of him saving civilians, destroying villains and helping others. Such acts deemed All Might as the symbol of peace for the world. Izuku wanted to become such a person as well. Unfortunately, he didn’t have any powers. This left Izuku devastated, but he still decided to be a hero in his own way. Even if he can’t fight, he puts himself in the front to defend a civilian in danger. This amazed All Might. He saw bravery and the pursuit of justice in the boy’s eyes. This inspired All Might to choose Izuku as his apprentice and pass on his powers to him. Throughout the show, All Might has proved to be a caring and mentoring figure to his student. Defending him from trouble, giving life advice, helping him overcome his self-doubts. It is truly genuine and wholesome.
