We all know the feeling. You’re watching your favorite anime, and things are going great. The characters are lovable, the plot is interesting… and then, suddenly, someone betrays the group. It’s a gut-wrenching moment, made all the worse because it was so unexpected.
But why does it hurt so much when a character we love betrays us? Is it because we feel betrayed ourselves? Or is it because we can’t fathom why they would do such a thing?
Either way, there’s no denying that betrayals can make for some of the most heartbreaking moments in anime. Here are five of the most gut-wrenching betrayals we’ve ever seen:
Sasuke (Naruto)
In Naruto, Sasuke betrays his best friend Naruto by defecting to Orochimaru’s side. This act of betrayal causes a great deal of pain and anguish for Naruto, and ultimately leads to a long and bitter rivalry between the two characters.
While this acts as such a crucial plot point in the long run, one can’t help but think that Saskue was acting more like a selfish and edgy brat by betraying his friends rather than the avenging angel he believed himself to be.
Reiner (Attack on Titan)
Reiner was a member of the 104th Training Corps. He was a comrades and a friend to Eren and the others, but he betrayed them in order to further the goals of his own country along with his fellow Titans, Annie and Bertolt. What makes Reiner’s hurt just that bit more is the fact that before his betrayal he seemed like such a reliable and sturdy character, almost acting as an older brother to the entire group in this cruel and unforgiving world.
Aizen (Bleach)
Aizen was the captain of the 5th Division in the Gotei 13. He was a powerful and respected man, but he was also a traitor. He betrayed his friends, his comrades, and his entire organization in order to further his own goals of ruling the soul realms.
Aizen’s betrayal of the soul society is by far one of the most iconic betrayals in all of Anime. Made so iconic by his transformation by going from a mild mannered quite guy wearing glasses to one of the coldest villains in history (and losing the nerd look). Still gets Goosebumps thinking of that scene.
Light Yagami (Deathnote)
There are few things more tragic than the light of hope betraying us in our hour of need. In the anime series Death Note, this is exactly what happens to the protagonist, Light Yagami.
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