Mentors and Their Students: 6 Most Iconic Duos in Anime History

Mentors and Their Students: 6 Most Iconic Duos in Anime History
Image credit: Crunchyroll

Which one is your personal favorite?

Anime often shows a variety of relationships between a sensei and his ward: friendly or, on the contrary, tense and even hostile. They become the highlight of any title that features such duos.

1. Might Guy and Rock Lee – Naruto

This is the most recognizable duo in Naruto. These ninja heroes are united not only by their looks, classical martial arts, and love of pointless competitions, but also by their belief that hard work and effort are more important than any innate talent.

2. Askeladd and Thorfinn – Vinland Saga

The bond between Askeladd and Thorfinn is more complex than a simple teacher-student relationship. Askeladd killed Thorfinn's father and raised the child as a murder weapon. The relationship between them is one of revenge, betrayal, and hatred. But in the end, it is Askeladd who sets Thorfinn on the path to redemption.

3. Satoru Gojo and Yuji Itadori – Jujutsu Kaisen

Gojo is the perfect mentor, not only teaching his students how to fight curses, but also knowing when to praise, when to take a break, and when to help a student gain confidence in their own abilities. Seeing potential in Itadori, he saves the boy from execution and uses all of his influence to help him become stronger.

4. All Might and Izuku Midoriya – My Hero Academia

All Might embodies the ideal of a superhero: fair, strong, and inspiring. The drama of My Hero Academia is how the insecure and weak Midoriya, who has had no superpowers since childhood, grows up and strives to live up to his mentor's image.

5. Frieren and Fern – Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

The best anime duos happen when the characters have something to learn from each other. As the immortal elf Frieren teaches magic to the girl Fern, she helps her mentor understand the flow of time and the importance and value of fleeting moments. These two share a truly touching bond built on caring, mutual support, and love.

6. Arataka Reigen and Mob – Mob Psycho 100

At first, the con artist Reigen uses the psychic high school student Mob to make money, easily deceiving and manipulating him. But gradually, their bond evolves into a true mentorship. The series mixes comedy with deep lessons about self-esteem and morality, and by the end of the story, both characters grow into better versions of themselves.

Which one is your personal favorite?

Anime often shows a variety of relationships between a sensei and his ward: friendly or, on the contrary, tense and even hostile. They become the highlight of any title that features such duos.

1. Might Guy and Rock Lee – Naruto

This is the most recognizable duo in Naruto. These ninja heroes are united not only by their looks, classical martial arts, and love of pointless competitions, but also by their belief that hard work and effort are more important than any innate talent.

2. Askeladd and Thorfinn – Vinland Saga

The bond between Askeladd and Thorfinn is more complex than a simple teacher-student relationship. Askeladd killed Thorfinn's father and raised the child as a murder weapon. The relationship between them is one of revenge, betrayal, and hatred. But in the end, it is Askeladd who sets Thorfinn on the path to redemption.

3. Satoru Gojo and Yuji Itadori – Jujutsu Kaisen

Gojo is the perfect mentor, not only teaching his students how to fight curses, but also knowing when to praise, when to take a break, and when to help a student gain confidence in their own abilities. Seeing potential in Itadori, he saves the boy from execution and uses all of his influence to help him become stronger.

4. All Might and Izuku Midoriya – My Hero Academia

All Might embodies the ideal of a superhero: fair, strong, and inspiring. The drama of My Hero Academia is how the insecure and weak Midoriya, who has had no superpowers since childhood, grows up and strives to live up to his mentor's image.

5. Frieren and Fern – Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

The best anime duos happen when the characters have something to learn from each other. As the immortal elf Frieren teaches magic to the girl Fern, she helps her mentor understand the flow of time and the importance and value of fleeting moments. These two share a truly touching bond built on caring, mutual support, and love.

6. Arataka Reigen and Mob – Mob Psycho 100

At first, the con artist Reigen uses the psychic high school student Mob to make money, easily deceiving and manipulating him. But gradually, their bond evolves into a true mentorship. The series mixes comedy with deep lessons about self-esteem and morality, and by the end of the story, both characters grow into better versions of themselves.