The story of the strong friendship between two characters is often the most prominent aspect of anime, especially in shounen anime. They go through many obstacles, difficulties, adventures, and even internal conflicts between the two.
Below is a list of famous best friend pairs in the world of anime:
1. Naruto and Sasuke – Naruto
Masashi Kishimoto’s shounen anime focuses the plot on the adventures of Uzumaki Naruto, a boy who becomes the host for the Nine-Tails named Kurama.
However, this plot would lack appeal without the presence of Uchiha Sasuke, Naruto’s rival and best friend.
The friendship between Naruto and Sasuke begins on a rocky path. Sasuke once left the Leaf Village, prompting Naruto to do everything he could to bring Sasuke back home.
2. Gon and Killua – Hunter x Hunter
Speaking of friendship stories in shounen anime, the friendship between Gon Freecss and Killua Zoldyck is incredibly famous. These two 11-year-old boys meet while participating in the Hunter Exam. Later, finding Gon to be an interesting character, Killua decides to follow Gon everywhere.
Friendships among children are often more genuine than those of adults. This is exemplified by Gon and Killua, who are willing to sacrifice anything for each other, such as Gon not hesitating to go to the Zoldyck family estate to fetch Killua, or Killua going against his own family to heal Gon’s wounds.
3. Gintoki and Katsura – Gintama
The main character Gintoki Sakata has a childhood friend named Kotaro Katsura. However, they seem to be mismatched, especially since they have chosen different paths.
Despite this, Gintoki and Katsura truly admire each other. They would even protect each other in critical moments that threaten both their lives.
4. Ash and Pikachu – Pokemon
Ash Ketchum and Pikachu have embarked on adventures together since the beginning of the series, with Pikachu being the first Pokémon Ash owned. Ash received this electric energy yellow Pokémon from Professor Oak.
Throughout the series, Ash and Pikachu have faced many different challenges. The two have become eternal partners, participating in various tournaments and growing stronger together.
5. Shoyo Hinata and Tobio Kageyama – Haikyuu!!
In the anime Haikyuu!!, Shoyo Hinata and Tobio Kageyama have proven to be the most formidable pair, as their relationship is built on mutual trust.
Ironically, Kageyama never imagined he would become close to Hinata from the start. However, Hinata’s ‘loud’ attitude truly encouraged Kageyama, turning the previously unpleasant Kageyama into a likable character.
6. Meliodas and Ban – Nanatsu no Taizai
Two of the seven members of the “Seven Deadly Sins” group, Meliodas (the leader) and Ban are extremely close friends. They have fought through many life-and-death battles together, making them appear as a dangerous duo.
Meliodas and Ban enjoy sparring to test each other’s strength. It is truly a risky friendly match, yet they continue to do so every time they meet.
7. Yato and Yukine – Noragami
Noragami tells the story of a poor god named Yato. The life of this nearly forgotten god is actually very difficult, but he survives thanks to his closest companions who are always by his side, including Yukine.
Yukine is the only Shinki that Yato has. This means Yato is Yukine’s master. Nevertheless, Yato has never regarded Yukine as a mere tool. As a result, a bond develops that is much stronger than that of a master and servant, specifically, friendship.