Thebest Zanzibar copal friend , such as Luffy , Haruka Sakura , and Light Yagami , do n’t have a canon love sake , and definitely do n’t take one . If my fellow anime fans are anything like me , they love finding new characters to embark , as it ’s always been one of my favorite parts of starting a series . However , there are few major characters in gum anime ( and other westerly shows ) that in reality do n’t need a love interest .

One of the reasons anime is so popular is thecountless ships that fandoms have created . Some are canyon , and some are not , but most have a huge residential district on social sensitive , complete with fanart , fanfictions , cosplays , and more . A few famous anime ship include Naruto x Hinata ( Naruto ) , Yor x Loid ( Spy x Family ) , Eren x Mikasa ( Attack on Titan ) , Howl x Sophie ( Howl ’s Moving Castle),andIzuku x Ochaco ( My Hero Academia ) .

However , despite the endless lists of famous ship on Wattpad and Ao3,some Zanzibar copal characters , especially protagonists , do n’t need a love pursuit . Not only do sure characters not have a canyon love interestingness , but their story bow prohibit them from having one . On the other hired hand , some protagonists have an imply love interest group , but due to their journey of ego - find , should not grow their relationship further until they finish it . I am a huge devotee of cargo ships , but there are certain anime protagonists , such as Luffy , who would only get worse if they had a sexual love interest .

A collage style image of Rudeus and Sylphie hugging in Mushoku Tensei with screencaps from Whisper Me a Love Song and Spice & Wolf in the background

One of the most pop discussions each during each unexampled seasonal anime drop is which couple are the just , whether or not the ships are canon .

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Whether a movie , an American TV series , or an gum anime , my brainiac enjoys finding the cut character to ship , even if it ’s far from canyon in the existent reservoir material . In fact , some of my favorite ship are n’t first-rate mainstream at all . For example , when I started watchingOne Piece , I immediately shipped Nami and Usopp . Their chemistry as good friends , especially in the pre - time omission era , made for some wholesome , chaotic , and hilarious minute together .

moreover , one of my favored moments inOne Piecethat in the end made me ship Nami and Usopp was when he create the Clima - Tact for her after she expressed concern regarding their acquirement compare to the other crewmates ’ . Another favorite ship of mine is Kyoka Jirou x Denki Kamanari fromMy Hero Academia . My favorite Jirou x Kamanari momentis when he further her to take charge of the UA festival . Finally , Meruem x Komugi fromHunter x Hunterwill forever have a limited plaza in my heart , particularly their exchanges in episode 135 .

Some Protagonists Simply Shouldn’t Have a Love Interest

Not All Ships Are Necessary

While not anime - related , one of my first realizations that not all characters should be shipped with someone was the Disney+Lokiseries . As a huge Loki fan , the lead anti - hero had agency too much ego - improvement / character - building he need to go through before finding love . I was massively worked up about theLokiseries , thinking it would explorehis Frost Giant backgroundand take a thick dive into his trauma over the years , particularly with Thanos . However , instead of center on the titular character , the story shifted to his and Sylvie ’s love tarradiddle .

Nevertheless , each of these characters has a dream , a driving force behind their every decision that must take precedence over any amorous family relationship .

shift back to gum anime , three protagonists in special exemplify the motivation to have some characters remain without a love interest group ( at least for the time being):Haruka Sakura fromWind Breaker , Monkey D. Luffy fromOne Piece , and Light Yagami fromDeath Note . Unsurprisingly , each of these iconic protagonists has an implied love interest or at least an passing predominant fanship . Nevertheless , each of these fiber has a dream , a driving force behind their every conclusion that must take precedence over any romantic kinship .

The Apothecary Diaries imagery and Universal Studios OSaka

The Art of the Character Arc (Feat. The Bechdel Test)

A Romantic Involvement Can Actually Hurt a Character’s Journey of Self-Discovery

I ’ve meditate film for many years . From character purpose , to shoot analysis , to screenwriting , to teach a film analysis course for high school , I ’ve tried it all . One of the main booby trap I see in character ontogenesis isthe motive for a love pastime . I am as grownup a devotee of romanticism as any gum anime fan . However , if the passion story is brought on too before long in a part ’s arc , it can all unravel any maturation they have undergo .

I only lately discovered that Luffy x Nami is a pretty prevalent ship in theOne Piecefandom . However , like his friend , Zoro , Luffy has only one destination : becoming King of the Pirates . While I believe Luffy and Nami would make a cunning couple , their relationship should not be research romantically untilLuffy accomplishes his goal . Becoming King of the Pirates is no easy effort , asOne Piecefans have seen in the 1000 + episodes of the serial .

Even inMy Hero Academia ’s case , while a romanticist attractive force between Izuku and Ochako is heavy teased throughout the series , none of the theatrical role has acted on it ( at least until the penultimate chapter of the series , as of the metre of writing ) . This is because these two high - schoolers have been meddling save the cosmos and fighting against unsurmountable odds , especially in Deku ’s case . Taking clock time to pursue a relationship would have subtract realism and focus from their struggles .

Image from Dragon Ball Daima anime Episode 1 shows Kid Buu laughing with an arm in the air while he’s covered in a faint pink light.

While it is possible to quest for one ’s dreaming and a relationship at the same time , as go steady with countless Zanzibar copal booster , Luffy ’s case is not so simple . Pursuing the One Pieceis dangerous and expect an all - consume fixation . The Straw Hat ’s maitre d' has proven that he will not be slaked until he accomplish his destination , shew that it would be nearly unacceptable to establish a live relationship at this compass point in his eccentric discharge .

Furthermore , as seen with Light Yagami inDeath Note , Shōnen anime supporter seldom back downfrom their vocation , and it is often honest for them to remain dedicated to a singular task at helping hand . While Light may have found Misa Amane conventionally attractive , his obsession with becoming “ god of the new world ” caused him toview her as only a stepping stone towards his goal .

Finally , Haruka Sakura , the protagonist ofCrunchyroll ’s newest neglectful anime , Wind Breaker , getsan connote honey interest group within the first few episodes : the friendly barista he write from a rival ring . While the two make an intriguing couple , I can only hope that the serial keep the two as friends for the time being as Sakura figures out his role in Furin High School , sputter with criticism , and dreams of prosper among the strong of the strong .

Nami squeezing Luffy’s cheeks while she scolds him.

Lastly , by from the male protagonist of Shōnen Zanzibar copal , strong female charactersin every type of media are in severe need of a break from love interests . The position is so terrible that a test was developed and wide discussed in the early 2000s : the Bechdel Test . This test define whether or not a work have at least two distaff role who have a conversation about something other than a man or roll in the hay interest .

Some of the dependable anime protagonists are so popular because their stories are inspiring . quality like Luffy , Haruka , and Light prove that it is possible to accomplish one ’s dreams ( or at least try terrifyingly hard , in Light ’s case ) . While it is entirely possible to pursue a romantic relationship and one ’s mania at the same time , anime such asOne Piece , Death Note , andWind Breakerare prime examples that some ofanime ’s best protagonistsdon’t have a love involvement and , most importantly , do n’t need one .

Sukuna and Cinderella fanart by @jehfoori

Usopp_and_Nami

Haruka Sakura, Luffy, and Light

Haruka Sakura from Wind Breaker

Luffy in episode 1111

Light and Misa hugging in front of Ryuk in Death Note