The characters’ awakening of hidden powers or attaining ultimate transformation has been quite a moment of thrill for audiences. Monkey D. Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation in One Piece and Son Goku’s Ultra Instinct in Dragon Ball Super, have set trademarks for such moments. These moments provide crucial points in the narrative, character growth, and spectacular display of power.
Including Luffy and Goku, the anime world is full of such mesmerizing moments. These are five badass power-awakening moments of character transformation that match those two power-ups. Each of the awakenings or transformations depicts the animation team’s skills in creating visually stunning moments for their respective series.
1. Tanjiro Kamado Unleashing Hinokami Kagura: Sun Halo Dragon
Tanjiro Kamado first used Hinokami Kagura during his first fight with the Lower Moon Five. After that, he was seen constantly going through intense practice sessions. Tanjiro’s vigorous training made him unleash the Hinokami Kagura Sun Halo Dragon against the Upper Moon four, Hantengu.
What made this transformation special was its spectacular visualization of the technique. It allowed Tanjiro to tap into his power which surpassed his normal abilities. When he used it, his sword glowed red-hot, and he moved with incredible speed and strength.
Demon Slayer is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
2. Naruto Uzumaki Mastering Kurama’s Power
Naruto Uzumaki‘s Baryon Mode was the ultimate form that came with his partnership with Kurama. This mode allowed Naruto’s Chakra and Kurama to fuse at the atomic level, giving rise to a new level of energy. It gave Naruto godlike speed and strength to fight against Isshiki Otsutsuki.
But the power came with a cost as it burned Kurama’s life force, ultimately leading to his death. It was a tragic moment for the power-up, Naruto won the fight at the cost of losing his long-lasting partner.
Naruto is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
3. Ken Kaneki Accepting His Ghoul Side
Ken Kaneki’s transformation was a crucial moment not only for his character development but also for the whole series. He survived ten days of torture at the hands of Yamori which finally resulted in accepting his ghoul side. Its acceptance has transformed his hair into white and his Kagune became more powerful.
It also turned him into a formidable fighter and opponent. He started to believe in his ghoul nature and used it to protect those he cared about.
Tokyo Ghoul is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
4. Gon Freecss Attaining His Adult Form
Gon Freecss is one of the most shocking power-ups in the series. When he heard Kite’s death, he was engulfed by grief and anger. This has made Gon force his body to mature rapidly by unintentionally using the Nen Pact. It allowed him to overpower Pitou, who was responsible for Kite’s death, in terms of speed and strength.
Though the transformation gave him immeasurable power, he sacrificed his future to gain power in the present. His visual appearance changed, he became a muscular adult with long hair and a stern expression.
Hunter X Hunter is available to watch on Netflix.
5. Rukia Kuchiki Acheives Her True Bankai Power
Rukia Kuchiki’s achievement of her Bankai Hakka no Togame was a beautiful yet powerful moment. Rukia used her Bankai to fight against Sternritter ‘F’ Äs Nödt. Her appearance changed upon the activation of the Bankai. There were snowflakes surrounding her skin and clothes, and she became covered in white.
The transformation reflected the ice-based nature of her powers. The Bankai gave her incredible ice power which drops the temperature so low that even touching her can freeze them. She became a powerful character who needed no more help or rescuing from others, as she could now stand on her own.
Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War is available to watch on Hulu.
