Anime is home to some of the most endearing character dynamics in media, though none are quite as charming as those among brothers. From the most relaxed to the most intense series, there is alwaysat least one lovable brotherthat looks after his siblings, something that is a source of adoration among fans.
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The caring sibling dynamic is prominent among biological brothers, but the same can be said about step-brothers as well. Time and time again, there are numerous examples of step-brothers accepting one another, regardless of blood. Of those examples, however, these eight stand out in the best way.
8Azusa Asahina (Brothers Conflict)
Azusa is one of thirteen stepbrothers whom Ema Hinata meets upon her stepfather’s second marriage. Compared to many of his brothers,Azusa is rather composed and introverted; it is Azusa who usually scolds Tsubaki for his reckless antics.
In regard to Ema, Azusa was initially hostile towards her for meddling in his issues with Tsubaki. But after some advice from both her and Tsubaki, Azusa eventually starts to warm up to her despite his awkwardness. Like several of his brothers, Azusa eventually develops romantic feelings toward Ema due to the kindness she exhibits toward him throughout the series.
7Byakuya Kuchiki (Bleach)
Whileappearing to be very cold-heartedat first, Byakuya is, in truth, a determined man who will strive to protect those dear to him. This is especially true with regard to Rukia; it is Byakuya who often comes to Rukia’s aid when she is in a dire situation.
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Though he was willing to let Rukia die when she was sentenced to be executed, Byakuya ultimately revealed his inner turmoil stemming from his promises to protect Rukia and uphold the law. Since then, he has been more open with how much he cares for Rukia, going as far as to call her his pride.
6Portgas D. Ace (One Piece)
Easily one of the most iconic stepbrothers (or brothers in general) out there, Ace’s devotion to Luffy needs no introduction. Having grown very protective of Luffy since the “death” of his other brother Sabo, Ace makes it a point to prioritize Luffy’s well-being, even when the two of them are a great distance apart.
The most mature out of the three brothers, Ace still had a reckless streak and a “never surrender” attitude when the time came to fight. Unfortunately, though he was confident in his abilities, his desire to protect Luffy proved to be an exploitable weakness, which ultimately led tohis heart-wrenching sacrifice.
5Sora (No Game No Life)
Having been disowned by his parents at a young age, it is Sora who acts as a caretaker to his stepsister Shiro, whom he considers his equal and partner. Despite the pair being shut-ins, Sora and Shiro displayintellect and aptitude high above the average person, with emotional manipulation being Sora’s specialty.
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As a testament to their bond, Sora and Shiro are at their most powerful when competing under the pseudonym Blank, in which their natural abilities are at their peak. Conversely, Sora is powerless when separated from Shiro, reverting to an awkward shell of his former self who is afraid of the world around him.
4Motoharu Tsuchimikado (A Certain Magical Index)
Motoharu’s flashy appearance is a perfect match for his personality; he proclaims himself to be a trickster and is willing to lie and cheat to meet his own ends. Despite these traits, Motoharu is still able to form meaningful friendships, as shown by how close he is to his classmate Touma.
Though he takes his duties as a spy very seriously, Motoharu holds a soft spot for his stepsister Maika. It is because of Maika that Motoharu joined the shady organization GROUP; some of his colleagues even nickname him the “Siscon Sergeant” due to how Motoharu dotes on and spoils his stepsister.
3Killer B (Naruto Shippuden)
The resident jinchuriki of the Hidden Cloud Village, Killer B differs from others of similar status; he keeps an upbeat attitude and often demands to be referred to in an overly formal fashion. ThoughB is a Kage-level combatantwho uses his tailed-beast powers for the sake of his village, his flamboyant mannerisms and constant rapping often get on the nerves of his allies.
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Despite his flashy mannerisms, however, Killer B truly means well, and he is more than willing to listen to the Fourth Raikage A, who happens to be his older stepbrother. It is because of A that Killer B became a jinchuriki, as he wanted to ensure and protect A’s status as the Fourth Raikage.
2Kai Miyagusuku (Blood+)
The eldest of George Miyagusuku’s adopted children, Kai is fiercely protective of his stepsiblings Saya and Riku, especially after George’s death. But even with his newfound status as head of the family, he still has a childish streak, as he often teases Saya for her voracious appetite.
Upon learning that Saya and Riku are no longer human, Kai becomes conflicted, but ultimately accepts the pair for who they are. Later on, Kai is particularly devastated by Riku’s murder at the hands of the Chiropteran queen Diva, at which point Kai decides to own up to his responsibilities as the eldest sibling.
1Masamune Izumi (Eromanga Sensei)
Much like Kai, Masamune serves as the caretaker tohis stepsister Sagiriafter their parents mysteriously disappear during their honeymoon. Since then, Masamune has made it a point to bond with Sagiri, but his attempts initially end in failure due to Sagiri isolating herself in her room.
Having been involved in the light novel scene since middle school, Masamune’s outlook on Sagiri changes drastically upon discovering that she is an illustrator. As a result, Masamune displays nothing but pride at her work and aspires to collaborate on a project that they both can enjoy together.
