Anime is rife with pivotal moments—decisions so crucial that a mere shift in choice could have dramatically altered the plot’s course. These “what if”scenarios continue to resonate with fans long after the story concludes, not just for what transpired, but for the myriad possibilities that could have emerged.
Consider the implications of a character’s survival instead of their demise. What if a decision was made differently, someone chose to depart a scene, or even a phone call was never made? These scenarios are not mere whims; they serve as portals into alternate realities that could lead to vastly different narratives—some enticing, others tragic.
In this discussion, we explore nine of the most thought-provoking “what if”scenarios in anime, delving into their potential effects on beloved narratives.
9 What If L Didn’t Die in Death Note?
Death Note
The demise of L in Death Note marked a significant turning point in the series. His eccentric behavior and exceptional intelligence kept Light Yagami on high alert, maintaining an intricate balance. Once L vanished from the scene, the narrative transitioned from their thrilling cat-and-mouse game to a broader ideological conflict, primarily featuring Near and Mello.
Imagine L had managed to survive. His growing suspicions of Light, tempered by his analytical prowess, could have led to an earlier revelation of Light’s true nature. Equipped with time to strategize, L might have uncovered the truth without relying on the scattered efforts of his successors. This could have transformed Light’s downfall into a more public and undeniable spectacle.
The latter half of Death Note might have taken an entirely different trajectory, deepening the psychological warfare between L and Light. Perhaps Light, unable to eliminate L, would have descended into a quicker spiral of desperation, making critical errors along the way. This scenario leaves us pondering a narrative landscape forever altered by L’s premature exit.
8 What If Eren Never Touched Historia in Attack on Titan?
Attack On Titan
Eren’s contact with Historia during the medal ceremony was transformative, granting him access to the Founding Titan’s memories and propelling him toward the cataclysm of the Rumbling. This singular event unleashed a cascade of revelations that shaped his path.
What if that fateful touch had never occurred? Without it, Eren would lack vital insights regarding his father’s past and his own future’s demands. His rebellion against Marley might have been postponed, possibly allowing him to maintain closer bonds with friends like Armin and Mikasa, rather than isolating himself.
This pivotal contact set Eren on a trajectory of inevitability, morphing him from a potential hero into a tragic figure defined by villainy. Eren’s fate was irrevocably altered by that brief moment of connection, illustrating how small actions can lead to significant life changes.
7 What if Future Trunks Never Brought The Medicine?
Dragon Ball Z
In Dragon Ball Z, Trunks’ mission was clear: save Goku and prevent the apocalyptic future wrought by the Androids. By bringing medicine for a heart virus, he altered fate itself.
But what if he had chosen not to intervene? In such a scenario, Goku would succumb to the virus, leaving the Z Fighters to face Android 17 and 18 without their most powerful ally. This could have led to a devastating outcome akin to Trunks’s original timeline, filled with despair and destruction.
Moreover, without Goku’s presence, Cell may have achieved his perfect form without hindrance, spelling disaster for all. Trunks’ actions ultimately forged an alternate timeline—a bittersweet victory, as he saved a world he would never know, leaving his own reality in ruins.
6 What If Lelouch Never Became Zero in Code Geass?
Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion
Lelouch’s creation of the Zero persona was a reaction to violence, allowing him to galvanize the oppressed against the Britannian Empire. This identity became a rallying symbol for rebellion.
However, what if Lelouch hadn’t taken on that role? The Black Knights may never have united, resulting in a fragmented resistance lacking coherent leadership. Lelouch could have remained a student, leveraging his Geass ability to remain hidden, ultimately losing control of his power.
Suzaku’s path towards reform may also have been altered, as the absence of Lelouch’s challenge might have led him to unquestioningly adhere to his ideals. The tragic events in Japan could have been avoided, reshaping the perspective on authority.
Yet, without the figure of Zero, society might not have confronted the inherent flaws in power and conflict, disabling Lelouch’s dream of a peaceful world for Nunnally.
5 What If Guts Had Left the Band of the Hawk Earlier in Berserk?
Berserk
Guts’ departure from the Band of the Hawk was a quest for personal freedom. His choice had profound implications, triggering Griffith’s subsequent downfall, including his tragic decisions involving Princess Charlotte.
What if Guts had exited sooner? Griffith might have stabilized his ambitions, managing control without succumbing to desperation. This could have prevented the catastrophic events of the Eclipse, maintaining the Band of the Hawk’s integrity.
Alternatively, departing early might have empowered Guts to warn others about Griffith’s dark intentions, potentially averting disaster. The chilling reality of the Eclipse looms over each “what if”scenario, as Guts’ timing sealed both his and Griffith’s fates in darkness.
4 What If Thorfinn Killed Askeladd Sooner in Vinland Saga?
Vinland Saga
Driven by vengeance for his father’s murder, Thorfinn’s early existence was entwined with Askeladd’s mercenary band. His singular aim was Askeladd’s death—yet he refrained until it was too late.
What if Thorfinn had acted decisively? A premature killing would have robbed him of an understanding of Askeladd’s complex persona and purpose. He would have lost his only guide through the brutality of the world, spiraling into aimless vengeance.
Askeladd, though an antagonist, served as a convoluted mentor, imparting lessons on survival and humanity. His demise needed to align with Thorfinn’s growth—transforming pain into purpose, ultimately allowing Thorfinn to rise above mere revenge.
3 What If Violet Never Received That Final Letter in Violet Evergarden?
Violet Evergarden
Initially a war tool, Violet found herself adrift after hostilities ceased. Her journey in Violet Evergarden revolves around comprehending love and humanity.
The arrival of the final letter from Gilbert’s family provided her with closure, meaning, and vital emotional insight into their bond. But what if that letter had never found her?
Without this pivotal message, Violet might have remained ensnared in emotional numbness, failing to confront her grief or evolve socially and personally. The absence of this letter could have led to a muted conclusion in her journey.
2 What If Light Used the Death Note for Justice Only?
Death Note
Light Yagami commenced his journey with a noble aspiration: to eradicate evil. Initially, he used the Death Note to eliminate criminals in a calculated manner, seemingly justifying his actions under the guise of deterrence.
However, as ambition took hold, he strayed. What if Light had remained committed to his original intent?
If he had refrained from targeting innocent lives and veering into godlike territory, he could have become a beacon of justice instead of fear. The enigmatic figure of Kira would still provoke societal reflection but without the grim realism of his identity, inspiring positive change.
With fewer moral ambiguities guiding his actions, L may have hesitated to pursue Kira, the shadowy myth still inciting discussion on justice and morality.
This narrative highlights the tragedy that Light had the potential to be a revolutionary force but chose instead the path of corruption, embodying the adage that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
1 What If the Elric Brothers Never Committed Human Transmutation?
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
One of the most heart-wrenching moments in anime is the Elric brothers’ attempt at human transmutation to resurrect their mother, leading to devastating consequences. Edward lost his leg, Alphonse his body, and Ed sacrificed his arm to tether Al’s soul to an armored shell.
What if they had never attempted this dangerous act?
Had they abstained, they would have avoided the calamities that sent them on a quest for the Philosopher’s Stone and unearth the wider conspiracies surrounding Amestris. While Winry’s parents might still have been lost, the boys could have enjoyed a peaceful childhood, potentially becoming ordinary State Alchemists.
Without this fundamental mistake, however, the world would remain perilously unguarded. The machinations of the Homunculi would have progressed unchecked, without a counterbalance leading to the ultimate revelation of equivalent exchange and the nature of sacrifice.
The Elric brothers’ tragic error catalyzed a sequence of events that not only defined their destinies but also ultimately served to save the world, showcasing how profound failures can cultivate purpose and resilience.
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