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The shortest anime fights that feel long in the manga present an interesting conflict in the animation. Fights in anime can be fast and thrilling, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. However, the same fights can be different in the manga. In the manga series, fights often feel longer and slower with internal monologues, detailed artwork, strategic explanations, and flashbacks that fill the pages.
There are several types of anime genres, like Shojo, Seinen, Josei, and Slice of Life, but Shonen usually gets more focus compared to others. This is mainly because of popular series like One Piece, Naruto, and Dragon Ball Z as Shonen anime usually has amazing fights.
The difference in length can make short anime fights feel like epic, prolonged encounters in the manga. Here is a ranked list of the thirteen shortest anime fights that feel long in the manga.
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Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and includes spoilers from the manga.
Ichigo vs. Ginjo, Gon vs. Neferpitou, Levi vs. Kenny, and 10 other shortest anime fights that feel long in the manga
13) Eren vs. Reiner (Attack on Titan)
In Attack on Titan season 2 episode 31, Reiner and Bertolt, shocked by Eren's transformation into a titan, recognize him as the Titan they have been looking for - the one who breached Wall Maria years ago. The first clash of Reiner in his Armored Titan form and Eren in his Attack Titan form marks a turning point in the story, revealing deeper secrets and preparing the context for the complex story of survival and betrayal.
At first, Reiner proved incredibly strong, dominating the fight against Eren. However, Eren surprised Reiner with a tactic, catching him off guard with a Guillotine choke that cracked Reiner's armor near his back muscles. Eren was at the cusp of defeating Reiner, but Bertolt arrived in time to rescue him.
In the anime, Eren vs. Reiner is covered in not more than one episode. However, it spanned more than two chapters in the manga, making it one of the shortest anime fights.
12) Yusuke vs. Toguro (Yu Yu Hakusho)
One of the best arcs of Yu Yu Hakusho, Dark Tournament, ends with the fight between Yusuke and Toguro. In this arc, a tournament was held where a group of fighters competed in fatal fights for their purposes. Being the leader of Team Toguro, Toguro wanted to test Yusuke's limits and forced him to show his full potential as a fighter.
In anime, the fight is portrayed as a heart-pounding clash while showing Yusuke's determination to protect the Human World and his close friends and his growth as a fighter. It covered four episodes, but the battle in the manga extends with more dialogue and inner monologues that dig deeper into the motivation of Yusuke and Toguro and spanned more than seven chapters.
The Yu Yu Hakusho manga explores the psychological aspects of the fight, peeling back layers of character development and symbolic significance. Thus, it stands out as one of the shortest anime fights that feel long.
11) Guts vs. Griffith (Berserk)
The clash between Guts and Griffith in Berserk is a central and impactful faceoff that shapes the entire story of the series and holds the position of one of the shortest anime fights. Guts vs. Griffith reaches its climax during the Golden Age arc. During this time, the Band of the Hawk strengthened and deepened the relationship between their members.
In anime, the battle between Guts and Griffith was emotionally charged, highlighting the intensity of their clash and the weight of their personal history. The anime portrays the raw emotions and inner conflicts of the characters, showcasing their contrasting ideas, but lasts for just three minutes.
In the original manga, the battle is represented with additional layers of depth and complexity and dedicated a whole chapter. It portrays the inner thoughts of Guts and Griffith, exploring their regrets and the prolonged impact of choices on each other and those around them. As a result, Guts vs. Griffith earns its spot among the shortest anime fights.
10) Levi vs. Kenny (Attack on Titan)
Levi vs. Kenny in Attack on Titan takes place in the Uprising arc of the story and is one of the shortest anime fights. This is the phase when political scheming and revelation of the true nature of the titan come into display. Kenny, an experienced veteran and former mentor of Captain Levi, wanted to get the power of the Titans for his own benefit, which led to a deadly game of cat and mouse with Levi.
The anime adaptation presents the fight as a kinetic spectacle, highlighting the lightning-fast combat skills of Levi and the ruthless tricks of Kenny. It captures the tense atmosphere of their fight across the cityscape but concludes in less than eight minutes.
The battle in the manga is filled with emotional depth and backstory. It explores the complicated relationship between Levi and Kenny, revealing layers of family connection and internal grudges that lasted more than three chapters. The detailed dialogue and artwork of the manga make it one of the shortest anime fights.
9) Natsu vs. Jackal (Fairy Tail)
The conflict between Natsu and Jackal happened during the Tartaros arc of the Fairy Tail series, a storyline where, to protect their friends, guilds, and the entire world from the gathering storm, the Fairy Tail guild faces off against the Tartaros guild.
The anime adaptation shows the fight as action-packed and dynamic, featuring the Dragon Slayer magic of Natsu, and covers two episodes. The anime captures the intensity of their clash, but the battle is expanded in manga with additional panels. It explores the tactical elements of their confrontation, spanning almost seven chapters, making Natsu vs. Jackal one of the shortest anime fights that feel long in the manga.
8) Edward vs. Father (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
The battle between Father and Edward takes place during the final arc of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Father has organized a plan to form a transmutation circle that will grant him ultimate power by killing thousands of souls.
In anime, the fight is portrayed as a climactic and visually stunning showdown, featuring alchemical exchange and emotional stakes that cover the last few minutes of episode 62. In the manga, the battle is illustrated with additional refinements and strategic elements that highlight the tactical strength of Edward. It covered two chapters and is recognized as one of the shortest anime fights.
7) Gon vs. Neferpitou (Hunter x Hunter)
During the Chimera Ant arc of Hunter x Hunter, Gon clashes with Neferpitou. A tangled story where humanity faces the invasion by Chimera Ant, tasked with securing the King and killing everything that comes their way.
The anime adaptation shows the determination and rage of Gon as he fights Neferpitou for their role of harming Gon's friend and mentor, Kite. The fight is short and quick in the anime, covering one episode, while the manga goes into the thoughts and motivations of these characters in three chapters. Consequently, it has a place among the shortest anime fights.
6) Midoriya vs. Muscular (My Hero Academia)
The fight between Midoriya and Goto Imasuji, aka Muscular, in My Hero Academia, is intense and dramatic, highlighting the growth and determination of the main character. It happens in the Forest Training arc, where the students of U.A. High School are undergoing a training camp in a forest to improve their tactics.
Midoriya is tasked with protecting a young boy named Kota, who hates Heros, from the deadly villain. The anime compresses Midoriya's desperate struggle to overcome the overwhelming powers of Muscular using his Quirk, One For All, in a single episode. However, the battle is presented with detailed artwork and pacing that increases the tension and drama of the fight in three chapters, marking Midoriya vs. Muscular as one of the shortest anime fights.
5) Saitama vs. Boros (One Punch Man)
Saitama's fight with Boros takes place at the end of the Alien Conqueror arc in One Punch Man. Boros, who has traveled the entire universe to find a worthy opponent, thinks Saitama to be the challenge he has been waiting for.
The anime adaptations portray the fight as an epic and magnificent display. The animation showcases the speed, power, and destruction caused by both fighters, covering two episodes. The manga panels highlight the strategic elements and emotional subtext of Saitama's casual indifference and Boros's desperation in three chapters. This defines it as one of the shortest anime fights.
4) Ichigo vs. Ginjo (Bleach)
Ichigo confronts Ginjo at the end of the Lost Agent arc of Bleach. After finding out Ginjo's true intentions, Ichigo, who has also restored his Soul Reaper powers, fights Ginjo in an amazing battle.
On one hand, the anime adaptation covers the high-speed combat and power abilities of the battlers, showcasing the unique techniques and dramatic shifts in power through the battle in one episode. On the other hand, the manga explores the psychological aspects of their clash. The panel effectively presents the emotional weight of the battle, covering seven chapters and making it one of the shortest anime fights.
3) Luffy vs. Bellamy (One Piece)
The first battle between Luffy and Bellamy is short but impactful. Bellamy, driven by his hatred for dreamers, attacks Zoro and Luffy. Regardless of Bellamy's provocation, Luffy initially avoided the fight. However, when Bellamy goes too far by hurting innocent people, Luffy takes strict action.
One Piece anime captures the humiliation and tension of Luffy before delivering a single yet powerful punch to defeat Bellamy, covering the last few minutes of episode 146. However, the manga showcases the contrast between Luffy's determined silence and Bellamy's arrogance in three chapters, making it one of the shortest anime fights.
2) Goku vs. Nappa (Dragon Ball Z)
During the climatic showdown in the Saiyan Saga, Goku clashes with Nappa. After defeating Z Fighters like Tien, Krillin, Gohan, and Piccolo, Nappa faces Goku as the last man standing.
The anime adaptation of Dragon Ball Z showcases the fight with intense action and energy blasts. The fighters engage in deadly battles, showcasing their power and combat skills, covering only one episode. The manga points out the tactical approach of Goku and his determination to protect his friends and family. The manga's pacing enriches the narrative angle of the story, spanning four chapters, while the anime adaptation stands out as one of the shortest anime fights.
1) Naruto vs. Pain (Naruto Shippuden)
During the Pain's Assault arc of the Naruto Shippuden, Naruto clashes with Pain. After finding out about Pain's attack on Leaf Village and the loss of his master, Jiraya, Naruto battles Pain to protect the people of his village.
The anime portrays the battle with intense choreography and dynamic animation. Naruto fights against multiple incarnations of Pain, each having different abilities from his Rinnegan, covering seven episodes. The manga, through the internal monologue, explores Naruto's growth as a shinobi and his attempt to find a peaceful solution. The manga also goes deeper into the tragic past of Pain, expanding over fourteen chapters and making Naruto vs. Pain one of the shortest anime fights.
In conclusion
The shortest anime fights that feel long in the manga offer a unique angle on battle dynamics. Anime thrills with fast-paced action, yet the manga fills these fights with internal monologues, strategic depth, detailed artwork, and backstory.
The ranking of shortest anime fights shows how the narrative depth of the manga can transform brief fights into profound, prolonged struggles, immersing readers in complex character arcs and thematic exploration.
