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One of the proven tactics to defeat enemies is to infiltrate them and strike them when they are still vulnerable. Thanks to this technique, the anime world has gifted the fans with multiple infiltrations that are etched in everyone’s minds. Be it the Straw Hats infiltrating the Enies Lobby or Eren Yeager using a fake identity to infiltrate Marley, everyone has a specific reason. These infiltrations not only entertain fans but also leave them emotionally affected by never-before-seen devastation. Here are some of the most unforgettable and devastating infiltrations in anime history.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
1. Luffy’s Crew Infiltrates Enies Lobby
- Anime/Manga: One Piece
- Episode: 264
The Straw Hat Pirates’ infiltration of the Enies Lobby is one of the most emotional and courageous happenings in all of anime. The Enies Lobby is one of the Navy’s three strongholds, where CP9 held Nico Robin, a member of the Straw Hat Pirates. However, Robin’s crewmates were not ready to give up on her, even though she betrayed them, and the CP9 was gravely injured. What started to be a rescue mission became an all-out war, with the pirate crew’s action becoming a symbol of defiance that shook the World Government.
The war led to the destruction of the Enies Lobby, and Nico Robin finally got rescued by her “Nakamas.” It marks an emotional journey, with a lot of hardships and proper storytelling. The showcasing of courage and taking on the world for friends is quite admirable. To date, it is not only one of the iconic infiltrations, but also a politically significant part of history.
2. Ichigo And His Allies Infiltrate Soul Society
- Anime/Manga: Bleach
- Episode: 21
After failing to save Rukia Kuchiki and getting defeated by her elder brother, Byakuya Kuchiki, Ichigo Kurosaki started to train under Kisuke Urahara. On the day of Rukia’s execution, Ichigo, along with his friends, Uryu, Orihime, and Chad, and with some help from fellow Shinigami, Renji Abarai, infiltrated the Soul Society to save Rukia. It was a direct challenge to the Soul Society’s tradition, and following the infiltration, a massive war took place.
Ichigo’s newfound powers almost took half of the top brass members by surprise. Surprisingly, the infiltration further escalated into one of the best betrayals ever. Ichigo and his allies’ infiltration of the Soul Society highlights friendship, breaking of traditions, shocks, etc., making the situation a pretty jaw-dropping and entertaining saga. On top of it, Aizen Sosuke’s betrayal was the cherry on top of the cake.
3. Hishaku Infiltrates The Kamunabi
- Manga: Kagurabachi
- Episode: N/A
The Hishaku is the antagonist and literally the driving force of Takeru Hokazaono’s Kagurabachi. They are responsible for putting the world into chaos after the Seitei War. On the other hand, the Kamunabi are an organization that is responsible for upholding the peace of the world, keeping the negativities in check. However, in Kagurabachi Chapter 80, the Hishaku, under the leadership of Yura, infiltrated the Kamunabi HQ. They killed several members using sorcery and are on their way to kidnap the Master Swordsman and his Enchanted Blade, Magatsumi.
Their motive is to cause Malediction once again and push the world into chaos. The Hishaku infiltrating the Kamunabi Headquarters is a race against time for the protagonists. They are at a disadvantage and deployed their best sorcerers and swordsmen to face them. It is an emotionally and physically tiring situation, where corrupted ideologies and deception face the righteous.
4. Pain’s Invasion of the Hidden Leaf Village (Konoha)
- Anime/Manga: Naruto Shippuden
- Episode: 157
Pain is the leader of the Akatsuki, the evil faction in Naruto Shippuden. After their sudden infiltration into the Hidden Leaf Village, Pain turned the village into ruins using just one move. Pain has six bodies, with the main body controlling them from a distance. No one was able to defeat them until Naruto Uzumaki and the toad sages arrived on the scene. What followed was a deadly battle where both parties gave their all. It soon became a battle of strength, endurance, emotion, and tactics.
The battle truly concluded when Naruto encountered the real body of Nagato and persuaded him to undo the damage he caused. Pain invading the Hidden Leaf Village is not only one of the devastating infiltrations in anime, but it was also an emotionally exhausting situation. The number of people who suffered was uncountable, and on top of it, they lost their homes.
5. Eren Yeager Infiltrates Marley
- Anime/Manga: Attack on Titan
- Episode: 64
Eren Yaeger utilized the chaos caused by the incident at Fort Slava to infiltrate Marley under the false identity of an injured soldier. From there, it was an all-out destruction by a single individual. He left Reiner traumatised and transformed into the Attack Titan and killed a bunch of people, including their leader, Willy Tybur. Willy Tybur’s wife, Lara Tybur, was the Warhammer Titan. After transforming, she was defeated and eaten by Eren, letting him gain the powers of the Warhammer Titan. It was a total destruction with zero-point of return of the Marleyans.
They were not only defeated but broken mentally after witnessing the massacre. The Eldians opened fire at the same time, making Eren’s infiltration of Marley a successful mission for them. Surprisingly, it was the last push that Eren needed to forego his morality and become the harbinger of death and cause the Rumbling.
Also Check: 12 Villain Groups in Anime That Shook Their Worlds
6. Reiner and Bertholdt Infiltration of Paradis Island
- Anime/Manga: Attack on Titan
- Episode: 1
Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover invaded Paradis Island in the first episode of Attack on Titan, but it was revealed much later that they actually infiltrated and are from Marley. Reiner, as the Armored Titan, and Bertholdt, as the Colossal Titan, infiltrated Wall Maria after they destroyed the wall in their titan form. Soon after causing the chaos and leading to multiple deaths, they let go of their titan forms and blended with the people who travelled inside Wall Rose.
It was not the end of their plan as they had to stay with the people for years, get familiar with them, join the Scout Regiment, and finally kidnap the Founding Titan (Eren Yeager). They were child soldiers, and the revelation of their infiltration and betrayal was pretty devastating and emotional. It sends shockwaves through the anime fandom and Paradis Island, causing psychological collapse.
Which Infiltrations in anime and manga are your favorite?
Do comment below.
Priyanko is currently pursuing his Master’s in Economics. He loves to read manga or watch anime in his spare time. He is a massive fan of One Piece, Naruto, and Haikyu. Amidst the Great Pirating Era, he wishes to become the greatest Hokage, even though he is short.
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