Top 10 Anime Traitors Like Gin Ichimaru from Bleach Who Deceived Both Sides

In the realm of anime, betrayal transcends mere allegiance shifting; it evolves into a complex strategy of deceit. Anime traitors expertly infiltrate groups, manipulate perceptions, and feign loyalty until the perfect moment to betray their allies. Characters like Griffith from Berserk and Kirei Kotomine from Fate/Zero often pursue power, while others, such as Itachi Uchiha from Naruto, hide benevolent motives behind their treachery. Regardless of their intentions, these figures leave an indelible mark on the narratives they inhabit.

This compilation delves into the ten most compelling anime traitors who artfully deceived everyone around them, maintaining their secretive agendas until the climactic moments. Each character embodies a masterful blend of cunning and manipulation akin to Gin Ichimaru from Bleach, showcasing their profound impact on the storylines they influenced.

Ten Masterful Anime Traitors: The Deceptive Art of Betrayal

1) Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)

A still of Eren (Image via Wit Studio)
A still of Eren (Image via Wit Studio)

Eren Yeager’s evolution from a dedicated hero to an enigmatic villain was both a slow burn and a shocking transformation. Initially driven by a desire to save humanity, Eren secretly nursed his own vision of freedom. His talent for manipulation reached its peak during the War for Paradis Arc, where he adeptly used Zeke and the Yeagerists as pawns while appearing to comply with their strategy.

The revelation of his true aim—to awaken the Rumbling and eradicate those outside the walls—came in the Final Chapters, marking his betrayal not only of his friends but of his original ideals. This multifaceted deceit establishes him as one of the most notorious figures in anime history.

2) Shogo Makishima (Psycho-Pass)

A still of Shougo (Image via Production I.G.)
A still of Shougo (Image via Production I.G.)

Shogo Makishima was a master manipulator with a vision of societal upheaval. His ambitions came to light during the Final Judgment Arc, where he aimed to dismantle the Sibyl System by exposing its contradictions. By inciting actions from enforcers like Shinya Kogami and staging violent revolts, he showcased his philosophical prowess and charismatic ruthlessness.

Like Gin Ichimaru, Makishima expertly orchestrated events, using his intellect to influence others while staying several steps ahead of both his allies and opponents.

3) Johan Liebert (Monster)

A still of Johan Liebert (Image via Madhouse)
A still of Johan Liebert (Image via Madhouse)

Johan Liebert stands as one of the most unsettling traitors, orchestrating chaos behind a mask of charm. His harmful manipulations extended far beyond self-interest, prompting others towards self-destruction through psychological games. In the Nameless Monster Arc, his true identity surfaced as he exploited the vulnerability of his victims, spiriting them into heinous acts unnoticed.

Johan’s brilliance lay in his ability to remain aloof while converting ideologies for his dark purposes, showcasing how one can manipulate societal constructs without leaving a trace.

4) Isabella (The Promised Neverland)

A still of Isabella (Image via CloverWorks Studio)
A still of Isabella (Image via CloverWorks Studio)

Isabella presented herself as a nurturing caretaker while executing a more sinister agenda, ensuring that the children were destined to become livestock for demons. Her acceptance of this fate without resistance painted a complex picture of survival instinct, ultimately showcasing how betrayal can manifest in unexpected forms.

Mirroring Gin Ichimaru’s duplicity, Isabella played the loyal caretaker while harboring internal conflict and betrayal.

5) Char Aznable (Mobile Suit Gundam)

A still of Aznable (Image via Sunrise Studio)
A still of Aznable (Image via Sunrise Studio)

Known as the Red Comet, Char Aznable excelled at orchestrating conflicts between the Earth Federation and Zeon, manipulating both sides to achieve revenge. His loyalties were deceptive; by infiltrating Zeon with a guise of fidelity, he worked towards dismantling the Zabi family from within.

The culmination of his manipulations came in Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack, where his ambitions and strategies led to an intense confrontation with Amuro Ray. Char’s complex motivations solidified his place as one of the most enigmatic figures in the series.

6) Esdeath (Akame ga Kill!)

A still of Esdeath (Image via White Fox Studio)
A still of Esdeath (Image via White Fox Studio)

Esdeath embodied a juxtaposition of loyalty and ruthlessness as a general in the Empire. While presenting herself as a devoted leader, her true allegiance lay solely with power. She seduced Tatsumi, enticing him with promises of partnership while simultaneously spearheading campaigns against the rebellion.

In the Revolution Arc, her singular fidelity to her beliefs became apparent, displaying how even the most strategic anime traitors can fall prey to their hubris.

7) Lelouch vi Britannia (Code Geass)

A still of Lelouch (Image via Sunrise Studio)
A still of Lelouch (Image via Sunrise Studio)

Lelouch vi Britannia navigated a complex web of deception as both the leader of the Black Knights and the exiled prince of Britannia. His dual role allowed him to mislead both allies and adversaries throughout Code Geass, veiling his true intentions until the Zero Requiem Arc.

His monumental sacrifice restored peace, disguising his death as a victory over tyranny. Unlike other traitors driven by selfish ambitions, Lelouch’s betrayal was an act of selflessness, making him a standout figure in the anime landscape.

8) Kirei Kotomine (Fate/Zero)

A still of Kirei (Image via Ufotable Studio)
A still of Kirei (Image via Ufotable Studio)

Kirei Kotomine’s duplicity made him a shadowy player in the Holy Grail War. While presenting himself as a devoted priest, he acted under the malevolent influence of Gilgamesh, manipulating pivotal events from behind the curtain. His nihilistic worldview and secret aspirations for destruction surfaced during the Fate/Zero Final Act, showcasing the dangerous allure of a facade.

His betrayal illuminates the harsh reality of loyalty veiled beneath a guise of devotion.

9) Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)

A still of Itachi (Image via Studio Pierrot)
A still of Itachi (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Itachi Uchiha’s defection from the Uchiha Clan appeared absolute, presenting him as a ruthless villain. However, the deeper truth revealed during the Pain’s Assault Arc and the Fourth Great Ninja War Arc showcased his protective intentions for Konoha amidst internal strife.

By shrouding his true motives in an enigmatic facade, Itachi manipulated perceptions, ultimately exemplifying the blurred lines between heroism and treachery.

10) Griffith (Berserk)

A still of Griffith (Image via OLM Studio)
A still of Griffith (Image via OLM Studio)

Few betrayals are as profound as those orchestrated by Griffith in Berserk. He led the Band of the Hawk to victory while secretly aspiring to divinity. His infamous sacrifice during the Golden Age Arc, which cost the lives of his own comrades, exemplified his resolve to ascend as Femto, revealing that every moment of togetherness was a calculated step towards his ambition.

Griffith manipulated figures such as Princess Charlotte, seducing her for noble ties while crushing Guts, whom he regarded as both an asset and a threat. His betrayal shattered lives and earned him a sinister reputation as a treacherous figure in anime.

Conclusion

In the intricate world of anime, betrayal manifests in myriad ways, with some of the most memorable characters expertly deceiving both allies and foes. From Griffith’s ambition for godhood to Esdeath’s ruthless command, these anime traitors embody the profound truth: in anime, appearances can be deceiving. Like Gin Ichimaru from Bleach, they excel in the art of betrayal, demonstrating that the most dangerous traitors often lurk unseen.

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