If I had to go back to high school today, I would probably fail spectacularly and depressingly. Once you get out of the habit of studying, your brain just slows down. I might be able to catch up eventually, but no promises man. Heck, just yesterday I realized that I haven’t used pi for anything in years.
But there are some anime characters out there, who would never have passed high school in the first place. Or rather if they did, I’m still not sure how. Bribery has got to be involved somewhere. Fact s, there are tons of lovable idiots in anime and here are 5 who might never get their diploma…
5. Naruto
Ok, so when it’s something that interests him or has to do with his goal, Naruto is pretty focused and dedicated, but for everything else, let’s face it, the boy is a mess. Even attending Ninja class was a bit of a challenge and he loves that.
Can you imagine Naruto having to take algebra, or remember to comb his hair for school picture day? He’d probably get distracted on the way to school and never make it in the first place!
4. Haru Nanase
I have a confession. I keep blending actual Free! with 50% off in my head. Maybe Haru isn’t quite the space cadet I remember him to be. In 50% off he was downright *special. And also one of my favourite characters.
Still, I think that even official Haru had some airhead tendencies. He certainly didn’t prioritize his studies in any case and I’m pretty sure that if he makes it out with a diploma, it will be thanks to his teammates.
By the way, the same can be said for Hinata and Kageyama from Haikyuu. Man, those sports boys need to get their stuff together.
3. Yui (K-On)
Yui isn’t the sharpest cookie in the shed. She’s no rocket surgeon. Look, girl’s a bit dim. And by a bit I mean, very. I believe she regularly downright forgets to attend class or study for a test. And that’s just the instances we know about. She’s fun though.
K-On was never too concerned with actual classwork so despite it being a school-based anime, we don’t hear that much about exams and grades. But Yui failed, right? Sure, she has a super-smart childhood friend to help her out but that casn’t be enough, can it?
Or maybe it’s a Rain Man sort of thing and she actually gets perfect scores…
2. Inosuke
I’m not entirely sure Inosuke is housebroken, let alone ready to take classic literature classes. In fact, as far as Inosuke is concerned, I would consider his high school career a success if he didn’t maim anyone, show up at school naked or seriously compromise the structural integrity of the building.. more than once. That’s really all I can ask.
Taking that into consideration, of course, he’s not passing high school. Especially not Japanese high school! Even the bullies wouldn’t put up with him. It’s a good thing there isn’t a written exam to become a slayer.
Also, shouldn’t there be some type of written exam to become a slayer? Seems like it would save some lives if they made sure all the field agents were actually properly informed. Just saying…
Special Mention: Goku
I’m not sure Goku ever needed to go to high school. In any case, he’s already past the age so it’s a moot point. This said, he would totally fail if he had to go now. Despite being named after a trickster god known for his wits, Goku is not witty, or wise or smurt. The fact that this man is a father, is the scariest thing in all of Dragon Ball.
1. Serena/Sailor Moon
I’m not saying Serena is the least smart character on this list. The reason she takes my number one spot is that, unlike my previous entries, we know for a fact that Serena actively works very hard to get good grades. I mean works very hard is sort of relative but she does try… sometimes… She worries about it and does ridiculous cram sessions. She’s just an atrocious student with horrid study habits. In other words, very relatable.
I have watched Serena drive herself crazy and pull all-nighters just to barely squeak by on a test and even then, she failed half the time. Oh well, at least she has a chance to marry rich and not have to worry about all that stuff anymore.
There you go, five anime characters, well six, that would not pass your average high school finals if they had to do it. They all have other qualities tough. Some are just very hard to find.
So next time you get a score on a test that might be a bit lower than you were hoping for, remember, it can always be worse. At least, you’re not fighting evil by moonlight!
