"Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress" is hugely popular not only as an anime, but also as a manga, movie, and game. It's a work that blends many elements beautifully, including science fiction, fantasy, and period pieces. This time, I'd like to present two arbitrary strength rankings. There are many characters, so please remember them!
Combat Strength Ranking
TOP 5 - Kurusu
The first ranking is "strength." I've comprehensively judged the characters' combat abilities against Kabane, their judgment, and their knowledge. Our top 5 is Kurusu, one of the warriors serving the Yomokawa clan. His combat abilities are enhanced by Ikoma and Takumi, and he is an anti-Kabane swordsman. His techniques are impeccable, and his judgement and speed are quite impressive, despite him being a human. He also has good teamwork, making him a reliable presence in battle. However, he's quite weak against the eldest son, Ayame (lol).
TOP 4: Amatori Biba
TOP 4 is Amatori Biba, the leader of the Karikatashu. He is respected by his subordinates and trusted by the people as the head of an elite anti-Kabane unit. However, his ruthless, inhumane thinking and selfish mindset make him a very troublesome enemy. As a Kabaneri (human in spirit but Kabane in body), her combat abilities surpass those of humans. Furthermore, Biba is knowledgeable and can attack in a variety of ways. However, she rarely fights herself, so she lacks experience. This is why she made it into the Top 4!
TOP 3: Biva
Also a member of the elite Karikatashu, Horobi. Despite knowing she was being used by Biba, she remained dedicated to him until the end. She also works well with Mumei, and her combat abilities are impeccable. She also made it into the top three due to her unyielding attitude toward the Kabane and her greater stamina than Mumei. Ultimately, she was used by Bima, turned into a cloud of black smoke, and went into a rampage. She likely lacked the judgment to do so. If she had valued herself, she might have been a stronger fighter.
TOP 2: Ikoma
Ikoma, the protagonist of this work, makes it into the top two. Originally human, her combat abilities have steadily improved since she became a Kabaneri. Armed with her uniquely developed Tsuranuke Tsubo, she fights the Kabane for justice and peace. Her sense of justice is extraordinary, and it's almost nerve-wracking to think, "How can she stick to her beliefs to that extent?" She's also a bit timid at times, but overcoming that has made her mentally stronger than anyone else. She's unhesitant to face Kabane, and her drive is unmatched. She also has excellent judgment and a wealth of knowledge from her research on Kabane. However, due to her limited experience, she's ranked second.
TOP 1: Mumei
Top 1 is the incredibly popular heroine, Mumei! First of all, she has a heart of steel, and she takes on dozens of Kabane as if it were a game. She has excellent concentration stamina and, most importantly, is often unharmed. Her courageous attitude, undeterred even when injured, is impressive! Despite only being 12 years old, she's highly experienced and a member of the elite Karikatashu unit. She's so ambitious that she even volunteered to become a Kabaneri. No one can stop her in battle!
Heart Strength Ranking
TOP 5 Yuna
Next, in the world of the Kabane, death is always close at hand. It's important to maintain a calm and collected attitude, even when dealing with the Kabane. Let's introduce some of those strong-hearted characters. Coming in at the top five is Yukina, the Kotetsujo's driver. Always calm and collected, he's quiet, but he's diligent in his work. He's unashamedly unafraid of the Kabane, and operates the Kotetsujo with precise judgment, earning him the respect of those around him. As a human, he doesn't fight, but he's a very reliable supporter.
TOP 4: Takumi
Top four is Takumi, Ikoma's best friend and confidant. Usually, he seems like just a friend who puts up with Ikoma's rampages, but their bond is stronger than he expected. At first, he's confused that his best friend has become a Kabaneri, but he quickly accepts him and provides his full support. And when Ikoma is about to be shot, he shields him and takes the fatal blow. Understanding Ikoma's strong feelings against the Kabane and doing his best to support him, Takeshi's convictions and kindness are synonymous with strength. There is nothing stronger than sacrificing oneself for someone else.
TOP 3: Kabaneri
Next is Kajika, the steam blacksmith of the Kotetsujo and the supporter of the people who live there. Though only 15 years old, she takes the initiative to babysit and do housework, providing perfect support for everyone. She's considerate, kind, and always strong-willed. She's a reliable person who's always there for the children, reassuring them whenever they need her, and politely expressing her opinions whenever she has them. Even when Takeshi was struck, she embraced him more than anyone else and rejected the atrocities. She's also a strong girl.
TOP 2 Ikoma
TOP 2 is the protagonist, Ikoma. Despite losing his sister, he remained positive and continued to study Kabane, developing an anti-Kabane weapon called the Tsuranuki Tsubo. Not only that, but when he was bitten by a Kabane, he stopped his transformation by strangling it. Even though he ended up living as a Kabaneri, he used that experience to exterminate the Kabane. He has an unwavering sense of justice and is stubborn, never compromising his beliefs, no matter how much he is hated or beaten. This makes him a frequent enemy, but he remains strong-hearted and sticks to his beliefs. Although she's a truly overpowered character, there was one time when she finally gave up. That was the first time I felt her humanity (lol).
TOP1: Ayame
TOP1 is Yomokawa Ayame, the heir to the Yomokawa family. At just 17 years old, she became heir after her father's sudden death. She's in a very difficult position mentally, being mocked and laughed at. Furthermore, there are Kabaneri among her crew, and she boldly declares her own judgment regarding which enemies she must defeat. She's a courageous, yet kind-hearted, girl with a strong core. She commands the Kotetsujo crew and, even when caught between two opposing forces, she's a reliable leader who desperately protects her comrades! She's also capable of calmly overcoming Kabane attacks with her calm judgment! She's a truly impressive older sister, despite her appearance.
What Two Strength Rankings Reveal
So, what did you think? We've introduced the latest strength rankings for [Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress]. Including game characters makes for a very comprehensive ranking, but this one is based on the anime. Looking at it this way, the Kabaneri are definitely strong! With the power of the Kabane and the intelligence of humans, they are among the strongest in this world. It's an anime in which not only the men but also the women stand out, and everyone is strong. It might be worth rewatching.
