Some connections are straightforward, but others are designed to make even the most seasoned anime fan pause and think. These are the categories that rely on deep cuts, tricky wording, or non-obvious relationships between characters. Here's a look at five of the toughest connections we've crafted for the quiz so far!
5. Gintoki Sakata: A Black-Haired Character? (Challenge #22)
This one is a classic manga vs. anime trick. While Gintoki is famous for his silver hair in the anime, he is often depicted with dark, black hair in the original manga by Hideaki Sorachi. This meta-knowledge that spans different adaptations of a story is a perfect example of a deep-cut connection that can easily trip up players who are only familiar with the anime.
4. Laxus Dreyar: A True Dragon Slayer? (Challenge #50)
In the world of Fairy Tail, not all Dragon Slayers are created equal. While Natsu and Gajeel are "First Generation" (taught by real dragons), Laxus is a "Second Generation" Dragon Slayer, meaning his power comes from a Dragon Lacrima implanted in his body. Grouping him with other Dragon Slayers requires knowing this specific lore, making it a tough sort for those who might not remember the distinction.
3. Master & Apprentice Figures (Challenge #7)
This category was a structural trick. Instead of four individual characters who are mentors, the group consists of two distinct *pairs* of masters and apprentices: Might Guy & Rock Lee, and Izumi Curtis & the Elric Brothers (represented by one brother). Recognizing that the connection was the *relationship* between pairs, rather than just the role of "mentor," was the key to solving this group.
2. Inosuke Hashibira: A Demon? (Challenge #12)
The category was "Demons or Devil-Related," and Inosuke from Demon Slayer is famously human. So why does he fit? This is a conceptual connection. While not a literal demon, his entire character is defined by his beast-like nature: he wears a boar's head, uses "Beast Breathing," and has a wild, inhuman fighting style. He is thematically related to the monstrous, making him the perfect red herring in a group of actual demons.
1. Kaguya Shinomiya: A Pink-Haired Character? (Challenge #39)
This is perhaps the most subtle connection. Kaguya's hair is officially black. However, in many official color illustrations and scenes in the anime, her hair is given strong pink or purple highlights to reflect lighting and add artistic flair. This connection is less about literal, canonical hair color and more about visual perception and artistic representation, making it a truly tough nut to crack for even the most observant fans.
