History Manga / KenichiTheMightiestDisciple

* AntiClimaxCut: Akira says he won't fight the injured Apachai, or [[WouldNotHitAGirl Shigure]], and Kenichi thinks Akira pressed a BerserkButton. [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments Instead they are flattered]].

* BeatThemAtTheirOwnGame: Kenichi actually tries to outcrazy ''[[CrazyAwesome Siegfried]]'' of all people. [[spoiler: It... helps, sort of, but it ultimately isn't what leads to Kenichi's victory.]]

* StoryBreakerPower: Any Master-class fighter. Even Fortuna, the weakest level of Master and regarded as trash by all other masters, takes the entire cast of secondary characters, a very specific technique, and help from an [[CrazyAwesome insanely skilled mouse]] to take down.

* CrazyPrepared: Niijima. He has traps hidden all around town in the event he has to make an escape. Brought to nearly a MagnificentBastard Level in the Data Transport Arc: [[spoiler:That CD they are protecting? It's an hour of Niijima laughing. The data is really on a USB drive. That gets chopped up by the weapons users? No problem, the data was already leaked to the Internet. Also, the disk they're protecting is actually a back-up of the original disk that Niijima made in case the original was destroyed. Basically, the Internet was the fourth layer of protection.]]

* LoveLetter: Kenichi receives one in episode 2 of Season 2. Miu isn't too happy about it, and Kenichi's initial excitement towards getting one doesn't help either. [[spoiler:Turns out that the letter was actually written by [[MagnificentBastard Niijima]] while disguised as a girl, and the letter was to all 3 of his "generals" in order to ensure they arrived at the restaurant where Ragnarok and the Shinpaku Alliance would meet. The three guys are understandably pissed off, but Niijima is much too fast for them to catch.]]

* WorldOfBadass: The MsFanservice YamatoNadeshiko? She stacks SuperBreedingProgram and UnstoppableRage on top of her WaifFu. The DirtyCoward NonActionGuy? His CharacterDevelopment carries him right through MagnificentBastard to GuileHero. The [[TeamPet mouse]]? Turns out he knows how to operate an assault rifle. The BumblingDad? He can reload a lever-action rifle one-handed, ''a la'' [[Film/Terminator2JudgmentDay the T-800]]. So many characters have turned out to be unexpectedly badass that it's probably more sensible to ask ''when'' any given character will [[TookALevelInBadass take a level]], rather than ''if.''

** "Bulu"[[spoiler:Miu]] wears a teeny tiny little skirt that would normally be just perfect for giving lots of [[PantyShot panty shots]]. Instead, it quickly becomes quite obvious that she's [[VaporWear not wearing any panties]]. BarbieDollAnatomy is the only ''possible'' way this could [[GettingCrapPastTheRadar get past the radar]].

*** She ''could'' be wearing tights. Very ''tight'' tights. That are the same color as her skin. And are seamless. SureLetsGoWithThat.

* BoringButPractical: Kenichi doesn't have the kind of advanced moves or styles that many of his opponents have, and though he has his awesome moments, strictly speaking he's just using the basics of martial arts. However, this is precisely the kind of martial artist Creator/BruceLee stated was the most fearsome...

* ArmorPiercingSlap: Pretty rare, but [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/c334/18.html there is one (even lampshaded) case.]]

** Kenichi even describes himself at one point as [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v07/c062/3.html "an extremely ordinary first year high-school student who loves reading books and growing flowers"]]... With that said, his interests do not hinder him in [[TookALevelInBadass taking many a level in badassery]].

*** [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v40/c376/9.html So much for hero girls never having a nip-slip.]] Shigure is the heroic exception, she's both the EmotionlessGirl and regularly the InnocentFanserviceGirl, though she draws the line at Ma Kensei and his cameras.

* BedtimeBrainwashing: [[http://www.mangareader.net/337-23554-11/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/chapter-48.html Watch it here]]. Kenichi's martial arts masters use the Command version of this in the attempt to convince Kenichi to accept the TrainingFromHell they want to give him to prepare for an opponent he was having trouble with. The actual attempt doesn't work, though.

*** [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v27/c239/11.html DO NOT make him lose his inspiration.]]

* BigBallOfViolence: [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v19/c166/9.html Ground spinning fist ball attack!]]

** Ma Kensei in his youth is a prime example. It's even [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] by [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/32/13 Kenichi.]]
** [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/56/8 Kenichi can see roses.]]

** Early in the manga [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v11/c093/12.html Apachai demonstrates his]] FinishingMove. Over 300 chapters later [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v43/c404/13.html Kenichi uses it to end his fight with Tirawit Koukin]].

* CallingYourAttacks: Most of the fighters do it, yelling out loud (or thinking) the names of their martial arts moves. This takes reasonably predictable forms in combat, although in certain situations it's [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v28/c251/13.html played]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v28/c252/10.html for]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v28/c252/11.html laughs]] or otherwise [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v28/c252/5.html taken]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v28/c252/6.html a little bit]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v28/c252/7.html further]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v18/c156/14.html than usual]].

* {{Calvinball}}: Whatever Apachai and Shigure are playing [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v04/c032/12.html here]] with Touchumaru. Check the middle panel.

** [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/265/16 How about a game involving 3-4 players, each using chess, shougi, and go pieces, respectively?]]

* CharacterDevelopment: More than one is lead to believe at first glance. This is one of the few popular shounen manga where the character development of the main character is still the most important thing, whereas in others it's treated as secondary to the action or plot. It's most notable with Kenichi, being the titular character, but several other characters get to shine and grow as well, even the side characters.

* ClingyJealousGirl: Miu tends to react badly whenever she thinks another girl is showing Kenichi affection, or [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v25/c225/9.html vice versa]]. This even includes his [[CoolBigSis sisterly]] SexyMentor Shigure. Of course, she and Kenichi are JustFriends. Ma Renka is a more straightforward example.

* CoversAlwaysLie: Happens occasionally. For example, [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v32/c290/ chapter 290's cover]] shows Siegfried and Tanimoto holding swords. Neither of them is so much as mentioned during the chapter.

* CreatorCameo: In a BrandX restaurant named [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/323/14 Matsuenald's]].
** Another BrandX reference: [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/342/16 Matsueroad]].

* DeadlyUpgrade: Odin and Shō Kanō's Dou/Sei Combination: "Seidou Goui" or also called "Roar as One": [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v16/c141/11.html I think Kensei described it best.]]

* FanServicePack: Miu's breasts grow from 'just about plausible' to 'how can you move without black eyes?' between chapters 267 and 305. [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v36/c334.5/5.html It's handwaved/justified in an omake]].
** Renka gets an equal boost in [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/309/5 her next appearance]], [[{{Stripperific}} and a new dress]] [[AbsoluteCleavage that can't contain them properly]].

** [[spoiler: [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/188/17 Remember when Apachai said that he was going to throw away his life to protect Kenichi? He did.]] Well, almost.]]

** [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v37/c346/5.html Kushinada Mikumo's breasts]] are each bigger than her head. Which is probably why she can never close her top...

* GeniusDitz: Apachai can remember and [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v34/c313/4.html recite in full]] information about animals, and can also (after much practice) beat everyone except Honoka at Othello.

** When Kensei pursuades Kenichi to join him to peek in on the hot springs expecting to see Miu and Shigure, they eventually find out it was Hayato Furinji in the hot spring, who saw through the whole plan. He scares Kenichi so badly that his ghost's ''ghost'' [[http://kissmanga.com/Manga/History-s-Strongest-Disciple-Kenichi/Historys-Strongest-Disciple-Kenichi-38?id=3337#21 gives up the ghost.]]

* {{Gonk}}[=/=]HumanAliens: Most characters agree that there's no possible way that Niijima can be human. One [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v03/c023/2.html omake]] suggests that his [[BizarreAlienBiology insides are just as bizarre as his external appearance]] (his heart is ''hairy'').

** Though nothing explicit comes of it, there's definitely inklings of this between Ono-sensei and Boris Ivanov. Just read [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v33/c300/4.html Chapter 300]].

*** [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v32/c292/14.html See here]] two pages later he sees her [[WhenSheSmiles smile]] for the ''second'' time so far. (First time was [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v06/c046/15.html when she taught him to swim]] ''248 chapters'' before.) D'awwww.

* HugeGuyTinyGirl: A non-romantic example would be [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/106/10 Miu traveling with her grandfather as a child]].

* IAmNotLeftHanded: [[http://mangafox.me/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v34/c312/7.html Kei Retsumin]] balances a bird-cage on top of his head to keep himself from over-exerting himself, and is still even with Apachai. When the cage comes off, [[http://mangafox.me/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v34/c312/10.html he can cut loose]] with full force. Unfortunately for him, [[http://mangafox.me/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v34/c312/14.html so can]] [[FriendToAllLivingThings Apachai]].

* IfYoureSoEvilEatThisKitten: Kanō Shō [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/c259/10.html gets tested/educated]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/c259/11.html this way]] by his {{Evil Mentor}}s from Yami when he is still a child.

** When the masters all show Kenichi their finishing moves, Shigure cuts a leaf in half '''[[http://www.mangareader.net/337-23599-14/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/chapter-93.html depth-wise]]'''.

** Later topped by Hayato Fūrinji when he uses [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v28/c251/13.html armed soldiers]] [[GrievousHarmWithABody as giant shuriken]].

* TheKidWithTheRemoteControl: Niijima has an almost Final Fantasy-style summoning of Siegfried whenever he is in a pinch. Probably the best example is [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v32/c297/17.html this]]

* LikeBrotherAndSister: Particularly hilarious is Miu's legendary [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/c124/7.html response]] after Kisara insinuates that Miu is lonely because Kenichi is absent. Yeah, right, ''"like a little brother"''.

* LoveBubbles: When Kenichi first meets Natsu Tanimoto, Hermit, [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v07/c056/9.html he sees roses.]]

* MadScientist: Oogata Ishinsei has no qualms using his students to test the DeadlyUpgrade mentioned above, and to keep that student around as an [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v37/c344/6.html "unusual test case".]] There is also [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v40/c371/5.html a hint that he experimented on colleagues]] just to gain greater understanding of martial arts. He even has an EvilLaugh.
** [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/407/11 Then there's Akisame...]]

* MarshmallowHell: Miu's a big girl, so [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v41/c379/10.html when she hugs him in relief...]] Though, Kenichi clearly enjoys it. Miu does it to Honoka, as well, when the latter first visits the dojo.

** [[http://www.1000manga.com/Historys_Strongest_Disciple_Kenichi/388/10/ EPIC ROCK,PAPER,SCISSORS complete with glowing eyes and slow motion]].

* NebulousEvilOrganization: Yami. As explained over various chapters (including [[http://www.mangareader.net/337-23660-6/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/chapter-154.html here]]), they have their hands in everything from weapon sales to the military to governmental influence, and enough funds to potentially be a self-sustaining nation. Their intention is to preserve and promote the "Satsu-jinken" (killing fist) style of martial arts, a goal they've pursued since their initial formation after World War II because several martial arts masters died during that war. Additionally, [[WeAreEverywhere the group is known by several names worldwide]], including "L'Obscurite" in France, with "Yami" name being its Japanese name (both words mean "darkness" in their respective languages).

*** [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/c330/7.html Li Raichi]], the skating girl: this one is at least slightly understandable in that they only met, like, twice.

** Kenichi when Honoka [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v22/c189/5.html asks the forbidden question.]]
** [[http://www.mangaeden.com/En/History%27s%3D_%3DStrongest%3D_%3DDisciple%3D_%3DKenichi/191/10/ Kenichi's face just screams this.]]

** Chapter 463: Junazard gets [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/463/16 this expression]] [[spoiler:when Hongo breaks a piece off his mask with an attack Junazard assumed had missed]].
* OlderThanTheyLook: CreepyChild Chikage Kushinada's Yami master, Mikumo Kushinada, is apparently a senior citizen. Given that she looks like [[http://www.1000manga.com/Historys_Strongest_Disciple_Kenichi/316/04/ this]], this is somewhat jarring. Justified by her 'Kushinada style' anti-aging methods, making Chikage's actual chronological age somewhat vague...

** Furinji Hayato, a.k.a. "The Invincible Superhuman," deserves a mention of his own, especially after [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/c384/1.html this chapter]].

* OverprotectiveDad: Shirahama Genji's a little worried about what exactly Ryōzanpaku Dojo is doing to his son. [[TrainingFromHell The concern is entirely justified]]. His solution?... [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v13/c111/21.html Not so much.]]

** Sakaki shows an example of this: after seeing the scene on [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v17/c150/12.html this page]], [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v17/c150/14.html this]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v17/c150/15.html hap]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v17/c150/16.html pens]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v17/c150/17.html .]]
* PerfectPlayAI: [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v28/c257/13.html This]] certainly looks like it.

* PleaseWakeUp: [[spoiler: [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v43/c401/7.html APACAHAAAAIIII!!!!]] ]] And he ''does'' wake up. [[spoiler:EVEN WITH A HOLE IN HIS CHEST.]]

* SaveTheVillain: Freya's [[StrawFeminist all-female]] [[{{Delinquents}} mook squad]] goes looking for [[ActionGirl Kisara]]... and runs into [[LadyOfWar Shigure]]. They then decide [[TooDumbToLive it would be a jolly good idea]] to [[BullyingADragon attack her]]. Shigure calmly tells them that they are out of their league. Cue Kenichi begging Shigure not to kill the mooks. He begs her down to using a ''wooden cooking spoon'' (she'd been helping prepare supper) [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome with which she]] [[ImplausibleFencingPowers destroys all their weapons]] [[ClothingDamage (and clothes)]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v12/c105/6.html in a single panel]].
* SayItWithHearts: Miu loves to add hearts to the end of her sentences. Occasionally, Izumi Yūka does when she thinks that she in gaining ground with Kenichi. Shigure does it when Akira dismisses her as an [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v43/c429/14.html opponent because she was a woman.]] Probably the only female fighter who takes WouldntHitAGirl as a compliment.

** It's explained as a sort of indicator of killing intent, or at least, intent to do something drastic, painful, and combat-related. Apachai, who never learned to hold back, is very prone to it because he still doesn't quite understand the idea of not attacking with such intent very well. Which leads to Kenichi's chronic fear of sparring with Apachai. [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v03/c023/3.html With]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v03/c024/2.html good]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v03/c024/15.html reason!]]
** Later on it appears that the eyebeams are activated when the person is using a (near-)Master-Class technique. Siegfried (who is still at Disciple-Level) is said to use some moves that are [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v27/c238/14.html almost Master-Level]] as well as '''Niijima's''' [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v40/c377/9.html Dodging- and Escape-techniques]]. And then Kenichi decides to join in on the fun...

** To ''Manga/DetectiveConan'', in [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v38/c357/12.html Chapter 357]]. Akisame lampshades this by saying he's an original character because he has different hair.
** ''Manga/{{Doraemon}}'' also has one in the same chapter [[http://www.1000manga.com/Historys_Strongest_Disciple_Kenichi/357/16/]]. There are also a few instances in prior chapters when Kenichi runs to Ryōzanpaku yelling "Doraemon!" when he needs Koetsuji's advice. In one of those instances, Koetsuji's eating dorayaki.

** To ''Anime/FistOfTheNorthStar'' [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v41/c384/12.html here]].

** To ''Franchise/GhostInTheShell'' [[http://mangafox.me/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v23/c200/12.html here]].

* SingleStrokeBattle: Just about any Master vs. anyone who is not master-level, but Kenichi gets two when he knocks out two people threatening a girl and another one [[http://www.mangatoshokan.com/read/Historys-Strongest-Disciple-Kenichi/Sugooi/378/12 fighting a disciple]] of Yomi from the weapon division. This is after he was hit by a master with a sword, so it's also a [=CMoA=].

* SneezeCut: [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/92/10 Kouetsuji can even tell who is talking about him by the sneeze]].

* StepfordSmiler: The Yami Luchadore master "Laughing Fist" Diego, [[spoiler: or rather, the [[http://www.1000manga.com/Historys_Strongest_Disciple_Kenichi/329/06-07/ "Angry Iron Fist"]]]].

** That's nothing. Compare the first chapter with [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/445/17 this one]]. You can't get more blatant than that.

* StupidSexyFlanders: Natsu Tanimoto is pretty enough to [[EvenTheGuysWantHim distract straight men with the sexy]] ([[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/c056/6.html yes]], [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/c056/8.html even]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/c056/9.html Kenichi]])

** [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/188/14 Kenichi certainly did not touch Miu's hair while she was sleeping.]]

* TookALevelInBadass: Kenichi takes ''hundreds.'' They just keep coming. Kenichi grows to take on weapon users with [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v40/c374/15.html zero hesitation.]] (Or not: [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v40/c375/9.html Blades are Scary! Blades Are Scary!]]) Everyone else does this at one point or another, as well.

** Koetsuji appears to be this at first. Kenichi even comments that his skinny body doesn't look very strong. [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v03/c022/17.html Then we find out otherwise]].

* WhenIWasYourAge: Kenichi's masters go this route when they want to tell him how little talent he has. ([[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/189/4 Example.]])
* WillTheyOrWontThey: Kenichi and Miu. Even the masters at the Ryōzanpaku constantly eavesdrop on their conversations when the pair are alone in a room to see if a relationship will progress.

* AmazonianBeauty: Mildred Lawrence, the most muscular female in the series sporting very buffs arms and six abs. All made visible because she fights in basically a bra and thong.

* AnimationBump: Certain episodes look noticeably more fluid than others. Special note goes to the [[ https://www.sakugabooru.com/post/show/42555 fight scene]] between Kisara and the Valkyrie members in episode 38.

* AdultsAreUseless: Played with. In most of Kenichi's fights his masters stand on the sidelines, even joking and gambling on the outcomes, even if his life is in danger. This is because they believe that a good master stays out of their disciple's fights. Subverted to hell and back whenever Kenichi is attacked by a master-class; they'll step in and beat the hell out of whoever attacked their disciple. However, it is played completely straight with the staff of Kenichi's high school, who seem completely unaware of the massive gang activity right under their noses, and his parents, who are oblivious that their son has a habit of getting into life-or-death battles with skilled martial artists from arround the world.

*** The masters themselves have said that Kenichi isn't entirely talentless, he's just completely untalented in physical matters; instead his talent IS that he's the ultimate {{Determinator}}, pushing himself farther and harder against the odds than anyone else would (though it helps that they keep forcing him to go through it). As stated before, too, his {{Determinator}} qualities may also extend to his {{Constitution}}, since he can seemingly take more damage than anyone in the series, going so far as to actually survive a few attacks from a Master level weapons-user.

* CantBatheWithoutAWeapon: Shigure and Kenichi are [[BathtubBonding bathing together]] in a [[HotSpringsEpisode mixed-sex hot spring]] when [[DeathlyBath they are attacked by assassins after Shigure's head]]. She then reveals that she is a) skillful enough to use her [[ClothingCombat wet hair ribbon as a whip]] against three armed men, and b) ProperlyParanoid enough that she had stashed her sword in the branches of a nearby tree, nearby enough that she could [[ClothFu use the ribbon to pick it up]].

* CharacterDevelopment: More than one is lead to believe at first glance. This is one of the few popular shounen manga where the character development of the main character is still the most important thing, whereas in others it's treated as secondary to the the action or plot. It's most notable with Kenichi, being the titular character, but several other characters get to shine and grow as well, even the side characters.

* CannotSpitItOut: [[http://www.mangareader.net/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi/293/5 Poor Izumi]].

** "God Fist" Akira Hongo gives a very daring boast right before he confronts [[spoiler:"Demon Fist" Silcardo Junazard]], later in the manga. (For context, the target of the boast is said to have fought [[BadassGrandpa Hayato Furinji]] to a standstill in the past, with no clear winner at that time.)

* BadassGrandpa:
** Hayato Fuurinji, literally Miu's grandfather, is a [[http://kissmanga.com/Manga/History-s-Strongest-Disciple-Kenichi/Historys-Strongest-Disciple-Kenichi-78?id=3626#19 gigantic man]] who looks like he's 300+ lbs. of [[http://kissmanga.com/Manga/History-s-Strongest-Disciple-Kenichi/Historys-Strongest-Disciple-Kenichi-38?id=3337#20 100% muscle]]. He's able to take Apachai's fatally strong punches with his hands, and can ''run on water''.
** [[spoiler:Freya's grandfather]]. In chapter 378, the kindly-looking withered old man who seemed to be senile finally makes a move, and his game face is ''terrifying'' to behold. To further elaborate, [[spoiler:Freya's grandfather]] is shorter than Kenichi due to his old age and [[spoiler:uses his bo staff as a walking stick]]. He single-handedly takes out an entire group of YAMI's armed members, including at least one master-class fighter. Kenichi passes out due to injuries and when the rest of the Shinpaku Alliance arrive, they find a letter from the old man explaining that he wanted to stop conflicting with YAMI, but seeing Kenichi's determination has inspired him to wield his staff once again. He leaves for a very short amount of time, then returns to his dojo (to his granddaughter's surprise) and resumes acting like a senile old man (with the Valkyrie squad tending to him like a friggin' harem). Cut to the final panel where the Ryozanpaku masters discuss a YAMI base being brought down recently. Three guesses as to who took it down?

* CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass: There's a young pencil-pusher taking part in the [[TournamentArc D of D Tournament]]. He asks to wait a bit before the fight, he has a call from his wife on his cellphone. [[spoiler:Then he takes out the body builder in front of him with one hit. He re-appears later, too.]] Also, [[spoiler:Freya's BadassGrandpa]].

--->'''[[TheHero Kenichi]]:''' T-This is insane, shishou! Even though it's [[BadassGrandpa the elder]], taking on the American military alone...\\
'''[[CynicalMentor Akisame]]:''' [[BadassGrandpa The elder]]? Ah, [[PaperThinDisguise Garyuu X]]. Don't worry, he won't hurt them.\\

* RedBaron: The Masters of Ryōzanpaku and Yami all have one. Some good examples from Yami are "Fist of Destruction" Alexander Gaidar, "God Hand" (no, not that VideoGame/GodHand) Akira Hongo, "Fierce Fist God" Sougetsu Ma, "Demon Fist God" Silkwat Jenazad, and "Saint Fists" [[spoiler: Isshinsai Ogata]]. BadassGrandpa Hayato Fūrinji might have the best ones: "The Man Without Enemies" and "The Invincible Superman".

A retool of ''Tatakae! Ryouzanpaku Shijou Saikyou no Deshi'' (or ''Fight! Ryozanpaku History's Strongest Disciple'') released as a monthly series that ran from May 1st, 2002, to September 17th, 2014, with a total of sixty one volumes.

* SpoiledSweet: Siegfried. It's implied that he's both a wealthy heir and a professional composer. Niijima mentions that Siegfried is personally funding the Shinpaku Alliance with profits from the opera he wrote about them.

** Kenichi is told by Hayato [[spoiler: that his ability to get people to become friends around him is his true power at the end of Season 2 in the anime.]]

** Kenichi's first two opponents, Daimonji and Tsukuba, are respectively a member and the vice-captain of the school's Karate club, and thus used to competition rules. Daimonji loses because he's completely defenseless against the Kouho Haiho, a throwing technique, while Tsukuba in the rematch is completely overwhelmed when Kenichi opens with the Yamazuki, a Karate move that is competition-illegal, and follows with grappling techniques.

* RealityEnsues: Hilariously subverts MuggingTheMonster using this trope - Kenichi and co have returned to school after fighting their way through life-threatening battles against opponents who had the skill, ability and mentality to kill them. Kenichi is promptly approached by a group of incoming wannabe delinquent freshmen and shows the fruits of his training and experience by... averting his eyes and cowering away. Nijima and the Shinpaku alliance have to bail him out and Nijima expresses his disbelief that Kenichi can still be afraid of common thugs. Kenichi responds that he's still traumatized from all his years as a professional bullying victim, a legitimate form of [[ShellShockedVeteran Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder]] which ''cannot'' be easily treated by [[TookALevelInBadass Taking A Level In Badass]].

* ReallyDeadMontage: [[spoiler: Apachai.]] With the twist that [[spoiler: Apachai temporarily comes back from the dead to save Kenichi from the Yami swordmaster.]] And [[spoiler: then straight up subverted when Akisame declares that he will not surrender his friend to a mere ''god.'']]

** The unveiling of Sebastian and the other guns owned by Kenichi's father have all the pomp of the launching of the ''[[SpaceBattleshipYamato Yamato]]''.

[[caption-width-right:350:[-These six masters will pound everything they know into Kenichi. Literally.-] ]]

A retool of ''Tatakae! Ryouzanpaku Shijou Saikyou no Deshi'' (or ''Fight! Ryozanpaku History's Strongest Disciple'') released as a monthly series back in 2000.

Written by Syun Matsuena, ''Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Ken'ichi'' (a.k.a. ''History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi'') follows Kenichi's adventures as the SortingAlgorithmOfEvil puts him up against more and more dangerous opponents. It has all the elements of Shonen action stories with a healthy dose of satire on the whole thing. The manga spans at 46 volumes and counting. The anime consists of 50 episodes and is dubbed by Creator/FUNimation under the title ''Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple'', premiering on their channel on October 2009. Kenichi, Miu and friends appear in the MassiveMultiplayerCrossover game, ''VideoGame/SundayVSMagazineShuuketsuChoujouDaikessen''.

In 2012 a series of [[OriginalVideoAnimation OVAs]] began, starting from where the anime ended with Ragnarok Arc closure, introducing Yami and Yomi.

It is '''[[Awesome/KenichiTheMightiestDisciple very]]''' awesome.

The CharacterSheet can be found [[Characters/KenichiTheMightiestDisciple here]].

The manga has two spin offs a 4-koma gag manga ''Tekuni to Shijou Saikyou no Nakamatachi/ Tekuni and Her Strongest Friends in History'', and a manga focusing on other characters in the universe ''Shijou Saikyou no Gaiden/History's Strongest Another Stories''.

On September 13th 2014 on chapter 583, after 12 years of serialization, History's Greatest Disciple Kenichi reached its conclusion.

* AbsoluteCleavage: Renka (Year 2) & Mikumo. Occasionally Shigure. Clothing damage does this to many others.
* ActionGirl: Every female fighter.
* ActionGirlfriend: Miu. And to her credit, she's still a much [[WeakButSkilled better fighter]] than he is.

* AdultsAreUseless: Played with. In most of Kenichi's fights his masters stand on the sidelines, even joking and gambling on the outcomes, even if his life is in danger. This is because they believe that a good master stays out of their disciple's fights. It's subverted to hell and back whenever Kenichi is attacked by a master-class or something: they'll step in and beat the life out of whoever attacked their disciple. However, it is played completely straight with the staff of Kenichi's high school, who seem completely unaware of the massive gang activity right under their noses, and his parents, who are oblivious that their son has a habit of getting into life-or-death battles with skilled martial artists from arround the world.
* {{Alcatraz}}: The Big Lock, where they intend to hold all of Yami.
* AlienAmongUs: Everyone is sure Nijima is this. In the anime, it becomes explicit near the end, where he uses his "alien powers" to check PowerLevels, and at one point tells Kenichi "In all the years I've been studying your species..."
* AlmightyJanitor: [[CatchPhrase He is the strongest... but he is just a disciple.]]

* AnnoyingYoungerSibling: Honoka.

** Averted in the latest chapter, when a Master Class opponent would have cleaved Kenichi in two if it weren't for his armor.

* BattleCouple: Kenichi and Miu during the D of D tournament.
* BeachEpisode: Episode 18 of Season 1.
* BeardOfEvil: "God Hand" Akira Hongo of Yami. Although, oddly enough, he seems like [[PetTheDog a decent guy]], or at least not as bad as the other members of YOMI.

* MartialArtsDoNotWorkThatWay: Averted. Syun Matsuena did very extensive and thorough research (at one point traveling to Thailand for this very reason) and it [[ShownTheirWork shows]]. The only possible gripe is the fact that the levels of ability (moving faster than a bullet, breaking cement with a fist, cutting steel with a ''[[MundaneMadeAwesome game controller in the form of a sword]]'' and so on) can't be done in real life.
** The abilities of master-class martial artists become increasingly unrealistic in the 300+ chapters, with characters in full plate [[spoiler:sprinting on water and deflecting sustained fire from an Aegis ship defense cannon with a shield]] or throwing axes [[spoiler:so that they ricochet off surfaces and return to his hand]] - and that's just the weapons users, not counting, well, the Super Man.
** And then there's [[spoiler:[[http://www.goodmanga.net/historys_strongest_disciple_kenichi/chapter/578/6 whatever the hell Mikumo does]] in Chapter 578. Sakaki even [[LampshadeHanging comments that it doesn't even feel like they're fighting human beings anymore.]]]]

* AntiClimaxCut: Akira says he won't fight the injured Apachai, or [[WouldNotHitAGirl Shigure]], and Kenichi thinks Akira pressed a BerserkButton. [[CrowningMomentOfFunny Instead they are flattered]].

* SaveTheVillain: Freya's [[StrawFeminist all-female]] [[{{Delinquents}} mook squad]] goes looking for [[ActionGirl Kisara]]... and runs into [[LadyOfWar Shigure]]. They then decide [[TooDumbToLive it would be a jolly good idea]] to [[BullyingADragon attack her]]. Shigure calmly tells them that they are out of their league. Cue Kenichi begging Shigure not to kill the mooks. He begs her down to using a ''wooden cooking spoon'' (she'd been helping prepare supper) [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome with which she]] [[ImplausibleFencingPowers destroys all their weapons]] [[ClothingDamage (and clothes)]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/v12/c105/6.html in a single panel]].

* ACupAngst: If you value your life, you will ''not'' bring up Kisara's lack of boobage. Keep in mind, this is only relative, as although Kisara is probably on the smaller end of average, just about every major female fighter in the series [[MostWritersAreMale has a huge chest]].