Saitama from One-Punch Man is no ordinary shonen protagonist — but only because his existence satirizes the genre to the moon and back (literally, in one fight). He cares little for power, given that he can destroy planetary threats with the flick of a finger; conversely, however, he cares way too much about minor household issues.

Saitama’s potential for romance isn’t explored in the series, perhaps because it would mitigate the story’s parodic essence, but that doesn’t mean he should remain lonely his entire life. In fact, there are quite a few characters from popular anime who suit his sensibilities: within reason, of course.

Hange ZoĂ« Doesn’t Let Anything Get By Them (Attack On Titan)

Saitama will be the first to understand Hange’s interest in all things science, though he’d relate more to their intensity and passion than the actual subject, of course. Saitama doesn’t express his enthusiasm very often, but it’s clear that he enjoys what he does, even if he rarely gets credit for it.

Being the 14th Commander of the Scout Regiment, Hange goes through similar experiences on a daily basis, continuing their important work despite the naysayers around them. Further, Saitama will find their enthusiasm a refreshing change from the one-dimensional characters he hangs around with.

Lordgenome Knows What He Wants (Gurren Lagann)

Lordgenome’s totalitarianism is actually a form of defense against the Anti-Spirals, a fact that Simon’s crew has no knowledge of at first.

This revelation implies that the so-called villain has always been protective of all living things in his realm, and just goes to show how a person’s outward demeanor can sometimes be woefully misread by others. Saitama is among the few fictional characters who understand what it’s like to be called a monster. This pair is likely to bond instantly.

Lady Nagant Fears Nothing And No One (My Hero Academia)

Lady Nagant is technically a villain, but a brief flash into her past during a mid-battle conversation with Deku uncovers her earlier stint as a Pro Hero. She doesn’t exhibit a single ounce of fear, even denying All For One’s request to his face, although she is completely aware of his near-invincibility.

Saitama enjoys the company of those farthest from cowardice, going so far as to deliver stilted lectures about the merits of heroism. Besides, he is yet to meet someone like Lady Nagant, who wouldn’t so much as lift an eyebrow after watching him destroy meteors or part the clouds. However, this potential relationship has a high chance of combustibility.

Giyu Tomioka Shares Saitama’s Need For Appreciation (Demon Slayer)

Giyu Tomioka is the Water Hashira, both literally and metaphysically — his natural flow is consistent and smooth, but that’s only because his emotional dam can withstand quite a bit of damage.

Saitama’s behavior is comparable, but what makes both these characters so shippable is the fact that their moods are inexplicably and inexorably linked to people’s opinions of them. It’s a basic equation, really: Giyu can offer Saitama the appreciation he needs, and vice-versa. An equivalent exchange, so to speak.

Misato Katsuragi Handles Tough Situations With Poise (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Even if he doesn’t intend it, Saitama’s actions lead to destruction and devastation, prompting the public to insult him for damaging their property without thanking him for saving their lives.

On the other hand, Misato’s role requires her to be an expert at damage control, what with supervising teenage pilots in dangerous mecha, so she’d be the first to understand Saitama’s perspective. More importantly, Misato subsists entirely on processed food, an unnerving habit that might be abolished with Saitama’s regular home-cooked meals.

Yoko Kurama’s Limitless Patience Will Come In Handy (Yu Yu Hakusho)

The original Yoko Kurama was sly and deceitful, but combined with the human Shuichi Minamino, the new Kurama is a lot more tender and empathetic. His endless restraint will surely be put to the test when paired with Saitama, whose somewhat manic obsessions about sales and discounts can get out of hand.

Nevertheless, it is Kurama who will prevail in the common sense department, which Saitama sorely needs to experience from an equal. That said, a relationship emerging from this combination will likely be experimental at best.

Biscuit Krueger’s Terrifying Nature Masks Her Compassion (Hunter X Hunter)

Biscuit switches between two aspects of her appearance, a cute bubbly child and a muscular badass woman — only the latter can be considered in a romantic capacity (even though she’s nearly 60 years old).

Saitama is one of the few men in shonen anime who wouldn’t be intimidated by Biscuit’s overwhelming aura, given that he cares more about a person’s convictions and belief system than he does about their power levels or appearance. For her part, Biscuit would probably appreciate Saitama’s candor as well as his serious attitude towards battle.

Retsu Unohana Values Strength And Power Over Everything Else (Bleach)

Unohana Retsu acts like a concerned mother in most instances, but this demeanor of hers is revealed to be a mask behind which she keeps her bloodlust hidden.

As such, Unohana places a high value on pure strength, explaining why her relationship with her successor, Zaraki Kenpachi, has mildly romantic undertones. There are scarcely any characters in all anime as strong as Saitama, parody or otherwise, suggesting that a relationship with Unohana might just be in the cards.

Colonel Mustang Is Basically Genos With An Independent Streak (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Roy Mustang, like Saitama’s disciple Genos, is an extremely dedicated man who doesn’t hold back his emotion (or his fire) when his friends and loved ones are concerned.

That said, Mustang doesn’t depend on anyone but himself, which is exactly what makes him an incredible partner in theory. Saitama considers Genos a subordinate because that’s how the latter portrays himself; the results will be entirely different when Mustang enters the picture.

There Is Already So Much Tension Between Sonic And Saitama (One-Punch Man)

Sonic’s mind-boggling ego notwithstanding, his current association with Saitama revolves around fighting him at every turn. He loses, of course, but he doesn’t stop trying — a trait that his opponent has come to acknowledge and respect.

It’s not difficult to imagine an attraction springing up between Saitama and Sonic, considering they’ve already established an unmistakable, but admittedly unconventional, rapport. Genos might have some opinions on the matter, but that’s another story.

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