Which Anime Character Is A Double-Crosser In Season One?

I get a kick out of how often the “double-crosser” trope shows up in anime — it’s like a little jolt of betrayal that spices up a season. When someone asks which character double-crosses in season one, I don’t think there’s a single universal name; it depends on the show. But a few classic early-season betrayals stick with me because they’re so cleverly set up. For example, in 'One Piece' (the Syrup Village arc, right at the start), Captain Kuro is the textbook double-crosser: he pretends to be the bumbling servant Klahadore, hides his true identity, and plots to take Kaya’s wealth by faking his own death. The reveal lands hard because the crewmates and viewers are lulled into complacency by his disguise.

Another angle I always point to is how a protagonist can be the betrayer. In 'Death Note', Light Yagami spends the first season playing a brilliant long game — smiling in front of the task force while manipulating evidence and people. He’s not a betray-from-outside villain; he’s a double-crosser of trust, using the system against those who think they’re on the same side. It’s chilling because the audience is complicit, rooting for a genius who’s quietly twisting morality.

Then there’s the spy/agent style of betrayal, which I find fascinating because it’s quieter but hits just as hard. In 'Steins;Gate' season one, Moeka Kiryuu comes off as shy and helpful at first, but she’s actually feeding information to a shadowy organization — her loyalty flips the narrative and raises the stakes. And I can’t forget 'Attack on Titan' where Annie’s reveal as the Female Titan by the end of the first season functions like a betrayal: she’s part of the Survey Corps line-up but is secretly an enemy operator. Those moments where you re-watch earlier scenes and see the tiny tells — that’s my favorite part of rewatching.

If you’re trying to spot double-crossers yourself, look for small inconsistencies in behavior, oddly timed absences, or characters that flatter others too smoothly. Pay attention to props and throwaway lines, because animators love dropping visual hints. I tend to snack and marathon these arcs late at night, pausing to jot down clues or fan-theories on my phone. If you want, tell me which show you mean and I’ll dig into that season specifically — I love dissecting the breadcrumbs other fans missed.

Honestly, if someone asks me about a double-crosser in season one and I can pick only one clear-cut example, I’ll point to Captain Kuro from 'One Piece'. He’s almost a masterclass in old-school betrayal: posing as the harmless butler Klahadore, ingratiating himself with Kaya and the village, then plotting a staged death to inherit her fortune and escape with the loot. What makes Kuro so satisfying to watch is the contrast between his genteel disguise and his cold, calculating ambition — the show lets you laugh at his theatrics and then sting you with the reveal.

Kuro’s betrayal works because of the way the arc uses misdirection: small kindnesses, a limp performance, trust from the townsfolk — all bait for the big reveal. For first-time viewers, it’s a neat lesson in how appearances can be weaponized. I always feel a little giddy watching the Straw Hats slowly put the pieces together; it’s vintage shonen plotting and a fun reminder to pay attention to the “servant” characters.