The majority of anime feature characters with otherworldly powers (sometimes in an otherworldly setting as well) using their strengths to overpower the opposition over and over again. It's a tried-and-tested loop that has evolved quite a bit over the years while still maintaining the core of what made such power enticing in the first place. However, there are times when characters don't end up having the best powers around, forcing them to improvise.
That being said, these characters don't really need amazing powers to save the day. By maximizing the efficiency of their relatively meager powers, they can cobble together something truly fascinating that can take out foes that should be far more powerful. The best examples in this regard are mentioned below.
9 Rock Lee (Naruto)
Rock Lee is one of the best characters in Naruto who is almost completely sidelined during the events of Shippuden. It's a shame, since his rise as a shinobi was a pretty riveting watch.
To find out that Rock Lee had no ninjutsu powers whatsoever and compensated for all of it with his taijutsu is a pretty amazing thing indeed, with the fight against Gaara being the best battle in the entire Chunin Exams arc. It's a shame that he never reached these heights throughout the series, barring one instance of drinking sake and providing some entertaining fighting thereafter.
8 Maki Zenin (Jujutsu Kaisen)
The Zenin family is one of the most powerful groups in Jujutsu Kaisen's universe, so it's rather odd to see that two of their daughters have received little to no cursed power whatsoever. This is especially true in the case of Maki, who was born a non-sorcerer.
However, to her credit, she never let this handicap stop her from becoming a Jujutsu Sorcerer. Her physical abilities are incredible and let her take out curses that should be far beyond her capabilities.
7 Master Roshi (Dragon Ball)
Master Roshi is an iconic Dragon Ball character whose teachings helped Goku learn the patented Kamehameha technique. While he took a backseat for the majority of events following Dragon Ball Z, he still had a few tricks up his sleeve.
This could be seen during the Tournament of Power, where Roshi used all his energy to take out an impressive number of enemies. He might not have had the most resounding impact, but watching Goku's sensei back in action was a joy to witness regardless.
6 Hitoshi Shinso (My Hero Academia)
Hitoshi Shinso is a pretty intriguing character with a unique Quirk that allows him to brainwash his opponent. However, this Quirk ends up being useful mostly for one-on-one battles while he also needs to dupe the target into responding to what he says.
For the most part, he seemed like nothing more than a gimmick villain that Midoriya had to overcome during the Summer Festival tournament. However, in Season 5, he actually comes into his own as a rather intriguing character, using Aizawa's Binding Cloth to improve his capabilities in combat while also using his Brainwashing Quirk to great effect.
5 Mumen Rider (One-Punch Man)
One-Punch Man is one of the most hilarious and enjoyable manga around, and fans can't wait for the third season to come. While Saitama is easily the best part of the show, the side characters also get their time to shine.
This is especially true in the case of Mumen Rider, who puts his life on the line to save civilians even though he's hopelessly outmatched in his battle against the Deep Sea King. His admirable efforts alone are enough to prove that Mumen Rider is a powerful character despite not really having any talents that help him excel as a superhero.
4 Isidro (Berserk)
Berserk is one of the most iconic seinen manga ever made. The story of Guts as he deals with betrayal, loss, rejection, and every other tragedy is a blast. While traveling the countryside, he ends up meeting many colorful characters that become his comrades over time.
One such pipsqueak who ends up being surprisingly effective in battle is Isidro. Despite his size and lack of power, Isidro makes up for these shortcomings with his cunning weapons and accurate throws.
3 Kazuma Kuwabara (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Yu Yu Hakusho is a classic series that any fan of old-school shonen goodness should check out. The story of Yusuke and his friends as they fight against demonic threats time and time again makes for a truly riveting watch.
Yusuke's best friend, Kuwabara, is mainly the comic relief for the majority of the series. Even his powers aren't really all that great, although the manner in which he wields his Spirit Sword lets him take out someone as powerful as the elder Toguro brother despite the odds being stacked against him.
2 Zenitsu Agatsuma (Demon Slayer)
This is an entry that might send many fans into a rage. After all, Zenitsu is anything but a weak character, with his powers being absolutely amazing once he loses consciousness.
Rather, the "weak" portion of his power comes from the fact that he's only mastered the first form of Lightning Breathing. Instead of letting this pull him back, Zenitsu perfects this stance to a T and uses his own unique variations to lay waste to any opponent that might be unlucky to stand in his way.
1 Reigen Arataka (Mob Psycho 100)
Reigen Arataka is one of the coolest characters in anime history, and the only one on this list to have no spectacular abilities whatsoever. Instead, it's his confidence that helps him deal with most of the problems that come in his way.
The highlight of Reigen's presence in the show comes when Mob's powers are accidentally transferred into him for a while, allowing him to wreak havoc on the members of Claw. It's a great moment in the show... and also the catalyst that leads to his eventual downfall.