History Main / VillainTakesAnInterest

* ''Fanfic/{{Think Before You Speak|MHA}}'': While Shigaraki's lack of interest in following the news means that he's not ''initially'' aware that [[ForWantOfANail one of U.A.'s students seriously injured another]] during a training exercise, once he ''does'' find out about it, he naturally wants to learn who was responsible.

* ''Fanfic/LuzClawthorne'': After learning about Luz [[spoiler:and her condition]], Emperor Belos becomes intrigued and assigns the Golden Guard to monitor her. [[spoiler:After he recieves confirmation that she's a cambion, he offers to help Luz control it so long as she joins him, which she refuses.]] After that, Belos does all he can to keep tabs on Luz and her progress.

** [[Characters/TeenTitans2003Robin Robin]] and [[Characters/TeenTitans2003Robin Robin]]. The similarity is emphasized whenever they fight each other, and ''especially'' when they fight [[EnemyMine together]], as their fighting styles are nearly identical.

* ''WesternAnimation/{{Amphibia}}'': Double Subversion. The Core initially doesn't care about [[spoiler:Marcy]] whatsoever, only recognizing her as being spoken of in the prophecy and ordering Andrias to kill her. However, once [[spoiler:Marcy]] proves herself to be actually quite smart, the Core starts to become interested in her, eventually deciding to make her their newest host in order to foil the prophecy.
* ''WesternAnimation/BigHero6TheSeries'': [[BigBad Obake]] has taken a paticular interest in [[TheHero Hiro]], to the point where some of his evil schemes amount entirely to testing Hiro and seeing how he reacts. To a lesser extent he seems interested in the other members of Big Hero 6 as well, but Hiro is the one with his focus.

* ''WesternAnimation/TheOwlHouse'': Emperor Belos takes a special interest in Luz after their battle in "Young Blood, Old Souls". This is because [[spoiler:he recognized her as the same person who helped him meet The Collector in the late 1600's when he was still Philip Wittebane]]. In addition to wanting to ensure Luz lives on as she is part of a StableTimeLoop, Belos also wants to "save" her from the Demon Realm, and opts to murder her once the former has closed, and Luz has rejected the latter.

* ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsRebels'': Darth Maul quickly takes a shine to Ezra and seeks to make him his apprentice. Everyone and Ezra says no but Maul is so unhinged/determined that he honestly seems oblivious to any protests. Maul is making more progress with his protagonist than other examples but his own ruthlessness is spoiling his attempts. This interest is later hinted to hinge on Maul projecting onto Ezra his longing for his former apprentice and brother, Savage.

** Robin and Slade. The similarity is emphasized whenever they fight each other, and ''especially'' when they fight [[EnemyMine together]], as their fighting styles are nearly identical.
** To a somewhat lesser extent, this is observable between Cyborg and Brother Blood as well.
** Slade and Terra have a bit of this, too. Terra allows him to mentor her and...[[MindRape things]] [[TrainingFromHell go]] [[spoiler:[[RedemptionEqualsDeath downhill]]]]. To make it worse, in the comic storyline this was based on, the two were actually in a sexual relationship, though Terra was slightly older (but still underage).

* In the sequel of ''Fanfic/ChildOfTheStorm'', one of [[spoiler: Surtur's]] strongest minions [[OurDragonsAreDifferent - a literal dragon -]] claims this of his master in regards to Harry, claiming that [[spoiler: Surtur]] wants to take him on as a no-strings-attached student in the belief that he would come to see that [[spoiler: Surtur]] was right and that he should ally with him of his own free will. Harry, who's familiar with the [[ManipulativeBastard well-earned reputation dragons have for manipulation]] and has heard [[WeCanRuleTogether speeches like this]] before (and wasn't interested then), laughs in his face.

* ''Fanfic/TheChaoticMasters'': As an extension of how he and the other Chaotic Masters would seduce heroines into their harems during their original reign, in the present day the Collector has his eye on Raven, and mentions how he finds Jade interesting.

* ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventureStoneOcean'': In the past, DIO was intrigued by Pucci's respect during their first meeting, enough to leave him with an arrow as a gift while telling him they'll meet again if Pucci desires.

* ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure'':
** ''[[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureGoldenWind Golden Wind]]'': Diavolo had his sights on eliminating Team Bucciarati while they attempting to find his weakness, until learning the hidden secret of the [[SacredBowAndArrows Stand Arrow]] makes him alter his goals to obtain it.
** ''[[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureStoneOcean Stone Ocean]]'': In the past, DIO was intrigued by Pucci's respect during their first meeting, enough to leave him with an arrow as a gift while telling him they'll meet again if Pucci desires.

* ''ComicBook/JudgeDredd'': The main character of the "Fall of Deadworld" storyline, Judge Fairfax, was once an acolyte of Judge Death, who still wants to recruit him as one of his lieutenants after they had a falling out. Fairfax just wants to ride out the apocalypse.

* ''Fanfic/ASupeOfAMan'': Stan Edgar takes an interest in Clark when he displays record-breaking strength and speed at just 9 years old, seeing him as a more stable alternative to Homelander. Stillwell would also like to be Clark's agent and bring him into the Seven.

Related to WeCanRuleTogether, but rather than offering a position, offers a study period. Note that this requires a ''mentoring'' role--WorthyOpponent offering a team-up doesn't cut it.

[[index]]
* VillainTakesAnInterest/AnimeAndManga
* VillainTakesAnInterest/FanWorks
* VillainTakesAnInterest/LiveActionTV
* VillainTakesAnInterest/VideoGames
* VillainTakesAnInterest/WesternAnimation
[[/index]]

* ComicBook/RasAlGhul to ''Franchise/{{Batman}}''. He sees Bats as a mirror, and was once interested in him being the successor of his organization, The Demon.

* ''[[ComicBook/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesIDW Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'': Like Ra's Al Ghul to Batman, the IDW version of the Shredder has decreed that only Leonardo is fit to inherit leadership of the Foot Clan.

* In ''{{Webcomic/Drowtales}}'', Snadhya'rune Vel'Sharen sets her sights on Ariel Val'Sarghress due to the latter's bloodline, which contains a potent AntiMagic ability and Ariel's own unique sorcery. The first inklings of it appear [[http://www.drowtales.com/mainarchive.php?sid=4092 all the way back in the third chapter]], but it's not until chapter 47 that the two meet [[http://www.drowtales.com/mainarchive.php?sid=10118 face to face]] and immediately attempts to earn Ariel's favor. It ultimately fails because [[AxCrazy Kalki]] attacks Ariel, and Snadhya is so incensed by this that she later [[spoiler:murders Kalki in cold blood for disrupting her and [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness outliving her usefulness]]]]. Previously this method had worked flawlessly when Snadhya recruited her other "proteges" or students who showed unique abilities, including Mel'arnach Val'Sarghress, Ariel's sister ([[spoiler:actually her mother]]).

The hero and villain are [[MirrorCharacter very similar to each other]], and both grow aware of that fact. But they have different reactions. While the villain ''[[SincerityMode genuinely]]'' wants to take the hero under their wing, the hero is opposed to any friendly interaction--but may fear the villain has a point. The kind of obsessive behavior and mind games this generates on both ends is a prime source of FoeRomanceSubtext.

-->--''VideoGame/MegaManZX Advent''

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* ''{{Manga/Berserk}}'': When Guts first runs into Nosferatu Zodd, he puts up the best fight [[BloodKnight Zodd]]'s ever seen from a human in three centuries. Which isn't saying much, as Guts and Griffith combined can't kill him. However, on seeing that Griffith has the red Behelith, Zodd spares the two of them, even going as far as to save Guts' life during a siege (Zodd was watching him fight an enemy general from several miles off when Guts lost his sword, Zodd immediately threw his own sword between them, allowing Guts to win). When Griffith [[spoiler:starts the Eclipse]], Zodd accepts the Skull Knight's request to interrupt their duel when he sees it'll save Guts. And later still, when Guts is prevented from taking a ship by Emperor Ganishka's attack, [[spoiler:Zodd and Guts more or less willingly team up to send him back]] despite Zodd now being TheDragon to Griffith.
* ''{{Manga/Bleach}}'':
** Aizen's done this to a few characters. Orihime, for example. Once her powers came to Aizen's attention, he became very interested them. [[spoiler:And when Masaki killed one of his hollow/shinigami experiments 20 years before the story began, Aizen became extremely interested in her. This interest extended to her son Ichigo and a good chunk of his EvilPlan revolved around nurturing and observing Ichigo's potential.]]
** In the final arc, Yhwach takes an interest in both Ichigo and Uryuu. [[spoiler:Ichigo because of his complicated bloodline, and Uryuu because he was the only mixed-blood Quincy to survive the Holy Selection nine years ago. He succeeds at getting Uryuu on his side.]]
* Kohei Kakihara and Chiko from ''Manga/TheDaughterOfTwentyFaces''. Kakihara is fascinated by her fighting spirit. His obsession to [[spoiler:take away everything Twenty ever had]] may have something to do with this as well.
* In ''Manga/DrStone'', [[spoiler:Hyoga]] from Tsukasa's Empire of Might becomes impressed with Senku's scientific skills [[spoiler:after using a mix of scattered chemicals on the battlefield into workable dynamite that forces both sides into a stalemate]]. The reason is that unlike Tsukasa, who believes only the young should be unpetrified to keep the new world pure, [[spoiler:[[TheSocialDarwinist Hyoga]] believes only the exceptional humans should be permitted to survive, and he wants Senku to join his side after [[TheStarscream Hyoga stabbed Tsukasa through the lung]], by force if needed]].
* In ''LightNovel/FateZero'', Kirei Kotomine takes an interest in Kiritsugu Emiya, believing the two of them are very similar. [[spoiler:[[{{MirrorCharacter}} He's wrong]] and is ''not'' happy when he realizes this.]]
** In ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'', Kotomine meets Kiritsugu's adopted son, Shirou and takes a similar interest in him. [[spoiler:To his delight, he finds that unlike Kiritsugu, Shirou ''is'' just as empty as himself.]]
* Gauron/Sousuke in ''Lightnovel/FullMetalPanic''. The first time Gauron saw Sousuke, Sousuke was acting like a CreepyChild and throwing the dead bodies of all the soldiers he killed into a fire. And Gauron, being a messed up AxCrazy PsychoForHire, took an instant liking to Sousuke. He asked Sousuke to come with him (with ''definite'' overtones of "there's candy in my van"), but Sousuke (wisely) refused. It's just too bad that Gauron [[StalkerWithACrush isn't the type to take no for an answer]] and continues to mess with him any chance he gets.
* Haman Khan finds herself intrigued by Judau in ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamZZ'', and alternates between fighting him and trying to make out with him.
* ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'':
** Stain actively ''likes'' Midoriya, who is one of the very few people he believes embodies what it means to be a hero. This is a major factor to why [[spoiler:he saves a captured Midoriya from a flying Nomu]].
** Later, the League of Villains undertakes a large scale attack on the Training Camp where UA's classes 1A and 1B are currently located (alongside 4 pro-heroes), all (primarily, the League says they have multiple targets but the only thing mentioned in relation to that is that they've got orders to kill Izuku) to kidnap one Katsuki Bakugo, whose desire for victory and literal explosive temper have caught the eye of the League's leader Shigaraki. Things do not go as intended once they get Bakugo back to their HQ.
* ''{{Manga/Naruto}}'':
** Orochimaru isn't just interested in Sasuke's potential, he [[GrandTheftMe wants his body too]]. (No, not like that.)
** It's later revealed that Orochimaru tried to do the same thing to Sasuke's elder brother, Itachi. But he apparently stopped after he received [[CurbStompBattle an asskicking by him]].
* ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'': For the [[NobleDemon dubious]] amount of villainy, Evangeline after defeating Negi says she won't kill him, because she found interest in him, but it's only when he ask her to teach him (after witnessing her power on a more serious level) that they become mentor and student.
* During ''Manga/OnePiece'''s Wano Arc, Kaido is impressed by [[spoiler:Luffy's raw strength and irrepressible determination, enough so that he orders his minions to imprison him and break his will so he can become one of his soldiers after he thrashes him in a matter of seconds]].
* Kyosuke to Kaoru in ''Manga/PsychicSquad''. Incidentally, Kaoru ''also'' has a regular mentor, and the ultimate question of the plot is whether Kaoru will ultimately side with Minamoto or Kyosuke.
* In ''Manga/SazanEyes'', Benares initially thinks little of Yakumo. From the Moon arc onward, he started to respect the younger Wu and his power more and more, to the point that during the Humanization Ritual he claims he would have preferrd to have Yakumo serving under him and warns him to release his [[CastFromHitPoints Juuma summons]] if he doesn't want to die after losing his Wu status.
* Vampires in ''Manga/SeraphOfTheEnd'' usually find no interest in what humans are up to and hardly interfere in their affairs. Ferid is the exception as he is attracted to Mika and Yuu for their [[BloodLust blood]] and their [[{{Bishonen}} good looks]].
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fan Works]]
* ''Fanfic/AbraxasHrodvitnon'': [[spoiler:[[Characters/AbraxasHrodvitnon Ghidorah]]]] is pleased by watching [[AdaptationalHeroism Monster X]]'s (particularly Vivienne's) capacity for brutality in an UnstoppableRage in Chapter 13. [[spoiler:The right head (Ni/Elder Brother)]] in particular had the least interest in Vivienne out of the three until this point.
* Orochimaru to the main trio of time travelers in the ''Franchise/{{Naruto}}'' FanFic ''Fanfic/AWrinkleInTimeNaruto''. He states that he needs Sasuke for his eyes, so it doesn't matter whether or not he has talent. However, he ''wants'' those three for their talent, seeing it as being wasted on Konoha. It's incredibly ironic, seeing as the three time travelers in question are Naruto, Shikamaru, and Lee, who were all "dead lasts," for lack of a better term.
* In the sequel of ''Fanfic/ChildOfTheStorm'', one of [[spoiler: Surtur's]] strongest minions [[OurDragonsAreDifferent - a literal dragon -]] claims this of his master in regards to Harry, claiming that [[spoiler: Surtur]] wants to take him on as a no-strings-attached student in the belief that he would come to see that [[spoiler: Surtur]] was right and that he should ally with him of his own free will. Harry, who's familiar with the [[ManipulativeBastard well-earned reputation dragons have for manipulation]] and has heard [[WeCanRuleTogether speeches like this]] before (and wasn't interested then), laughs in his face.
* ''Fanfic/CodePrime'': [[spoiler: In Chapter 7 of ''R1'', after Soundwave learns that Lelouch is Zero as well as a thought dead prince of Britannia and tells Megatron, Megatron decides to keep this information secret from both Charles and his crew, having taken an interest in what Optimus sees in Lelouch. The same is true for Suzaku, as Chapter 13 of ''R1'' reveals that Megatron wants Knock Out to upgrade the Lancelot as he's taken an interest in both it and Suzaku, planning to turn Suzaku into a "human" Decepticon. By the end of ''R1'', Megatron has given up on Suzaku, deeming him a lost cause.]]
* ''Fanfic/RosarioVampireBrightestDarkness'': In Act III, it's revealed that this why Kiria didn't simply kill Tsukune and the others back in Act II; having seen the power of Tsukune's [[SuperpoweredEvilSide inner ghoul]] firsthand, he decided that it would be useful in his plans. Unfortunately for Kiria, he discovers the hard way in the final chapter of Act III that EvilIsNotAToy.
* ''Fanfic/SoulChess'': Aizen took an immediate interest in Lelouch the day they first met, after Lelouch defeated him in a game of chess. At first he sought to make Lelouch an ally, but once it became clear that Lelouch would rather stand against him, he settled for making the former prince his main rival instead. Unfortunately, he greatly underestimated said rival [[spoiler:and was subsequently killed and sent to hell for his troubles]]. By the end of the fic, Aizen came to hate Lelouch so much that his two main priorities were:
## [[GodhoodSeeker Kill the Soul King and take his place]].
## [[ItsPersonal Screw over Lelouch as much as possible]].
* ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/6112612/chapters/33780843 And Then There's You]]'': Since he learned he had a living, healthy grandson he could mold into his perfect heir, Ra's al Ghul decided to study the mother - [[MisterSeahorse Jason Todd]]. Due to Jason being the only known omega to successfully carry and birth a male alpha from the Al Ghul bloodline, Ra's strongly hints he would like to [[RapeIsASpecialKindOfEvil force Jason]] [[BabyFactory to produce more potential heirs]].
* ''Fanfic/HowOnEarth'': Grandfather immediately takes an interest in Nigel Uno/Numbuh One after learning the latter is his only biological grandchild. With Nigel's father and uncle both inadequate successors for a variety of reasons, Grandfather plans on molding Nigel in their stead, and takes the first step by [[spoiler:activating Nigel's latent superpowers]].
* ''Fanfic/ARabbitAmongWolves'': Sienna Khan starts out tepidly supportive of [[InternalReformist Jaune and his plans]]. But seeing Jaune wins victories in both the battlefield and in the world of [=PR=], she becomes interested in making him her champion.
* Given that [[Characters/Ben10BenTennyson Ben Tennyson]] showed up out of nowhere and chose to help his sworn enemies without much of a reason, [[Characters/JoJosBizarreAdventureDIO DIO]] becomes more concerned about him and has his assassins be cautious about him in ''Fanfic/JojosAlienAdventure''. After finding out about Ben's shapeshifting abilities with his fight against Forever, though, he takes an interest in the [[TransformationTrinket Ultimatrix]], particularly its [[SuperMode evolutionary function]], and has his assassins bring him alive, intending to use its power to become Ultimate DIO.
** Broadly speaking, however, this trope is not uncommon in ''Franchise/Ben10'' crossovers, with numerous other villains being interested in the power of the Ultimatrix or Omnitrix (given that its transformations basically give its user the ultimate jackpot of ComboPlatterPowers and MultiformBalance, this is ''very'' understandable), whether it be for combat, science, or a mix of both. Some of these villains include:
*** [[{{Franchise/Metroid}} Ridley and Mother Brain]] in ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13010468/1/Metroid-10 Metroid 10]]''. [[Characters/MetroidRidley Ridley]] sees the Omnitrix as a powerful weapon and offers to make Ben [[WeCanRuleTogether his trusted lieutenant]], while [[Characters/MetroidMotherBrain Mother Brain]] holds an interest in studying the Omnitrix for her own purposes.
*** [[WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague Dr. Emil Hamilton]] in ''Fanfic/Ben10Unlimited''. While most of [[CapeBusters Project Cadmus]] show more concern at the possibility of more transformations unknown to them, Dr. Hamilton suggests using the Ultimatrix to help create SuperSoldiers with regeneration and other abilities.
*** [[{{Manga/Bleach}} Szayelaporro Granz]] in ''FanFic/BleachUltimateAlien''. Unlike other examples, he also holds high interest in the individual transformations, particularly in the remake, as he is ecstatic to be given the withered arms of Swampfire and pieces of crystal made by Diamondhead after Ben's fight against [[TimeMaster Baraggan Louisenbairn]]. Eventually, he's able to use an arm from Four Arms that Grimmjow ripped off to create a Hollow version of a [[MultiArmedAndDangerous Tetramand]], and plans to enter Ben's universe and explore the possibility of submitting other alien species to Hollowfication. Furthermore, he's later revealed to use the aforementioned arms and shards to create Hollow versions of a [[GemstoneAssault Petrosapien]] and [[GreenThumb Methan]][[PlayingWithFire osian]], which Aizen sics on the heroes during his invasion of Fake Karakura Town.
*** ComicBook/{{Taskmaster}} in the ''Franchise/Ben10''[=/=]''WesternAnimation/TheAvengersEarthsMightiestHeroes'' crossover ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10945162/1/Avenging-10 Avenging 10]]''. He primarily wants it as an extension of his AwesomenessByAnalysis abilities, as doing so would allow him to not only gain the skills of other heroes through his own abilities, but [[PowerCopying replicate their powers]] through the Ultimatrix.
*** In the ''Fanfic/ThereWasOnceAnAvengerFromKrypton'' story ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/31696952/chapters/96193063 From His Vantage Upon the Moon]]'', [[spoiler:Victor von Doom would have requested Reed Richard to overlook Earth-10000 (the ''Franchise/Ben10'' universe) for fusing into the ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'' due to how volatile it was. However, he allows it since the Omnitrix would prove a viable weapon against the Mad Titan Thanos. He also takes an interest in bringing in the [[ComicBook/{{Supergirl}} Kara Zor-El]] from [[WesternAnimation/YoungJustice2010 Earth-16]], who died in the destruction of her Krypton and would be the closest hero they would have to a powerhouse like Superman]].
* Upon meeting Danny Phantom in ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9798559/19/The-Ghostly-Leaguer The Ghostly Leaguer]]'', Darkseid becomes convinced that he is the key to the Anti-Life Equation and immediately targets him after gaining control of Brainiac.
* In ''Fanfic/FrozenTurtles'', after learning about [[Franchise/{{Frozen}} Elsa's]] [[AnIcePerson ice powers]], [[WesternAnimation/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles2012 Shredder]] becomes interested in trying to harness them himself. Initially, he tries to get Elsa herself to join him, but once it's made clear that she never will join him, he instead becomes obsessed with trying to combine her DNA with mutagen to be infused into him. [[spoiler:When he becomes Super Shredder, he succeeds in this regard, and becomes far more dangerous.]]
* Giovanni in ''Fanfic/PokemonResetBloodlines'' takes an early interest in Ash after his first encounter with Jessie, James and Meowth, and orders the trio to keep an eye on him. Later chapters reveal he views Ash as a possible means to curb Bloodliner threats, including the Bloodliner King himself, thus eliminating some of his direct competition in the criminal world.
* ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/18904924/navigate The Color of the World]]'': Unlike in canon, Muzan Kibutsuji actually takes interest in Tanjiro after he sees his Hanafuda earrings through Yahaba's eyes, realizing that as a demon, he could become a useful pawn if he were to capture him and place him under his control. Because of this, he orders all of his servants, from the Twelve Kizuki to even minor followers, to actually capture Tanjiro should they ever find him. Hearing from Akaza how the latter was overpowered by Tanjiro's Blood Demon Art actually makes Muzan want to capture him all the more if he's become strong enough to repel an Upper-Rank, to the point he's too busy laughing to punish Akaza for his failure. He briefly succeeds in getting Tanjiro to his lair and injecting him with his blood before Tanjiro escapes, with Nezuko and Zenitsu helping Tanjiro come to his senses before he can eat anyone. Losing Daki and Gyutaro doesn't even faze Muzan unlike in canon because he now intends to replace them with Tanjiro as soon as he captures and brainwashes him.
* ''Fanfic/AWaterbendingQuirk'': All For One finds himself becoming fascinated with [[spoiler: Katara, and not unjustifiably: her waterbending comes with a myriad of powers, like [[MakingASplash hydrokinesis]], [[AnIcePerson cryokinesis]], HealingHands, and [[PeoplePuppets bloodbending]]. This fascination heavily increases when he finds out her powers do not come from a Quirk]].
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* ''Series/BetterCallSaul'':
** At the start of the Sandpiper case, HHM is representing the plaintiffs while Schweikart & Cokely represent Sandpiper. Rick Schweikart begins to take an interest in Kim after seeing her legal talent in action, as well as seeing her put into an unwinnable situation without any support from HHM, and makes clear he's interested in recruiting her to his firm. Midway through season 4, Kim accepts his offer and brings in a new big client with Mesa Verde.
** Throughout season 2, Mike Ehrmantraut engages in moves against the Salamancas. When the Salamancas begin threatening Mike's family, he retaliates by robbing one of their money couriers. His actions get him noticed by Gus Fring, who realizes that Mike could be very valuable to his operation. Using appeals to Mike's nature to provide for his family, he's able to convince Mike to join his operation by the end of season 3. Mike spends season 4 working as the supervisor to a crew of German engineers secretly building a basement for Gus to fit a meth lab into, then season 5 starts working as an enforcer and advisor to Gus.
* In ''Series/CuteyHoneyTheLive'', Panther Claw member [[PsychoLesbian Mayumi Karasugawa]] takes a keen, unhealthily obsessive interest in [[TheStoic Sister Miki]] after initially believing her to be Cutey Honey. Even after she knows who is who, she still relentlessly pursues Miki.
* ''Series/Daredevil2015'':
** In season 1, after Matt and Foggy exonerate Karen from Fisk's attempt to have her framed for murder, Fisk takes an interest in the amateur lawyers and tells James Wesley to start files on them, figuring they may be of use. A few days later, when a hitman of his is arrested during a botched assassination job, he has Wesley hire Nelson & Murdock to defend the hitman.
--->'''James Wesley:''' I represent [[TheMafia a consortium with diversified interests in the private sector, both domestic and international]]. From time to time, we scout the landscape for promising talent to put on retainer.\\
'''Foggy Nelson:''' ''[smirks]'' Retainer?\\
'''Matt Murdock:''' Why are you approaching us? Why not a larger firm, Mr., uh--\\
'''James Wesley:''' [[LegitimateBusinessmensSocialClub Confederated Global Investments]] is my employer.\\
'''Matt Murdock:''' That’s not what I was asking.\\
'''James Wesley:''' It’s the only name relevant to this discussion, Mr. Murdock.\\
'''Matt Murdock:''' Oh. So, why us?\\
'''Foggy Nelson:''' Obviously, the larger firms aren’t able to provide the same hands-on attention that we pride ourselves on at Nelson & Murdock.\\
'''James Wesley:''' It’s a fair question. I’m here because [[ComicBook/TheKingpin my employer]] does extensive business in Hell’s Kitchen, and who knows it better than two local boys who graduated from Columbia Law, ''cum laude'' and ''[[BadassBookworm summa cum laude]]''. ''[motions to Foggy and Matt, respectively]''\\
'''Foggy Nelson:''' Ah, the ''summa'' part is politics.\\
'''James Wesley:''' ''[laughs]'' [[StartMyOwn You set up shop right here in your backyard]], [[ScrewTheMoneyIHaveRules despite the fact that both of you were made…a very lucrative offer from Landman & Zack in Manhattan, where you interned.]]\\
'''Matt Murdock:''' So you’ve done your homework.\\
'''James Wesley:''' [[CrazyPrepared My employer expects no less]].
** In season 3, while the FBI are transporting Fisk to the Presidential Hotel, they are ambushed by an Albanian hit squad, who kill several of Fisk's guards and almost get to Fisk before they are all taken out by Dex. Fisk immediately takes an interest in Dex, and spends the next few days worming his way into Dex's life, turning the mild-mannered FBI agent into an unstoppable assassin who looks at him as a father figure.
* ''Series/GameOfThrones'': The [[Characters/GameOfThronesSupernaturalBeings Night King]] takes particular interest in both Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen as opponents after his respective first encounters with them.
** To a lesser extent, Tywin Lannister becomes very fond of the precocious young girl he finds among the prisoners at Harrenhal, making her his new cup-bearer (ie, personal servant). Unbeknownst to him, the girl is Arya Stark, a very important potential hostage that his family was actively looking for at the time.
* ''Series/{{Hannibal}}'' basically runs on this, specifically Hannibal Lecter's interest in TheEmpath Will Graham.
* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'':
** In the episode [[Recap/SupernaturalS02E21AllHellBreaksLoosePartOne "All Hell Breaks Loose, Part One" (S02, Ep21)]], the [[Characters/SupernaturalDemons Yellow-Eyed Demon]] sees himself as Sam's [[TheMentor mentor]] and Sam as his creation. Sam sees the Yellow-Eyed Demon as his ArchEnemy.
--->'''Yellow-Eyed Demon:''' That's why I'm here, Sam. I wanna give you the inside track. You're tough. You're smart. You're well-trained, thanks to your daddy. Sam -- Sammy -- you're my favorite.\\
'''Sam:''' You ruined my life. You killed everyone I love.\\
'''Yellow-Eyed Demon:''' The cost of doing business, I'm afraid.
** Alaster, Abaddon, Crowley and The Darkness for Dean. So. Very. Much.
** Lucifer for Sam. Still.

[[folder:Video Games]]
* In ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim'', Hermaeus Mora, the [[OurGodsAreDifferent Daedric Prince]] of [[KeeperOfForbiddenKnowledge Knowledge]], is revealed to be very interested in those who are [[TheChosenOne Dragonborn]]. In ages past, he seduced the First Dragonborn, Miraak, into becoming his champion in exchange for great power. In the main quest of the ''Dragonborn'' DLC, Mora [[TheChessmaster orchestrates the situation]] as such to allow [[BigBad Miraak]] to think [[TheStarscream he could plot against Mora]] in [[EldritchLocation Apocrypha]], using the opportunity to secretly groom the [[PlayerCharacter Last Dragonborn]] as his replacement, and thusly allowed Miraak to become a threat the Last Dragonborn could not ignore. [[spoiler:The Last Dragonborn foils Miraak's plans, Mora kills Miraak in a combination ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice[=/=]YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness killing, and the Last Dragonborn [[YouKillItYouBoughtIt takes Miraak's place]] as Mora's champion, whether he/she [[UnwittingPawn likes it or not]].]]
* In the ''VideoGame/EnsembleStars'' main story, Eichi genuinely thinks very highly of Trickstar's skill. In particular, he tries to recruit Hokuto and Subaru for his top-tier unit ''fine'', as he believes there he could truly bring out their full potential. (It also has the added benefit of converting the current biggest enemies to ''fine'', but he isn't lying about any of this, either.) Subaru rejects him immediately, as Eichi assumed his love of money means that he would be easily tempted by greed, but Subaru actually just likes shiny coins and has no interest in becoming wealthy. Hokuto is much more troubled, as his parents are both celebrities in the entertainment industry, and joining a high-level unit like ''fine'' seems like the logically 'correct' decision to follow their legacy. When he does (temporarily) join, Eichi seems to be genuinely trying to mentor him, teaching him that betrayal and sabotage are the only way to be successful in the entertainment industry. Naturally, Hokuto [[IronicEcho echoes this statement back]] when he switches back to Trickstar.
* In ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'', even if the [[PlayerCharacter Courier]] kills Vulpes Inculta of Caesar's Legion, Caesar himself will eventually offer the Courier full amnesty and a place at his side in the Legion, explicitly admitting he's impressed by how the Courier gets what they want.
* ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'':
** [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI Terra and Kefka]] in ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy''.
** Zenos in the Stormblood story of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' conquered both Ala Mhigo and Doma, but finds that VictoryIsBoring since neither nation was able to put up much of a fight. When the player character faces him in a battle for the first time, it's a HopelessBossFight and he easily defeats them. In a rematch, later on, the player character has grown stronger but still loses to Zenos. Zenos has then taken quite an interest with them, seeing their potential strength and encourages them to keep fighting and to grow stronger. By the third fight, the player character is evenly matched and Zenos is ''very'' ecstatic seeing his opponent being able to stand up to him. After the final fight against him, Zenos loses but is satisfied that he found a WorthyOpponent and calls the player character his friend before [[spoiler: slicing his throat to kill himself.]] [[spoiler: Thanks to Zenos having an artificial Echo, he does not die and hijacks a soldier's body to continue his obsession with hunting down the player character in order to have the biggest battle the world would ever know.]]
* The page quote is taken from ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' ''Advent''. The BigBad has his entire plan unfold down to the smallest detail (it's implied that the plot of the last game went ''exactly'' as he intended it to, though who won between TheHero and the villain there could have gone either way as far as he cared), but he never saw [[TheHero Ashe]] coming, mostly because [[spoiler: she was never supposed to be a Mega Man - she can only megamerge because she has Albert's blood as his descendant.]] This surprises Albert, but he notes that it makes his plan more interesting, anyway, so he decides to enjoy himself watching her progress. Interestingly, if the ''other'' protagonist is chosen, Albert is far more dismissive, since [[spoiler: Grey, while not a foe Albert accounted for, was still a factor in the first place and thus nothing new to him.]]
** It actually gets taken a step further, as the CoDragons ''also'' take an interest in each of the protagonists. Prometheus likes Ashe's spirit and feels they're exactly alike due to what he thinks are similar motivations, eventually coming to view her as a WorthyOpponent. Pandora, meanwhile, is the least dismissive of Grey out of all the major antagonists, and even gives him a little bit of insight into the duo's motivations.
* In the FanSequel ''VideoGame/TheSilverLining'', Graham has a strange vision where [[spoiler:Manannan]] claims his real plan had been to treat [[spoiler:Alexander]] as an apprentice and surrogate child. [[spoiler:Alexander's]] reaction to the revelation is a combination of squick/horror/disbelief.
* In ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic'', the Sith Inquisitor is this for Padawan Ashara. They need Ashara's aid to get into the old Taris Jedi Temple. Now, being as you're Sith and she's a Jedi Padawan, there's already a problem. No matter how it goes, she ends up as your unofficial apprentice. The Sith Warrior does the same with Jaesa on Alderaan, as her ability to see through lies would be very useful to the Sith. Of course, it's entirely on you to live up to the evil Sith reputation or decide to be more Light Sided.
** In the Imperial Agent storyline, after the prologue missions on Hutta the Agent catches the attention of Darth Jadus, who wants them to swear personal loyalty to him. [[spoiler:When you confront him at the end of Act I, he offers you the chance to [[WeCanRuleTogether serve as his personal agent]] and help him in his plans.]]

[[folder:Web Animation]]
* ''WebAnimation/HazbinHotel'': After Charlie's pitch on the news for the Happy Hotel bombs miserably, Alastor offers to help the hotel [[NotInThisForYourRevolution not because he believes it will succeed]], but so he can get his kicks from seeing the patrons repeatedly try and fail to redeem themselves. This, coupled with the fact that Alastor is [[TheDreaded the most powerful and most dangerous demon in Hell]], naturally makes Charlie suspicious of him, but she accepts his support anyway considering he's the only denizen of Hell willing to help.
* ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'':
** In Volume 2, Cinder takes a very strong interest in Pyrrha Nikos after learning about her abilities, and has her put on "the list."
** In Volume 4, Salem orders Tyrian to capture Ruby Rose alive. It's unclear why she wants Ruby, but it's mentioned that her followers have "dealt" with people with Silver Eyes in the past.
** When he catches up to Team [=RNJR=], Tyrian briefly mentions that, aside from Ruby, there's something about Jaune Arc, but doesn't elaborate.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Comics]]
* In ''{{Webcomic/Drowtales}}'', Snadhya'rune Vel'Sharen sets her sights on Ariel Val'Sarghress due to the latter's bloodline, which contains a potent AntiMagic ability and Ariel's own unique sorcery. The first inklings of it appear [[http://www.drowtales.com/mainarchive.php?sid=4092 all the way back in the third chapter]], but it's not until chapter 47 that the two meet [[http://www.drowtales.com/mainarchive.php?sid=10118 face to face]] and immediately attempts to earn Ariel's favor. It ultimately fails because [[AxCrazy Kalki]] attacks Ariel, and Snadhya is so incensed by this that she later [[spoiler:murders Kalki in cold blood for disrupting her and [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness outliving her usefulness]]]]. Previously this method had worked flawlessly when Snadhya recruited her other "proteges" or students who showed unique abilities, including Mel'arnach Val'Sarghress, Ariel's sister ([[spoiler:actually her mother]]).
* ''WebComic/{{Sinfest}}'': In what some may consider a cruel twist of fate, the Devil only begins taking an interest in [[LoonyFan Lil'E]] after the little devilkin gets his memory wiped and his personality reset to a more milquetoast one. This precedes the reveal that "Lily" is actually the Devil's biological son, ultimately resulting in Lily being moved into the Devil's BigFancyHouse presumably for training as his heir. Of course whether or not Satan is the actual BigBad of the strip or a DesignatedVillain is open to interpretation.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/BigHero6TheSeries'': [[BigBad Obake]] has taken a paticular interest in [[TheHero Hiro]], to the point where some of his evil schemes amount entirely to testing Hiro and seeing how he reacts. To a lesser extent he seems interested in the other members of Big Hero 6 as well, but Hiro is the one with his focus.
* [[TheHero Danny]] and [[ManipulativeBastard Vlad]] from ''WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom''. Vlad is [[UnrequitedLoveLastsForever fixated]] on Danny's mother, Maddie, and ultimately hopes to steal her away from Jack. Add the fact that Vlad and Danny are pretty much the only half-ghosts in existence, and Vlad sees Danny as the perfect [[ParentalSubstitute Child Substitute]]. Naturally Danny doesn't see it this way.
* Rex and Van Kleiss from ''WesternAnimation/GeneratorRex''. Although it seems that he is more interested in Rex's nanites than the boy himself. Van Kleiss himself supplied that he would be happy if Rex was a vegetable as long as he was still breathing. Unlike some other examples, Rex takes advantage of this without entering such a relationship. In the episode "Alliance" Rex uses guile and half-truths to undermine Van Kleiss in various ways. Most notable of them is getting Circe to defect from the Pack. Circe was convinced that Van Kleiss wants to take Rex in like he did with her. So when Rex is forced into an arena with No-face for a {{no holds barred beatdown}}, Rex makes it clear to the onlooking Circe that Van Kleiss places no value on him other than his life.
* [[EldritchAbomination The Bog Lady]] from ''WesternAnimation/IHeartArlo'' is hesitant at keeping everything in the swamp in order, but it's Arlo whom she's especially attached to. She secretly showers him with love, care, and protection ever since the day he first entered the swamp as a baby, something he completely had no idea during his time there. After learning of his true heritage from Edmée on his fifteenth birthday which in turn allows him to finally leave the swamp and begin his journey, this enraged the Bog Lady over losing the one thing she grew attached to all those years; thus she hatches a scheme by casting a dark curse over the swamp, getting Ruff and Stucky to trap Edmée as bait, has Arlo lured to her by a ransom note she ordered the hunters to write out, sinks the yacht used for the way back home, separates him from his friends, and once she finally has him all alone, demand he apologize for leaving her and never do it again. Naturally, he refuses.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheSecretSaturdays'': The second season sees [[BigBad V. V. Argost]] take a decided interest in Zak Saturday after its revealed the boy is Kur reborn. He even becomes a StealthMentor, using his show, of which Zak is still a fan, to covertly give Zak clues to interesting artifacts and cryptids in an effort to develop Zak's powers. Argost is entirely direct with Zak about the nature of their relationship from the beginning though, stating that he will use whatever opening Zak naively gives him to steal the Kur power from him.
** Van Rook also takes a particular interest in Drew Saturday, despite his otherwise mercenary nature. Ultimately its revealed after he performs a heroic sacrifice for her that he's in love with her.
* ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsRebels'': Darth Maul quickly takes a shine to Ezra and seeks to make him his apprentice. Everyone and Ezra says no but Maul is so unhinged/determined that he honestly seems oblivious to any protests. Maul is making more progress with his protagonist than other examples but his own ruthlessness is spoiling his attempts.
** This interest is later hinted to hinge on Maul projecting onto Ezra his longing for his former apprentice and brother, Savage.
* ''WesternAnimation/StormHawks'': [[Characters/StormHawks Master Cyclonis]] is ''very'' interested in Piper due to her natural talent in harnessing the power of [[AppliedPhlebotinum crystals]], an ability they share in common. The interest was originally sparked when Cyclonis attempted to infiltrate the Storm Hawks and befriended Piper to achieve that goal. Of course, there are hints afterwards that Cyclonis's interest in Piper goes...[[AmbiguouslyGay beyond her potential as an asset]].
* ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans'':
** Robin and Slade. The similarity is emphasized whenever they fight each other, and ''especially'' when they fight [[EnemyMine together]], as their fighting styles are nearly identical.
** To a somewhat lesser extent, this is observable between Cyborg and Brother Blood as well.
** Slade and Terra have a bit of this, too. Terra allows him to mentor her and...[[MindRape things]] [[TrainingFromHell go]] [[spoiler:[[RedemptionEqualsDeath downhill]]]]. To make it worse, in the comic storyline this was based on, the two were actually in a sexual relationship, though Terra was slightly older (but still underage).
* ''[[WesternAnimation/UltimateSpiderMan2012 Ultimate Spider-Man]]'' is a Spider-Man franchise that justifies Peter's and Harry's friendship through this. Harry was nice one day and decided to give Peter a ride home instead of letting him walk through the rain. Harry's father, Norman, had heard of Peter's good grades and encouraged the friendship in the hopes that Peter would be a good influence.
* BigBad Nerissa in ''WesternAnimation/{{WITCH}}'' has an obvious interest in [[RebelLeader Caleb]] since [[LukeIAmYourFather he's her son.]] She tries to persuade him to her side and he flat out denies her.
* Omi and Chase Young from ''WesternAnimation/XiaolinShowdown''.
* ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice'': In "[[Recap/YoungJusticeS3E7Evolution Evolution]]", Darkseid is working with Vandal Savage because the meta-gene potential of humanity could be a useful tool in solving the anti-life equation. Darkseid also seems impressed by how brazen Savage is in the face of overwhelming might.
[[/folder]]

* Gauron/Sousuke in ''Lightnovel/FullMetalPanic''. The first time Gauron saw Sousuke, Sousuke was acting like a CreepyChild and throwing the dead bodies of all the soldiers he killed into a fire. And Gauron, being a messed up AxCrazy PsychoForHire, took an instant liking to Sousuke. He asked Sousuke to come with him (with ''definite'' overtones of "there's candy in my van"), but Sousuke (wisely) refused. It's just too bad that Gauron [[StalkerWithACrush isn't the type to take no for an answer]] and continues to mess with him any chance he gets.
* Kohei Kakihara and Chiko from ''Manga/TheDaughterOfTwentyFaces''. Kakihara is fascinated by her fighting spirit. His obsession to [[spoiler: take away everything Twenty ever had]] may have something to do with this as well.
* Orochimaru to Sasuke in ''{{Manga/Naruto}}'', where the villain isn't just interested in the hero's potential but [[GrandTheftMe wants his body too]]. (No, not like that.) It's later revealed that Orochimaru tried to do the same thing to Sasuke's elder brother, Itachi. But he apparently stopped after he received [[CurbStompBattle an asskicking by him]].
* Kyosuke to Kaoru in ''Manga/PsychicSquad''. Incidentally, Kaoru ''also'' has a regular mentor, and the ultimate question of the plot is whether Kaoru will ultimately side with Minamoto or Kyosuke.

** Aizen's done this to a few characters. Orihime, for example. Once her powers came to Aizen's attention, he became very interested them. [[spoiler: And when Masaki killed one of his hollow/shinigami experiments 20 years before the story began, Aizen became extremely interested in her. This interest extended to her son Ichigo and a good chunk of his EvilPlan revolved around nurturing and observing Ichigo's potential.]]
** In the final arc, Yhwach takes an interest in both Ichigo and Uryuu. [[spoiler: Ichigo because of his complicated bloodline, and Uryuu because he was the only mixed-blood Quincy to survive the Holy Selection nine years ago. He succeeds at getting Uryuu on his side.]]
* ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'': For the [[NobleDemon dubious]] amount of villainy, Evangeline after defeating Negi says she won't kill him, because she found interest in him, but it's only when he ask her to teach him (after witnessing her power on a more serious level) that they become mentor and student.

* ''{{Manga/Berserk}}'': When Guts first runs into Nosferatu Zodd, he puts up the best fight [[BloodKnight Zodd]]'s ever seen from a human in three centuries. Which isn't saying much, as Guts and Griffith combined can't kill him. However, on seeing that Griffith has the red Behelith, Zodd spares the two of them, even going as far as to save Guts' life during a siege (Zodd was watching him fight an enemy general from several miles off when Guts lost his sword, Zodd immediately threw his own sword between them, allowing Guts to win). When Griffith [[spoiler:starts the Eclipse]], Zodd accepts the Skull Knight's request to interrupt their duel when he sees it'll save Guts. And later still, when Guts is prevented from taking a ship by Emperor Ganishka's attack, [[spoiler:Zodd and Guts more or less willingly team up to send him back]] despite Zodd now being TheDragon to Griffith.
* Vampires in ''Manga/SeraphOfTheEnd'' usually find no interest in what humans are up to and hardly interfere in their affairs. Ferid is the exception as he is attracted to Mika and Yuu for their [[BloodLust blood]] and their [[{{Bishonen}} good looks]].
* Stain from ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'' actively ''likes'' Midoriya, who is one of the very few people he believes embodies what it means to be a hero. This is a major factor to why [[spoiler: he saves a captured Midoriya from a flying Nomu.]]

* During ''Manga/OnePiece'''s Wano Arc, Kaido is impressed by [[spoiler: Luffy's raw strength and irrepressible determination, enough so that he orders his minions to imprison him and break his will so he can become one of his soldiers after he thrashes him in a matter of seconds.]]

* In ''Manga/DrStone'', [[spoiler:Hyoga]] from Tsukasa's Empire of Might becomes impressed with Senku's scientific skills [[spoiler:after using a mix of scattered chemicals on the battlefield into workable dynamite that forces both sides into a stalemate]]. The reason is that unlike Tsukasa, who believes only the young should be unpetrified to keep the new world pure, [[spoiler:[[TheSocialDarwinist Hyoga]] believes only the exceptional humans should be permitted to survive, and he wants Senku to join his side after [[TheStarscream Hyoga stabbed Tsukasa through the lung]], by force if needed]].

* In the ''ComicBook/UltimateSpiderMan'' line, the second Spider-Man, Miles Morales, is approached by his uncle, the super thief Prowler, for training. Little does he know, the Prowler needs Spider-Man to deal with the extremely powerful Maximus Gargan--the Scorpion.
** Some tellings of ComicBook/SpiderMan give him this sort of connection to ComicBook/NormanOsborn, aka the Green Goblin. Especially when the Green Goblin's son is [[WhyAreYouNotMySon not living up to his father's expectations]].

* In the ''Comicbook/GreenLantern'' comics, Sinestro has taken an interest in Soranik Natu, the current Lantern from his home planet of Korugar. Where Sinestro was hated for being a KnightTemplar tyrant (and the next Korugarian Lantern, Katma Tui, was hated by proxy), Korugar is coming to love Soranik. Both are viewing the peoples' growing devotion to her as practically ''asking'' her to be a dictator herself, which Sinestro views as her bringing order where he can't anymore while Soranik is greatly troubled by it. And it's no help at all that [[spoiler:Sinestro is Soranik's biological father]].
* ''[[ComicBook/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesIDW Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'': Like Ra's Al Ghul to Batman, the IDW version of the Shredder has decreed that only Leonardo is fit to inherit leadership of the Foot Clan.

* ''ComicBook/GhostbustersIDWComics'' has an arc that establishes Gozer's sister, the god of chaos Tiamat, as taking an interest in forcing a confrontation with the ghostbusters because the ants she once tortured for amusement now have the means to wreak merry havoc with the fabric of the universe.

* In ''Literature/TheWarOfTheAncients'', it's implied that Broxigar's prowess during [[spoiler:his final stand against the Burning Legion, during which he managed to lightly wound Sargeras himself]] is one of the reasons the Burning Legion tried to recruit the Orcs.

* ''Series/GameOfThrones'': The [[Characters/GameOfThronesSupernaturalBeings Night King]] takes particular interest in both Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen as opponents after his respective first encounters with them.
** To a lesser extent, Tywin Lannister becomes very fond of the precocious young girl he finds among the prisoners at Harrenhal, making her his new cup-bearer (ie, personal servant). Unbeknownst to him, the girl is Arya Stark, a very important potential hostage that his family was actively looking for at the time.
* ''Series/{{Hannibal}}'' basically runs on this, specifically Hannibal Lecter's interest in TheEmpath Will Graham.
* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'': In the episode [[Recap/SupernaturalS02E21AllHellBreaksLoosePartOne "All Hell Breaks Loose, Part One" (S02, Ep21)]], the [[Characters/SupernaturalDemons Yellow-Eyed Demon]] sees himself as Sam's [[TheMentor mentor]] and Sam as his creation. Sam sees the Yellow-Eyed Demon as his ArchEnemy.
-->'''Yellow-Eyed Demon:''' That's why I'm here, Sam. I wanna give you the inside track. You're tough. You're smart. You're well-trained, thanks to your daddy. Sam -- Sammy -- you're my favorite.
-->'''Sam:''' You ruined my life. You killed everyone I love.
-->'''Yellow-Eyed Demon:''' The cost of doing business, I'm afraid.
** Alaster, Abaddon, Crowley and The Darkness for Dean. So. Very. Much.
** Lucifer for Sam. Still.

* ''Series/BetterCallSaul'':
** At the start of the Sandpiper case, HHM is representing the plaintiffs while Schweikart & Cokely represent Sandpiper. Rick Schweikart begins to take an interest in Kim after seeing her legal talent in action, as well as seeing her put into an unwinnable situation without any support from HHM, and makes clear he's interested in recruiting her to his firm. Midway through season 4, Kim accepts his offer and brings in a new big client with Mesa Verde.
** Throughout season 2, Mike Ehrmantraut engages in moves against the Salamancas. When the Salamancas begin threatening Mike's family, he retaliates by robbing one of their money couriers. His actions get him noticed by Gus Fring, who realizes that Mike could be very valuable to his operation. Using appeals to Mike's nature to provide for his family, he's able to convince Mike to join his operation by the end of season 3. Mike spends season 4 working as the supervisor to a crew of German engineers secretly building a basement for Gus to fit a meth lab into, then season 5 starts working as an enforcer and advisor to Gus.

* The page quote is taken from ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' ''Advent''. The BigBad has his entire plan unfold down to the smallest detail (it's implied that the plot of the last game went ''exactly'' as he intended it to, though who won between TheHero and the villain there could have gone either way as far as he cared), but he never saw [[TheHero Ashe]] coming, mostly because [[spoiler: she was never supposed to be a Mega Man - she can only megamerge because she has Albert's blood as his descendant.]] This surprises Albert, but he notes that it makes his plan more interesting, anyway, so he decides to enjoy himself watching her progress. Interestingly, if the ''other'' protagonist is chosen, Albert is far more dismissive, since [[spoiler: Grey, while not a foe Albert accounted for, was still a factor in the first place and thus nothing new to him.]]
** It actually gets taken a step further, as the CoDragons ''also'' take an interest in each of the protagonists. Prometheus likes Ashe's spirit and feels they're exactly alike due to what he thinks are similar motivations, eventually coming to view her as a WorthyOpponent. Pandora, meanwhile, is the least dismissive of Grey out of all the major antagonists, and even gives him a little bit of insight into the duo's motivations.

* In ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'', even if the [[PlayerCharacter Courier]] kills Vulpes Inculta of Caesar's Legion, Caesar himself will eventually offer the Courier full amnesty and a place at his side in the Legion, explicitly admitting he's impressed by how the Courier gets what they want.
* In ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim'', Hermaeus Mora, the [[OurGodsAreDifferent Daedric Prince]] of [[KeeperOfForbiddenKnowledge Knowledge]], is revealed to be very interested in those who are [[TheChosenOne Dragonborn]]. In ages past, he seduced the First Dragonborn, Miraak, into becoming his champion in exchange for great power. In the main quest of the ''Dragonborn'' DLC, Mora [[TheChessmaster orchestrates the situation]] as such to allow [[BigBad Miraak]] to think [[TheStarscream he could plot against Mora]] in [[EldritchLocation Apocrypha]], using the opportunity to secretly groom the [[PlayerCharacter Last Dragonborn]] as his replacement, and thusly allowed Miraak to become a threat the Last Dragonborn could not ignore. [[spoiler:The Last Dragonborn foils Miraak's plans, Mora kills Miraak in a combination ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice[=/=]YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness killing, and the Last Dragonborn [[YouKillItYouBoughtIt takes Miraak's place]] as Mora's champion, whether he/she [[UnwittingPawn likes it or not]].]]
* In the ''VideoGame/EnsembleStars'' main story, Eichi genuinely thinks very highly of Trickstar's skill. In particular, he tries to recruit Hokuto and Subaru for his top-tier unit ''fine'', as he believes there he could truly bring out their full potential. (It also has the added benefit of converting the current biggest enemies to ''fine'', but he isn't lying about any of this, either.) Subaru rejects him immediately, as Eichi assumed his love of money means that he would be easily tempted by greed, but Subaru actually just likes shiny coins and has no interest in becoming wealthy. Hokuto is much more troubled, as his parents are both celebrities in the entertainment industry, and joining a high-level unit like ''fine'' seems like the logically 'correct' decision to follow their legacy. When he does (temporarily) join, Eichi seems to be genuinely trying to mentor him, teaching him that betrayal and sabotage are the only way to be successful in the entertainment industry. Naturally, Hokuto [[IronicEcho echoes this statement back]] when he switches back to Trickstar.

* ''WebAnimation/HazbinHotel'': After Charlie's pitch on the news for the Happy Hotel bombs miserably, Alastor offers to help the hotel [[NotInThisForYourRevolution not because he believes it will succeed]], but so he can get his kicks from seeing the patrons repeatedly try and fail to redeem themselves. This, coupled with the fact that Alastor is [[TheDreaded the most powerful and most dangerous demon in Hell]], naturally makes Charlie suspicious of him, but she accepts his support anyway considering he's the only denizen of Hell willing to help.

* [[TheHero Danny]] and [[ManipulativeBastard Vlad]] from ''WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom''. Vlad is [[UnrequitedLoveLastsForever fixated]] on Danny's mother, Maddie, and ultimately hopes to steal her away from Jack. Add the fact that Vlad and Danny are pretty much the only half-ghosts in existence, and Vlad sees Danny as the perfect [[ParentalSubstitute Child Substitute]]. Naturally Danny doesn't see it this way.
* Omi and Chase Young from ''WesternAnimation/XiaolinShowdown''.
* BigBad Nerissa in ''WesternAnimation/{{WITCH}}'' has an obvious interest in [[RebelLeader Caleb]] since [[LukeIAmYourFather he's her son.]] She tries to persuade him to her side and he flat out denies her.
* ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsRebels'': Darth Maul quickly takes a shine to Ezra and seeks to make him his apprentice. Everyone and Ezra says no but Maul is so unhinged/determined that he honestly seems oblivious to any protests. Maul is making more progress with his protagonist than other examples but his own ruthlessness is spoiling his attempts.
** This interest is later hinted to hinge on Maul projecting onto Ezra his longing for his former apprentice and brother, Savage.

* ''Fanfic/AWaterBendingQuirk'': All For One finds himself becoming fascinated with [[spoiler: Katara, and not unjustifiably: her waterbending comes with a myriad of powers, like [[MakingASplash hydrokinesis]], [[AnIcePerson cryokinesis]], HealingHands, and [[PeoplePuppets bloodbending]]. This fascination heavily increases when he finds out her powers do not come from a Quirk]].

*** [[WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague Dr. Emil Hamilton]] in ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9420934/1/Ben-10-Unlimited Ben 10: Unlimited]]''. While most of [[CapeBusters Project Cadmus]] show more concern at the possibility of more transformations unknown to them, Dr. Hamilton suggests using the Ultimatrix to help create SuperSoldiers with regeneration and other abilities.

*** [[{{Manga/Bleach}} Szayelaporro Granz]] in the remake version of ''FanFic/BleachUltimateAlien''. Unlike other examples, he also holds high interest in the individual transformations, particularly in the remake, as he is ecstatic to be given the withered arms of Swampfire and pieces of crystal made by Diamondhead after Ben's fight against [[TimeMaster Baraggan Louisenbairn]]. Eventually, he's able to use an arm from Four Arms that Grimmjow ripped off to create a Hollow version of a Tetramand, and plans to enter Ben's universe and explore the possibility of submitting other alien species to Hollowfication. Furthermore, he's later revealed to use the aforementioned arms and shards to create Hollow versions of a [[GemstoneAssault Petrosapien]] and [[GreenThumb Methan]][[PlayingWithFire osian]], which Aizen sics on the heroes during his invasion of Fake Karakura Town.

*** [[{{Manga/Bleach}} Szayelaporro Granz]] in ''FanFic/BleachUltimateAlien''. Unlike other examples, he also holds high interest in the individual transformations, particularly in the remake, as he is ecstatic to be given the withered arms of Swampfire and pieces of crystal made by Diamondhead after Ben's fight against [[TimeMaster Baraggan Louisenbairn]]. Eventually, he's able to use an arm from Four Arms that Grimmjow ripped off to create a Hollow version of a Tetramand, and plans to enter Ben's universe and explore the possibility of submitting other alien species to Hollowfication. Furthermore, he's later revealed to use the aforementioned arms and shards to create Hollow versions of a [[GemstoneAssault Petrosapien]] and [[GreenThumb Methan]][[PlayingWithFire osian]], which Aizen sics on the heroes during his invasion of Fake Karakura Town.