Battle Doll Angelic Layer (2001)6.9 /10

Storyline:  Twelve-year-old Misaki Suzuhara arrives in Tokyo searching for her missing mother. She witnesses a battle between Angels, dolls controlled by players called Deuses, and becomes captivated when the smaller fighter wins. Guided by eccentric mentor Icchan, Misaki creates her Angel Hikaru and discovers natural talent. As she befriends rivals and advances toward the national tournament, Misaki uncovers connections between Icchan, the competition, and her mother's disappearance.