Summary
Kouga serves as the young leader of a yourouzoku, a tribe of youkai-wolves, driven by a desire to avenge his comrades who were slaughtered by Kagura, a minion of Naraku. Though he displays a brash and arrogant demeanor, he possesses the shrewdness to retreat from combat when victory seems unlikely. His power and speed are enhanced by a shikon shard embedded in each of his legs. Despite his constant bickering with InuYasha, the two form a nakama bond, with each willing to assist the other when in danger. Kouga claims Kagome as his woman, a fact that deeply irritates InuYasha. Although Kouga repeatedly confesses his love, Kagome only has eyes for InuYasha. As the series progresses, Kouga gradually softens his romantic pursuit. By chapter 466 of the manga, he departs with the parting words, "if InuYasha ever starts getting on your nerves, you can come to me." The name "Kouga" translates to "steel fang."
