The young leader of a yourouzoku (youkai-wolf tribe), Kouga wishes to avenge his fallen comrades who were slaughtered by Kagura, one of Naraku's minions. While brash and arrogant, he is shrewd enough to run from a fight if he thinks he can't win. He has a shikon shard in each of his legs which make him stronger and faster. Although he bickers with InuYasha constantly, when one of them is in danger, the other will lend a hand. He considers Kagome his woman, which irritates InuYasha to no end. Koga constantly confesses his love towards Kagome but Kagome does not share his affections, only having eyes for InuYasha. As the series goes on, Koga lets up on his affections for Kagome gradually. Eventually, in chapter 466 of the manga, he leaves her behind with the statement "if InuYasha ever starts getting on your nerves, you can come to me." ("Koga" means "steel fang.")