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Kiba

Kiba (キバ, Kiba, lit. “Fang”) is the main protagonist of Wolf’s Rain and the first character introduced in the series. He is fated to seek out the Lunar Flower and open the path to Paradise. Throughout the pack’s journey, Kiba naturally assumes the role of leader, driven by an unwavering belief in the existence of Paradise. His determination never falters, and among the group, his faith in their destination is the most resolute.

Appearance

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Wolf Appearance in Anime

In his human form, Kiba appears as a young man with tousled, medium-length dark brown hair and striking ice blue eyes. He typically wears a white collared shirt beneath a dark grey or black jacket with rolled-up sleeves, paired with blue jeans and black-and-white sneakers resembling Converse. His posture is often relaxed, with his hands in his jacket pockets, and he is frequently seen with a serious or contemplative expression.

In his true form, Kiba is an arctic wolf of average build with vivid yellow eyes. As the series progresses, he gains several scars across his body, each varying in size and shape, symbolizing the trials he endures on the journey to Paradise.

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Personality

Kiba initially comes across as aloof and distant, maintaining a composed and serious attitude in most situations. He holds a deep sense of pride in his identity as a wolf sometimes to an impractical degree and harbors a strong dislike for humans due to their role in the near-extinction of his kind. This pride makes him reluctant to adopt a human guise, viewing it as a betrayal of his species, and he expresses clear disdain for wolves who choose to live disguised among humans.

Though calm on the surface, Kiba is impulsive by nature and often acts based on instinct or emotion rather than logic. His tendency to follow his intuition without question occasionally causes tension within the group, especially during the early stages of their journey. He speaks candidly, rarely filtering his words, which sometimes leads to unintentional offense.

His rigid views begin to evolve after meeting Hige, who challenges his ideals by pointing out that pride means little if it results in death. This encounter prompts Kiba to reconsider the practicality of disguises and adapt to the realities of survival.

Despite his internal struggles, Kiba is fiercely courageous and selfless. He consistently puts himself in harm’s way to protect his companions, especially Cheza, the Lunar Flower. His devotion to her is unwavering, and throughout the series, he risks his life multiple times to ensure her safety from enemies such as the Nobles and other threats.

Background

Kiba’s early life was marked by tragedy. As a pup, his first pack perished in a forest fire instigated by Lady Jaguara. He survived the blaze and was later found and raised by a Native American shaman, who believed Kiba was protected by the lunar flowers, claiming they had shielded him because he was destined to find Paradise. The shaman also foretold that Kiba had a great journey ahead of him.

Driven by a desire to find meaning and a better future, Kiba sets out on his quest to reach Paradise. As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that he is the one chosen to locate and unlock the path to Paradise, fulfilling the prophecy that has shaped his life since childhood.

Plot

Kiba is first introduced while hiding under a large tree, where he is discovered by Tsume’s gang. After being identified as no ordinary dog, Kiba abruptly awakens and fatally attacks one of the gang members. Though injured, he challenges Tsume, and the two briefly clash before being interrupted. Later, while wandering the city, Kiba is grazed by a bullet from Quent Yaiden and taken to a government facility, where he meets Hige. Sharing his belief in Paradise, Kiba convinces Hige to join him on his journey. The two escape from captivity and continue searching for signs of the Lunar Flower.

Believing the scent of flowers is coming from within the facility, Kiba allows himself to be recaptured. Hige follows suit, and they break free once again upon sensing the presence of Lord Darcia III, who has abducted Cheza, the Flower Maiden. Kiba tries to intervene but is unable to stop Darcia, who disappears with Cheza after implying their paths may cross again in Paradise.

While searching for food in the sewers, Kiba and Hige reflect on the events surrounding Cheza’s abduction. The next day, they encounter Toboe and soon face pursuit from Leara’s father, Quent, and Blue. After escaping, Toboe joins their quest and suggests bringing Tsume along. Kiba tracks Tsume by scent and convinces him to join the group. Together, the newly formed pack escapes the city.

While traveling, Kiba reflects on his past and the prophecy tied to his journey. He later rescues Tsume and Toboe from a robotic attacker. Following the scent of Lunar Flowers, the group arrives at an island town where they meet a disillusioned pack of wolves living in human form. Despite skepticism from local leader Zali, Kiba insists Paradise is real. After clashing with Zali’s pack and witnessing the mistreatment of elder wolves, Kiba attacks Zali in frustration. This ultimately leads to a change of heart in Zali, who aids the group in rescuing Hige and guides them to a hidden tunnel leading out of town.

Emerging into a forest, Kiba senses Cheza nearby and rushes to her location. He finds her on a mountaintop, and the two finally reunite. Their reunion is cut short as Darcia’s forces close in, but Cheza opens a hidden passage for the group to escape. With Cheza now among them, Kiba continues to lead the pack forward more determined than ever to reach Paradise.

Relationships

  • Cheza: Kiba shares a deep, fated connection with Cheza, the Flower Maiden, though their bond is not romantic in nature. Rather, it is a form of platonic love rooted in destiny. As the chosen wolf, Kiba is spiritually drawn to Cheza and is unwavering in his commitment to protect her, often risking his life for her safety.

  • Hige: Kiba and Hige form a strong bond early in the series. Hige’s easygoing nature and familiarity with urban life help Kiba adapt to human disguise and city living. Though their personalities differ, Hige’s insights and loyalty prove valuable, and Kiba comes to trust him as a reliable pack member. Hige describes Kiba as naive yet confident, with a unique and dangerous aura.

  • Tsume: Kiba’s initial encounter with Tsume is confrontational, and the two often clash both physically and ideologically. Despite their differences, they develop mutual respect as fellow wolves in the same pack. Their tense relationship gradually shifts into one of quiet understanding and shared purpose.

  • Toboe: Though Kiba and Toboe interact less frequently compared to the others, Kiba treats him with the same level of respect as any other pack member. Despite Toboe’s youth and inexperience, Kiba acknowledges his courage and values his presence in the group.

  • Blue: Kiba views Blue with the same trust and respect he extends to the rest of the pack. Though she was once trained to hunt wolves, her acceptance of her own wolf heritage earns Kiba’s recognition. He sees her as an ally and welcomes her into the group without hesitation.

  • Lord Darcia III: Kiba considers Lord Darcia III an enemy due to his repeated abductions of Cheza. Their confrontations are often intense, with Kiba trying to reason with Darcia while asserting that Paradise cannot be reached through force or unworthy means. Kiba suffers several injuries in battles with Darcia, both in his noble form and transformed state.

  • Mew: Kiba encounters Mew, a caracal, in the Garden of Eternity. Initially uncertain of her intentions, Kiba is drawn into a peaceful illusion under the garden’s spell. Mew, who is unaffected by Kiba’s wolf nature, attempts to persuade him to stay. Though momentarily captivated, Kiba eventually resists the illusion and continues his journey.

Etymology

Kiba’s name is written in katakana as キバ in the series. If rendered in kanji, it would be written as 牙, which translates to “tusk” or “fang.” This name is commonly associated with characters who possess animalistic traits or wild instincts, often emphasizing strength or a primal nature.

The name is particularly fitting for Kiba, as he is a white wolf known for his fierce loyalty and sharp, prominent fangs, aligning with the symbolism behind the word.

Trivia

    • Kiba is the first wolf to appear in both the Wolf’s Rain anime and manga.
      • Voice actor Mamoru Miyano described Kiba as a “wolf of few words,” noting that his quiet and introspective nature made it difficult to discern his thoughts.
      • In the manga’s conclusion, Kiba loses his eyesight in both eyes following a prolonged battle with Lord Darcia III.
      • In the anime, Kiba is captured by Lady Jaguara, who attempts to use him to open Paradise. In contrast, the manga depicts Blue being captured by Lord Darcia III for the same purpose.
      • Kiba is the only member of his pack whose human guise does not retain a visible feature from his wolf form.
      • Character designer Toshihiro Kawamoto considered giving Kiba white hair to reflect his wolf form, but ultimately decided against it, fearing it would make the character appear physically weak.
      • Among the pack, Kiba is the only protagonist who survives the final battle with Darcia in the anime, though he dies shortly afterward from his injuries.
      • He is the last of the main wolf characters to die in the series.