Although Kaguya Shinomiya is the titular character ofKaguya-sama: Love Is War, Miyuki Shinomiya is just as important to the series. He isn’t just the love interest, however, he is a protagonist with an equal foothold in the franchise. Not only is he one of the few students at the school who made their way to the top without financial means, but he is also just as intelligent and determined as Kaguya is. But how much has he changed over the course of three seasons?
Kaguya-sama: Love Is Waris a romantic comedy showcasing an overly dramatic cat-and-mouse game between the two protagonists, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya, who are persistent in forcing the other protagonist toadmit their love for each other first. Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya are both the top student body representatives, and often the other representatives get roped into their shenanigans. Funimation has licensed the English dub, and the manga reached over 15 million copies sold in April of last year. The manga began in 2015 in Shueisha’sMiracle Jump, but was transferred toYoung Jumpin 2016. The 26th volume was just released last month, on June 17. The third season also ended with an hour-long episode last month as well, and a movie has been announced to adapt the next arc in the manga. Something thatKaguya-sama: Love Is Warexcels at is developing its characters while staying in line with what we already know about them, therefore creating a natural-feeling character arc for all of its characters. Miyuki Shirogane is no exception to this pattern, as this article will explore.
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Becoming Less Scared Of Kaguya
In the beginning of the series,despite his feelings towards Kaguya, he is also visibly terrified of her often. Partially because of her wealth and status, a sharp contrast to his struggled upbringing, but also because of her cold and initially emotionless demeanor. He fears that anything he says in a romantic or flirty way will cause her to look down on him even more, thus driving him to make her admit her feelings before he does, at any cost.
As the series goes on,although the two protagonists keep up the same anticsof trying to get each other to admit their love for each other, he is no longer afraid of her. He explains the stars and astronomy to her at night, one arm pointing at the sky and the other around her shoulders. Although he initially presented as a perfect person to Kaguya, he begins to be more comfortable around her, showcasing all of his quirks, flaws, and interests without being ashamed. Or at least, not as ashamed as he used to be.
Closer To His Sister
Miyuki’s little sister had a rough relationship when he was younger, and it took a while before he brought up his sibling to the rest of the student council.Unlike Miyuki who is hard-working and determinedto meet his goals, his sister Kei Shirogane is rebellious and aloof, even is heavily implied to have run away from home sometime after their parents separated. He used to be incredibly overprotective of his high-strung sister and this had led to friction between the siblings.
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However, as the series progresses there are hints of their relationship repairing. It’s revealed that Kei’s love for Kaguya isn’t a crush, but rather an admiration and a feeling that she is perfect for Miyuki,even expressing fondness towards Kaguya and Miyukihypothetically getting together. She’s also revealed to be secretly proud of her brother, and Miyuki expresses admiration for his sister’s free spirit. They both teach each other important lessons in life, and it is obvious they both grow as a result of their healing relationship.
His Fake Pride Has Become Real Confidence
Miyuki began the series by promoting a false, prideful image while internally combusting with anxiety, despite his knack for academics leading him to have the highest grades in the whole school. He forces this frontbecause of his status in the school, and his aforementioned fear of Kaguya, as well as the anxiety he has towards being perceived as weak or helpless, as he was during his childhood.
However, as the series progresses, Miyuki becomes confident in himself. He no longer hides his interests or his quirks and is proud of himself for doing so. He’s also a lot more confident in his antics when trying to make Kaguya admit her feelings for him. Part of this is because of the student council is genuinely in awe of the traits he’s had during the entire show, namely his determination and leadership skill. Although his false pride was taken on after the advice of a friend, he has truly become confident in theMiyuki Shirogane we get to knowthroughout the franchise.
