Koneko Toujou‘s Main Love Interest is Issei Hyoudou
As a nekomata (cat-spirit) heroine in the popular light novel and anime series Highschool DxD, Koneko Toujou develops an incredibly close and eventual romantic bond with protagonist Issei Hyoudou over the course of the story. For fans invested in the characters, their growing love presents a fantasy fulfillment of the fierce yet vulnerable cat-girl falling for the well-meaning but perverted male hero archetype common in harem anime. Let‘s analyze key developments in their burgeoning relationship.
The Budding Romance – Playful Banter to Growing Affection
Koneko starts out as one of Rias Gremory‘s servants, often poking fun at Issei‘s lecherous nature early on. But after Issei helps Koneko regain confidence in her nekomata abilities which she previously feared, we see a turning point. By Season 2, Koneko warms up to Issei considerably, secretly desiring his praise while maintaining an outwardly aloof, sarcastic demeanor towards his perverted antics.
| Season | Key Koneko x Issei Romantic Developments |
|---|---|
| 1 | Playful teasing of Issei‘s perversion |
| 2 | Growing affection after Issei‘s help overcoming trauma |
| 3 | Jealous moments as Issei bonds with other girls |
| 4 | Confession of feelings; passionate kiss |
As explored further below, third seasons raises the stakes, with Koneko struggling to restrain her burgeoning love while becoming more possessive. By fourth season, any restraints vanish in a moving confession scene that is a romantic payoff.
The Trauma and Bond That Brought Them Closer
In Season 1 (light novel Vol 5), Koneko reveals a traumatic past to Issei – her sister lost control of her nekomata powers,
went berserk, and had to be killed. Fearful of the same fate, Koneko rejects her nekomata identity. Sensing her pain, Issei vows to save her should she ever lose herself. Restoring her confidence in her powers, this act forms an implicit bond and trust.
Koneko expresses her gratitude by giving Issei rare praise, a meaningful gesture considering her normally aloof nature. This incident is the catalyst that begins unlocking repressed feelings. As a fan, I see Koneko and Issei sharing trauma and support around identity issues as meaningful for their characters individually and their budding chemistry as a pair.
Jealousy and Possessiveness as Feelings Spiral
While Koneko plays it cool in Season 2, we see increased jealousy towards Issei‘s deepening bonds with heroines like Rias and Akeno (her love rivals). By Season 3, such jealousy becomes harder to restrain. When Rias seduces Issei more aggressively, a tearful Koneko spies on them, her nekomata ears/tail popping out – a visual symbol of her barely contained ardor.
In another notable scene, Koneko expresses sadness that Issei doesn‘t praise her like other girls. Here we see Koneko torn between her developing feelings versus loyalty to King Rias who ranks first in Issei‘s heart. This tension makes for good melodrama that fans empathize with.
Other moments show Koneko threatening girls that get close to Issei and insisting he pat her on the head instead. We see a common trope of the initially detached, mocking heroine becoming a possessive, pouting dere-dere character hopelessly in love.
A Passionate Confession – Consummating Their Love
In what is arguably the most emotionally satisfying payoff in High School DxD‘s romantic subplots, Season 4 sees a tearful Koneko finally confess to Issei, no longer able to bear unrequited pining. Issei, dense as ever, assumes she means as family until Koneko kisses him suddenly (taking his first kiss preempted!) affirming her unambiguous romantic affection.
Issei graciously accepts, affirming he will support her and make her happy. For fans shipping this pairing, it is a crowning moment when furtive longing transitions openly into reciprocated love – their status officially evolving to future bride and groom!
What This Pairing Uniquely Explores
As discussed above, Koneko Toujou‘s route from aloof critic to hopelessly devoted lover makes for a dramatic and cathartic romantic arc. Beyond that, I believe centering the story around a vulnerable nekomata coming to trust and fall in love with Issei leads to meaningful character development and themes:
- It ties into overcoming trauma, better understanding oneself and finding inner strength
- It explores themes of acceptance – Issei accepts the real Koneko, nekomata traits and all
- It fuels character growth for both – Koneko becomes more open and vulnerable, Issei more observant of women‘s feelings
And of course, the appeal of the doting catgirl enamored with the protagonist will always have a special moe charm for fans!
In Conclusion
Koneko Toujou has become a standout as a hard-to-get heroine who plays by her own rules, avoids tropes that pander to male fantasy, and earns the protagonist and fans‘ affection slowly but surely through organic emotional buildup. As such, many see her eventual requited love with Issei as uniquely meaningful for the series. This gamer is certainly invested! As the light novels continue, speculation swirls over upcoming weddings, children and happily ever afters. Suffice to say, Koneko‘s prominence in promotional art and materials confirm her official status as waifu.
