Thank you, I'm glad you've been enjoying my blog!

Honestly I don't know if I have a satisfying answer for you, because when it comes to all headcanons like that, I feel like nothing about the character should change. It's something that should be an addition to his character, rather than needing to change the character to make it fit.

And I mean, I think you could make that work? Like, I'm far from an expert on trans experiences, but eg I don't think it's uncommon for trans women to have like, a hypermasculine stage, as overcompensation or to try to fit in or force themselves into conformity etc. You could headcanon that as part of Guts' unconscious motivation for being the best and strongest swordfighter ever, maybe.

You could also potentially read into the way he's motivated by a fear of being weak as allegorical of internalized transphobia? With his csa trauma as a complicating factor that makes it harder to accept the truth?

That said, I'm definitely not much help when it comes to portraying trans characters thoughtfully and respectfully, as I'm cis and again, far from an expert on the lived experience of being trans. If you're not already, I'd encourage you to read stuff by trans women, fiction and non fiction.

And if any trans people read this and have something to correct or add, please do!

It's Guts remembering Griffith's words at Promrose Hall, describing what he views as true friendship.

This happens as he makes his war declaration against Griffith.

I think it's a strong statement from the narrative that despite everything that's happened with the Eclipse, Guts is still motivated to some extent by his desire to be Griffith's friend and equal. Even as he declares war against him, he and the reader are reminded that opposing Griffith only brings them closer to being True Friends, at least according to Griffith's definition, which Guts also buys into.

I also think that Guts' Black Swordsman arc monster-hunting days are very deliberately framed as Guts fulfilling the dream he decided on after leaving the Hawks: to fight strong and stronger enemies and become the best swordsman. Like, his speech to Casca about his dream is full of dramatic irony because of this, imo, since we've already seen him as the Black Swordsman, fighting impossibly strong enemies and becoming the best. We know where that attitude leads.

So yeah, this moment of Guts remembering Griffith's speech just makes it more explicit that Guts fighting monsters is Guts pursuing his own dream, and therefore that Guts is still on some level pursuing his fundamental goal of being Griffith's friend and equal - and, even more fundamentally, of wanting Griffith to look at him.

It adds a lot of great layers to Guts' revenge rampage imo.

Thanks for the ask, I hope this answered your question!