That's exactly how I see it, that he's just kind of gotten older, calmed down in a way. I don't think he's cocky or puts himself above others, but that's how he sometimes comes across, to many people I've talked to. And I guess that's where this thing came from. I've been thinking about Die's perspective on the same situation, too, but I don't yet have anything concrete about it *laughs* Somehow it's much easier to see Kaoru's side of things.

And thank you for reading! :D