Second year of senior high at Takasu Ryūji begins with an attempt to improve his looks. But there’s one unpleasant detail: although his personality is calm, he inherited the terrifying eyes of his bandit father, and because of that misunderstandings often occur between him and his classmates. But everything changes on the very first day of the new semester, when—by accident—he bumps into the most dangerous creature at school: Aisaka Taiga, also known as “Pocket Tiger.” Despite her tiny size, Taiga can easily frighten everyone around her, and wherever she appears, a “bloody trail” follows her— which is why she got her nickname. After an unsuccessful encounter with Taiga, Ryūji does his best to avoid her. But he accidentally discovers that Taiga is in love with his best friend Kitamura Yūsaku. At the same time, Taiga learns about his interest in her best friend Kushieda Minori. Taiga decides to let Ryūji serve as her “personal assistant” to help with Kitamura, and in exchange she will help Ryūji get closer to Minori. Because Ryūji is “obsessed” with cleanliness—and because Taiga’s apartment is right next door—she spends most of her free time (except sleeping) at Ryūji’s place. Later Ryūji discovers a side of Taiga that people usually don’t see; their relationship grows stronger, and in the end the rumor spreads that they’re dating. That’s how the story of Tiger and Dragon—Toradora!—begins! (c)