“Fight on my behalf. From now on, you belong to me. I’ll be the one who will decide your place of death.” Griffith, Vol. 5 Ch. 2

Just when Griffith believed he had all his thoughts in order, enter Guts. The moment Griffith saw Guts, he instinctively knew that he found someone who approached his ideal of an equal. He would never admit this, of course, and insist he was only interested in gaining a powerful addition to his army, but his actions spoke louder than words. On the first day, he ordered Caska to keep Guts (who was unconscious from bloodloss) warm with her own naked body. Judging by Caska’s indignation, this could not have been standard procedure.

“I don’t mind using power to decide things.” Griffith, Vol. 4 Ch. 4

Griffith also felt that it was worth his while to convince Guts to join the Hawks by force. Guts’ initial refusal intrigued him almost as much as Guts’ peculiar immunity to his charm, but what really endeared him to Griffith was his innovative fighting tactics and ability to catch him off-guard. Griffith strove to be the best and did not tolerate defeat, so while he made sure to drive his superiority home, he was also thrilled at the prospect of sharpening his skills against a worthy opponent. Moreover, it convinced him that Guts was someone who would not go down easily. In a career with such a high turnover rate, here was someone he could depend on to stick around... someone who was safe to get close to without fear of abandonment through death. 

“I like you. I want you, Guts.” Griffith, Vol. 4 Ch. 4

Griffith has never said that to anyone before. A fact that Caska didn’t stop whining about for the entire series!

“Remember? That day what Griffith said to you on the hill? Those words... He’s not the type to say such things easily. Griffith has never said that to anyone. Never... until that day. I was unhappy. I envied the person that could make Griffith say those words. You’re that person. But still, I told myself that he wanted you as an asset to the Hawks. But the thoughtful and calm Griffith gets so worried if a problem involves you. As if... As if...” Caska, Vol. 7 Ch. 2

Some would say that introducing an unrequited romantic element between Griffith and Guts is wishful thinking, but I say it is real, and a very important piece of the puzzle.