and his own self believed superiority over others. However after his first encounter with Big Boss, then known as Naked Snake, his personality slowly began to change. After being defeated after each encounter, Ocelot began utilizing Snake's advice into his own combat style, making him a more effective gun fighter. While still cocky, Ocelot became more level-headed, understood the mistakes he made and became a better soldier because of it. Despite his young age, Ocelot demonstrated a lot of potential, which caused Naked Snake to take a liking to him, a sentiment that quickly became mutual.

As he grew older and became more mature, Ocelot became more mellow, and during the 1980s often acted as a voice of reason. He implied that the reputation he'd earned as a torturerin Afghanistan was in part a cover calculated to keep Venom Snake safe while he was in the hospital; instead, he preferred making precise threats to obtain information from prisoners without being excessive, as opposed to Miller's often hotheaded, bloodthirsty behavior. When Huey was exiled from Diamond Dogs, Ocelot displayed great maturity, stating his hopes that Huey would one day accept the painful truth and realize what kind of man he was.

He was also more merciful and willing to give others the benefit of the doubt, most clearly seen with his treatment of former XOF operative Quiet. Even though she was previously involved in the attempt on Venom Snake's life, Ocelot prevented Miller from having her executed and encouraged Venom Snake to allow her to partake in his