Tetsurō Kuroo

Introduce

Tetsuro Kuroo (Japanese: 黒尾くろお 鉄朗てつろう Kuroo Tetsurō) was a third-year student at Nekoma High. He was the captain and one of the starting middle blockers for the Boys' Volleyball Team.As of November 2018, he is part of the Japan Volleyball Association's sports promotion division.

Appearance

Kuroo is noted to be tall and lean with broad shoulders, well-built arms, and a muscular frame. He has narrow, hazel-colored (grey in the manga) eyes with cat-like pupils that make him appear sly and intimidating. His black hair is naturally messy and spikes upwards due to his bed head. He also has a fringe on his right side that partially covers his eye. As a result of his peculiar hairstyle, he is occasionally called "Rooster Head". Kuroo is often seen wearing a black shirt, red sweatpants, and the Nekoma High jacket. During official matches, he wears the Nekoma uniform numbered with the number 1.

Personality 1

Kuroo has a laid-back yet scheming personality and is considered a "provocation expert" by many. He would actively provoke others and is unrelenting when dishing out snide remarks. This is demonstrated in the way he angers Tsukishima when the first-year blocker maintained a nonchalant attitude toward volleyball during the summer training camp. However, Kuroo is kinder and more genuine than what his exterior image conveys. After realizing he has overstepped a line, Kuroo seeks out and apologizes to Daichi about the provocation. Later on, proving that while he is a "provocation expert," sportsmanship is still important to him. He also cares and respects his elder coach, Yasufumi Nekomata, immensely, enough to help Karasuno improve to fulfill Nekomata's dream of competing against each other at nationals. According to Kenma, Kuroo was a shy and withdrawn kid who first moved into his neighborhood when he was eight years old. He was quiet in front of strangers and awkward around Kenma at first, despite the two being close in age. Both of them bonded over video games and eventually practiced volleyball together. Slowly, Kuroo began to come out of his shell as the two got increasingly involved in the sport. He became a much louder and energetic person, made new friends at school, and started going out to play soccer with the other kids. Kuroo is also shown to be a highly observant and intuitive person when it comes to both volleyball and other people. Even as a kid, he was incredibly mindful of Kenma's quiet, withdrawn personality, and had the sense to not drag him out to do something the boy didn't have any fun in doing. In matches, his attentive nature as a middle blocker proves to be extremely lethal for Nekoma's opponents. He quickly tracks down and analyzes every move of the spikers, allowing him to put up a successful block and destroy the momentum of the opposing team.

Personality 2

Around his teammates, Kuroo is a reliable, strong captain, often responsible for lifting the spirits of the team when they are feeling down using sly quips. He seems to derive enjoyment from facing strong opponents and hides his frustration with sharp smirks and boisterous remarks, all the while scheming strategies to break down the opposing team. Despite seeming sly and cool on the outside, Kuroo possesses a silly side that is on display when he belts out in loud obnoxious laughter and engages in frivolous conversation with Bokuto. Kuroo also seems to either see himself as more of an old man or people only a year or two younger than him as children, as shown when he proclaims "Ah, youth" after seeing Inuoka and Hinata interact together and talking with Tsukishima.

Background 1

When Kuroo was around eight years old, his family moved next door to Kenma Kozume. During times when his father and grandparent's were out, Kuroo would go to Kenma's house. He was noted to be shyer and more withdrawn than Kenma at the time, so the two had a difficult time getting to know each other at first. Initially, Kenma and Kuroo just played video games until one day when Kenma asked him if there's anything he would like to play. Kuroo took this opportunity and introduced volleyball to Kenma. The two ended up playing volleyball outside and grew familiar with each other. Kuroo used to be part of a volleyball club and had friends where he previously lived, and had trouble adjusting to a new place. So while heading home, Kuroo, not wanting to go to an unfamiliar place alone, invited Kenma to attend a volleyball training camp one weekend. There, they encountered Coach Nekomata for the first time, who told the two that it's important to experience the joy of playing. Kuroo was inspired by Nekomata's words and became more proactive in volleyball and his life in general. He joined a volleyball team and made new friends at school. Since there were no volleyball players in the neighborhood, Kuroo would still drop by Kenma's house to watch videos of professional volleyball matches together. He would mimic moves he saw, later showing them to Kenma. When he saw Kenma's interest in volleyball tactics, he urged his friend to become a setter, saying it is a perfect position for a strategist and he would not have to move around much.

Background 2

Kuroo and Kenma season1- episode12-1 During middle school, Kuroo convinced Kenma to join their junior high's volleyball team and they have played volleyball together since then. When Kenma was debating leaving the team in his first year of high school due to troubled relationships with the upperclassmen, Kuroo encouraged him to stay by telling Kenma he is a big asset to the team and that Coach Nekomata was going to be coming out of retirement to coach the team again. Nekoma OVA 5-6 Despite having a good relationship in their third year, Kuroo and Yaku didn't get along with each other for a short while of their first year that Kuroo explains was due to his team having been defeated by Yaku's team during a tournament. The two often got into arguments for everything and Kai, who was the only other first-year in the boys' volleyball club, always had to deal with his teammates quarreling. However, when asked about their goals, Yaku, Kuroo, and Kai all agreed that they aim to win nationals, and this seemed to leave the three players' relationship on good terms.

Plot(Karasuno High Arc) 1

Kuroo first appears at Tokyo Station with Kenma on their way to Karasuno High for the practice match. Sometime later, he heads out to search for Kenma who had gotten split up from the group. Nekoma's first practice match is against Tsukinokizawa High. Kuroo walks in as two opponents are criticizing Kenma and corrects that Kenma is Nekoma's backbone. In the end, Nekoma wins 2-0. At the inn that night, Kuroo yells at Yamamoto several times for being too loud. When Daichi first meets Kuroo, they shake hands as both of their teams' captains. Despite his friendly attitude, Daichi is still wary of Kuroo as he can tell that he already doesn't like him. Sometime later, Kuroo gives his habitual pep talk of Kenma being the team's "brain". Following this, Kenma complains over Kuroo always saying that, but after positive feedback from their team, Kuroo tells Kenma that he'll keep doing it. After more of Kenma's personality is shown, a flashback of Kuroo encouraging Kenma not to leave the club simply because of their unfair seniors. As the score approaches a tie, Kuroo and Kenma perform a quick set, which surprises Karasuno. After focusing most of his attention on Inuoka, Hinata then remarks on Kuroo. In contrast to Inuoka, whom Hinata finds fun to play against, Karasuno's rookie blocker considers Kuroo frightening. After confronting Kuroo, Hinata asks Kageyama for ways to use their quick set against him, but the setter recommends otherwise against such an opponent. Despite scoring past Kuroo in the next rally, the captain isn't worried, but Karasuno isn't too optimistic either, as they find him a problem. Soon after, Kuroo takes part in being a decoy for Fukunaga and later performs a quick set with Kenma.

Plot(Karasuno High Arc) 2

Later on, a flashback of Kuroo surprising Kenma by attempting to do a delayed spike is shown. Right after, Kuroo performs a feint to follow with a delayed spike in the present time to score against Karasuno. After this impressive score from Kuroo, Takeda remarks to having felt senses of consistency whenever Kuroo rotated in the front row. After the matches conclude, Tsukishima is seen being puzzled at Hinata and Inuoka's gibberish conversation. Noticing the lethargic rookie, Kuroo reaches out to him and remarks that his companion first-year blockers were hardly having a high schoolers' conversation. Kuroo then tells Tsukishima to relax and that he could have fun with the other rookies as well, but the latter refuses coldly. When parting ways, Daichi shakes hands with Kuroo, and he vows to defeat Nekoma the next time they meet though both are squeezing hard in challenge.

Plot(Tokyo Expedition Arc)

Kuroo meets with Karasuno when they arrive at the training camp. He asks Daichi about Hinata and Kageyama when he notices they're missing and learns they had to stay behind at school as he is leading the group to the gym. Later, he sits in the cafeteria and chats with Daichi about all of the third-years having decided against retiring and Nekoma's loss during the Interhigh, revealing that Nekoma had played against the previous year's champion team on the second day and only made it to best eight in Tokyo. Though Daichi remarks that it's still a good position, Kuroo replies that if they don't move forward, then there's no point. During the next camp, Kuroo's practicing with Bokuto and Akaashi in the third gymnasium when Tsukishima passes by. He calls Tsukishima over and asks him to do a few blocks for Bokuto though he's shocked when Tsukishima refuses. In response, Kuroo brings up how Bokuto would be good practice for him since he's one of the nation's top five aces and riles him up about his position as a middle blocker enough that Tsukishima decides to join the practice.

Plot(Tokyo Expedition Arc) 2

Episode 7- Tsukishima, Kuroo, Bokuto and Akaashi Kuroo practices in the third gymnasium. Kuroo eventually joins Tsukishima in trying to block Bokuto and impresses the younger blocker when he is able to easily stop Bokuto's spike. However, when he warns Tsukishima that Hinata will surpass him if he doesn't start taking his training seriously, Tsukishima grows silent and leaves when the rest of the Nekoma team walks in moments later. When Akaashi and Bokuto point out how Kuroo upset Tsukishima, Kuroo admits that it was unintentional and that he didn't believe Tsukishima would react in such a manner at his comment. When Bokuto questions what he meant by this, Kuroo admits that Hinata is someone to be cautious of despite his lack of experience and short stature, and that Tsukishima, while taller and smarter, actually sees himself below Hinata. The next day, Kuroo approaches Daichi and apologizes for having upset Tsukishima. Later, he's practicing with Bokuto and Akaashi again when Tsukishima approaches them. Tsukishima starts by mentioning their teams' strength, annoying Kuroo and Bokuto by saying their teams are 'moderately' strong. When Bokuto interrupts with an off-topic comment, Kuroo goes along with him until Tsukishima is finally able to ask why they put so much effort into volleyball as he believes there's not much point to it. Once Bokuto was able to help Tsukishima get a better understand of what benefits will come out of hard work, Kuroo helps the ace in dragging Tsukishima into blocking practice as 'payment' for their words of wisdom. During that practice, Kuroo instructed Tsukishima on proper blocking techniques and how to position his hands to give him the best chance to prevent injuries.

Plot(Tokyo Expedition Arc) 3

The following night, Hinata and Lev ask to join the practice although Kuroo would question Lev if he was allowed to be there since he was supposed to be working with Yaku on improving his receives. Kuroo then suggests a 3-on-3 with the taller players being on one team and the shorter players as the second team. They were able to play a brief game until Fukurodani's managers warned them of the cafeteria closing and they would need to end their game or risk not getting any dinner. During another free practice, Tsukishima asks him why he's helping them so much even though they're opponents. When Kuroo tries to play it off as always being kind, Hinata and Tsukishima stare at him in disbelief. Kuroo then reveals that he wants to make the Trashcan Showdown happen since he doesn't know how long Coach Nekomata would stay on the team. In order to make this a reality, Kuroo states that Karasuno will need all the help they can get and he is willing to offer his own assistance to help them get stronger. As they begin another 3-on-3 match, Kuroo continues to instruct Lev and Tsukishima on how to block Bokuto. He eventually joins the two in a triple block when Hinata is given a last hit, an act that Bokuto calls them out on. However, Hinata was able to get the better of them when he performed a block-out against Lev's fingers. Kuroo complimented Hinata on the attack while Hinata tried to explain that his aim normally isn't that great. On the final day of the camp, Shibayama presents a list of the present teams and what their total wins and losses are, with Nekoma being the second strongest. The team then watches as Karasuno carries out yet another penalty lap. When Yaku states how serious Hinata, calling him "Chibi-chan"(Shorty), is about the flying lap, Lev teases Yaku for not being much taller than Hinata. Yaku immediately retaliates and Kuroo simply states that he is not able to help Lev since he brought the act on himself.

Plot(Tokyo Expedition Arc) 4

Kuroo is able to take quick peeks at Karasuno's match against Fukurōdani and sees how well Tsukishima is playing. During the barbeque, Kuroo brings food to Kenma in the attempt to get him to eat more and later gives descriptions of the country's top three aces to Lev and Hinata. He is part of the group that is present to say goodbye to Karasuno when they depart to head home.

Statistics

Kuroo is considered by many to be a blocking expert and is excellent at pressuring opponents. He possesses fine-tuned techniques and is recognized to be Tsukishima's blocking teacher. Kuroo is an all-rounder, essential to Nekoma in both offence and defense. Like the rest of his team, Kuroo is flexible and efficient with receiving. Even though a middle blocker is usually rotated out with the libero, Kuroo has shown the ability to play back-row capably after Yaku is taken out due to injury. He is also currently the only starting member to have a good jump serve. (Jumping reach: 330cm)

Masterful Blocking Skill

Kuroo is a skilled read blocker and is capable of stopping powerful spikers such as Suguru and Bokuto, despite Bokuto being one of the top five spikers in the country. His expertise in blocking is mainly derived from his firm grasp of the nuances, such as proper posture, timing, and jumps. When jumping to block, Kuroo would stop and jump straight up instead of sideways. At the same time, he tries to match his blocking timing with the moment the ball is spiked downward. This allows Kuroo to block spikers taller or stronger than him. While capable of blocking opponents, Kuroo also uses his blocks to help make receives easier for his team to handle by narrowing or blocking a path a spiker should take.

Personal Time Difference Attack Skill

Kuroo picked up the personal time difference attack after watching volleyball matches in his childhood and perfected the move with Kenma over the years. It is one of Nekoma's strongest attacks and can be used to throw off the opposing blockers when he appears like he is running for a normal attack but pauses momentarily and then jumping when the blockers have already jump to block. This allows Kuroo to spike without fear of being blocked.

Jump Serve Skill

Kuroo is one of the two players on Nekoma shown to be able to use a jump serve. He first showed off his jump serve in the match against Fukurōdani Academy in which he can land a free ball for Nekoma. Since then, he has used the jump serve reliably either for service aces or breaking the opponents' formations. Receives Skill: Kuroo has demonstrated that he is very reliable when it comes to defense. Like the rest of Nekoma, he is solid in receiving opponents' spikes and is also able to make a capable receive of Hiroo's float serve with an underhand receive.

Relationship with Kenma Kozume(Nekoma High)

Kuroo moved into Kenma's neighborhood when they were young, and they gradually became close friends. Due to both of their shy and withdrawn nature, the two ended up playing video games in silence until Kenma asked what Kuroo wanted to do one day. Kuroo suggested playing volleyball, and Kenma joined in despite his initial disappointment over it not being a video game. Once Kuroo began opening up more, Kenma realized that there is indeed a loud guy underneath it all. Kuroo remained close with Kenma even after joining a new volleyball club, making new friends, and becoming more outgoing. He continued to be understanding of Kenma's reserved personally and respected the latter's wishes to not participate in certain activities. Kuroo insisted on helping Kenma foster interests of his own, stating that if Kenma was interested in something he would invite him out; otherwise, Kuroo doesn't want to make Kenma uncomfortable. Kuroo and Kenma remain good friends into adulthood and would still work together occasionally. Post-timeskip, Kuroo revealed that he is planning a video collaboration with Kodzuken, the famous Youtuber/gamer, and asked Hinata to join them for more possible views.

Relationship with Morisuke Yaku(Nekoma High)

The two originally started off on bad terms due to Kuroo having once lost to Yaku and his team in a middle school tournament. As a result, they often clashed as first years at Nekoma. In contrast to Yaku, Kuroo prefers fish, girls with long hair, sweet curry, Mikasa volleyballs, going to the sea during the summer, dogs, and Japanese-style; however, it's unclear if he said some of those things so that he would oppose Yaku or if they are truly things he prefers. As third years now, they have a strong relationship and mutual respect.

Relationship with Lev Haiba(Nekoma High)

Kuroo is shown to be the person most responsible for teaching Lev proper blocking techniques, such as read blocking and correct arm placement. Though Kuroo at times can get frustrated by Lev's impulsiveness, he is also patient and always ready to help however he can. After Nekoma's defeat against Fukurōdani Academy, Lev was depressed about his performance, but Kuroo was there to try to cheer him up and help him understand the meaning of teamwork. Kuroo does show pride and excitement when Lev begins to use his blocks more effectively during the Spring Tournament. While they have a good relationship, one of Inuoka's flashbacks indicates that Kuroo is possibly annoyed that Lev is taller than him.

Relationship with Daichi Sawamura(Karasuno High)

Though he sometimes teases Daichi for his team being the one to do the most penalties during the training camps, Kuroo and Daichi respect each other and share a desire to have their teams play against one another at Nationals. They are both seen having to keep an eye on their underclassmen on occasion. After their final matches at Nationals, they are shown sharing embraces and Kuroo is shown praising Daichi and the Karasuno team for their well-played game after they lost to Kamomedai High.

Relationship with Kei Tsukishima(Karasuno High)

Kuroo constantly teases Tsukishima while the latter is neutrally respectful towards him, occasionally looking towards Kuroo for inspiration. Kuroo taught Tsukishima many proper blocking techniques during the training camp and gave him advice on how to improve. Kuroo was the first to notice that Tsukishima felt inferior to Hinata during the summer training camp and would later apologize to Daichi for upsetting the middle blocker when he unintentionally hurt his feelings. Because of how much he would help Tsukishima, Kuroo became known as his mentor.

Relationship with Shoyo Hinata(Karasuno High)

Kuroo first meets Hinata when he found Kenma after the setter got lost. During the practice match between Nekoma and Karasuno, Kuroo would taunt Hinata about his height but recognized that he was faster than Inuoka and able to give him a hard time. During the summer training camps, he is friendlier to Hinata and would at times share blocking advice during free practices. Kuroo acknowledges Hinata as an opponent to be cautious of despite his lack of experience and short stature. Kuroo also seems to hold a certain level of gratitude toward Hinata for being a friend that Kenma was able make on his own.

Relationship with Kotaro Bokuto(Fukurodani High)

Kuroo and Bokuto are good friends, know each other quite well, and often team up in their antics. Although Kuroo is more sensible than Bokuto, and will sometimes fool around with him, they often share similar reactions to events unfolding before them. He and Bokuto have a rather competitive relationship, though mostly trivial, and enjoy each other's company. Kuroo practices with Bokuto and Akaashi at the training camp despite being on different teams, suggesting that they must have known each other for a while. From how long they've known each other, Kuroo is highly aware of Bokuto's abilities and strength as a volleyball player and knows how dangerous he can be when in peak condition. The two continued to remain close friends after graduating

Relationship with Suguru Daisho(Nohebi Academy)

They are longtime rivals and enjoy mocking each other. From what Akane was told by her brother, Kuroo and Suguru have known each other for several years and usually seem to bicker any time they meet.[28] They also seem to have mutual respect as they acknowledge their respective teams' abilities and have challenged each other to meet at the Spring High finals. Somehow, Kuroo knows a bit about Suguru's personal life, including his breakup with Mika. Kuroo calls Mika "Mika-chan", but it's unknown if he does it to tease Suguru or if he knows her personally.

Quotes

(To Nekoma team)"Remember, We are blood. Never stop flowing. Keep moving. Keep bringing oxygen... So that our 'brain'... can operate at its best." (To players from an opposing team during a practice match) "That unsteady shrimp you guys are talking about is the backbone of Nekoma. He's our brain and our heart." (To Kenma) "A 'personal time difference attack'! It's an offensive technique we can't use yet, but if we practice it a lot from here on out, around the time we're in high school, I'm sure that it'll become one of our most magnificent special moves!" (To Kenma) "You and Lev are like oil and water. You guys don't mix very well." (To Kenma) "... Isn't it more fun having enemies you can't seem to beat?" (To Kenma) "Then, isn't it best to attack before being attacked? They do say offense is the best defense, right?" (To Tsukishima) "Oho ho ho? / Oya oya oya?" (To Tsukishima and Hinata) "I've always been a nice person." (To Lev and Tsukishima) "Read blocking is a block that consists of restraint and persistence, but it's also... the block where you laugh last."

Trivia

Kuroo's Favorite Food: Salt-grilled Pacific Saury (Japanese: サンマさんまの塩しお焼やき Sanma no Shioyaki) Current Concern: He can't get rid of his bedhead hair.(His hair sticks up like that because it's his natural bedhead, according to Kenma. Kenma has also stated that this happens because Kuroo sleeps on his stomach while pressing two pillows onto both his ears and his hair) Star sign: Scorpio

Nomenclature

Tetsurō (鉄朗) – Iron Cheerfulness Kuroo (黒尾) – Black Tail

Nekoma's team member and position in court

Tetsuro Kuroo #1(Captain/Middle blocker), Nobuyuki Kai #2(Vice-Captain/Wing Spiker/Opposite Hitter), Morisuke Yaku #3(Libero), Taketora Yamamoto #4(Wing Spiker/Outside Hitter/Ace), Kenma Kozume #5(Setter), Shohei Fukunaga #6(Wing Spiker/Outside Hitter), So Inuoka #7(Middle Blocker(Former)/Wing Spiker/ Opposite Hitter), Tamahiko Teshiro #8(Setter/Pinch Server), Lev Haiba #11(Middle blocker), Yuki Shibayama #12(Libero)