Manabu Kuchiki, who prefers to be called by the nickname Kucchi, is a supporting character in Genshiken 2. He is introduced in volume two of the original manga and becomes a full member of the Genshiken club in volume four, apparently after being expelled from the university's Anime Club. Kuchiki is a tall young man with short black hair and gray eyes. His most defining traits are his loud, abrasive, and obnoxious style of speaking; he often behaves in an indecent or improper manner, such as spying on girls, and he has no hesitation about doing so. This behavior causes many of the other club members, especially the female members, to dislike and ostracize him. Despite his off-putting personality, Kuchiki is fundamentally good-hearted and well-intentioned. He is aware that his demeanor pushes people away, but he does not change it. On several occasions, his actions prove helpful to the group, such as when he caught a thief during a school fair and annoyed the person into returning stolen goods. He genuinely enjoys being part of the club and takes pride in his involvement. Kuchiki has aspirations of leadership; he twice expects to be named the next president of Genshiken, but each time he is passed over in favor of Kanako Ohno and then Chika Ogiue. Within the narrative, Kuchiki functions primarily as a background comedic figure. He serves as the catalyst for many of the series' slapstick and off-color jokes, often playing the boke (the foolish one) in contrast to the rest of the club's tsukkomi (the straight man). He has no shame about participating in cosplay and does so willingly. One of his few notable abilities is his skill at fighting games; he is the second-best player in the club, only surpassed by Makoto Kousaka. Later in the manga's continuation, it is revealed that Kuchiki does not need to worry about finding employment after graduation because family connections guarantee him a job at a local bank. Throughout the series, Kuchiki's role remains consistent as a recurring source of humor and social friction, and he does not undergo significant character development or change his basic nature.