Kurobe originated as an Ogre, evolving into a Kijin and later an Oni after receiving a name from Rimuru Tempest. He served as the master blacksmith in his Ogre village prior to its destruction during the Orc War, surviving alongside five others including Benimaru and Shion. Initially mistaking Rimuru for an enemy due to a magic mask, Kurobe joined an attack but was incapacitated by Paralyzing Breath. Following Shuna’s mediation, the Ogres allied temporarily with Rimuru, then pledged permanent loyalty after the Orc Lord’s defeat. Their naming triggered evolution into Kijin. Post-evolution, Kurobe’s appearance shifted from a grey, muscular Ogre to that of an average middle-aged man—a change Rimuru noted with kinship. Despite retaining a strong physique, his facial features are rarely depicted in official media, obscured or omitted as part of a recurring franchise gag excluding him from light novel and manga covers, with anime openings also hiding his face. Gentle, polite, and soft-spoken, Kurobe’s demeanor contrasts his formidable build. After his village’s destruction, he sank into depression and feelings of uselessness until meeting the dwarf blacksmith Kaijin. Their shared forging passion sparked immediate friendship, revitalizing Kurobe’s purpose. Evolving into a Kijin transformed his stoic, downtrodden demeanor into cheerfulness and optimism. He vowed to dedicate his forging skills to Rimuru, becoming the Jura-Tempest Federation’s top blacksmith. He crafts equipment for Rimuru City, achieving legendary status and earning the moniker "Legend Forge-Talker"—a title he misattributes to a rival, driving him to intensify his efforts. Kurobe wields extraordinary strength, lifting 30 tons unaided, though he lacks combat prowess. His forging expertise is enhanced by Unique Skills: Researcher evolved into Craftsman during Rimuru’s Harvest Festival, granting sub-abilities like Omni Analysis (replicating items from analyzed materials), Spatial Storage, and Transmutation (altering materials). He also possesses Extra Skills including Flame Manipulation and Battlewill arts. Central to Kurobe is his relationship with Kaijin, marked by hours-long forging discussions that bore observers like Rimuru. He collaborates with the dwarf brothers Garm, Myrd, and Dord. Recurring humor involves his unintentionally over-engineered items, such as a garden hoe or cutlery for Veldora that demolished a table during use. Unwavering loyalty to Rimuru and forging passion define his contributions across all media.