Tetsurō Kuroo captains the Nekoma High School volleyball team, standing tall and lean with a muscular frame and distinctive messy black hair often dubbed "Rooster Head" for its spiked look. His narrow hazel eyes and habitual smirk create a sly, intimidating presence. He wears Nekoma's black and red uniform with the number 1 during matches. Born in Tokyo, Kuroo moved next door to Kenma Kozume at age eight. Initially withdrawn and shy, he struggled to connect until introducing Kenma to volleyball. Bonding over the sport and video games, Kuroo gradually became more outgoing. He joined a volleyball club, made new friends, and regularly watched professional matches with Kenma to study tactics. Recognizing Kenma's strategic mind, he encouraged him to become a setter. During middle school, he convinced Kenma to join their school's team, solidifying their partnership. In his first year at Nekoma High, Kuroo clashed with teammate Morisuke Yaku after a tournament loss, though their shared goal of winning nationals eventually fostered mutual respect. Kuroo exhibits a laid-back yet scheming personality, earning renown as a "provocation expert" for deliberately riling opponents, such as when he needles Tsukishima to spark greater investment in volleyball during training camps. Despite these antagonistic tactics, he values sportsmanship, apologizing to Daichi Sawamura after overstepping boundaries. He deeply respects elder coach Yasufumi Nekomata and supports Karasuno's improvement to fulfill Nekomata's dream of a "Dumpster Battle" at nationals. His sharp observational skills make him a formidable middle blocker, analyzing spikers' movements to coordinate effective blocks. He lifts team spirit with sly quips and maintains a playful dynamic with close friend Kōtarō Bokuto, often engaging in boisterous laughter and banter. During the Tokyo Qualifiers for the Spring High National Tournament (depicted in *LAND VS. AIR*), Kuroo leads Nekoma against Fukurōdani Academy. Pre-match, he centers the team with Nekoma's mantra: "We are blood. Never stop flowing. Keep moving. Keep bringing oxygen... So that our 'brain'... can operate at its best." He clashes with Nohebi Academy's captain, Suguru Daishō, deflecting taunts about Nekoma's defensive playstyle with personal jabs about Daishō's love life. In the match, his blocking expertise counters Bokuto's spikes, and he collaborates with Kenma to switch positions mid-play, surprising Fukurōdani's setter, Akaashi. He mentors first-year Lev Haiba, tolerating his errors while stressing fundamentals. Though visibly nervous, Kuroo remains a stabilizing force, channeling Nekoma's focus on endurance and defensive cohesion as the match intensifies. Following high school, Kuroo joins the Japan Volleyball Association's sports promotion division by November 2018. His hairstyle shortens, and he adopts formal attire reflecting his professional role. He continues engaging with volleyball peers, using flattery to persuade players like Tōru Oikawa into participating in events such as the All-Stars match.