Ryō Kurokiba spent his youth in a Danish port town, working in a local pub kitchen from an early age. This demanding environment required resilience, as weakness risked expulsion. He achieved head chef status despite his youth, commanding authority over older staff and gaining local renown. His reputation reached the Nakiri International Company, prompting Alice Nakiri's visit. Initially dismissive, Ryō confronted Alice for rudeness when she entered during closure, sparking her interest. Following intervention by Alice's mother, Leonora Nakiri, Ryō agreed to become Alice's aide only if he lost a duel. Alice decisively won their first match, but Ryō challenged her hundreds more times over two years before securing his first victory. This win earned his loyalty, and he began addressing her as "Milady," accompanying her to Tōtsuki Culinary Academy. Ryō exhibits a dual personality. Normally lethargic, disheveled, and speaking slowly with minimal interest in his surroundings, he remains attentive to Alice's needs. His demeanor shifts instantly when wearing headgear like his signature crimson flame-patterned bandana or a swim cap, triggering "Berserk Mode." In this state, he becomes aggressive, loud, and intimidating, with facial expressions described as savage. Removing the bandana just as instantly reverts him to his subdued self. He attributes this fierce persona to survival instincts honed in his childhood kitchen battles. Culinarily, Ryō specializes in seafood, capable of assessing freshness through sight and touch. His early style emphasized forceful, "violent" flavors aimed at overwhelming diners, reflecting his belief that kitchens are battlefields where bonds weaken chefs. He viewed submission through food as paramount. After losing in the Autumn Election finals, he evolved his approach, incorporating delicate techniques while retaining his intensity. This growth proved evident in his shokugeki victory over Kusunoki of the Central Gourmet Organization, blending precision with inherent boldness. Signature dishes include French Curry Lobster Rice with Cognac, where judges consume lobster brain with cognac; Soupe De Poisson Ramen, amplified by crushed crustacean shells; and Autumn Pacific Saury Cartoccio, symbolizing his bond with Alice. Ryō's loyalty to Alice defines their dynamic. He protects her from threats, likened to a guard dog serving its master. Their relationship balances mutual respect and rivalry; he surpasses her culinary skill but remains her aide. He persistently challenges Elite Ten member Akira Hayama for the fourth seat. Following the rebellion against Azami Nakiri, Ryō attained the fifth seat on the Elite Ten Council. He continues competing intensely with Hayama, embodying his philosophy that culinary strength stems from relentless combat rather than collaboration. Physically, he has long, untamed brown-black hair, red eyes with dark circles, and stands 179 cm tall. He typically wears his Tōtsuki uniform unbuttoned over a dark tank top, reserving his bandana for cooking or intimidation.