Ryō Kurokiba's harsh upbringing occurred in a Danish port town pub, where chefs faced expulsion for weakness, forging his survivalist mentality and view of kitchens as battlefields where culinary skill equates to power. Despite his youth, sheer tenacity propelled him to head chef, commanding older staff and gaining local renown. His life shifted when Alice Nakiri, intrigued by talent rumors, visited. After initial resistance, Kurokiba engaged in hundreds of cooking duels against her over two years, finally winning one and acknowledging her superiority. He then became her aide and accompanied her to Tōtsuki Culinary Academy. Kurokiba stands tall (179 cm) with a well-built frame, long unkempt brownish-black hair framing his face, and distinctive red eyes accompanied by dark circles, contributing to a perpetually tired appearance. His signature item is a flame-patterned crimson bandana, typically worn on his wrist when inactive. Donning this bandana or any tight headgear triggers a drastic personality shift: his usual lethargic, slow-speaking demeanor transforms into an aggressive, fierce "Berserk Mode" characterized by sharpened expressions and violent outbursts. This dual state—dubbed "Mad Dog" in aggression—instantly reverses if the headgear is removed. His culinary expertise centers on seafood, with exceptional ability to assess ingredient freshness by sight and touch. His initial style emphasized overwhelming, "violent" flavors designed to dominate consumers, reflecting his belief that kitchens demand ruthless competition and bonds between chefs foster weakness. He disdained opponents lacking competitive fire, though he later acknowledged respected rivals like Megumi Tadokoro after witnessing her resolve. Notable dishes include French Curry Lobster Rice with Cognac (featuring lobster brain accentuated by cognac), Soupe De Poisson Ramen (a fusion amplifying richness with crushed crustacean shells), and Eel Matelote (combining red wine-poached eel with Japanese plum sourness). During the Autumn Election preliminaries, his "Berserk Mode" intimidated judges with intensity, though he later lost in the finals. This defeat proved pivotal; facing Central Gourmet Organization member Kusunoki, he incorporated uncharacteristic subtlety into his seafood dishes while retaining signature power, securing victory and demonstrating evolved creativity. Kurokiba's loyalty to Alice Nakiri remains absolute, often likened to a guard dog protecting his master. He critiques her freely but obeys requests without question, accompanying her during events like the Moon Festival and aiding her escape from Azami Nakiri's control. Post-rebellion against Central, he attained the Elite Ten Council's 5th Seat. He maintains a fierce rivalry with Akira Hayama (4th Seat), frequently challenging him while also facing competitive tests from Alice herself.