Yūtarō Kindaichi played volleyball at Kitagawa Daiichi Junior High as a middle blocker, partnering frequently with setter Tobio Kageyama. He consistently struggled to handle Kageyama's exceptionally fast and demanding tosses, leading to friction as Kageyama berated him without acknowledging the unrealistic expectations. Kindaichi openly objected to Kageyama's self-centered play style, prioritizing individual skill over team coordination. During a critical match, Kindaichi and Akira Kunimi, frustrated by Kageyama's refusal to adapt, stopped responding to his sets. Their subsequent complaints to the coach resulted in Kageyama being benched, permanently fracturing their dynamic. Standing at 189.2 cm (6'2") and weighing 74.3 kg (163 lbs), Kindaichi is notably tall. His dark hair, styled upright, earned him the nickname "onion-head" or "turnip-head" from Shōyō Hinata, though Kindaichi remained unaware of the comparison's meaning. His typical expression resembles a scowl, conveying passive intensity rather than overt aggression. After the timeskip, his appearance changed to feature shorter hair with a shaved undercut. Kindaichi exhibits competitiveness and stubbornness, particularly in volleyball. He deeply respects upperclassmen like Tōru Oikawa and Hajime Iwaizumi, often reacting with visible fluster to their praise. Despite his outward toughness, he harbors lingering guilt over the middle school fallout with Kageyama, contrasting with Kunimi's detachment. This sensitivity manifests in persistent self-blame for their failed partnership. While he initially refused Kageyama's apology and declared them rivals, he occasionally inquires about Kageyama's well-being through Hinata, indicating unresolved but not malicious feelings. As a first-year middle blocker at Aoba Johsai High, Kindaichi played a significant role against Karasuno. In an early practice game, he attempted to intimidate Hinata by dismissing Kageyama's growth and labeling Hinata a "pawn." He demonstrated notable blocking skills, scoring points against Karasuno spikers like Tanaka. Witnessing Kageyama adapt his setting style to prioritize teamwork, particularly during successful "super quick" attacks with Hinata, left Kindaichi visibly shocked, forcing him to confront Kageyama's evolution. During the Interhigh tournament, his blocking prowess proved vital for Aoba Johsai. He scored crucial points against Karasuno, including a decisive block against Hinata that secured a match win. Oikawa acknowledged his ability to read blocks and exploit opponents' defensive gaps. Despite these contributions, Aoba Johsai lost to Shiratorizawa Academy in the finals, where Kindaichi participated in a triple block that failed to stop Ushijima. Later, in the Spring High Preliminary Arc, he encountered challenges against Date Tech's formidable blockers, particularly Aone. He also witnessed the reintegration of Kyōtani into Aoba Johsai's roster, though his direct interactions were limited. By November 2018, Kindaichi is a college student and plays as a middle blocker for the Tamaden Elephants, a Division 2 professional team in Japan's V. League. Alongside his athletic career, he plans to become an electrician in Saitama after graduation.