Kenjirō Shirabu, a second-year Shiratorizawa Academy student and the volleyball team’s primary setter during the Spring High Preliminary Arc, sports sandy hair unevenly parted, brown eyes, and an average 174.8 cm (5'8.8") frame pre-timeskip. Post-timeskip, his appearance remains consistent, though he enters his fifth year of medical school by November 2018. Born May 4, 1995, as a Taurus and the second son in his family, his name—"intelligent second son"—aligns with his academic drive. After attending Toyokuro Junior High, where he played volleyball with Shunki Kawatabi, he witnessed a pivotal match between Shiratorizawa and Kitagawa Daiichi. Initially drawn to Oikawa’s strategy, Shirabu shifted focus to Ushijima’s power, vowing to join Shiratorizawa without a sports scholarship, necessitating rigorous academic effort to secure admission.
Studious yet hotheaded, Shirabu respects upperclassmen like Ushijima but clashes with first-year Goshiki over perceived theatrics. Though outwardly calm, opponents’ tactics—such as Tsukishima’s blocks during the Karasuno match—ignite his frustration, yet he recalibrates swiftly under pressure. As a setter, he prioritizes practicality, delivering high, straightforward tosses to exploit Ushijima’s spikes over intricate plays. This philosophy anchors Shiratorizawa’s strategy but faces strain during the Spring High finals when Tsukishima’s blocks and internal pressure challenge his reliance on the ace. A critical misstep—a low set leading to Ushijima’s blocked spike—forces Shirabu to confront his approach, though he regains focus after a brief exchange with Coach Washijō.
Post-timeskip, Shirabu attends volleyball reunions at Goshiki’s home, watching former teammates’ professional matches while pursuing medicine. His preferences for shirasu and lingering height aspirations persist from his youth. Interactions with Semi, his upperclassman rival, underscore his evolution in managing criticism and sustaining team cohesion, reflecting adaptability forged through Shiratorizawa’s ethos. His journey—from middle school strategy admirer to pragmatic setter—highlights resilience shaped by balancing academic rigor and athletic commitment.