Tetsurou Kuroo

Kuroo is confident, observant and mischievous. He enjoys provoking reactions from other people and has a particular talent for finding the remark most likely to annoy someone. The behavior rarely comes from genuine hostility; with his teammates, it coexists with considerable patience and responsibility.

His leadership reflects Nekoma's emphasis on connection. Kuroo reinforces the idea that the team functions like a circulatory system, keeping the ball alive so that its "brain," Kenma Kozume, can continue directing play.

Kuroo is also unusually willing to teach opponents. He helps Kei Tsukishima understand blocking technique during the Tokyo training camp even though Karasuno is Nekoma's traditional rival.

Kuroo specializes in read blocking. Instead of committing immediately to an expected attack, he watches the developing play and moves once he has enough information. His patience, footwork and hand positioning make him effective at both stopping attacks outright and directing them toward Nekoma's receivers.

He understands how blockers can manipulate an attack rather than simply trying to overpower it. Kuroo teaches Tsukishima techniques involving hand position and funneling, showing that his knowledge is systematic enough to explain to another player.

He is also a capable attacker and server. His broad technical base fits Nekoma's preference for players who can contribute to extended rallies rather than relying on one isolated specialty.

Kuroo leads Nekoma throughout its renewed rivalry with Karasuno. He shares Yasufumi Nekomata's desire to see the schools finally play their promised "Battle at the Garbage Dump" in an official national tournament.

During the Tokyo training camps, Kuroo becomes especially important to Tsukishima's development. Alongside Koutarou Bokuto, he repeatedly draws the reluctant Karasuno blocker into extra practice and gives him practical instruction.

At nationals, Kuroo leads Nekoma through the tournament while maintaining the defensive identity the school has cultivated for years. After graduating, he eventually works in the Japan Volleyball Association's sports promotion division.

Kenma Kozume is Kuroo's childhood friend and closest teammate. Kuroo introduced the withdrawn Kenma to volleyball and understands his personality unusually well.

Yasufumi Nekomata is Kuroo's coach and a major influence on the defensive philosophy he leads on court.

Kei Tsukishima becomes Kuroo's informal student in blocking during the Tokyo training camps.

Koutarou Bokuto is Kuroo's friend and frequent training partner.

Lev Haiba is a junior middle blocker whom Kuroo helps develop, frequently correcting his incomplete fundamentals.