Kurotsukki
This article or section needs expansion. |
| Pairing | |
|---|---|
| Pairing: | Kuroo Tetsurou / Tsukishima Kei |
| Alternative name(s): | Kurotsukki, Kurotsuki, KRTSK |
| Gender category: | Slash, yaoi, M/M |
| Fandom: | Haikyuu!! |
| Canonical?: | No |
| Prevalence: | Common |
| Archives: | AO3 |
| Other: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Kuroo Tetsurou/Tsukishima Kei is a pairing in the Haikyuu fandom. During the main events of the series, Kuroo is the captain and a middle blocker of team Nekoma, while Tsukishima is a first year middle blocker on team Karasuno.
As of June 2022, Kurotsukki has more than 5,700 fics on AO3, making it the eighth most popular pairing in the Haikyuu tag.
Canon
Kuroo and Tsukishima first meet at the practice match between Karasuno and Nekoma. Kuroo is a 3rd year at Nekoma, while Tsukishima is a 1st year at Karasuno. Both play the same position: middle blocker, hence the strong sense of rivalry between the two throughout the series. After the practice match between Karasuno and Nekoma, Tsukishima is visibly annoyed by Hinata and Inuoka's energy, at which point Kuroo approaches him and acknowledges that it's not mature behavior, but it wouldn't hurt Tsukishima to act like that once in a while. Tsukishima rebuffs him, saying that's not like him.
The two interact again several times during the Tokyo training arc. On the first night, when Tsukishima is walking back to his room, he passes Gym 3 and is called to by Kuroo and Bokuto Koutarou. When they ask him to block for him, Tsukishima passes, but agrees after Kuroo provokes him by insinuating that he needs to practice his blocking. During the ensuing practice, Tsukishima appears impressed by Kuroo's ability to block Bokuto. Bokuto then acknowledges Tsukishima's strategic thinking but notes that his blocks are weak, to which Tsukishima explains that he is still growing. Kuroo steps in, saying that if Tsukishima keeps that mindset, Hinata will steal all the attention away from him. Tsukishima responds that he doesn't think that's avoidable as his skills pale in comparison to Hinata's. Tsukishima quickly leaves at the next opportunity, and Kuroo seems surprised that Tsukishima sees Hinata as superior despite his intelligence and height.
The next day, Kuroo apologies to Tsukishima's captain, Daichi, for having upset Tsukishima the night prior. That night, Tsukishima once again visits Gym 3 after Yamaguchi confronts him about his lack of passion. Tsukishima asks Bokuto and Kuroo what drives them to work so hard in volleyball, which he views as just a club. After Bokuto explains that it's all about having a "moment" during which one reaches beyond their potential, he and Kuroo pull Tsukishima into practicing with them again, at which point Kuroo gives Tsukishima advice on how to improve his blocks. In a practice match during the following day, Tsukishima attempts to block Bokuto using Kuroo's strategy, causing Bokuto to opt for a feint instead of a full spike. Kuroo, who is watching from another court, smirks in response. Kuroo further gives Tsukishima more blocking advice during the 3-on-3 match that he and Tsukishima play with Lev against Akaashi, Hinata, and Bokuto.
After the training camp, Tsukishima continues to use Kuroo's teachings during games. During the Spring Nationals arc, Kuroo appears to be rooting for Tsukishima during the Karasuno vs. Inarizaki match that he and Kenma spectate. During the Karasuno vs. Nekoma match, Kuroo attempts to provoke Tsukishima from across the net. When Tsukishima, together with Yamaguchi, pulls off a serve and block combination, Kuroo approaches Tsukishima after seeing him celebrate and asks him how volleyball has been for him lately. Tsukishima responds that, thanks to Kuroo (as well as Bokuto and others') help, he now considers volleyball to be fun on occasion. Tsukishima and Kuroo continue to provoke each other during the match while acknowledging the strength in the other's playing. Tsukishima also acknowledges Kuroo as a mentor figure and rival. After the match, they shake hands.
Common Tropes in Fanworks
- Futurefic and College AUs are fairly common settings for Kurotsukki fanworks.
- Since this is one of the most popular ships between characters on different teams in high school, these types of fics are an easy way to bring Kuroo and Tsukishima into the same space for an extended period of time.
- Fics exploring a potential long distance relationship between the two characters are also popular.
- Canon Compliant Kurotsukki fic can be considered Rivals to Lovers.
- In polyships, Kurotsukki is often shipped with BokuAka (AKA 'bakt' or 'Gym Three'). This is the most popular polyship in the fandom.
Example Fanworks
Fanfic
- jaywalkers by batman
- Return to Sender by mousapelli
- He always starts something by Codango
- the great big map of everything by perennials
- to the beat of my heart by kittebasu
- in your arms i'll stay by artenon
- Habits by melliejellie
- Rules for Surviving in Jakarta by KuroTsuki_SW_2016 (KuroTsuki_SW_2019) and translated by shrugemoji (mozaikmage).
- ice queen by ineedmygirl.
- always running (back to you) by ineedmygirl.
- Iron Curtain by punybastard
Doujinshi
Some well-known Kurotsuki doujinshi artists/circles include:
- KUROQUIS (As of August 2021, this artist has removed all of their work from the internet due to frequent unauthorized reposts of their work.)
- cinnamon
- MICROMACRO
Fanart
- |250719 by littleskrib
- |110519 by littleskrib
- 쿠로츠키❤ by kkam_hrt
- 生日快乐 by akyo89
- 要幸福 by akyo89
- 夏花火 by shigurefusawa
- last day of training camp by liasukki
- my first flower blooming in spring 🌸✨ by maddox_rider