Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, commonly known as Wild Tiger, is one of the main characters in the series and a seasoned crimefighter who has earned his nickname "Crusher for Justice" due to his disregard for collateral damage while fighting criminals. Despite being initially unpopular among the people of Sternbild City, Kotetsu appears to prioritize helping others over gaining recognition or fame.
At just ten years old, Kotetsu witnessed an attempted bank robbery that was thwarted by Mr. Legend, a veteran hero. One of the criminals held him hostage, causing Kotetsu to activate his NEXT powers in response to stress and fear. He believed that anyone who touched him while his power was active would be harmed, but Mr. Legend reassured him that his ability was meant for saving lives rather than causing harm. This encounter with Mr. Legend inspired Kotetsu to pursue a career as a hero himself.
He shouts at Barnaby to shoot them both, with the assumption that he will survive the blast thanks to his Hundred Power or jump out of the way at the last second. After some hesitation, Barnaby shoots using H-01s own laser gun and the android is destroyed. Kotetsu "death."Unfortunately, Kotetsus power had run out just before the beam hit and he suffered severe injuries.
Later on, he gets mistaken for a criminal and framed due to Albert Maverick's NEXT power.
Ten months after the incident with Jake, Wild Tiger and Barnaby have become both well-known and popular. Additionally, their relationship has greatly improved and Lloyds is now adamant that Kotetsu not even consider quitting being a hero. As a result of their new popularity, the duo becomes the focus of numerous photoshoots and TV appearances, which Lloyds often prioritizes over actual hero work. They even end up performing alongside Blue Rose in a live concert.
The reason why Kotetsu doesn't want to quit being a hero despite being in his late 30's and having a daughter as well is because he made a promise to his wife, Tomoe, that he will never stop being a hero.
During said concert, when a criminal steals Blue Roses bag, Kotetsus usual Hundred Power seems to gain a boost in strength as he finds himself running faster and jumping farther than he would usually. Subsequent uses of his power run out before the five-minute time limit.
The pair soon learns that the other heroes (and Kaede) were defeated and taken captive, courtesy of a call from Maverick. It takes considerable effort for Kotetsu to retain any sense of calm with his daughter in danger. He and Barnaby travel to Justice Tower to confront Maverick, but end up being forced to battle the extremely powerful android H-01 against which they have very little chance of winning. Ultimately, Kotetsu is able to get behind H-01 and immobilize it by holding it in place.
The other heroes are stunned, and Kotetsu says a corny re-entrance line before stating that he had only fainted from the pain—adding it was something Barnaby would have realized by checking his pulse. He is then sandwiched in a hug between Kaede, Barnaby and Blue Rose.
After a short scene where Kotetsu reveals his gradual power loss and Barnaby breaks down in tears, Kotetsu seemingly dies in Barnabys arms right as the other heroes and Kaede arrive.Some time later, after the other heroes have chased Maverick into a corner, he takes Kaede hostage with a gun to her head. Suddenly, a figure lurches at him from the shadows and Kotetsu punches him square across the jaw.