Haru wo Daiteita Afterward

A century after the events of the original story, Katou Ibuki has left behind his prestigious rank as an elite lieutenant in the Air Self-Defense Force to volunteer as a space pioneer for JASA. His journey begins with a grueling seven-day selection examination conducted entirely within a confined, closed environment. During this rigorous trial, he is paired with Kaguya, an advanced AI robot he encounters at the facility. As they collaborate on their assigned tasks, Katou unexpectedly confronts a deep sense of loneliness residing within the machine. This profound emotional discovery slowly draws him in, leaving him unable to simply walk away from Kaguya's silent plea for connection. Alongside this central narrative, the manga also features the side story "Spare Key Requirements." This additional tale shifts the perspective to Yousuke, Katou’s nephew and a working actor who is signed to Iwaki’s talent agency. Through Yousuke’s eyes, readers are offered a distinct vantage point into the lives of those connected to the main characters, enriching the broader world of the series with fresh insights and personal drama.