Hochi Shimbun

In Japan, horse racing betting is one of the few legally permitted forms of gambling, making equine competitions a notable part of the cultural landscape. The riders who participate in these races are called jockeys—a career path that captures Yuu Arimura's ambitions. Inspired by a derby event, the 15-year-old celebrity shocks the nation by leaving his idol career behind to enroll in a prestigious horse racing academy. Driven by a strong desire to pursue his new dream, Yuu gradually forms bonds with his distinctive classmates, including the talented Shun Kazanami and the confident Amane Grace. Despite the challenges ahead, Yuu remains determined in his goal of achieving a harmonious connection with his horse.

In an alternate world where global peace appears secure and conflicts are waged by private corporations instead of nations, Yuuichi Kannami joins Area 262 as a contract fighter pilot. As he settles into his new role, he begins to uncover various mysteries. Through Yuuichi's experiences, "The Sky Crawlers" explores this reality, focusing on his quest to understand the Kildren—genetically modified teenagers with superior reflexes—and his predecessor, the renowned pilot called Teacher. Yuuichi grows increasingly troubled by the connections between these elements and the base commander, Suito Kusanagi. Area 262 holds the truths he seeks, but discovering them may come at a cost too heavy for the young pilot to bear.

High school student Kaname Sudou becomes intrigued by the mysterious mobile app Darwin's Game after a classmate recommends it. Upon installing the application, Kaname is suddenly knocked unconscious when a digital green snake lunges from the screen and bites him. After waking up in the school clinic with no physical wounds, he dismisses the incident as a hallucination and returns home, but his curiosity compels him to launch the app once more. Initially convinced it is merely a standard combat game, Kaname soon discovers the terrifying reality when his virtual opponent materializes in the real world and assaults him with a weapon. Understanding that Darwin's Game is a lethal battle royale, Kaname desperately flees to save his life.