Hybrid Child

The craftsman Kuroda designed artificial beings called "Hybrid Child"-neither machines nor dolls, but creatures shaped by the love they receive. Though capable of human emotions and self-awareness, they are not truly human and depend on affection to develop. Kotarou Izumi, the young heir of a noble family, causes a stir when he rescues a discarded Hybrid Child from the trash and brings it home. His family, disapproving, repeatedly tries to dispose of the creature-whom Kotarou names Hazuki-when he isn’t looking. Yet despite these challenges, their bond deepens over time. A decade later, they face a painful truth: a Hybrid Child’s life may not last forever. "Hybrid Child" weaves together three short tales exploring the connections between these artificial beings and the humans who cherish them.