In a delightful surprise for fans of romantic comedy, the official website and accounts of Kaguya-sama: Love is War anime have announced a brand-new TV special for the series, titled Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Otona e no Kaidan (The Steps to Become an Adult). Revealed through a vibrant promotional visual, this special promises to dive deeper into the intricate and hilarious battle of wits between Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane. While details remain tantalizingly sparse, the announcement has sparked fervent excitement across the anime community, signaling a return to the prestigious Shuchiin Academy after a three-year hiatus since the 2022 film Kaguya-sama: Love is War – The First Kiss That Never Ends.
The new TV special is poised to explore uncharted territory in the Kaguya-sama universe. The subtitle The Steps to Become an Adult hints at a narrative that may focus on the characters’ transition into more mature phases of their lives, possibly adapting later chapters of Aka Akasaka’s acclaimed manga. Fans have noted that the promotional artwork features imagery reminiscent of Chapter 267, including distinctive outfits and a central plane motif, suggesting the special could tackle significant moments from the manga’s final arcs. However, with the anime known for its non-linear adaptation approach—often skipping or rearranging chapters to suit its pacing—speculation abounds about what this special will cover. No release date has been confirmed, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting further updates.
The announcement comes as a beacon of hope for fans who have been clamoring for more Kaguya-sama content since the third season and the 2022 film wrapped up major plot points, including Kaguya and Miyuki’s heartfelt confession and first kiss. While the special is not a full-fledged fourth season, its production reaffirms the franchise’s enduring popularity. Social media platforms are buzzing with enthusiasm, with fans praising the series’ sharp humor, emotional depth, and unforgettable character dynamics. The visual, showcasing the core cast in stylish attire, has already inspired fan art and theories about potential plot developments.
What is Kaguya-sama: Love is War?
For the uninitiated, Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a romantic comedy that redefines the genre with its blend of psychological warfare and heartfelt romance. Based on Aka Akasaka’s manga, serialized in Shueisha’s Miracle Jump (2015) and later Young Jump (2016–2022), the story centers on Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, two brilliant students at Shuchiin Academy’s student council. As the vice president and president, respectively, they are the epitome of perfection—except when it comes to their mutual, unspoken love. Both consider confessing their feelings a sign of weakness, leading to an elaborate “war” where each schemes to make the other confess first. Their mind games, ranging from absurdly hilarious to poignantly tender, are complemented by a colorful supporting cast, including the lovable Chika Fujiwara, the earnest Yu Ishigami, and the enigmatic Ai Hayasaka.
The anime, which debuted in 2019, has garnered critical acclaim for its witty dialogue, expressive animation, and faithful yet creative adaptation of the source material. Across three seasons and a movie, Kaguya-sama has masterfully balanced comedy and drama, earning its place as one of the finest rom-coms in anime history. The series is available to stream on Crunchyroll, where fans can relive the iconic moments leading up to this highly anticipated special.
As anticipation builds, questions linger about how Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Otona e no Kaidan will fit into the broader narrative. Will it bridge the gap between the anime’s current endpoint and the manga’s conclusion? Or will it offer a standalone story that captures the essence of Kaguya and Miyuki’s evolving relationship? Given A-1 Pictures’ track record of delivering visually stunning and emotionally resonant content, expectations are sky-high. The special’s focus on “adulthood” suggests a more introspective tone, potentially exploring themes of growth, responsibility, and the complexities of love beyond high school.
For now, fans can only speculate and rewatch their favorite episodes in preparation. The announcement of this TV special reaffirms that Kaguya-sama: Love is War remains a cultural juggernaut, ready to charm audiences with its signature blend of humor and heart. As Kaguya and Miyuki step toward adulthood, their battle of love promises to be as captivating as ever.
Sources: Press Release, official website of Kaguya-sama: Love is War & Comic Natalie
