Daisuke Hiraoka begins his role as a production assistant at Musashino Animation during *The Third Girls Aerial Squad*. His path reflects a stark departure from his college years, where he exhibited leadership and genuine enthusiasm for anime. Five grueling years as a rookie production assistant across various studios, marked by repeated setbacks and harsh conditions, forged a deeply cynical and disillusioned outlook. This experience molded his pragmatic, efficiency-first philosophy, prioritizing deadlines above artistic quality, encapsulated in his credo: "Crappy people are only capable of producing crappy work. But despite that, I worked my ass off trying to get things done."

At Musashino Animation, his negative demeanor and vocal criticism of quality-focused processes create immediate friction. He clashes violently with animation director Hironori Madoka over retakes, disrupting production. His suggestion to setting instructor Midori Imai that her colleagues assist her primarily because she is female, rather than acknowledging her skills, provokes Midori to assert her capabilities more forcefully. Hiraoka's frequent complaints, neglect of relationships, and open disdain for idealistic colleagues make him widely unpopular.

An unexpected friendship with fellow production assistant Tarou Takanashi sparks change. Despite Takanashi's reputation for incompetence, his persistent optimism and overt friendliness slowly pierce Hiraoka's cynicism. Drinks together lead Hiraoka to reveal his past frustrations and disappointments in a moment of vulnerability. This bond helps rekindle his earlier idealism, culminating when he defends Madoka's creative choices during a critical conflict—a decisive shift from his prior antagonism. He begins acknowledging the importance of quality over deadlines and appreciating his colleagues' dedication.

Four years later, following *Time Hippopotamus*'s cancellation and the studio's decline, Hiraoka leaves Musashino Animation. Though no longer part of the team, he offers crucial encouragement to Aoi Miyamori as she navigates challenges on the new project *Aerial Amphibious Assault Ship SIVA*. He later advances to become a producer.

Hiraoka owns a pet cat named Kemeko; one screenwriter attributes the name to "The Kemeko Song," while another cites its cuteness. His character arc embodies the tension between disillusionment and idealism within creative industries. Initially presented as a potential future for Aoi Miyamori had she succumbed to setbacks, his journey underscores how workplace relationships can reignite passion.