A year after the 77th generation understudies joined AKB0048, the Deep Galactic Trade Organization (DGTO) and DES have intensified their attacks on the entertainment industry. In response, AKB0048 has reinstated the general elections and the center nova position. The understudies are now thrust into a new competition directly against the successors. However, as AKB0048 revives policies not seen since Acchan's disappearance, a new, more powerful enemy is quietly maneuvering behind the scenes.