In an alternate timeline, the world appears to have achieved peace. Devoid of international conflicts, wars are now fought between private corporations instead of peaceful nations. Yuuichi Kannami, a recent transfer to Area 262, simply performs his duties as a contracted fighter pilot. However, the longer he stays at his new base, the more mysteries are revealed. The Sky Crawlers presents this reality through Kannami's perspective as he tries to understand the "Kildren," humans genetically modified to remain teenagers forever with enhanced reflexes, and his predecessor, the ace pilot known as "Teacher." Yet, what concerns Kannami most is how all of this relates to the base commander, Suito Kusanagi. Area 262 holds the answers, but the truth carries a price the young pilot may not be prepared to pay.