Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny takes place in the year Cosmic Era 0071, following a catastrophic event where a neutral country is destroyed in a battle between two mobile suits. Shinn Asuka, who lost his family in the conflict, joins the ZAFT military and gains access to the Impulse mobile suit, fueled by a desire for revenge against those he mistakenly blames for his family's death. Meanwhile, veteran pilot Athrun Zala, working under diplomat Cagalli Yula Athha, becomes embroiled in the escalating conflict between Naturals and Coordinators. As Athrun takes on a mentorship role with the troubled Shinn, he attempts to steer the young pilot away from his path of vengeance.