Amuro Ray resides as a young colonist on Side 7, a Stanford Torus space colony in Low Earth Orbit featuring Victorian-era fashion. During a Zeon assault, he discovers the RX-78-2 Gundam in a mechanized bay. As the mobile suit's eyes activate, his mother Kamaria Ray approaches its head, observing Amuro flee while the Gundam pursues him. The cockpit opens empty before Amuro, implying a psychological or technological link. Panicked, he enters and accidentally fires vulcans during initial combat. He defends against a Zaku II by blocking its weapon barrel with the Gundam's hand and ripping off the Zaku's mouth component.

Char Aznable challenges Amuro in a custom Zaku II to test the Gundam. Outmatched by Char's expertise, Amuro misses beam rifle shots while Char lands direct hits. The Gundam's resilience surprises Char. Amuro employs the shield defensively before close combat ensues, culminating in a kick to the Gundam's abdomen. Events include the Core Fighter docking sequence and atmospheric reentry. At A Baoa Qu's final battle, the Gundam loses its left arm and head prior to Amuro firing a concluding upward shot.