"86—EIGHTY-SIX" is a science fiction manga series set in a war-torn world where the Republic of San Magnolia faces an ongoing conflict with the autonomous drone forces of the neighboring Empire of Giad, known as the Legion. The Republic claims to have achieved a casualty-free war by deploying its own autonomous drones, but this is a facade. In reality, the war is fought by the Eighty-Six, a marginalized group of people who are forcibly conscripted into the military and treated as subhuman. These individuals, deemed expendable, pilot humanoid mechs called Juggernauts to combat the Legion on the front lines.

The story primarily revolves around two central characters: Vladilena "Lena" Milizé, a noble-born officer in the Republic's military, and Shinei "Shin" Nouzen, a skilled Eighty-Six pilot. Lena is assigned as a Handler, responsible for remotely commanding a squadron of Eighty-Six soldiers from the safety of the Republic's capital. Despite her privileged background, she is deeply empathetic and challenges the systemic discrimination against the Eighty-Six. Shin, on the other hand, is a seasoned and stoic pilot known as the "Undertaker" for his ability to hear the voices of the dead, a phenomenon tied to the Legion's neural networks. His squadron, Spearhead, is composed of other Eighty-Six soldiers, each with their own tragic pasts and motivations.

As the narrative progresses, Lena and Shin develop a complex relationship built on mutual respect and understanding, despite the physical and societal barriers between them. The story explores themes of dehumanization, systemic oppression, and the psychological toll of war, as the Eighty-Six are forced to confront their mortality and the Republic's betrayal. The Legion, initially perceived as mindless machines, is revealed to possess a sinister intelligence, with their tactics evolving to outmaneuver human forces.

The plot intensifies as the Republic's lies unravel, and the Eighty-Six are pushed to their limits. Spearhead Squadron faces increasingly dire battles, culminating in a mission that forces them to confront the true nature of the Legion and their own fates. The series delves into the personal struggles of its characters, highlighting their resilience and humanity in the face of relentless adversity. Through its intricate world-building and character-driven narrative, "86—EIGHTY-SIX" presents a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of war and identity.