New Port City, Japan, 2029. The Puppet Master, a mysterious cyber terrorist, stealthily manipulates politics. Exploiting the internet and advanced cybernetic tech, he turns brain-hacked victims into unwitting pawns to incite rebellion. However, the digital anarchist is drawing unwanted attention; Public Security Section 9, an elite intelligence department specialising in cyberwarfare, is onto him. Now, hardened squad leader Major Motoko Kusanagi must fix the bug. But with the cold machines aching for self-awareness, how close are we to witnessing the end of humankind?