The Sky Crawlers

The Sky Crawlers takes place in an alternate timeline where international conflicts have been replaced by corporate wars. Private military bases like Area 262 are a result of this shift. Yuuichi Kannami, a new fighter pilot, transfers to Area 262 and discovers the existence of the Kildren, humans genetically altered to maintain a youthful appearance with enhanced reflexes. His investigation into these Kildren and his predecessor, "Teacher," a renowned ace pilot, leads him to question the base commander, Suito Kusanagi, and the truth about Area 262.