An accident occurs where the oxygen delivered by Red Blood Cell (AC1677) to a young Ordinary Cell transforms into reactive oxygen, causing the Ordinary Cell to age. Though it was an accident, he is overcome by guilt for making a cell grow old. Shortly after, an awards ceremony is held for new Red Blood Cells, where AA2153 is chosen for the Rookie of the Year award. Though they started on the job at the same time, AC1677 is pained by a sense of inferiority towards his coworker, but a senior Red Blood Cell approaches him and says that he understands how he must feel. The senior Red Blood Cell says, “I know a place that will make you feel better,” and tries to take AC1677 somewhere.
Alcohol, smoking, and stress—in the body subjected to these irritants, the cells responsible for maintaining life seem to fight a war that never ends. Due to a severe shortage of workers, Red Blood Cell AA2153 has to quickly learn to deliver oxygen and collect carbon dioxide, even in dangerous conditions. Meanwhile, White Blood Cell U-1196 has to do her part by dealing with germs and viruses during life-threatening situations. In the midst of these crises, they have to work together to keep the body healthy, despite not knowing if their sacrifices will be worthwhile. Cells at Work! Code Black takes a different approach by showing the grittier side of the jobs our cells perform.
