100 years after the events of known as "The Medusa Calamity" things have changed. The witches, and the DWMA are now at peace. The soul wavelengths coming from the moon effect the Witch's souls in the Death Scythes, making them immortal. Though Soul still holds the title "The Last Death Scythe" it is largely symbolic, as more have come since. He retains the title as a close friend with the new Death, and part of the assault on the moon. Through the new peace an agreement has been made, the names of witches worthy of the death penalty are given to Death. As immortality is now a result of becoming a Death Scythes many weapons now elect not to complete the ritual. However as this took a several years to learn. Liz, Patty, and Tsubaki have all become Death Scythes. The wavelengths have also effected the Black Blood in Maka causing her to become immortal. The witch Angela, who later became Black Star's wife now wields Tsubaki. Death now runs the Academy, and seldom has need to fight. The rules of the DWMA have changed. Thanks to the example set forth by Kim Diehl witches are now accepted as Meisters.
(This is just setting up the world for the actual story, and there will be more of this to come.