EVA: Shinji Ikari Returns from Tiga

Chapter 35: Plants at Work
The third shelter, the sixth hangar——

Rei Ayanami, wearing a white pilot suit, squatted quietly beside Unit 00, adjusting the relevant values ​​of the insertion plug.

In the blood-red liquid, EVA Unit 0 stood quietly, a hollow doll without spirit and soul... just like a tombstone waiting for its own entrance.

"...?"

The sudden burst of noise attracted Rei Ayanami's attention.

The originally blocked passage of the sixth parking bay suddenly opened, and the empty space next to Unit-00... Unit-01 slowly appeared on the track.

…Why was Opportunity No. 01 suddenly transported here?
Could it be that something happened to Ikari-san...?
Rei Ayanami was so distracted by her concerns that she couldn't concentrate on adjusting the plug. She didn't even notice the footsteps that she was once so familiar with were coming up behind her.

"…Korea."

Obviously, as soon as I approached her, the girl responded immediately.

This time, I had already walked behind her, but she didn't notice at all. I had to speak first before she would notice...

This contrast caused an indescribable negative emotion to surge in Ikari Gendo's heart.

"…commander!"

Rei Ayanami turned around in surprise, and after confirming the identity of the visitor, she stood up politely.

——It’s incredible.

It's not that I feel surprised by Ikari Gendo's appearance...

But, before, just hearing this man’s footsteps, smelling this man’s scent, feeling this man’s presence… would give me the joy of having the emptiness in my heart filled.

But this time, not only was I completely unaware of his arrival... even the inexplicable joy I once felt faded a lot... Could it be that something really changed in me...?

"The restart experiment of Unit-0 will begin soon."

"Yes."

"…Are you afraid?"

In response to Ikari Gendo's concern, Ayanami Rei shook her head lightly.

"will not."

"…Is that so? This time, it will definitely go smoothly."

I wonder if even Gendou Ikari himself didn't notice it... When he was comforting Rei Ayanami, there was a slight curve at the corner of Gendou Ikari's mouth... as if he was smiling.

That was an expression Shinji Ikari had never seen in the two months since he came to NERV.

The moment she saw Ikari Gendo's smile... Ayanami Rei didn't feel excited or happy...

Instead, an idea that even I found incredible came to mind -

"Commander... can I ask you a favor?"

"what?"

"Next time... could you please smile like this in front of Ikari-san?"

The moment he heard Shinji Ikari's name, the already faint arc in his expression completely disappeared, replaced by coldness and alienation.

"…Did I laugh? You're seeing things."

He turned around to hide the cold expression on his face from Rei Ayanami, and happened to see Shinji Ikari walking towards him, led by Misato Katsuragi.

And it is impossible for the perceptive Shinji Ikari not to notice Gendo Ikari's gaze.

The father and the son looked at each other in silence... There was no trace of affection in their eyes, only wariness and rejection of each other.

"-What happened? Lieutenant Colonel Katsuragi? Why was Unit 01 transferred to the Third Internment Camp?" In response to Ikari Gendo's question, Katsuragi Misato saluted respectfully.

"Yes! During the synchronization training just now, Professor Akagi discovered that there was something wrong with Unit-01's synchronization index. To ensure a more accurate assessment, it was transferred to the Third Internment Camp to be recalculated using a new calculator. The Technical Development Department has already issued a formal investigation report. Is there anything that needs to be corrected?"

"Is that so... Since it's Dr. Akagi's arrangement, I have no reason to object."

Gendō Ikari agreed with this action. After all, Ritsuko Akagi was one of the few people in NERV who had a deep understanding of the core secrets of EVA.

"…Shinji."

After confirming the situation, Ikari Gendo's cold eyes fell on Ikari Shinji.

"Any instructions, Commander?"

I was immediately met with a look of determination, a look so resolute, so clear, without a trace of confusion...

This is definitely not what he expected Shinji Ikari to have, who was isolated and alienated by everyone and closed his heart.

It's only natural that a person like Shinji Ikari can't possess a very strong AT field... He might not even be able to awaken Unit-01.

"I heard that you let Li move into your apartment?"

"…Yes."

"why?"

"Just like you let Asuka stay with me. As fellow EVA pilots, we naturally need to develop rapport and teamwork to demonstrate our consistent strength in battle against the Angels."

Ikari Gendō didn't answer... After all, it was Ikari Gendō who arranged for Asuka to live with him.

But... there is another arrangement that Shinji Ikari doesn't know about... that is, Gendo Ikari secretly asked Ryoji Kaji to sow discord between Asuka and Shinji Ikari.

Earlier in the infirmary, Ryoji Kaji noticed that Asuka was eavesdropping and deliberately slandered Asuka in front of Shinji Ikari... This is the reason.

Let the two pilots live together, and at the same time make them dislike and hate each other... through the rejection of each other, a strong wall of heart will be created... This is the reason why Ikari Gendō gave this order.

However, it didn't work well for Shinji Ikari...it could even be said to be counterproductive, and it actually brought him and Asuka closer.

"Then, I look forward to your performance the next time the apostles attack."

Because he was the one who let Asuka move in... At this point, he was in no position to deny Rei Ayanami's move in, so Ikari Gendo could only leave after saying a few polite words.

The oppressive atmosphere between Ikari Gendō and Ikari Shinji made them afraid to speak, and after confirming that Ikari Gendō had completely left, Katsuragi Misato and Asuka spoke awkwardly.

"Wow, you two... your relationship is really not good..."

"Yes, Shinji-kun, he is your father after all... How can you call him commander instead of father or dad?"

In response to Misato Katsuragi's foolish question, Shinji Ikari smiled teasingly.

"Miss Misato, you're called a plant when you're working! There's no father here, only me, the commander and pilot of NERV."

Misato Katsuragi rolled his eyes at Shinji Ikari. If he really thought so... he should have called himself Colonel Katsuragi instead of Miss Misato.

"You're suddenly acting like this. You don't even smile when you're talking to your father... Stupid Shinji is acting like stupid Shinji. He's smiling like an idiot when he's talking to us, so why is it that only your father is acting like this?"

Asuka questioned fiercely, but... Shinji Ikari could feel... that she was just trying to persuade him in a roundabout way not to become too distant from Gendo Ikari.

"Ikari-kun—"

While chatting and laughing, Ayanami Rei also walked to the side of the group. She first checked Shinji Ikari from head to toe with her eyes... After confirming that she didn't see any injuries or abnormalities, she smiled with relief.

"Great, you're okay."

(End of this chapter)