"And this is precisely the result they don't want anyone to know, just like what the Self-Defense Forces are doing, but even more clandestine. Unit 13 is being built with components simultaneously from seven different locations; the project is extremely secretive."
"Can you confirm the accuracy of the source of the information?"
"The information came from Shanghai, and the source is very reliable. All seven components have been completed, and only transportation to the Seris Beiping branch for final work remains."
"Why are you in such a hurry to do the work at this time?" Misato Katsuragi grasped the key point.
"They lost two EVAs before, and now two more are frozen, and two are severely damaged. They must be busy preparing for the second round of maintenance to strengthen their combat capabilities, right?"
“No, that’s not right.” Misato Katsuragi rejected the guess. “It’s not necessary to go to such lengths just to strengthen our forces to fight the Angels.”
Unit-01 was merely frozen, unlike Unit-02 which was damaged; this alone was enough to handle any disaster. The people of SEELE are probably brewing an even more terrifying plan.
This machine, built with such great effort, may be an even more ultimate machine than the three and six units that were completed under the Marduk Project.
Enhancing combat capabilities is the right thing to do, but the target should not be the Apostles. Rather, it should be an existence that poses a greater threat than the Apostles.
"It's like a storm is brewing." Taking a deep breath, Misato Katsuragi raised her head and turned to walk towards the tunnel.
----------
----------
Naha, Okinawa Prefecture.
A black Mercedes convertible passed by the coast of Naha. The typhoon had just passed yesterday, and the air was quite fresh, carrying a slightly salty sea breeze. Radio experts said this was due to global warming caused by minors using mobile phones, and urged everyone to care for the healthy growth of minors.
"Hikaru-chan, the weather forecast says it'll be sunny for the next few days." Asuka leaned in next to him and showed him the weather forecast.
"Yes, but the weather forecasts along the coast aren't very accurate. The temperature might be okay, but the weather can change in an instant, so it can only be used as a reference." Hikari nodded. Although she was on vacation, she was a little reserved.
Okinawa truly lives up to its reputation as a tourist city. As soon as I got off at Naha Airport, the car that Shinji Ikari had arranged was already waiting in the parking lot.
Asuka and herself sat in the back of this luxury car, while Shinji Ikari sat in the driver's seat without any surprise, and Rei Ayanami sat quietly in the passenger seat, looking out the window at the scenery.
From the moment they landed in the afternoon until they got into the car, it was Asuka who did all the talking—or rather, she was talking to herself. Occasionally she would strike up a conversation with Rei Ayanami, and the entire journey was spent discussing the plans for the trip, completely ignoring Shinji Ikari, their benefactor. Hikaru had a feeling that the two of them were playing a very trendy game, and she was the key flirting prop in their game.
The class president's current situation is quite delicate. On the surface, she is Asuka's good friend, but in private, she also has a good relationship with Rei Ayanami. In secret, she also has a deep and subtle friendship with her future brother-in-law, Shinji Ikari. If she were in a romance drama, she would definitely be a seemingly innocent and pure woman who secretly seduces her best friend's boyfriend. In the end, justice would naturally prevail and eliminate this scoundrel who is a disgrace to the country, while the male and female leads passionately kiss under the pink sunset.
As for what happens next—whether it's subtitles or something else entirely—it depends on whether the production company is TMA Co., Ltd. or Fuji Television. Of course, if it's Houbunsha, the female lead might also burst into tears after the kiss, saying they're not a good match, then take her blue-haired best friend's hand and run into the sunset.
In short, there were only five people on this trip, but the intricate relationships between them were enough to make Dongmu Guang's scalp tingle.
As for why there are five instead of four, it's because Suzuhara Sakura is also there. The junior high school girl, who will be starting middle school after this summer vacation, sits obediently next to her, also looking out the window, as quiet as the emotionless goddess Rei Ayanami.
Okinawa is currently in peak tourist season, with streets lined with tourists, the largest group being Chinese from the neighboring western mainland. Distinguishing between Japanese and Chinese is relatively easy; for example, Asians wearing kimonos are highly likely to be Chinese. They are mostly dressed in brightly colored kimonos, excitedly taking photos with their phones, and their gait is also easily distinguishable, displaying more energy. Meanwhile, native Japanese people tend to have a more relaxed, gait.
Hikaru turned his head and saw that Asuka was unusually quiet, staring blankly at the scenery outside the car window, her pupils filled with groups of tourists.
"It's quite obvious, isn't it? Japan is a very reserved and polite country. Even when traveling, people tend to be more restrained and try not to cause trouble for others. But they are better able to exercise their rights as tourists. This is a cultural difference between countries," Hikaru Toki said softly.
"No... I was just thinking that the cotton candy cost two thousand. Was that old man in the floral t-shirt trying to rip off tourists like idiots? I really wanted to twist his head off and use it as a football."
Asuka actually just wanted to rub her butt, because she thought she'd go swimming right after getting off the plane, so she was wearing her swimsuit under her casual clothes. After such a long car ride, her swim trunks were now stuck in her butt crack.
Arriving at the booked hotel. A group of handsome men in classic black and white overalls opened the car door, bowed deeply with their hands pressed against their trouser creases, and said: "Yila xia yi ma se!"
After settling their luggage, Shinji Ikari briefly took them to explore the nearest Makishi Public Market and its surrounding area. Ingredients purchased on the first floor could be cooked at the restaurants on the second floor, a local specialty.
However, instead of buying some hot tempura, they strolled back to the hotel, eating it by hand.
At the Ryukyu Onsen Raicho Island Hotel, Hikari Toki, who had just finished showering, was drying her hair with a towel. She stared blankly at the large bathtub that could fit two people. The bathtub was fine, but why was it placed on the balcony?
She stared blankly at the exposed balcony, feeling rather out of touch with reality.
"I thought there would be an evening event tonight." Asuka walked out of the back bathroom and looked at Hikaru Horiki, who was wrapped in a bath towel.
"Go to bed early this morning, don't stay up late. You need to get up at seven tomorrow, have breakfast, and get ready. I'll send you the schedule." Hikaru Toki repeatedly reminded Asuka like a mother.
Hikari Toki doesn't intend to sort out the current situation until it's clear. She's determined to stand firm in her position and help Asuka and Shinji Ikari's relationship progress.
"Ugh, this is so troublesome, just looking at it makes my head spin." Asuka felt a bit of a toothache as soon as she received the document sent by Hikaru Toki. The travel plan Hikaru sent her was just too meticulous.
The itinerary was meticulously planned, with half-hour intervals, having been in the works since waking up at 7 a.m. They planned to take the monorail to Asahibashi Station, walk 5 minutes to Naha Bus Terminal, and visit their first stop, the Katsuragi Castle Ruins. Then they would take the Yokatsu Line to the Katsuragi Danchi-mae bus stop, head to Shuri Park, the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and then go shopping at the duty-free American Village… The detailed itinerary left Asuka speechless, acutely aware of Hikaru's maternal instincts, and also blushing with embarrassment.
Because there are too many activities planned to promote her relationship with Shinji Ikari, including playing the role of a male and female messenger from the Tang Dynasty at Shuri Castle, holding hands and touching the stone carvings symbolizing many children and many blessings at Gyokusendo Cave, drawing lots for blessings at the Naminoue Shrine, and finally kissing each other on the Ferris wheel in American Village, where they pledged their lives to each other.
Hikari Toki arranged everything, including drawing a fortune stick at the Naminoue Shrine, as she had already called the shrine in Shinji Ikari's name. Upon learning it was Shinji Ikari, the staff were filled with respect, assuring her that the fortune stick interpreted the next day would definitely be a love fortune. They assured her that she had absolute faith in the professionalism of their interpreters.
After going through this whole process, Hikaru Toki couldn't believe that these two lonely people could still pretend to be innocent. Even those who don't believe in fate should believe that they are destined for each other, and they should kiss and pledge their lives to each other on the Ferris wheel.
"Hmm! Actually, it doesn't have to be so complicated. I can win him over with just a flick of my wrist!" Asuka grumbled as she packed her bags. But she planned to study it carefully before going to bed.
"Then what are you doing?" Hikaru frowned. "Aren't you going to live with me?" Hikaru could see through Asuka's plan.
"Sorry, sorry!" Asuka clasped her hands together and stuck out her tongue. "I really want to get close to Hikari, but I don't really trust that honor student. She'll definitely take this opportunity to sneak into Shinji's room at night. I have to move in with her and keep an eye on her."
Asuka doesn't just distrust Rei Ayanami, she doesn't even trust Shinji Ikari.
When the rooms were being assigned, she stared at Shinji Ikari and saw that he would share a room with Hikari Toki, Rei Ayanami and Sakura Suzuhara would share a room, and she would have a double room!
Upon seeing the king-size bed, Asuka sensed Shinji Ikari's wicked and despicable intentions, and she—the ally of justice, Asuka—would never let his evil scheme succeed!
"And what about me?" Hikaru's eyes widened.
"I'll let little Suzuhara Sakura stay with you. We'll switch rooms. Don't worry, I'll definitely get up on time tomorrow morning!"
Although Hikari didn't believe that a girl with Rei Ayanami's aloof temperament would commit such a night raid, since Asuka had said so, she could only give her a few more instructions before closing the door again.
Five minutes later, the doorbell rang again.
"So fast?" Hikaru Toki muttered.
Hikari quickly got out of bed. She knew Sakura Suzuhara would come, but she didn't expect her to come so soon.
170: Suzuhara Sakura? Hikaru Holoki's Great Adventure!
But when he reached the entrance and put his hand on the doorknob, Hikaru Toki suddenly realized that if it was Sakura Suzuhara outside the door, how could she not have a room key?
Then—who exactly is standing outside the door?
Hikaru cautiously pressed the control panel near the door, bringing up the video feed from outside. A waiter in a black pencil skirt and red tie politely nodded and smiled at the camera.
"Private Marseille, excuse me for disturbing you. This is a late-night snack that Mr. Ikari ordered for you and Ms. Asuka," Fei Wu, wearing a bodycon skirt, pushed in a gleaming silver food cart. "Pork belly and white bean salad, white bean soup, cake, panna cotta, and two servings of gelato. Would you like us to serve you, or would you like to do it yourself?"
"We can do this ourselves, thank you." Hikari looked at the waiter in front of her. She was really not used to being served food.
The waiter gave a polite slight bow, then placed the late-night snack on a transparent round table on the balcony before leaving the room.
It wasn't Shinji Ikari; Hikaru Toki had thought it was him.
She patted her cheeks. "Hikaru, Hikari, you're really obsessed with men! Even if Shinji Ikari is a womanizer, he couldn't possibly be in this state! Since he booked a double room, it means he didn't intend to do anything to me. Stop being so dramatic, Hikari!"
"What a fool of me," Hikaru muttered, glancing sideways at the late-night snack laid out on the round table.
It must be Italian food. Looking at the exquisite plating in front of him, Hikaru Toki suddenly felt that Shinji Ikari had gone to too much trouble.
But he's only benefiting from Asuka's fame; the only person he truly cares about is Asuka. "That's great," Hikaru thought, picking up an ice cream and walking to the balcony. "Ikari-chan is great in every way, except for being a bit of a womanizer."
Back on the balcony, Hikaru saw the white bathtub again, big enough for two people. Then, having finished his bath, Hikaru suddenly understood its purpose: it wasn't about bathing while facing the night view of the sea, but rather about soaking in the tub and enjoying the sea view afterward.
However, the introverted Hikari had no interest in this. She closed the sliding glass doors hidden on both sides, then drew the curtains. After glancing at the boy standing behind the curtains, she turned around and picked up her teacup.
Wait, what did I just see? Just as Hikari was realizing what was happening, someone hugged her waist from behind and gently rested their chin on her left shoulder.
"Happy birthday!!" Shinji Ikari stretched out from behind him, holding a bouquet of bright red roses in front of him.
"I'm not Asuka, you've got the wrong person! Let me go! Shinji-kun!" Hikaru Toki struggled to break free from Shinji Ikari's embrace, but the moment their eyes met, her legs went weak.
"No mistake, it's you." Shinji Ikari smiled. At this moment, the boy's handsome face had a pure smile like a lotus flower. Faced with this smile, even if you knew he was not a good match, you couldn't say anything malicious.
"It's your birthday today, right? Happy birthday." He actually reached out and gently stroked Hikaru's cheek.
"Ugh, you said you wouldn't interfere with my life!" Hikaru tried to dodge, but his body didn't react.
But the moment Shinji Ikari's hand touched his cheek, Hikaru felt an indescribable warmth. It wasn't because the other's hand was warm and moist, but rather a tangible warmth flowing from his heart throughout his body. That simple and natural touch felt like something he'd experienced thousands of times in his dreams; it was the most primal physiological impulse.
Hikaru suddenly understood why he hadn't dodged; subconsciously, he too longed to embrace him.
Shinji Ikari didn't give Hikari any chance to overthink things. He lowered his head and embraced and kissed her until she reciprocated by hugging him back. Then they fell onto the bed together, and the bathrobes that were originally simply tied were now completely open. Hikari shyly covered Shinji's eyes.
"Don't do anything rash, I'm still in my fertile period today, at least first..."
“I didn’t mean that, I just wanted to hug you.” Shinji Ikari kissed her lips.
"Hehe, then get up and let me get dressed first..."
"I'm tired, I miss you so much."
"Don't change the subject, let me get up first..."
In the midst of their haphazard embrace, Hikari finally reached for the pedestal and turned off the room's lights. By this time, she had ceased to resist; whether you call it resignation or acceptance, she allowed Shinji Ikari to do as he pleased.
Actually, when I think about it carefully, it seems that there's nothing between me and Shinji Ikari that's shameful. He's not anyone's boyfriend right now; he's just Asuka's crush. We're just friends, maybe a little closer at most.
Convincing oneself is undoubtedly the easiest thing to do, and after accepting this, Hikari Toki also fully accepted Shinji Ikari. Even if Asuka came back now, she wouldn't be afraid at all, Hikari thought to herself, her eyes glazed over.
With a creak, the door opened. As the lock clicked shut, Hikaru Toki jolted, suddenly realizing that death was imminent.
"Excuse me, may I come in?" A slightly immature voice rang out at the door.
Hikaru Toki suddenly pulled up the blankets, covering Shinji Ikari and himself completely inside, leaving only his own head sticking out.
In the dim light, Hikaru Toki could vaguely make out a slender figure. Although he couldn't see the face clearly, he could tell from the figure that it was Sakura Suzuhara, who had switched rooms with Asuka, rather than Asuka herself.
"Hikari-neechan? Are you asleep?" Suzuhara Sakura asked cautiously. "Did I disturb your rest?"
At this moment, Hikaru was extremely grateful that he had turned off the light in the chaos, otherwise, with that big bulge in the bedding, anyone would have guessed that someone was hiding under their blankets.
It's not that it's impossible for a man to be hidden in the bedding of a girl's bedroom, like in anime. However, at this moment, Hikari and Shinji Ikari are still embracing each other. She can even feel him wrapping himself around behind her in the bedding, reaching out to hug her waist again, and drawing circles near her navel.
Hikaru grabbed Shinji Ikari's forearm, warning him not to do anything reckless. Then he smiled and looked at Sakura Suzuhara who was approaching.
"I'm scheduled to get up at 7 a.m. tomorrow, so it's fine. There's cake and a late-night snack on the balcony. Do you see anything you like?"
“No need, I’ve already eaten over there and brushed my teeth.” Suzuhara Sakura said, then climbed onto Hikari’s bed. “Hikari-neechan, can I sleep with you?”
"Well, I'm not really comfortable with that." Hikaru bit his lip, trying to suppress the discomfort he was experiencing, and managed to answer her in a normal voice.
"But I'm a little scared, is it really not okay?" Suzuhara Sakura looked regretful.
"Sure, come on over." A muffled male voice sounded from under the covers.
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