Shinji Ikari, returned from Warhammer

In truth, she already had the answer in her heart; she was just waiting for the process of revealing it.

The next second, a sharp alarm blared throughout Hakone. The well-prepared development team members took off running, not wanting to experience another scorching angel disaster.

"What are you running for! The simulator isn't contaminated, everyone back to your seats!" Ritsuko Akagi's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears. The chaos in the development department made even her, the department head, lose face.

She looked at the big screen, the honeycomb-shaped red alarm was incredibly glaring.

A buzzing sound came from Ritsuko Akagi's sleeve; it was her cell phone vibrating inside. The only person in the world who would call her was Misato Katsuragi.

Ritsuko Akagi pulled out her phone, glanced at it, and her expression changed: "We've detected an anomaly at the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula. The map shows blue, confirming it's an Angel! Misato's calling us over!"

Unbeknownst to anyone, Asuka, inside the simulator's cockpit, also breathed a sigh of relief. The sudden appearance of the Angel had interrupted her mental test.

But soon, she discovered a very serious problem.

"I'm still in the cockpit! Don't go! Let me out first!"

Shinji Ikari strode through the corridor, the piercing alarm blaring clearly audible from every corner of the department, with flashing yellow warning lights visible everywhere along the corridor.

Three minutes later, Shinji Ikari arrived at the control room of the inspection department.

"What happened?" Shinji Ikari asked simply and directly as he walked into the monitoring room.

"We received information that we discovered what appears to be a new Angel, possibly appearing and disappearing four days ago, on the seabed west of Cape Shio at the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula. It is still in the same spot and has not moved. Based on its movement route, it is highly likely that it will reappear in the waters near Tokyo Port." Shigeru Aoba immediately stood up and replied.

"The Kii Peninsula? Isn't that where the Music Apostles first appeared? It seems like there have been a lot of earthquakes lately." Someone chimed in from the side.

“Yes, so some people speculate that it might be related to the Music Apostle,” Aoba Shigeru replied. “It was discovered by an American research team, who have now been killed, but the video has been sent over.”

The scenes that the research team that had been killed had witnessed were presented before them. Although they had also experienced many instances of Angels being violated by Unit-01, the scenes before them still made them feel physically uncomfortable.

The video was taken by the second escorting missile submarine, which failed to fulfill its escorting duties because the creature they encountered was beyond their capabilities.

The research submarine was severed by something sharp, and the corpses of the researchers inside were devoured by bizarrely shaped apostles. Crimson blood clung to the submarine's hull, frantically sucking at human flesh. Only after all the flesh was consumed did the moss-like growth clinging to the submarine's surface crack, and the submarine slowly sank deeper into the ocean depths by gravity.

----------

PS1: Due to Rei Ayanami's character and the needs of the plot, the old design of the Uterus Angel was used.

As described, it resembles a cut-open uterus, from which legs grow, along with moss-like flesh and blood tissue, a jumble of growing reproductive organs and uterine limbs... The final form is a humanoid, pregnant woman-like life form with a large belly and no head, surrounded by an umbilical cord like a halo, or rather, a halo like an umbilical cord.

It might be disgusting in anime or comics, but it's fine in a novel.

PS2: In fact, the Angels also have a gradual process of completion. The Water Angels showed outstanding learning ability from the beginning. The Seraphim and Night Angels knew to improve themselves through Evangelion. The Bird Angels were also able to complete themselves by reading human thoughts.

Although they lack wisdom and only know to run towards Adam (Lilith), they are actually subconsciously trying to complete themselves.

But time was not on their side; they were killed shortly after birth, and the only one with any brains was a Shinji fan.

207: Japan Sinks, Dangerous Apostle War

"This is a bit troublesome." Misato Katsuragi's expression gradually turned serious after reading the report.

“It’s troublesome.” Ritsuko Akagi adjusted her glasses, her expression equally somber. “The geographical location is troublesome, and this apostle doesn’t seem to have a strong desire to attack.”

"Isn't it good that we don't have a strong desire to attack?" Ibuki Maya asked, somewhat puzzled. "Doesn't this give us more time to prepare?"

Maya Ibuki recalled that several times the Angels that caused great damage to Tokyo-3 were due to insufficient preparation time. The Water Angel, the Rain Angel, the Grail Angel, and the Power Angel—they were all like that. With sufficient preparation, even the formidable Sky Angel only managed to devastate the forests and vegetation of the Koma Mountains. Most of the kinetic energy it carried upon its descent was neutralized by Unit-01's Absolute Terror Field, making it one of the least damaging Angel counterattacks.

“It’s all mutual. While we’re preparing, the Apostles are also growing into more perfect life forms. Don’t forget the Seraphim; it’s all about who can run faster.” Misato Katsuragi turned to look at Ritsuko Akagi, her gaze icy, like a drawn sword. “I need all the information I’ve gathered about the Iga Peninsula during this time!”

“Yes, I understand.” Ritsuko Akagi nodded. At this moment, Misato Katsuragi was no longer her friend, but the head of the operations department and the wartime head of NERV.

At the same time as the Angel was discovered, Japan's Ministry of Home Affairs also received the news. While NERV was discussing countermeasures, several conventionally powered submarines used for scientific research also headed towards the western seabed of Cape Shio at the southern end.

As an island nation, Japan has limited domestic resources and relies heavily on maritime trade. Therefore, its military development focuses on the navy. Due to the restrictions of its pacifist constitution and the League of Nations, the Self-Defense Forces can only develop conventional submarines. However, this has also made Japan one of the world's leading countries in this field.

No matter how dirty the Self-Defense Forces and NERV may appear on the surface, they will always stand on the same side when it comes to the force field against the Angels.

Not long after, a few minutes later, Misato Katsuragi, having learned the whole story, slammed her hand on the table and stood up angrily.

"That means that within just half a day, from the early morning to noon of August 23rd, Japan experienced five earthquakes, all within a mere 10 hours." Misato Katsuragi pointed at the morning news report and glared angrily at everyone. "Are all of you in the inspection department idiots? How could you not have noticed such an obvious anomaly!"

These earthquakes share a common characteristic: they were all very close to the Kii Peninsula. The first three earthquakes occurred almost directly off the coast of Cape Shio at the southern tip of the peninsula, and the latter two were not far away either. Furthermore, the epicenters of these earthquakes were also very close to Tokyo.

Thinking of this, Misato Katsuragi felt a chill run down her spine. While the apostles were still growing quietly, millions of people around them were completely unaware of the danger that was about to strike. By the time the earth-shattering day came, it would be too late.

Shinji Ikari's expression was unusually serious, because strictly speaking, he was the head of the Inspection Department. However, before August, the Inspection Department had been managed by Ryoji Kaji, and after the Vice Commander's kidnapping incident, it was taken over by Hitomi Amagi, a woman with gray hair and green eyes.

"The Soviet Union is willing to provide us with ten N2 bombs to help deal with the Angels," said Hitomi Amagi, the newly appointed deputy minister of the inspection department.

"Need their help? Those Europeans have no good intentions! They'd love for Japan to sink!" Misato Katsuragi sneered.

Many geologists believe that a major earthquake in the Mount Fuji and Tokyo area is inevitable, and that a magnitude 8 or higher earthquake will occur sooner or later. The 5.9 magnitude earthquake of October 7th last year was a foreshock of a mega-earthquake. Currently, Japanese geologists believe that not only are earthquakes on Japanese soil a cause for concern, but at least two even larger earthquakes are also brewing: one is the Nankai Trough earthquake, and the other is a major earthquake east of Hokkaido.

The location where the new apostles, who appeared briefly and then disappeared, were stationed was at the junction of the Pacific Plate and the Eurasian Plate, which is a traditional earthquake-prone area near the Japanese archipelago. Not to mention releasing an N2 bomb comparable to a nuclear bomb, even an ordinary underwater torpedo could trigger a super earthquake due to continuous linked earthquakes.

In particular, the three previous earthquakes that occurred at the same location and depth were very likely the result of magma stirring beneath Mount Fuji.

"General Tsurumaki of the Self-Defense Forces called and said they would scout out the way for us. Please, NERV, remain calm." Makoto Hyuga ran over from next door.

“It seems the Ministry of Home Affairs is scared too,” Misato Katsuragi chuckled. “Are they worried about Japan sinking? We’re not that reckless. We’re not going to drag a hundred million people down with us just to kill an apostle. He’s not worth that price.”

"But should we wait for news from the Self-Defense Forces for now?" Hinata asked.

"No, let's set off now!" Katsuragi Misato looked directly into Hyuga Makoto's somewhat evasive eyes, her tone firm. "I don't know what this new Angel is planning to do at the bottom of the sea, but dragging this out will definitely not lead to anything good! Angels can never have any goodwill towards humans, and what we need to do is nip the disaster in the bud."

“But if we cause too much of a disturbance, it could trigger an undersea earthquake or tsunami, and in the worst case, it could sink Japan.” Ritsuko Akagi said with a serious expression.

"Do you think it's safe to leave the Angels in the West Trench of Cape Shio? The Angels themselves are the biggest destabilizing factor!" Misato Katsuragi waved her hand, her face saying, "I'll make this decision myself, Danzo Akagi, you don't need to say anything more." "Notify all departments to enter wartime mode, EVA, prepare to depart!"

Just then, the red phone on the control panel vibrated. Misato Katsuragi hesitated for a moment, but answered the phone anyway. This phone connected directly to the commander's office. She wanted to find out what was going on there first; perhaps the commander had some new intelligence.

"Hello, is this Minister Katsuragi?" the man on the other end of the phone asked in a deep voice.

"Yes, Fuyutsuki, Vice Commander." Katsuragi Misato lowered her head. "Any instructions?"

Upon hearing Fuyutsuki Kozō's voice, Katsuragi Misato's heart skipped a beat; she felt that her worst fears had come true.

"The final dogma's auxiliary office area is now open. Notify all departments that cadres at level five and above should come here for a meeting," said Fuyutsuki Yukizo before hanging up the phone.

Misato Katsuragi took a deep breath and looked at Ritsuko Akagi.

"Don't look at me, I didn't stop you, Third Hokage," Ritsuko Akagi teased.

"Shut up, I'm not in charge anymore," Misato Katsuragi glared at her irritably. "Let's see what the vice commander decides."

----------

----------

As they slowly descended along the narrow elevator, Hitomi Amagi followed Shinji Ikari into the massive gray building.

This building occupies a prominent position inside Hakone, in the core of the second district, but its style is very different from those church-style buildings.

The entire NERV headquarters actually carries a strong religious theme, with its offices located in a church-like building featuring spires, bell towers, marble sculptures, and huge stained-glass windows. However, the building itself is as plain as a white rock, surrounded by white Roman columns, with extremely high ceilings, giving it a temple-like feel, and is not overshadowed by the exquisite church-like architecture despite its simplicity.

Shinji Ikari only glanced at her from afar, his gaze sweeping over the vice-captain, Hitomi Amagi, beside him. He recalled that since she replaced Ryoji Kaji as the new vice-captain, he felt like he hadn't exchanged more than a few words with her. Shinji wanted to say something nice to ease the overly tense atmosphere, but as soon as he raised his hand, she recoiled several steps away like a startled rabbit.

"Minister, I have no plans to be in a relationship... You are very kind, I admire you greatly, but I only have admiration for you..."

"Shut up! Five earthquakes struck Japan in the half-day between the early morning and noon of August 23rd. As the vice minister, you have seriously neglected your duties!" Shinji Ikari turned around expressionlessly and stared coldly at Hitomi Amagi, who had gray hair.

"Hi! Private Marseille!"

But after being reprimanded by her boss, Hitomi Amagi showed a relieved smile and instinctively lowered her head to accept the scolding. Seeing this, Shinji Ikari couldn't help but sigh. Was his reputation within NERV for messing around with women? Why was his department's vice president so wary of him? This made Shinji Ikari feel very tired.

To sow discord among colleagues in the department—this must be a sinister plot.

[Grand Colonel Ikari, greetings. The Central Dogmatic Zone office area is now open to you. The express lane is open for you; please use lane number four with the officials from the Inspectorate.]

The mechanical female voice of the MAGI system pulled the two back to reality from the awkward atmosphere. Shinji Ikari put away his security card and glanced at Hitomi Amagi, gesturing for her to follow.

By the time Shinji Ikari arrived, almost everyone had already gathered. Shinji didn't see Gendo Ikari; the meeting was still being chaired by Vice Commander Fuyutsuki.

Misato Katsuragi sat beside her with a serious expression. Only at this moment did she understand the real reason for this meeting.

In times of emergency, NERV has absolute command over the Allied Forces and the Allied Forces' member states. The Self-Defense Forces are also aware that they cannot, and have no right to, restrain NERV's annihilation operations. After the Self-Defense Forces learned that the Angels were hovering over the Cape Shio West Trough at the southern tip of the Iga Peninsula, they immediately notified the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications quickly called the Allied Forces, and then SEELE... In less than half an hour, dozens of calls, including those from the Allied Forces, SEELE, Australia, and Seris of the Western Continent, reached Gendo Ikari.

"This is the answer from Japanese geologist Manabu Takahashi, who also believes that a super earthquake will occur in the Nankai Trough of Japan. Professor Keiaki Kawata of Kansai University stated that if a major earthquake were to occur in the Iga Peninsula Trough, it could cause the deaths of more than 400,000 Japanese residents, with economic losses reaching 100 trillion to 150 trillion yen." Yukimasa Fuyutsuki gestured to MAGI to project the geothermal data from the Japan Disaster Prevention Committee onto the big screen.

"So, are we just going to stand by and watch, and throw the baby out with the bathwater?" Misato Katsuragi stood up.

"Of course not, but conventional combat plans can't be used. Moreover, SEELE has ordered that only the most basic F-type equipment can be carried, and there are many restrictions on weapons. Take a look for yourself."

The document was pushed in front of Misato Katsuragi, but after only glancing at it a few times, she asked the most crucial question, "What about the personnel involved in this operation?"

To be precise, whether or not Shinji Ikari exists is what Misato Katsuragi cares about most.

Fuyutsuki Yukizo glanced at Shinji Ikari sitting on his right. "According to the League of Nations, Australia, Seris, and the Self-Defense Forces, they hope that we will not deploy the Third Child, Shinji Ikari, in this operation. This is because the Third Child makes too much noise during combat, and is more likely to cause earthquakes than other pilots."

Misato Katsuragi remained silent, because judging from her tone, Vice Commander Fuyutsuki was likely to make another move.

“But since SEELE has no objections, I think it’s fine. I have faith in Shinji Ikari’s abilities,” Yukimasa Fuyutsuki said, looking at Misato Katsuragi with a serious expression. “We can deploy the Third Child and have him pilot Evangelion on a mission. But the mobile suit he pilots cannot be Unit-01, its output power…” Fuyutsuki didn’t finish his sentence, but everyone understood.

Shinji Ikari's destructive power when piloting Unit-01 was already extraordinary, and now the core of the Devouring Bird Angel has been fully awakened. The battlefield happens to be located at the junction of the Pacific Plate and the Eurasian Plate, which is a traditionally earthquake-prone area near the Japanese archipelago. According to the calculations of the Japanese Disaster Prevention Committee, if the force is slightly excessive, there is a very small probability that it could cause Japan to sink.

"I already said it's extremely small, the possibility is minuscule," Misato Katsuragi muttered softly.

"Minister Katsuragi, are the lives of 100 million people so cheap in your eyes?" Fuyutsuki Yukio glared at her, and Katsuragi Misato immediately fell silent. "Moreover, there's a greater possibility that the continuous, interconnected earthquakes could trigger a super-strong earthquake, which could even cause Mount Fuji to erupt!"

"This won't do, that won't do, this battle was really frustrating."

“So the objective of this mission is simply to drive the Angels away from the western trench at Cape Shio,” Yukizo Fuyutsuki turned to the side, looked at Shinji Ikari, and nodded slightly. “From now on, it’s up to you.”

Shinji Ikari nodded, but made no promises.

“MAGI, notify the National League of the execution team list,” Fuyutsuki Yukizo turned to look at the big screen, moved quickly, and began to gather information. “The action plan is being formulated, and we will report to them in a timely manner.”

"Understood." A mechanical female voice came from loudspeakers all around.

"Due to the special nature of this operation, the entire mission must be conducted under the supervision of the League of Nations and the Japanese Ministry of Home Affairs. However, they will also provide us with the greatest possible assistance. In addition to nuclear weapons and N2 bombs, the highest priority will be the aid of various military facilities and equipment..."

Misato Katsuragi was indifferent; in her view, Shinji Ikari was enough.

This is also the true sentiment of most employees within NERV.

208: The Weakest Apostle? The True Power of the Uterus Angel!