Shinji Ikari, the pilot of Unit-01 during the Spirit Awakening Era

Shinji Ikari, inside the cockpit, picked at his ear. This sound... oh dear, he was afraid that the next second this guy would yell, "JOJO, I'm not human anymore!"

At Aoki Shigeru's prompting, the three giant EVAs reached for their respective shooting weapons one after another, and Shinji Ikari took out...

"The melee weapons are all ready too!" Shigeru Aoki continued, as weapons from the other building rapidly descended. This time, Shinji Ikari's weapons were gauntlets, the first batch of exclusive weapons and equipment created for Shinji Ikari through the collaborative efforts of the engineering and technical departments. Yes, this equipment was specially developed based on data collected by the technical department during Unit-01's first battle with the Water Angel.

However, according to the calculations made by the technical department based on the data from the "Solar Blaze Bullet" fired by Shinji Ikari when he blasted the Flying Angel, that terrifying energy was simply beyond the capacity of this gauntlet. What? You're asking how Unit-01's hand and the kick it delivered were unharmed? The technical department said they had nothing to say.

"What a thoughtful setup." Asuka drew her naginata and stabbed it in front of her. A rocket launcher and a long weapon—a naginata? Are you kidding me?!

“Target has arrived! Attack range! All machines…” Ibuki Maya said nervously. The apostle, tens of meters tall, had arrived once again. Looking at this huge monster that had emerged from the sea, with its red and blue yin-yang-shaped mask, one felt inexplicably uneasy (neither Khorne nor Tzeentch).

"Rei, use this!" Shinji Ikari tossed the glove to Unit-00, who caught it as Rei turned her head slightly. "If you can't find an opportunity, charge forward. Asuka, I'm in!"

"RUA! Ora Ora!" Asuka grabbed the recoilless rifle in her hand and fired all the shells in the magazine in a four-round burst! Naturally, Asuka, a pilot who had undergone a long period of elite training, would not forget to neutralize the AT field, but at such a long distance, it was hard to say how effective the AT field neutralization would be.

Ripples spread across the Music Angel's AT domain. Its claws were slightly lowered, clearly indicating that it had also suffered a significant impact and had attracted all of its attention.

"Thump thump thump..." Suddenly, more than a dozen specially made 90mm depleted uranium long rod armor-piercing rounds slammed into the shield. The depleted uranium bullets at the tips of the rounds burst into intense heat and sparks in an instant. However, it was clear that this situation did not allow Shinji Ikari to penetrate the opponent's AT field. If the distance were any closer... Shinji Ikari might as well use his fists!

However, it seems that Shinji Ikari never really expected that. He just wanted to buy time for Rei Ayanami's Unit-00 and Asuka Langley Soryu's Unit-02, so that the two EVAs could get close enough.

"Go!" Asuka shouted. Unit-02 tossed aside its rocket launcher, grabbed the naginata stuck in front of it, and charged forward. Unit-00's start was even faster than Unit-02's. "Let me show you the results of my special training! Master Isayama's training is no joke!"

When Unit-02 fired the rocket launcher, Unit-00 and Unit-01 ran forward together. However, Rei Ayanami's familiarity with Shinji Ikari prevented her from remembering to pull the trigger and take turns firing with Shinji. Instead, she lowered her head and rushed forward.

"Buzz!" The attack from the Angel of Music came faster than expected. The energy blast was aimed at Unit-01, which had posed the greatest threat to it so far. However, Shinji Ikari, who had been prepared for this move, simply turned his body slightly to the side and grazed the attack, dodging the terrifying beam. In addition, Shinji Ikari's own AT Field was not weak, so he was completely unharmed.

However, the attack by the Angel of Music still caused enormous destruction; the beam of light that streaked across the ground reduced an entire street to nothing.

A series of explosions erupted continuously on the Angel of Music. Unit-00 stopped its forward charge. As the enemy launched its attack, Unit-00, which had already covered a considerable distance, immediately unleashed its firepower on the Angel of Music, who seemed to be continuing its attack on Unit-01. Although its submachine gun did not have the penetrating power of Shinji Ikari's assault rifle, its rate of fire was much higher. In an instant, all the bullets were sprayed onto the Angel of Music in front of it.

"Hey! We can't cause any more trouble for the engineering department uncles!" Asuka shouted, startling the engineering department and instantly warming their hearts. She piloted Unit-02 and strode towards the Music Angel. The huge naginata in her hand gleamed with the cold light of a snake-man. It spun smoothly, and after a kick, she unleashed a series of ferocious slashes! This move was undoubtedly taught by Mei Isayama.

While wandering aimlessly around NERV headquarters, Mei Isayama bumped into Asuka, who was feeling restless and anxious because of her own weakness. He then laughed and said, "What's the point of just being upset here? You just don't want to look like a piece of trash, right?"

Asuka initially tried to be defiant, but Mei Isayama immediately broke through her defenses, saying, "Then what are you fussing about here? And you've been staring in Shinji's direction since just now." Naturally, Asuka was speechless.

“I’m roughly at his level, do you want to learn? I’ll teach you,” Mei Isayama said with a smile. Unlike Shinji Ikari, she had a very high liking for Asuka, who was more competitive. Since Asuka would also be fighting alongside Shinji, she was willing to give her some pointers.

"I want to! But this is definitely not for Shinji! It's because I am Asuka, the pilot of Unit-02!" Asuka said with such confidence at the time.

"Oh~" Mei Isayama smiled and led Asuka to her and Shinji Ikari's training ground, and began to teach her very seriously how a martial artist uses his weapon.

"Drink!" The gleaming naginata fiercely shattered the AT domain of the music angel before it.

"Final blow!" Unit-02 spun its naginata again, amplifying its destructive power, and swung it down with unwavering resolve, carrying Asuka's determination! The blade slicing the Music Angel in two with remarkable smoothness! "How about that! Nothing special! Good teamwork!"

"Oh! Did we win?" The command center at NERV headquarters was filled with jubilation. This battle had gone so smoothly.

of course not!

"Korea……"

"Hi!"

Unit-00 and Unit-01 suddenly rushed over at the same time, kicking out almost simultaneously, sending the two Music Angels that had split into two flying!

"Don't let your guard down, it's not over yet!"

"Eh!"

Chapter 233 THE~END!

"Asuka, watch out, the opponent's AT field hasn't disappeared! Uh..." Just as Asuka swung her sword and sliced ​​through her opponent, Misato Katsuragi first smiled, but quickly noticed that the data on the screen hadn't changed at all. Her smile immediately disappeared, and she loudly warned Asuka to be careful.

Immediately afterward, Shinji Ikari called out, and Unit-01 and Unit-00, having already discarded their weapons, rushed forward. Unit-01's flying kick and Unit-00's spinning kick together sent the split Angel of Music flying.

"Damn it! This thing can actually... split into two?" Asuka said in surprise. Did her attack just now miss nothing?

"Want to guess if this guy will combine again later?" Shinji Ikari said with a smile. Asuka was clearly a little confused. Wasn't it supposed to be that he would die if he was cut down? How could he pull this trick?

"Hmph! It's just one more slash! Ah~!" Asuka said somewhat unconvinced as she watched Shinji Ikari charge forward again. She piloted Unit-02, its sword still blazing with killing intent, ready to cut its opponent in two! However, Unit-02, wielding its long weapon, conveniently blocked the attack routes of both Shinji Ikari's Unit-01 and Rei Ayanami's Unit-00.

"Eh!" Unit-02's swung naginata did not easily cut through the Music Angel as before. Her long sword was blocked by the Music Angel's split body. Asuka hesitated for a moment. After all, she had only been training for a short time. Unit-02 simply stood still and obediently unleashed her power to suppress the opponent's block.

To be fair, this isn't wrong, but there's a premise: that Unit 2 was attacking, and that they were in a one-on-one duel. In such a contest, it would be difficult for the opponent to break free and launch a sneak attack on Unit 2. But right now, there's another one right next to it!

"Back off!" Shinji Ikari, who had circled around Asuka Unit-02 from behind, could only shout as he realized it was too late.

"Huh?" Asuka turned around, but it was too late to dodge.

"Unit 2's left arm has broken off!" Ibuki Maya reported loudly.

"Asuka is in good spirits! It seems that the special training over this period of time has not been in vain!" Shigeru Aoki took a deep breath and glanced slightly at Ayato Kamina, who was watching the battle from the side of Misato Katsuragi. They had heard about the deal between TERRA, the Babem Foundation, and NERV, but watching it directly from the command platform like this... wouldn't there be a risk of leaking secrets?

Misato Katsuragi persuaded Kozo Fuyutsuki in this way: "Ayato Kamina is not a professionally trained intelligence officer and cannot remember the tiny markings on our electronic map; moreover, he is not a technician, and he cannot understand the data on the screen. He can only look at the battle scenes, and this is the same no matter where you look at it." Kozo Fuyutsuki nodded and agreed to the matter.

NERV's defense facilities were built without any prior contact with anyone, and since they are mostly large-scale defensive structures, if the Japanese government were truly interested in collecting data, they would certainly have a clear and accurate record of the situation.

At the scene of the battle, after Unit-02's left arm was broken by the energy impact of the Angel of Music, it was no longer suitable to continue fighting with one hand holding the naginata. Instead, the opponent seized the opportunity and tore open the armor plate of Unit-02's abdomen with a claw, tearing open two huge bloody gashes.

"Asuka! Rei, cover Unit-02's retreat!" Misato Katsuragi immediately made a judgment. Asuka's condition was no longer suitable for continuing the battle. There was no need to let Unit-02 hold out on the front line. The next battle could be left to Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami.

"Hey!" Rei Ayanami's Unit-00 had already charged forward and kicked the front again.

"Okay..." Asuka felt utterly defeated. She had tried her best, but how could she have been so suddenly and severely injured after launching her attack?!

"Your fighting experience is still too limited. Stand back and watch carefully. Fighting isn't that simple." Shinji Ikari understood Asuka's thoughts to some extent. After all, they saw each other every day at school, so how could he not know how competitive Asuka was? Now was the time for him to make the final decision!

"I understand." Asuka felt a bit better. Now that she knew where the problem lay, she roughly understood where she still needed to work harder.

"Hoo... Rei, let's attack together now! Let's take down this guy as quickly as possible!" As he spoke, Shinji Ikari piloted Unit-01 to crash into the ground, the two separate units colliding violently. But at that moment, Angel of Music immediately merged into one. "Hiccup!" Shinji Ikari let out a hiccup, feeling the heavy impact of the collision, and licked his lips. "As expected, it can merge."

"Shinji, both of his cores have been exposed. Are you confident you can take him down? It seems best to deal with them at the same time. If you only take down one, there's a risk of him reviving." Misato Katsuragi said quickly. Because this was an Angel, she wasn't sure if defeating one of them alone would completely eliminate him. This method of separation and fusion made Misato Katsuragi frown.

"At the same time? That's quite a demand!" Shinji Ikari took a deep breath of LCL. "Then let's ignite together, Rei. Do you remember what I briefly taught you before?"

“I remember!” Rei Ayanami nodded. “My hands are burning hot!” Unit-00 charged forward and punched the opponent’s body, sending the Angel of Music flying. The angle was clearly chosen, and the Angel of Music was sent flying directly towards Shinji Ikari.

As Rei Ayanami's voice rang out, everyone in the command hall was visibly startled; the words sounded so familiar.

"It's cheering loudly, letting me grasp victory!" With Shinji Ikari's shout, Unit-01 leaped up and slammed its battle axe down, aiming directly at the opponent's two cores. "You think you can run away?!" This hit hard; even if the Angel of Music didn't die on the spot, at least one of its two cores would be destroyed!

As expected, the music angels separated again without any psychological pressure. The two music angels of different colors stood on the left and right of Unit-01, seemingly preparing to use their energy impact to directly execute Unit-01.

"Style!" Unit-00 charged forward. Rei Ayanami seemed to have misremembered her lines; although she was still shouting them, there was clearly a problem.

"Eastern... Pshaw! Himuro-ryu!" Shinji Ikari curled his lip. Right now, they absolutely couldn't let their secrets slip. Even though the Totsuki Clan had already acquired Himuro-ryu, it was clear they still needed some time to develop their skills discreetly.

As Shinji Ikari finished his shout, a truly unusual situation occurred. A shockwave erupted in front of Unit-01, and golden light once again shot out from its body, quickly obscuring the beach. However, this time, within the golden mist, two dazzling red spots stood out starkly against the faintly golden haze.

"EVA's palm is burning hot!" Ibuki Maya stared at the data in front of her, her face filled with disbelief.

"I saw it without you saying anything... How did Shinji do that? Why can Unit-00 do it too?" Because Shinji had used a similar greeting before, Ritsuko Akagi was familiar with the scene before her, yet it was also very unfamiliar to her! I have nothing to say about what kind of trouble Unit-01 caused! But what's going on with Unit-00!?

"...How did a top student like this happen?!" Asuka clutched her arm. Although it wasn't actually broken, the damn phantom pain was still excruciating. All her hard work and diligent practice over the past few months seemed to have been for nothing because of one slip-up, but what Asuka was seeing now made her start to doubt whether there was something wrong with her eyes!

Two enormous figures burst forth from the mist! Unit-01 and Unit-00 began throwing punches almost simultaneously. Their left fists first sent the two Music Angels floating into the air, followed by a kick that sent them crashing back-to-back. The Music Angels began merging almost without hesitation, and after a transformation of flesh and blood, the two clones would once again become a gigantic body, just like before.

"Now!" Shinji Ikari swung his right palm directly, and the flesh and blood that were in the process of being synthesized were quickly evaporated and vaporized. Two almost identical palms pierced through the body of Angel of Music, and Unit-01 and Unit-00 directly grasped its core! Whether it was the vaporized flesh and blood or some other reason, crimson disgust began to rise from the two cores, and the scene was extremely terrifying for a moment.

"Crack!" With the terrifying high temperature, cracks appeared on both cores of the Music Angel, which quickly spread into large-scale fissures. As the EVA hand, flashing with crimson light, closed, the massive cracks erupted on the core. In just a few seconds, it finally shattered into a pile of debris with a crack. The merging flesh and blood instantly dyed the sea surface on the beach completely red.

“THE!” Rei Ayanami said, though not very loudly.

"END!" Shinji Ikari shouted loudly; after all, he'd been acting like a chuunibyou for a long time.

"Baka Shinji!" Asuka tossed her head, feeling like a clown. Her first battle was over just like that?! She stared blankly at Unit-01, which was being sprayed with blood again amidst the exploding flesh, turning it crimson red.

Chapter 234 The Chaotic Situation

"What are you looking at? Recover Unit 2 first, and immediately begin arm repair! Unit 1 and Unit 0 on alert, this thing might not be dead yet!" After a moment of stunned silence, Misato Katsuragi realized that this was no time to be dazed and immediately issued orders: "All systems self-check for damage, observe the damaged streets for pollution, stop dazed, get moving!"

This pollution really doesn't refer to anything else. As mentioned before, the blood of the apostles has a very powerful strengthening effect. Although most plants and animals will absorb it without choice after it's splashed on them, they will undoubtedly become LCL-ified (mainly animals), but occasionally there will be a very few lucky ones whose world will be completely different from then on.

"Dispatch the unmanned observation drone immediately." Realizing what was happening, Shigeru Aoki began operating the drone, rapidly issuing commands: "Engineering Department to begin preparations for the necessary repairs."

"Initiate Final Agreement 29. Unit 2 will undergo emergency repairs. Fortunately, spare parts are available in Europe." Hinata Makoto began navigating the documents and procedures.

"This time, the Angel brought us a lot of surprises, and it is also the first time that our NERV has had an EVA damaged to date..." Kōzō Fuyutsuki stood there with a serious expression, "Unit 2 actually performed very well."

"Ah..." Gendo Ikari simply uttered a soft "Ah," saying nothing more, his eyes behind his sunglasses seemingly unchanged. Shinji Ikari's performance didn't seem to attract much of his attention; in his heart, he was intensely calculating something.

"So he's still the key?" Fuyutsuki Kōzō seemed to ask a pointed question.

"He is the only key I've designated," Gendo Ikari said casually. "The rest is up to you." Then he turned and left.

"Is it crucial..." Fuyutsuki Kōzō looked at Unit-01, who was standing on the beach with his hands on his hips. "But it seems... neither SEELE nor you expected this." Fuyutsuki also planned to turn and leave, but before leaving, he saw Katsuragi Misato below seemingly talking to Akagi Ritsuko. He shook his head, left without thinking much about it. This matter could definitely not be kept secret today, but the shock would be greater than any before.

"So this time... did Rei detect the data change?" Misato Katsuragi asked softly to Ritsuko Akagi, who was sitting in her seat.

"Please call me Teacher Akagi." Ritsuko Akagi sighed deeply. "I'm about to start writing my new work again." Ritsuko Akagi was utterly helpless. What kind of damn technical department head was she? No, no, no, her current focus regarding NERV's serious affairs was nothing more than making up stories! She'd revise and modify the battle sequences in her writing, making sure they looked somewhat scientifically accurate…

Has Rei Ayanami's data changed? Yes! It changed quite dramatically! From the moment Rei Ayanami ate the chocolate, all sorts of data started to surge, and when she started shouting Shinji's slogan, her synchronization rate quickly approached Shinji's, although it didn't quite reach that level in the end.

The gauntlets designed by the technical department performed perfectly, successfully enhancing the attack power that Unit-00 might not have possessed originally. This allowed Unit-00 to successfully crush the core of the Music Angel when attacking alongside Unit-01! This is a good thing! The technical department's efforts have not been in vain!

But these gloves weren't made for Unit-00! Damn it! Rei, when did you become so naughty?!

"Well, it's just work, work!" Misato Katsuragi covered her face and sighed. She was better off than Ritsuko Akagi. As the combat commander, she only needed to review the entire battle in the report and reflect on the reasons for the loss of Unit 2. That was nothing.

However, the related urban damage assessment reports and such were far more than just a small task. Even Misato Katsuragi, who was used to things going smoothly, felt overwhelmed and considered whether she should exploit Ryoji Kaji again.

"Excellent student!" In the locker room, Asuka leaned against the locker, watching Rei Ayanami casually take off her combat suit. Asuka's eyes were filled with complex emotions. Although she had just been praised by Misato Katsuragi, who said that her combat power had surprised everyone, she knew the truth about her performance. In the battle just now, Unit-02's performance... might have actually hindered the coordination between Rei Ayanami and Shinji Baka.

The simplest example is that after Unit-02 was eliminated, Unit-01 and Unit-00 successfully executed a series of coordinated attacks. The series of actions left Asuka in awe, especially the very last one... the legendary miracle that only Unit-01 could trigger! Unit-00 was also successfully used, and the super high temperature that could directly crush the AT Field and destroy the body of the Angel was definitely not something that gauntlet could do.

"You want to know how you did it?" Rei Ayanami didn't think much of it. Shinji Ikari had mentioned it before, so when Asuka came to her with a serious face, she just asked naturally.

Although Asuka is indeed getting stronger under Mei Isayama's tutelage, she has neglected her practice with Shinji Ikari and the others during this time. Mei Isayama is obviously aware of this, but he probably thinks that with her current level, she can only follow in Shinji Ikari's footsteps. However, such an arrogant person cannot realize this on her own.

And would Mei Isayama really be so bored as to take the initiative to teach Asuka, who knows nothing? How could that be? Although it's important to cultivate one's character, taking on a disciple is definitely not the best method.

"Yes, forget about Shinji, he's not an ordinary person. How did you manage that?!" Asuka would be lying if she said she wasn't curious.

“…Not difficult.” Rei Ayanami changed her underwear, put on her casual clothes, a T-shirt with “Ryuji Car Dealership” written in exaggerated font, and a very ordinary pair of slim-fit jeans, which looked simple and stylish.

"Huh?" Asuka looked at Rei Ayanami with an expression that said, "Go on, I'm waiting to hear your nonsense." What do you mean by "not difficult"? You try making it "not difficult" for me, you idiot!

“But you can’t do it…” Rei Ayanami’s red pupils reflected Asuka’s twitching face. “You have to open your heart to Shinji.” Rei Ayanami and Shinji Ikari had accidentally opened their hearts to each other. Shinji Ikari directly entered her inner world, so she trusted him almost unconditionally. As for Shinji’s little secrets… hey! The scenery on Reach is really nice.

"Open your heart?!" Asuka was stunned, then looked at Rei Ayanami with a very strange look. She guessed that there must be some very special requirements, such as training mental strength, since any power must be obtained at a price, and the more shortcuts are taken, the greater the price.

I never expected this would require "opening up"? What... does that mean?

"Nonsense!" Asuka turned and walked away, her face slightly flushed. "Idiot Shinji already has a girlfriend! I never expected that! Disgusting! Shameless!"

"...?" Rei Ayanami tilted her head slightly, looking completely confused. How could opening her heart and being open-minded have anything to do with Ryoko Sakaki? Did Asuka eat too much chocolate? That shouldn't be the case. Shinji Ikari only gave them each one, there shouldn't be any more, so why is she blushing? Not understanding what Rei was thinking, she changed her clothes. She was going to check out Ryuji Danma's car dealership. After all, they were fighting by the sea, so strictly speaking, it wasn't far from Ryuji Danma's car dealership.

"Excellent student!" Asuka called out to Rei Ayanami again before she left.

"?" Rei Ayanami turned slightly to look at Asuka.

"Thank you for today... but I won't make the same mistake again." Asuka gritted her teeth. She had been somewhat careless today, but next time! She would absolutely not make a similar mistake again!

"Shinji said we could find a chance to practice together. Actually, at the beginning, our teamwork was really good." Rei Ayanami suddenly said this, then stepped out of the room, the electronic door closing behind her.

"..." Asuka paused for a moment. Indeed, the three of them initially provided cover fire for each other, and then rushed in for close-quarters combat. Thinking about it calmly, the whole sequence of their coordination was quite fluid and smooth. It was precisely this alternating back-and-forth cover that allowed her to pilot Unit 2 directly in front of the Angel of Music. "What 'open your heart'? You're like a child!"

Even though she said that, Asuka still found herself walking towards the next room, wanting to talk to Shinji Ikari.

"Hey, hey, hey... There's really nothing left! Stop touching it!" Shinji Ikari's voice came from behind the door, sending a chill down Asuka's spine! This guy, isn't he always so assertive? He actually... has such a sissy side?

"Hmph! What a dishonest and naughty kid!" Ritsuko Akagi's voice came from behind the door.

"Hmm?" Ritsuko Akagi had just come by. After they reached the changing room through the plug, Ritsuko Akagi briefly asked Rei Ayanami how she was feeling, gave herself a little encouragement, and then quietly left. She was in the next room.

"Hey! Give me back my clothes first!"

"puff……"

Chapter 235 Test, Stubbornness

"Hey! You guys should stop this! This is inside the base... Eh?" Asuka rushed in, only to find Shinji Ikari dressed neatly, and Ritsuko Akagi pressing down on Shinji and rummaging through his pockets.

How can I describe this scene? It's like your mother coming into your room to search for something not so harmonious after receiving a report from the teacher.

"Shinji, what are you yelling for? Give your clothes back!" Asuka said irritably, wondering what she had been thinking.

"Your coat..." Shinji Ikari said irritably. "Akagi Ritsuko, are you being unreasonable? You're just going to search me like this?! It's just a few chocolate liqueurs, why are you making such a fuss?" Shinji Ikari was feeling a bit annoyed.

"Uh..." Asuka was a little embarrassed. Indeed, Ritsuko Akagi was holding a relatively thick coat and was rummaging through the pockets. Asuka had just imagined something! Her face turned red instantly, and she stared at the wall, speechless.

"Asuka? Are you alright?" Shinji Ikari turned to look at Asuka. He and Asuka didn't get along very well, so some of the things he said could have really upset her. However, Shinji had already asked Rei Ayanami to comfort her for him (Rei Ayanami: Open your heart/You're not good enough/Practice more), so she should be fine now, probably...

Asuka didn't speak or turn her head. She just stretched out her hand and waved it vigorously to show that she was perfectly fine. She was just a little confused because of her previous overthinking. Don't panic, it's basic procedure.