EVA: Shinji Ikari Returns from Tiga

Chapter 104 Because I... don't want to shoot Ikari-kun [65006000]

“Ah! So cunning…! No sneaking away!!”

By the time Asuka realized it and wanted to protest, it was too late.

Misato Katsuragi asked seriously.

"Rei, why do you want to be in a group with Shinji-kun? If you don't have a good reason, I can't just agree to it."

In response to Misato Katsuragi's question, Rei Ayanami fell into long thought... Finally, she spoke in a decisive tone.

"Because, I... don't want to shoot Ikari-kun."

"…this……"

Katsuragi Misato was hesitant. Although she wanted to approve it, if she did it so easily, it might cause dissatisfaction from Asuka and Makiba...

"Misato-san, let's do this. I think it's okay—Ayanami and I will team up against Asuka, Makiba, and Touji. This way, the fighting power will be distributed well."

Seeing that Shinji Ikari had nodded, Misato Katsuragi naturally didn't say anything. Anyway, since Shinji Ikari had nodded, he must have been prepared... At least he didn't have to worry about how to comfort Asuka.

"Stupid Shinji... Humph!!!"

Only Asuka stared at Shinji Ikari with a wronged and resentful look.

"Asuka..."

"Don't talk to the enemy! Get out of here... Stupid Shinji!"

"Asuka..."

“What are you doing!!”

"If possible... I want to see your strength."

"...!"

With just one sentence and Shinji Ikari's clear eyes...Asuka seemed to vaguely understand Shinji Ikari's intention.

——In terms of fighting ability, he trusts me more than Ali! That's why he keeps Ali by his side... and lets me share some of his burden!
That's what you mean...! Stupid Shinji!!
"…………So Asuka is such an easy-going child… She's kind of cute."

Misato Katsuragi, who was debugging the equipment at the side, saw that Asuka accepted this grouping with just one sentence from Shinji Ikari, and she couldn't help but shrugged with a subtle expression.

“Ah, Princess…! Please give me your guidance, nyan!!”

"...Why do you call me such a strange name?"

Makiba had no complaints about this group... and greeted Asuka with great interest.

This cat girl with glasses...seems to be enjoying this activity.

"Hey! Suzuhara...!"

"What are you doing, Shikinami...eh?"

Suzuhara Touji suddenly realized that this time Asuka did not insult him by calling him an idiot or a monkey, but instead called him by his name formally, which was rare.

"...Even if it's just a mock battle! We can't lose...! Just like that idiot Shinji said just now...! We have to show him our strength!! So... give it our all! Don't you respect that idiot? That way, he'll see how much you've grown!"

"…………!"

Suzuhara Touji, who was initially hesitant about going up against Shinji Ikari, became more determined to fight after hearing Asuka's encouragement...especially the words, "You have to let him see how much you've grown!"

On the other hand, there is not so much passion.

"…Ikari-kun, I'm sorry."

"Hmm? What are you apologizing for this time?"

"Because—I asked to be on your team without your consent..."

"Ha... Really, Ayanami... We've known each other for almost half a year. How could you have thought I would get angry over such a trivial matter?"

"...But, if I team up with them, it will definitely be easier to win...Asuka, Suzuhara-san...and...the fifth qualified person...are all stronger than me."

"Idiot. This isn't a competitive event, and there won't be a trophy for winning. This is just... to prepare you for the future."

"...? Later?" "We'll talk about the future later. Let's get ready."

Following Katsuragi Misato's command, all the plugs penetrated deep into the core of the simulated EVA... The LCL solution connected to the N10 nerve...

But this time it was not like a normal EVA where the surrounding images appeared on the LCL projection, but instead it came to a city constructed by 3D modeling.

"Oh...I see!"

Shinji Ikari also looked at the 3D Unit-01 he was piloting with great interest, seemingly finding some enjoyment in it. This thing is much more fun than a game...!
"Well, everyone, take your positions...! Everything is set up exactly as it is in real life! The weapon modules are standard! Unlimited battery life when connected to the umbilical cord, and five minutes of battery life when disconnected! Also, since MAGI can't yet simulate and calculate AT position data, it's assumed that everyone's AT positions are of equal strength and neutralize each other! So, live ammunition will be quite lethal to EVAs! Don't be careless!"

Katsuragi Misato's introduction is over, and the scene is completely opened——

Shinji Ikari can only see Unit-00 standing on his left holding a rifle, but cannot directly see other EVAs... This map is quite large!

"Hey! Stupid Shinji!"

"...Who told me five minutes ago not to talk to the enemy casually?"

Because it is a faction confrontation, the default communication channel is naturally Rei Ayanami and Shinji Ikari. Asuka is shouting on the public channel.

"So? Asuka, you're here to talk trash before the game? Are you an esports player from somewhere?"

"I'm not that bored... I mean, if it's just training and that's it... that would be too boring!"

Shinji Ikari knew this little girl couldn't sit still when he saw her smile. However, playing with her was quite interesting.

"So, what do you want?"

While answering Asuka, Shinji Ikari made a gesture to Rei Ayanami, indicating that she should be alert to her surroundings.

Switching to the private chat channel with Rei Ayanami——

"Note: From what I know about Asuka, this conversation might just be a distraction tactic. It's possible that Suzuhara or Makiba has already gotten around them from the side... after all, they have the advantage in numbers. Even if it's a one-for-one fight, they'll still win."

"As you command, Ikari-kun."

Unit-00 moved behind Unit-01, standing back to back to eliminate the blind spot, and raised the gun.

"Let's make a bet! Whoever loses... must work like a slave for the other! One thing! Everything must be allowed! No denials! No regrets!"

"It's a bet between us? One on one?"

"Yes! One on one! It's me, Shikigami Asuka Langley! And you, Ikari Shinji!"

"OK! I'll play with you!!"

"Okay! Then... let's begin!!!"

The moment the communication stopped abruptly, the building on the right side made a loud bang and collapsed.

Because it was a 3D virtual city, it could be destroyed without any worries. Several tall buildings on the right collapsed at the same time, raising a cloud of dust that obscured the view.

"...!"

Ayanami Rei, on alert, immediately fired rapidly at the center of the smoke with her rifle.

"Ayanami! Calm down... That was just a feint and a smokescreen! A deliberate attempt to draw attention... Cease fire! I can't hear any more!"

“Oh…I’m sorry…”

"No need to apologize————Ahaha~ I found you...Asuka! Ayanami!! Look back! Behind!! Above!!"

The moment the sound of the Type 0 machine gun stopped abruptly, the subtle sound of the EVA climbing, which was originally covered by the gunfire, was keenly captured by Shinji Ikari.

Looking up, I saw the red silhouette of Unit 02 on the tallest skyscraper behind me.

This guy actually cut the umbilical cable without hesitation... and attacked from behind! He didn't even consider the power supply and fought a protracted battle...!
"Ayanami! Cross fire! You left, I'll go right! Cross fire! Saturation fire! Shoot down that big red cockroach!"

"Who are you calling a cockroach?! Purple cabbage!!"

Misato Katsuragi watched the battle from outside... It felt like these guys... weren't training at all...

Isn’t this fun?

(End of this chapter)