Shinji Ikari, returned from Warhammer

Today, Shinji Ikari is in charge of breakfast. He first prepares thawed krill and ribbonfish chunks for Heihei, who's at his feet. Once the food is ready, Heihei will gobble it down. Speaking of which, of the three people in the family, only he is picky about food. The damned sense of ritual among nobles makes him very serious about everything from clothing and food to housing and transportation. As for Misato Katsuragi and Rei Ayanami, they are both quite easy to please.

Misato Katsuragi isn't picky about food and can happily eat fast food, while Rei Ayanami only eats vegetables, but she can eat any kind of vegetarian dish. At the same time, Shinji Ikari is also biting into toast and gulping down milk. These are just ordinary routines.

Until his front door was suddenly flung open, he saw the blonde girl rush to the dining table with remarkable speed.

"What happened? Why was our school trip canceled?!" Asuka stared at Misato Katsuragi, who was happily devouring a box of instant noodles.

"Would you like some toast? Shinji Ikari has one piece left on his plate." Misato Katsuragi smiled and picked up the toast from Shinji Ikari's plate.

Asuka showed no politeness whatsoever, grabbing the item and taking a big bite, saying, "I'm asking why our training trip was canceled. It seems only the three of us qualified trainees were canceled."

“Because we need to fight at any time, the qualified individuals cannot stray too far from Tokyo-3,” Misato Katsuragi replied.

"Who made these rules? I've never heard of such a thing before!"

“Now I’ve heard.” Misato Katsuragi replied casually, reaching for some ketchup and squeezing it into the toast. “I’m the Operations Director of the Tactical Operations Bureau at headquarters, and also the person in charge. Any more questions?”

Watching Misato Katsuragi eat her breakfast indifferently, Asuka felt a surge of resentment. However, as a subordinate, she couldn't directly argue with her, so she looked at Shinji Ikari, who was calmly cutting his pepper steak on a white porcelain plate after his toast had been taken away.

"Say something! You're a man, don't just stand there like that!" Asuka grabbed Shinji's shoulders and shook him. "You're one of the three whose school trip was canceled, you should at least say something to protest!"

Asuka's gaze was fixed on Shinji Ikari. She felt that she alone could not resist Misato Katsuragi's dictatorial rule. As the ace pilot of the headquarters, Shinji might be able to win Misato back if she could.

"Could you please get me the fried egg, please?" Shinji Ikari said.

“I understand how you feel, but while you are on your school trip, the apostles may attack Tokyo at any time. Who will protect Tokyo then?”

"And then there's the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, the Seventh Fleet stationed in Yokohama, and the heavily damaged UN fleet that seems to still be stuck somewhere and hasn't left yet! Why do we have to rely on them for everything!"

“Actually, I’d like to too, but unfortunately, those old fogies are really not doing a good job of cleaning up their messes.” Misato Katsuragi sighed. “And now is a good opportunity, you know. While everyone else is playing, you can read more books. Do you really need me to tell you how low your deviation values ​​have to be to make you quiet down?”

Asuka instinctively looked at Shinji Ikari, only to see the boy she regarded as her savior shrug at her with a refreshing yet somewhat indifferent smile.

Chapter 62: The Apostle Capture Plan

There was a place crowded with young men and women who shared the same liberating spirit. It was a place where students, preparing for their school trips, were gathered in the sweltering summer heat.

The Third New Tokyo Municipal Middle School, where Shinji Ikari, Asuka, and Rei attend, has finally reached this moment.

The students lined up in an orderly fashion to board the blue buses and begin their journey to the cruise ship. Most of them looked beaming with joy. Although a small number seemed gloomy because of the dismal report cards handed out by their teachers, the majority were cheerful.

However, some classmates and teachers expressed concern that Shinji Ikari and his friends did not go on the school trip to Okinawa with them, while others felt lonely.

This left the chosen ones as they were. Asuka wanted to live her youthful daily life without compromising her quality of life. However, this war that would determine the future of the world ultimately wouldn't allow her to waver in her thoughts. And so, while Shinji and the others were away, the second-year students began their school trip.

Asuka could only watch helplessly as her classmates boarded the school bus, heading to the Ryukyu Islands, a place she had never been before. Then, she glared resentfully at the third boy sitting in the back row, twirling a ballpoint pen in his left hand.

"...Baka Shinji." He's really the type who can't be tough when he should be tough, and can't be soft when he should be soft.

If he hadn't lacked the courage to resist Misato Katsuragi's tyranny, they too would be able to go to the Ryukyu Islands now. Surfing, diving, swimming... she wanted to try it all on Okinawa's Lolita Island.

But suddenly someone in the back row kicked their own chair.

"What are you doing!" Asuka turned around, a little annoyed, only to see a blue ticket being handed to her.

"Would you like to go see the aquarium?" Shinji Ikari invited with a smile.

Looking at the boy's bright smile, Asuka felt her heart skip a beat.

—NERV headquarters in Hakone, in the Apostle monitoring room.

[The working data for Asamayama has been sent from b althasar to melchior. Please check your inbox.]

The mechanical female voice from the Three Sages System echoed in the room. Inside the monitoring room, some were playing music, some were drinking coffee, and others were taking an early nap—the overall atmosphere was quite relaxed. Although they had experienced many encounters with Apostles, they had never seen multiple Apostles appear one after another. After defeating the Music Apostle Israphar, they could relax for a considerable time.

The atmosphere changed abruptly once the data from the observer in the volcanic lava was transmitted to the terminal.

“Blue wavelength, that’s right, this must be an apostle!” Misato Katsuragi slumped in front of the computer, her eyes sharp. “And it’s an extremely rare embryo. From now on, completely seal off the Asamayama Research Institute and evacuate the staff immediately.”

Minutes later, news of the discovery of a new apostle, and an extremely rare apostle embryo at that, reached the Central Dogmatic District, in the Commander-in-Chief's office.

At this moment, all the lights in the spacious office were turned off, and only eleven illusory blood monuments with seven-eyed inverted tree patterns stood in the center of the room, surrounding the commander's desk.

Each illusory blood monument symbolizes a powerful figure of unparalleled prestige. Their tentacles extend across the globe, even reaching into the affairs of the United Nations. NERV is merely one of their extended tentacles, the strongest of them all.

"Should we take the initiative to attack? That's far too dangerous!" the Fourth Blood Monument rebuked.

"Ikogen-do, don't forget the tragedy that happened fifteen years ago!" Fifth Blood Stele rebuked.

However, Gendo Ikari sat quietly at the desk in the middle, his fingers interlaced, and calmly replied with an air of composure, "But this is also an opportunity. We have been on the defensive, and now we can finally take the initiative."

Finally, the first speaker of the original sequence slowly spoke, setting the tone for the matter.

“The risk is too high,” Speaker Kiro concluded.

Gendo Ikari showed no sign of panic at being rejected; he simply said one sentence.

“But you understand the importance of the living apostles better than I do, and this is just an embryo. Whether it is a continuation of the Marduk Project or the transformation of apostles, it can be extended anew on this foundation.”

In the next few seconds, the lights went out one by one. This symbolized that the powerful figures behind these serial numbers had abstained from voting and were no longer interfering with Gendo Ikari's work.

If you do nothing, you won't make mistakes. If the plan succeeds, the results will naturally be shared with them. If the plan fails, it will be Gendo Ikari's responsibility, and it will have nothing to do with them.

Although they are in an invincible position, this is also the reason why Ikari Gendo's power has expanded rapidly over the past ten years.

"The plan must succeed; failure is absolutely not an option." With these words, Speaker Kiru finished speaking, and then the stone tablet representing him quickly dimmed.

"If we fail, humanity will be destroyed," Fuyutsuki sighed softly, standing behind Gendo Ikari.

“Then all that’s needed is success. Fate will protect its safety.” Gendo Ikari’s lips curled into a slight smile as he stared at the photo of the apostle embryo displayed on the tablet in front of him. “Victory is assured. We’ll just have to wait a moment.”

But soon, his composure was replaced by panic.

He discovered that all three drivers at headquarters had lost contact.

—It’s called an aquarium, but its full name is the Japan Ecosystem Marine Conservation Organization.

After the meteorite impact on Antarctica triggered a shockwave that swept across the Earth (textbook knowledge), most marine life became extinct. Ecosystem and marine conservation organizations in various countries are dedicated to the permanent preservation of these lost marine species and the restoration of the world's oceans.

Located in the waters off the coast of Tokyo's Minato Ward, the portion of the building that is visible above the sea covers more than 4,000 acres and is a magnificent human-built complex.

Washing, rinsing, and disinfecting are essential steps before entering the gate. Finally, one must put on a special white uniform before being allowed to enter.

All electronic devices, such as mobile phones, that people carry with them at all times were confiscated and placed in a locker, which was then securely locked.

"The person I should really thank is Mr. Kaji, he's the one who gave me the tickets... Look, those are dolphins swimming over there. You can wave to them, and they'll interact with you." Shinji Ikari smiled as he led the way, knowing all about the marine life in the area.

Dolphins that once went extinct due to the impact, pink jellyfish, schools of clownfish, and coral reefs that seem to breathe have now formed a complete marine ecosystem.

Here you can even see Pingping's close relatives, a group of black and white emperor penguins. They even surround the girl with their peculiar, hoarse calls that make you want to 'go for it!'

Chapter Sixty-Three: A New Great Disaster

Shinji Ikari was unfamiliar with these extinct marine creatures, and they had never appeared on his dinner table; however, nobles naturally made plans before going on dates with girls. Although Shinji didn't consider this a date, he still took notes.

Asuka wanted to ask Shinji Ikari for advice, but when she saw Rei Ayanami standing next to Shinji, a cold smile appeared on her lips, and she gritted her teeth and asked Heihei, the hot spring penguin next to her, for help.

"Come on, come on, come on!" A flock of emperor penguins surrounded Asuka, quacking loudly.

“I’m so happy that you brought me here today,” Rei Ayanami said.

She was clearly saying she was happy, but her tone was so flat it was as if she were saying she'd finished her winter break homework. However, looking at her gazing at the underwater scenery outside the glass, she probably really was happy.

“It’s too crowded here. It’s a pity they can’t roam in the vaster world.” Shinji Ikari stood beside her, also gazing at the pale blue ocean, unaware that Asuka was behind him, gritting her teeth and holding up her shoes and socks. The girl, barefoot, stepped onto the cold, icy rocks and finally fought her way through the penguin colony.

However, no one noticed Asuka's predicament. The two of them were immersed in this lonely atmosphere that belonged only to them. Rei Ayanami gently stroked the glass, as if trying to touch a creature that should have been extinct long ago.

“No, because they can only survive here, just like me.” Rei Ayanami pressed her palm against the glass.

Shinji Ikari turned his head to look at her, while Rei Ayanami seemed to sense the intense gaze and turned her head away as well. An unusual emotion arose between them, and the moment their eyes met, she was suddenly struck on the forehead.

"...Ouch!" Rei Ayanami clutched her head, gritting her teeth and wincing in pain as she crouched down to defend herself. Shinji Ikari, expressionless, flexed his wrist. He hadn't held back at all; his index and middle fingers, knuckles together, had struck her head with a hammer-like motion. Then, a cold smile played on his lips as he looked at the blue-haired girl crouching at his feet.

"I told you, don't always look so self-pitying. I don't like it." Shinji Ikari rubbed her head. "Don't pity yourself. If you pity yourself, life will be a nightmare from which you can never wake up."

"Yes, I understand." Rei Ayanami lowered her head, it was unclear whether she took the words to heart.

Asuka, carrying her shoes and socks, watched the backs of the two people ahead. As she watched the First Girl get beaten up, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly. "Hmph, serves her right!"

NERV Headquarters, Central Control Room.

"Have we still not been able to contact Shinji Ikari? Where have the other two candidates gone?" Yukimasa Fuyutsuki slammed his fist on the table and roared.

“Lieutenant Ikari never allows anyone to follow him, not even the security personnel. However, he only operates within Tokyo, and you have told us not to mess with this old man.” The security chief also felt a bit aggrieved. “But we have located their position using the tracker that Dr. Akagi installed in the First Child. They are currently at the Ecosystem Marine Conservation Agency.”

"We need to bring them back quickly. The Apostle capture plan has been approved by the higher-ups, and we'll be directing it remotely from here." Fuyutsuki Yukizo glanced at his watch. "There's still an hour before the operation starts, so I'm only giving you half an hour."

Although the plan was spur-of-the-moment, the feeling of powerlessness that comes from being out of control is still quite unpleasant.

Three minutes later, a 3D structural diagram of the interior of the Asama volcano's lava was projected into the air, and many staff members slowly circled around it.

"Where's Misato Katsuragi?" Kozo Fuyutsuki flipped through the project plan. "I don't see her assigned role."

“Third Colonel Katsuragi was in charge of command and control and took the initiative to go to the scene,” said Ritsuko Akagi.

Knowing part of the story, Fuyutsuki Kozo nodded in understanding. This head of the operations department seemed reluctant to face the ocean. This also meant that she knew the whereabouts of Shinji Ikari and the other two.

The marine ecosystem conservation agency is located in the garden on the second basement level.

The three of them sat on a mat, creating a picnic atmosphere. However, lunch was a seafood set meal provided by the Ecosystem Marine Conservation Organization.

Knowing that Rei Ayanami doesn't eat meat, Shinji Ikari took the sake-grilled sea bream and tempura from her bowl and put them in his own, offering her mochi and miso soup in exchange.

"I'm sorry for causing you trouble." Rei Ayanami knelt down next to Shinji Ikari, but her submissive expression made Asuka, who was watching the two of them, frown unhappily.

"What foolish Japanese people, always apologizing." Asuka stared at Rei Ayanami, who was holding Shinji Ikari's miso soup. "And you, living beings should eat other living beings, don't waste your precious life!"

"Alright, try the miso soup here. It's a pure, original ocean-flavored miso soup made with seaweed and tofu. It smells amazing." Shinji Ikari pulled Asuka's wrist and dragged her back to her seat.

Asuka pouted, but seeing Shinji's smiling face, she didn't bother to say anything more. She simply held the plastic bowl and took a small sip.

"It's alright," Shinji Ikari leaned over.

"Not bad." Asuka turned her head. "Much better than that weird soup base."

"But the bowl you're drinking was made by Ayanami-san, and it was brought in from outside in a thermos." Shinji Ikari smiled, and before Asuka could react, he put the remaining tempura from his bowl into Asuka's bowl as well.

"You guys take your time eating, I'm going out for a bit."

Shinji Ikari wiped his hands and then slowly walked towards the stairs.