EVA: Shinji Ikari Returns from Tiga

Chapter 123 The Pure White Ceiling
When Asuka opened her eyes, what greeted her was a pure white ceiling.

The pungent smell of medical equipment assaulted my senses, causing an extremely unpleasant stimulation…

"…This is?"

After a brief moment of confusion... Asuka's pupils suddenly dilated as she recalled everything she had experienced.

"...Shinji! You idiot Shinji...!"

Asuka frantically called out the boy's name, almost in a prayerful voice... She suddenly stood up... wanting to search for him...

But then he discovered that he was firmly fixed to this pure white bed.

"Huh... what's this...?"

It was only then that Asuka noticed... this ward was not an ordinary nursing home... from the one-way transparent monitoring window to the thick door that had been repeatedly reinforced, everything indicated that this ward was unusual.

And I was bound to the hospital bed by layers upon layers of soft yet strong restraints…

"What...what is this?! What's going on...! Shinji! Misato! Is anyone there...is anyone home!?"

Fortunately... this oppressive unease didn't last long. After Asuka let out a scream... Ritsuko Akagi's voice came through a microphone that was installed somewhere.

"Calm down, Asuka."

"Dr. Akagi...?! What's going on?"

"Asuka, do you still remember what happened before?"

Faced with Asuka's urgent questioning, Ritsuko Akagi answered in a voice devoid of any emotion.

"What happened before... ah..."

After being doused with ice-cold water by Ritsuko Akagi's voice, Asuka finally realized her current predicament.

"...I was...given by the Tenth Apostle..."

"Yes, during the battle against the Tenth Angel three days ago, Unit 2 suffered deep mental contamination from the Tenth Angel. According to the measurements taken at the time... your mental image has been eroded to the Y layer. This is an irreversible effect. It cannot be correctly..."

"It's understandable that you'd isolate me here and restrict me if you couldn't properly assess my physical condition, right, Dr. Akagi?"

Once she calmed down, Asuka finished saying what Ritsuko Akagi hadn't said.

"Yes, I'm glad you can still think calmly."

"I can't hear any joy in your tone, Dr. Akagi..."

Seeing Asuka's immediate understanding of the situation and her composure, Ritsuko Akagi frowned slightly...

This child has indeed become completely different from before—according to MAGI's calculations of Asuka's mental image… she has been corrupted to the Y layer by the Tenth Angel… she should have even suffered a personality breakdown and fallen into autism…

But why is this girl still able to confront herself with such vitality and energy at this moment?
"Shinji... how is Shinji?"

After a long silence, Asuka couldn't help but ask about Shinji Ikari's situation.

Although Asuka originally didn't want to reveal her desires to Ritsuko Akagi, whom she still couldn't properly distinguish as friend or foe...

But—just thinking about the terrifying sight of Shinji Ikari being almost crushed by EVA's mass-produced machines in the spiritual world created by the Tenth Angel, all to protect himself and to create conditions for himself to recover.

Asuka felt her heart trembling with self-blame and heartache... but she couldn't help but ask.

"........."

But—what Asuka received in return was… a long, suffocating silence.

"Professor Akagi! What's wrong! Say something! What happened to that idiot Shinji! He'll be alright! Right...!"

"he…"

Just as Ritsuko Akagi was about to answer, another male voice interrupted the conversation. "Hey, hey, this won't do, Ritsuko. Didn't I tell you that Asuka needs to notify me and Misato immediately if anything happens?"

"Mr. Kaji...!"

Asuka's voice carried a hint of surprise... at least compared to Ritsuko Akagi and Ryoji Kaji, she was someone Shinji Ikari could trust...

"Asuka's mental state is still unstable... Since you've entrusted me with the treatment of Asuka and the cleansing of the Apostle's mental pollution... you should give me the most basic trust."

"After all, you are still the chief of NERV's Technology Development Bureau... We naturally believe in your abilities. However, things beyond your abilities are another matter... right, Ritsu?"

"........."

Ritsuko Akagi, who naturally knew what Ryoji Kaji was implying, remained silent, and finally gave a vague answer.

"Think what you will... As long as I am a technical developer at NERV, I will help humanity and defeat the Angels, that is beyond question."

"Of course, Misato believes this too, which is why she entrusted you with the responsibility of taking care of Asuka's health."

Kaji Ryoji naturally knew... that Akagi Ritsuko was also a very contradictory person. Especially during this period after Ikari Gendo's disappearance... she mechanically performed monotonous basic work at the Technology Development Bureau every day.

People need reasons and positions to live, and Ritsuko Akagi's position in the first half of her life was undoubtedly to help Gendo Ikari in place of her mother, Naoko Akagi.

So... what is her stance now?

"Asuka, don't worry, Shinji is alright."

Kaji Ryoji's voice finally put Asuka's mind at ease.

"Very good…"

But—it's unclear whether she has ulterior motives… or simply can't bear to see Kaji Ryoji's term expire. Akagi Ritsuko coldly interjected.

"...Still unconscious in the ICU, is that considered okay?"

"Varied…!?"

"Xiaolu——!"

Kaji Ryoji glared at Akagi Ritsuko with great displeasure... Clearly, telling Asuka about Shinji Ikari's physical condition at this time was not his plan.

However, Ritsuko Akagi did have a legitimate explanation.

"If we deceive her now... her situation will only worsen when she realizes something is wrong. You can imagine, right? If your superiors were still sober, how could they allow me to lock this child in this cage?"

Clearly, Ritsuko Akagi still harbors resentment towards Shinji Ikari for effectively replacing Gendo Ikari. That's why her words are full of sarcasm.

And that is indeed the case... After all, Suzuhara Toji's body was corrupted by the Apostles, not only in spirit but also in spirit.

But—since Shinji Ikari judged him to be harmless…everyone could accept it without question…and Toji Suzuhara showed no unusual behavior. This proved Shinji Ikari's ability and foresight…

This is Shinji Ikari's influence and appeal within NERV at this very moment. Whatever he says is trustworthy!

As for now... after the battle against the Tenth Angel... Shinji Ikari has been in a coma and has not yet regained consciousness...

Lacking a decisive figurehead, neither Misato Katsuragi nor Ryoji Kaji dared to lift Asuka's quarantine without authorization, given her severely corrupted mind. What if…

If some kind of Apostle's spiritual infection were to spread in NERV... then all would be lost.

"...Let me see him."

"Huh...?"

Just as Kaji Ryoji was feeling troubled and unsure of what to do... Asuka's voice, trembling with suppressed sobs, came through the room.

"Please, Mr. Kaji—! Please tell Miss Misato for me... even just a glimpse... please let me... let me see him!"

(End of this chapter)