EVA: Shinji Ikari Returns from Tiga

Chapter 126 Welcome Back, Ikari-kun
"You ask me...why I actively chose a world of suffering...Well, back then it was because...something good would happen—you idiot Shinji."

…Suddenly, I realized that the nickname "Idiot Shinji" actually suits me so well. Now I have to admire Asuka.

"What good thing is there?! You could have easily gotten rid of that EVA, but you chose to be molded into this form instead...!"

As if mocking Shinji Ikari, whose body had been twisted to the point of being torn apart, the coward of the past revealed a despicable sneer.

"Is this what you call a good thing—it's nothing but pain..."

"Yes, this is what I call a good thing... Can't you hear Asuka's voice?"

Shinji Ikari's gaze... was no longer one of disdain, but rather... pity.

"You just asked me if I was afraid... My answer is no. Because I believe in Asuka... I believe she will stand up and overcome the spirits of her past. Because I believe... I have not a single fear. Even now..."

Even as his bones twisted and his body crumbled, Shinji Ikari's expression remained unchanged, and his will remained unshaken.

"I believe in her—so I'm not afraid...and she responded to my expectations...that makes me happy, genuinely happy. Asuka grows step by step by my side...overcoming the predetermined script and fate when she was created...even if you really can't understand, can't you really hear...Asuka's...voice."

"believe…………"

This is Shinji Ikari of this world, a word he cannot understand.

Trust others, and others will trust you... It's such a simple principle, so why does it become so difficult and bitter because of the alienation and rejection between people?
"This is simply..."

Just as I was about to refute something, I heard a sound.

I heard... the sound of a girl crying.

"Please... come back...! I still have so much to learn from you... I'm far from being able to walk the rest of the road alone..."

It was a heart-wrenching wail, yet it sounded like heavenly music…awakening the silent world and dispelling…Shinji Ikari's drowsiness.

"Did you hear that...? That idiot's being cute, isn't she?!"

A proud and gratified smile appeared on Shinji Ikari's lips...

To be able to make Asuka like this, to be able to make this story like this, to be able to change... these tragedies that are so close at hand... to rewrite these destined sad fates.

It's not about fighting to get something... but about fighting to change everything, and that in itself is the ultimate reward.

"How could this be...why..."

Her cowardly self still had incomprehensible doubts in her eyes... but the rage and resentment left by the Tenth Apostle had vanished with Asuka's cries.

As the curse disappeared, the twisting and excruciating pain that had been inflicted on Shinji Ikari also vanished, and his body returned to normal once more.

"...Do you...love Asuka?"

"Oh dear, what a strange question."

Seeing that the resentment in the other person's eyes had dissipated, Shinji Ikari was able to give a slightly more comfortable reply.

"Of course. Asuka is a very cute girl... She's so lovable, and you can't help but want to pray for her."

"And... what about Ayanami?"

"Of course it's the same. It's just that Rei Ayanami... is a stronger child than Asuka. She has already found the path she should take, so all I need to do is watch over her."

"Miss Misato? Miss Makinami? Ms. Toki? Miss Ritsuko..."

"Hey, what are you talking about? You're just listing all the girls we know in one go."

Looking at himself, who had completely lost sight of what Shinji Ikari was fighting for... he smiled.

That was the best... the strongest smile.

"What exactly do you want—?"

"Fool, don't you understand? I hope that my efforts will be rewarded, that my hard work will pay off, and that everyone who lives life to the fullest can find their own happiness. If this world is so cruel that it can't even satisfy such basic needs, then I will reach out and change this world—that's all."

The words choked with emotion in another Shinji Ikari's mouth were—"It's impossible."

But, when he opened his mouth... he inexplicably transformed into—

"Can it be done?"

"Is it really... possible?"

"…………certainly."

Sensing the changes in the other person... the shadows of the two Shinji Ikari gradually began to merge—

"Of course it will be very difficult... but as long as humanity has not given up the fight, light will appear... and as long as there is light, humanity's tomorrow... is destined to be bright!"

"Is that so......"

Shinji Ikari's figure grew increasingly blurry... and the sky outside the car window grew brighter...

"Then, is there anything... that someone like me can do?"

"…………Of course. You idiot Shinji…" Shinji Ikari's figure was completely gone, and the train—had reached its final stop.

Ah... it's dawn.

Today's sunrise is bright and clear.

…………

……

"BOSS!"

"Shinji-kun...!?"

"Shinji-kun!"

"Shinji-sensei!"

"Woof-chan!!"

"Stupid Shinji!!"

"Ikari-kun."

I opened my eyes to a dawn I had never experienced before, so refreshingly clear.

"Hey everyone, good morning... Huh? Why are you all watching me sleep?"

Alongside the dawn's glory are... Ryoji Kaji, Kyoya Kenzaki, Misato Katsuragi, Toji Suzuhara, Mari Makinami, Asuka Langley Soryu, and Rei Ayanami.

The already small isolation ward was crammed full of this group of people.

All eyes fell unanimously on Shinji Ikari... and without exception, their eyes sparkled with surprise and excitement.

"Hey, it's just a nap... why are you making it sound like I'm dying and need hospice care?"

"Idiot, you opened your eyes and started saying such unlucky things... Ah!"

Before Misato Katsuragi could even utter a single laugh or curse, Asuka had already thrown herself onto Shinji Ikari, nestled in his arms, trembling uncontrollably.

"That's great, that's really... that's great—!"

"Ah... still acting cute, you idiot."

"Damn it...! You scared me so much, and this is what you say when I open my eyes?!"

Asuka's voice came through, tinged with sobs.

Seeing her adorable, tearful appearance, Shinji Ikari couldn't help but stroke Asuka's hair.

"Welcome back, Ikari-kun."

While everyone else felt awkward because of Asuka's overly enthusiastic reaction, only Rei Ayanami stepped forward with a serene smile.

Unlike the smiles of everyone else who had survived the ordeal, Rei Ayanami appeared nonchalant and extremely calm.

"Why, are you the only one who seems out of place? Aren't you worried about me?"

Shinji Ikari, in a great mood, made a mischievous joke.

"Do not."

Rei Ayanami gently shook her head.

"Because I know that Ikari will definitely come back—so I'm not worried at all."

"Is that so... You think you know me well? You're more trustworthy than this crying idiot."

"I wasn't crying...!!"

"My stomach is all wet! You said you weren't crying? Is that snot or drool...? Ahh! It hurts! Don't bite! Where are you biting me?!"

Like a miracle—

With Shinji Ikari's awakening, the oppressive, uneasy atmosphere from before vanished.

"Everyone, I'm back—"

"Welcome home."

Yes, everyone knows... as long as this boy is alive, the ending of this story will definitely be—

"...Huh, why are my hands all damp...? What is this...?"

"Aaaaaah!! Don't smell it! You pervert?!"

"What the hell?!"

(End of this chapter)