EVA: Shinji Ikari Returns from Tiga

Chapter 128 I'm twelve, he's thirteen, we're both apostles

"Mr. Kenzaki."

After a brief period of busy work, Shinji Ikari finally finished processing the intelligence that required his approval over the past four days.

"…Yes."

He composed himself, his face contorted with a wide grin from Asuka's photo, and solemnly faced Kenzaki Kyoya, who seemed to have something very important to report.

"Are you mentally prepared?"

"...Yes, it's done."

"Well then, tell me... what happened?"

Looking into Shinji Ikari's sincere eyes, Kenzaki Kyoya took a slight breath... and then spoke with some guilt.

"First of all, I am very sorry... I let... Rei Ayanami's clone be taken away."

"...!"

Shinji Ikari frowned slightly… Although somewhat surprised, it wasn't entirely unexpected. The key point was…

"Were there any injuries? Who did it?"

"No... at that time, it just so happened that it was my shift to guard... no, perhaps... he could have timed his appearance precisely when I was on duty."

"he…?"

"Yes... the one who took Rei Ayanami's copy from the base, um, that was—the Sixth Child, Kaworu Nagisa."

"...It was him?"

That's a bit unexpected... If it were Gendo Ikari or a Cyrebro hybrid, taking advantage of someone's unconscious state and weakened defenses to steal a prisoner, that would be understandable... Kaworu Nagisa?
What kind of trouble is this guy up to now?

"—Did he say anything?"

If it were just an attack by Kaworu Nagisa... and the loss of Rei Ayanami's clone, Kenzaki Kyouya wouldn't be so hesitant... For this straightforward and capable man to become so indecisive, he must have been told some shocking truth.

"Yes, just as you said... he did leave some comments..."

Kenzaki Kyoya's expression turned troubled, and he spoke haltingly, a rare occurrence for him.

"...If you don't want to talk about it, then you don't have to. Just speak up when you feel like it."

Seeing Kenzaki's unpleasant expression, Shinji Ikari stood up kindly and patted him on the shoulder.

He and Kenzaki Kyouya were not master and slave, but comrades with the same aspirations... So if Kenzaki Kyouya had any unspeakable difficulties, he certainly wouldn't force him.

"...No, I want to say it."

Shinji Ikari's attitude actually made Kenzaki Kyoya, who was still wavering, make up his mind and speak with a serious expression.

“He told me… he was the thirteenth apostle. And I… might be the twelfth apostle.”

"........."

"........."

"...That's it?"

The two stared at each other in silence for a long time. Shinji Ikari was waiting for the sequel to Kenzaki Kyoya... only to realize that there seemed to be no sequel.

Kenzaki Kyouya was somewhat surprised by such a calm reaction and asked him a series of questions.

"Um, aren't you... surprised? Or perhaps... angry or something...?"

"Huh? Angry? What are you angry about?"

"Um... well, I might be an apostle... an enemy you need to defeat... or something like that..."

Faced with Kenzaki Kyoya's words, Ikari Shinji shrugged, somewhat bewildered.

"What nonsense are you spouting—let's not even get into the fact that he only mentioned you might be an apostle without confirming it...and even if you are, I never said that every apostle has to be eliminated."

"Hey?" "Those brainless guys who start causing chaos as soon as they land are another matter... If it's an apostle who can communicate and is willing to maintain a good relationship... I certainly wouldn't attack him. Have you forgotten that even I can't be considered purely human?"

What Shinji Ikari didn't say was... he knew all along that Kaworu Nagisa wasn't human, and that his identity as an Angel had been almost certainly guessed long ago.

"Instead, if you two are two of the last three apostles, and if neither of you intends to fight... then I only need to defeat the last one and everything will be fine. Isn't that good news?"

"Eh... Ah, oh..."

Clearly, the shocking fact that had been troubling Kenzaki Kyoya for the past few days was so easily overlooked by Shinji Ikari.

She had even prepared herself for the worst-case scenario of being eliminated on the spot if she told Shinji Ikari about this... Now she realized she had really been judging him by her own petty standards.

However, Kenzaki Kyou did not give Shinji Ikari a definite answer to his question, which instead led Shinji to believe...

"What? Or are you going to switch from the human perspective to the apostle's perspective and fight me?"

"Eh...!? No, what's going on..."

"sure."

"ha?!!?!"

"Hey, Kenzaki-san. Why are you making such a fuss all day? This isn't like you at all. From the very beginning... when I asked you for help—what did you say yourself... have you forgotten everything?"
At that time, next to my medical supplies, you suddenly ran over in the middle of the night and told me that you had been obedient to Gendo Ikari like a prop, unable to find the meaning of life... Later, you found what you really wanted to do, so you came to help me because we share the same aspirations.

Therefore—if you were to tell me now that you've found a new purpose…that is to switch from the human perspective to the apostle's perspective…as ​​long as it's your own choice, I won't stop you. Even if it means you're hostile to me, I'll still be happy for you.”

From Shinji Ikari's peaceful and sincere eyes... Kenzaki Kyoya knew that every word Shinji spoke was his true feeling... it was just that the content of his words was really...

I never expected my boss to be so tolerant...

"When the time comes, whether you transform into a giant or pilot an EVA... as a token of my gratitude for your continued help, I will treat you as my most respected enemy and do everything in my power to kill you~"

A chill ran down my spine, a shiver as if an ice pick was piercing my anus all the way to my head... This murderous intent was genuine!

"Uh, no no no no no...! Never mind that. I didn't mean to betray humanity... it's just that I was a little confused after Kaworu explained that I was the Twelfth Angel."

Kenzaki Kyouya frantically waved his hands and chuckled dryly... He had never imagined that... Shinji Ikari, who possessed Ultraman powers beyond ordinary people... had such values ​​when it came to his Angels.

"It's 'possible' that it's the Twelfth Apostle—either there's conclusive evidence or... Ultimately, the credibility of that elusive fellow's words remains to be seen. If Mr. Kenzaki has been troubled by this matter lately, then there's no need to worry. As long as you still trust my judgment—you can assist me as before... Leave the rest to me."

"Yes!"

Kenzaki Kyouya smiled broadly... The gloom that had lingered in his heart ever since he met Nagisa Kaworu... was swept away by Shinji Ikari's few words.

"I'm so sorry! Lord Shinji, I've disturbed your rest..."

"Hey, what's with that suggestive nickname? Get to the point!"

He waved his hand, indicating that Kenzaki Kyo didn't need to worry anymore and just needed to get some rest.

Before Kenzaki Kyoya left, Shinji Ikari spoke once again, emphasizing the importance of the moment.

"Next time, if you have similar problems and can't figure things out... feel free to come and talk to me anytime."

Kenzaki Kyoya was about to reply when suddenly... he realized something...

"Shinji-sama..."

Didn't I tell you to act normal?

“You just said that if I choose the position of an apostle… you would destroy me…”

"Ah, yes... As long as you threaten what I want to protect, a battle is inevitable. What's wrong?"

"Then... what about Kaworu Nagisa, who claims to be the thirteenth apostle?"

Upon hearing Kenzaki Kyoya's question, Shinji Ikari paused for a moment, the image of that flower-like boy appearing in his mind.

"Personally, I definitely hope he can stay put and not cause trouble. Wouldn't it be better if we all held hands and coexisted peacefully? However... if... he really chooses to be our enemy—of course, my attitude will be the same."

Shinji Ikari's lips curled up... and he drew a bottomless killing intent toward the silver-haired boy who wasn't even there.

(End of this chapter)