EVA: Shinji Ikari Returns from Tiga

Chapter 131 Invitation to the Intelligence Analysis Group
“…I’m talking to you!”

The dim lighting creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.

The quaint izakaya, shrouded in the aroma of cooking, is already dark, yet the number of customers shows no signs of decreasing... People who are well-dressed and refined during the day all want to use the deep darkness and alcohol to wash away the busyness and noise of the day.

"I mean, it's fine if you go to find Misato, but... you didn't say you'd bring such a large group of people with you!"

Asuka looked at Shinji Ikari, whom she had summoned... and a smile had been on her face.

As it turned out… upon seeing Misato Katsuragi, Kyoya Kensaki, Makoto Hyuga, Shigeru Aoba, Maya Ibuki, and Mari Makinami following behind Shinji Ikari…

I thought it would be a nice meal for the four of us, but this idiot suddenly brought such a huge group of people... Was he deliberately trying to upset me?!
"Oh dear... I'm so sorry, it seems we've come at the wrong time..."

Not only did Norio make no attempt to hide her displeasure, but even Rei Ayanami's face showed a hint of disappointment...

The trio of intelligence analysts were put in a very awkward position… Shinji Ikari initially invited them to discuss… whether they should continue working for NERV, and what they would face if they stayed…

I thought this was a very serious and crucial issue, and that we were going to a quiet place where we could keep out the sights and sounds... but it turned out to be an izakaya (Japanese pub).

Moreover, upon seeing Rei Ayanami's dark face, Maya Ibuki, being a woman herself, instantly understood what had happened... and could only sigh and apologize to Asuka.

"Wow, this is a Japanese izakaya! It's so different from a British pub! Boss! Do you have any recommendations? I'd like to try some Japanese sake or something!"

On the contrary, Mari... completely disregarded Asuka's glaring gaze and very coolly sat down next to Mari and started shouting.

"You..."

"Princess? What's wrong? Isn't today party time? Why are you looking so gloomy... Ah, is it your period? Then you can't have ice-cold beer, what a pity~"

Who are you calling on their period?!

Ignoring the two playfully bickering, Shinji Ikari went straight to the counter.

"Boss, excuse me... do you have any private rooms available? I'd like to have a quieter one."

Although it was quite surprising to the boss that a teenager who looked like he was only in high school spoke up among a group of adults dressed in political uniforms, he still knew that in business, one should be careful with one's words and keep quiet to make money.

"Yes, gentlemen and ladies, please follow me—"

"It's troublesome."

Shinji Ikari smiled and nodded to the boss, seemingly enjoying the scene of Mari and Asuka pinching each other's cheeks and bellies... He didn't stop them, but instead helped Rei Ayanami, who was still in her seat.

"Lingbo, let's go to a private room. And you two... don't bump into anyone while you're playing."

"Ok."

Although it deviated somewhat from her initial expectations of a meal with only three people, Rei Ayanami realized this the moment Shinji Ikari helped her up.

It turns out that she only felt happy as long as she was by this boy's side... nothing else mattered.

"So, everyone... what kind of beer would you like? How about ramen and fried skewers? I heard the roast chicken here is pretty good too..."

Looking at Shinji Ikari casually flipping through the menu in the private room, appearing to be just an ordinary high school student... at that moment, the three intelligence analysts had no idea that he had invited them to discuss something so important about their future...

"Um... I'll just have a beer."

"Eh... um, beer, please."

"No... I'm sorry, I... I'm not very good at drinking. Could you give me some water?" Seeing that the three of them were still a little reserved, Shinji Ikari answered with a smile.

"Of course, Ms. Ibuki... We're just having a late-night snack after get off work, no need to be so formal... Let's each have a bowl of ramen, beer and water, and some fried skewers and roast chicken... and some vegetable hot pot too... Oh, and... please also have a bowl of garlic ramen without meat... Yes, boss, I'm not kidding, don't worry, the price will be normal... Remember, no meat at all."

...Is this boy who makes nasty jokes with the ramen shop owner really the person in charge of NERV right now?!

Even without the courage to speak... the doubts in the minds of these three grew stronger, but—

As the owner took the order and left the private room, he tactfully closed the door behind him.

"……Eh?"

The three of them had a strange feeling at the same time... Shinji Ikari, the boy who seemed ordinary and normal just a moment ago, had a subtle change in his demeanor.

"Mr. Kenzaki."

Shinji Ikari called softly, pulling out a chair near the door and sitting down with an air of nonchalance—as if this action marked a shift in their stance…

The person sitting here now is no longer the ordinary student Shinji Ikari, but NERV, the head of Project U.

"Yes."

Kenzaki Kyou, dressed in a black suit and sunglasses, understood and stood silently behind Shinji Ikari near the door…

On one hand, he could keenly sense whether any inexplicable scoundrels were eavesdropping outside the door… On the other hand, that pure black and imposing figure stood like a mountain behind Shinji Ikari… It both increased his imposing presence and clearly stated his stance—

He supports Shinji Ikari... The entire NERV intelligence department supports this boy.

"So, the three of you... you are also NERV veterans... ever since I first piloted Unit-01 to fight against the Angels... you have been assisting me... from the Fourth Angel to now the Tenth Angel, we have been through thick and thin together for the past six months."

"..."

The sudden change in demeanor left the three of them momentarily speechless...

However, at this very moment—they were certain…after Commander Gendo Ikari's disappearance, the one now in charge of the entire NERV…is this very boy before them.

"As you all know, former Commander Gendo Ikari has disappeared... his fate is currently unknown. Ms. Misato Katsuragi has taken over as acting commander, and you are all continuing your work at NERV as before... but—"

Shinji Ikari abruptly changed the subject, his polite smile vanishing completely.

"They should all have sensed it by now...NERV headquarters will soon face a huge change."

"...May I ask what...what happened?"

Shigeru Aoba mustered his courage and raised his hand... Unlike the other two, who were rather timid and introverted, Researcher Aoba was the most opinionated of the three.

"Of course, I don't like people like Gendo Ikari who are like riddle-makers who don't speak human language. Since you're my companion and you want to know about our current situation... just ask, and I'll answer—"

Shinji Ikari paused for a moment... and then gave his answer without reservation.

"NERV is probably going to be destroyed soon."

"What...?! Been...became an apostle...?"

"Don't talk nonsense. How could a mere apostle possibly destroy this base? The only one who could do it is, of course, a human."

(End of this chapter)