EVA: Shinji Ikari Returns from Tiga

Chapter 158 The Reasons for Ultraman's Choice

"Shinji-sensei..."

Seeing Shinji Ikari's genuine emotions, Toji Suzuhara was stunned... This still seems to be... this man...

For the first time... personal emotions were revealed.

It wasn't about putting the common good before all of humanity, nor was it about leading by example as the leader of NERV to fight the Angels...

Instead, he bowed his head in pure male identity to express his gratitude to the benefactor who had saved the woman who was very important to him.

"No...I..."

Suzuhara Toji was flattered and flustered, trying to help the bowed Shinji Ikari up, but he didn't know what to say at this moment... After all, he, his lover, and his family had been saved by this man countless times.

—What would Shinji say in a situation like this?
Think about it! Shinji Ikari saved him, and when he thanked him... what would he say...?

Is there even a question? Isn't the answer obvious?
Mimicking Shinji Ikari's tone and expression, Toji Suzuhara revealed a rude yet confident smile—

"Ah, you're welcome. I... will protect you."

"...!"

Now it was Shinji's turn to be stunned, because those words... that attitude... wasn't that... just like he had once...

"Haha... You've become quite reliable, Toji?"

"of course!"

In an instant, an indescribable sense of satisfaction and accomplishment filled Suzuhara Toji's chest—something he hadn't been aware of before because of the devastating blow of losing feeling in his hands.

It turns out, I have fulfilled my long-cherished wish! I have finally... helped this man who was fighting alone... I have finally reached the point where I can share his burdens and solve his problems!

"Shinji-san...have I...grown up?"

"...Of course."

He gave Suzuhara Toji, who was still somewhat lacking in confidence, without hesitation. This was a reward and praise for his life-risking rescue and valiant fight.

"So, next time... if this happens again, please... don't hold back because of my previous cowardly attitude. Give the order without hesitation and let me fight!"

"...That's for sure! You idiot!"

Even Shinji Ikari couldn't help but feel happy... It turns out that in this twisted world on the verge of destruction, to have a like-minded friend who shares the same aspirations and fights for a better future is such a refreshing and fulfilling thing!
Yes, no more words are needed... just a gentle smile... that is the friendship between Shinji Ikari and Toji Suzuhara.

"...Is it over?"

Suddenly, someone knocked on the car window, and a lazy voice rang out.

"Oh, your hand is healed...that's amazing!"

Kaji Ryoji opened the car door and immediately saw Suzuhara Toji shyly rubbing his nose. He never expected that... he actually cured him... His boss was amazing! This was a symptom that even NERV's advanced medical department couldn't cure.

"Ah, it's over. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Well, there's something I need to report back on—"

As Kaji Ryoji spoke, he gave Suzuhara Toji a meaningful look.

"Ah! Well then, Mr. Shinji! I'll head back now."

Realizing what Kaji Ryoji meant, Suzuhara Toji wisely decided to leave.

"Let's drive back together later, I'll give you a ride..."

"No need! You have work to do! Besides, I want to tell Hikaru the good news that I've recovered as soon as possible! And... I also want to apologize to her properly!"

With a vigorous wave of his arm, Suzuhara Toji indicated that he had recovered and no longer needed a ride; the distance wasn't far, and he could walk back himself.

"...You're completely refreshed now, Boss. You really have magic powers." Watching the invigorated Suzuhara Toji run towards the hospital, eager to leave... Kaji Ryoji admired Ikari Shinji even more.

Not only his physical health, but also his mental state recovered...

"Is this also Ultraman Tiga's ability?"

"...What nonsense are you talking about?"

In response to Kaji Ryoji's speculation, Shinji Ikari rolled his eyes at him.

"Eh, the all-powerful Ultraman... doesn't he have the ability to heal humans?"

Kaji Ryoji blinked in surprise, thinking that Shinji Ikari must have taken Suzuhara Toji to a secluded place to heal him with Ultraman's power, but... it turned out that wasn't the case.

Shinji Ikari sighed deeply as he looked at Ryoji Kaji, whose face was visibly blank with ignorance.

Even if I had it, I couldn't use it.

"Why???"

"Tsk, are you really stupid or just pretending?"

Shinji Ikari glared at Ryoji Kaji, then spoke very solemnly.

"I'm asking you, if I use Ultraman's healing ability to save Suzuhara Toji... then, should we save the people currently waiting for treatment in the inpatient ward?"

"Eh……"

"If I save all the people from NERV, what about those injured in Tokyo-3 due to the panic and turmoil caused by the Angel attack? Even if I treat them all... what about the other cities? What about other countries?"

"...I'm sorry, I misspoke."

At this point in Shinji Ikari's explanation, Ryoji Kaji finally understood what he was trying to say...

Ultraman's power is a miracle that transcends human reason and intelligence...

It is precisely because it is a miracle that it is so rare and precious… and something that should absolutely not be relied upon.

It's not scarcity that's worrisome, but inequality... If the world knew that he would use Ultraman's power to heal someone simply because of a close relationship with Shinji Ikari...

No one in this world knows what the people will do to please Shinji Ikari...

In the end, it will definitely develop into a distorted world that elevates Shinji Ikari... to the status of Ultraman Tiga. That's not the reason for Shinji Ikari to fight.

"I understand, Boss! You've certainly thought this through carefully..."

However, this tiny, insignificant detail... made Kaji Ryoji admire the man he followed even more... for possessing power that transcended the world...

Presumably, anyone other than him would unhesitatingly side with the people around them.

Only Shinji Ikari would refrain from abusing it out of consideration for such matters…

No, could it be that... it's precisely because Shinji Ikari is such a man that Ultraman's power chose him?

"Alright, what do you need to report?"

Shinji Ikari inquired, because Kaji Ryoji's visit was not part of the plan... there must have been some unexpected situation.

"No, it's just a routine report... Kenzaki, whom you asked me to secretly monitor, is acting a bit strange."

"What's up with him?"

"He didn't fall down much, and his behavior and logic were the same as usual... However, his wavelength—shown as blue... is the color of an apostle."

(End of this chapter)