Shinji Ikari, returned from Warhammer

—Itoman City, southern observation tower.

Shinji Ikari stepped onto the cracked concrete floor, glanced at the frame on the wall, and was surprised to find that the writing on the wall was faded and worn. The ground was covered with fallen leaves and debris, as if no one had cleaned it for years. He found himself in an island watchtower after taking a step forward. He glanced at the rusty sign next to him, which read "Best Viewpoint in Itoman City".

Shinji Ikari knew Itoman City because it was the southernmost city on Okinawa Island in the Ryukyu Islands, located near Naha City. In recent years, it had experienced rapid population growth and urban development, which had made the news.

Shinji Ikari felt the lightness, or rather, the floating sensation, that still lingered within him.

Perhaps he didn't come through legitimate channels. He vaguely sensed that he couldn't stay here for long and that he would be pulled away by this force in about two hours, returning to his own world.

"Another world, only two hours for sightseeing, seems alright." Shinji Ikari stomped his feet on the ground a few times, feeling it sway.

As he looked north, the sense of déjà vu, as if he had arrived in a world after humanity had vanished, became even stronger.

The once bustling urban area can no longer be described as lacking in people. These concrete structures, symbols of humanity, which have encroached on nature, give him the feeling that they grew out of the ground, just like natural objects.

However, the fact that all the buildings were a crimson color, the same as the ocean, gave Shinji Ikari a subtle feeling.

The walls were covered in vines, the city was deserted, and the buildings were all stained red, their walls gradually peeling and turning yellow. If this was a world after humanity had disappeared, a sense of desolation rose in Shinji Ikari's heart.

Even a world after humanity has disappeared would still be a valuable reference. Shinji Ikari firmly believed that the Emperor must have had his reasons for choosing this place for him. Therefore, he planned to jump from the height to investigate the surroundings and find out what was going on.

But he could vaguely hear the sound of a piano mixed in with the waves.

Shinji Ikari walked up the moss-covered stone steps and down the path into the foreground. As he got closer, the piano music became clearer.

There was no path until you reached the cliff, and looking up from below, it looked like Shinji Ikari standing on the precipice, preparing for a leap of faith. In the distance, layers of waves crashed against the beach, and occasionally the sea breeze brushed against your cheeks. The buildings here were also crimson, but countless wildflowers and grasses grew in the gaps between them, swaying in the wind as if in harmony with the sound of a piano.

Until I saw an open space next to a building near the sea, shrouded in mist. I could vaguely make out a small, verdant tree swaying in the wind, and from beside the tree came the beautiful music of a piano.

As he approached, the mist was suddenly dispersed by the sea breeze, and sunlight pierced through the clouds, shining on the southernmost island of the Ryukyu Islands. The sunlight, carried by the sea breeze, bathed the earth in a brilliant, golden glow. A boy, leaning heavily on the central open space, played the piano.

The sea breeze blowing from the south made his hair stick to his scalp, but he played with his eyes closed and a smile on his face, as if he were completely immersed in the music. As the last note fell, the boy with snow-white skin raised his neck and gently looked up at the sunlight pouring down on him.

"Quatre Mains, a piano piece composed by Shiro Sagisu." Shinji Ikari appeared here somehow, standing beside the piano, looking at the boy in front of him with a smile. "Do you mind if I sit here?"

Even so, Shinji Ikari was already seated. There was clearly an empty seat on the bench. It wasn't that Shinji was narcissistic, but he just had a feeling that this seat was reserved for him.

“Piano riffs communicate through scales, would you like to give it a try?” The silver-haired boy didn’t turn to look at Shinji Ikari, but simply placed his hands on the keys and extended an invitation.

As Shinji Ikari began playing, the silver-haired boy quickly followed with his cheerful rhythm.

"Very good, our duet is very harmonious." The boy closed his eyes and smiled contentedly.

Sometimes, communicating through scales can be more direct and heartfelt than words. "Quatre Mains" is a piano piece for four hands, and although it was their first time playing together, they displayed amazing harmony.

Shinji Ikari was certain that this was the first time he had met him, but the cheerful rhythm gave him the feeling that he existed solely for him.

But with the sudden change in sound, the silver-haired boy, who had been enjoying the music with his eyes closed, abruptly opened them, noticing the shift in melody. At that moment, Shinji Ikari's voice came from beside him: "The atmosphere of the piece must remain absolutely clear. So let's add some upgrades to complement it. I plan to add some horn-like elements." Shinji Ikari, with his eyes closed, replied.

The silver-haired boy did not answer, but responded to Shinji Ikari's change with music.

The four-hand piano piece "Quatre Mains à quatre mains 3EM16" features one player diligently supporting the bass notes while the other plays lightly in the treble. Anyone familiar with the piece should understand this, yet Shinji Ikari abruptly shifts to a completely different melody.

"Make it brighter, make it more dynamic," Kaworu seemed to hear Shinji Ikari saying to him.

But this also stems from Shinji Ikari's change in mindset. Compared to the bass line taking on a serious supporting role, he prefers to let the piano play a thrilling, rollercoaster-like feeling.

The music continued in a structure of "Shinji Ikari → the silver-haired boy → instructions passed between them in tacit understanding," moving forward in an unusual and unnatural atmosphere.

Compared to the tension, the unique "exhilaration" that arises from it has a huge effect on the performer's fingertips, but the boy next to him is still able to keep up with him in perfect harmony. Shinji Ikari can only say that the result is fantastic.

It surpasses the potential of the piano tone, containing a highly individualistic tone that seems "about to burst open."

Even as the last note faded, both musicians tacitly kept their hands on the keys.

“That sounds really good, it’s great to have someone playing together. My name is Shinji Ikari.” Shinji Ikari extended his right hand to the boy sitting next to him.

“My name is Kaworu Nagisa,” Kaworu Nagisa replied with a smile.

Despite it being their first meeting, they felt completely at ease with each other; perhaps that was the magic of music. Shinji Ikari thought to himself, and even after the four-handed duet ended, the frustration of being ambushed and dragged into the imaginary space by the Angels vanished.

Just as Shinji Ikari was about to ask the musicians in front of him about the new world, he suddenly raised his eyebrows and quietly sat up from the side.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" The ensemble member named Kaworu looked at Shinji Ikari, who had a stern expression, but he didn't feel afraid.

"It's nothing, just asking you to stay away for a while, it seems some guests have arrived," Shinji Ikari said.

A familiar scent mingled with the slightly fishy smell of the sea breeze, quickly followed by a deafening roar. A massive, crimson machine appeared before him, like a raging dragon breaking through the sea.

133: Call my name!

The crimson machine crashed through cliffs and buildings, appearing in such a spectacular way, while the equally crimson sea in the distance roared like a dragon's cry.

It seemed to be Unit 2, yet it wasn't; its several-meter-tall crimson head exuded an aura of vicissitude. It slowly lowered its head, most of its right face dissolving to reveal the gray mechanical structure beneath, yet possessing a breathtaking beauty. At that moment, deep within the machine's eyes, a ghastly green light seemed to swirl.

Unit 2, or rather, Unit 2 modified.

In the end, they did meet, but some people had already passed each other by, and some things had changed with time.

There was no joy at the reunion; the moment Shinji Ikari saw the machine, he felt a chilling hostility. This made him wonder if the slightly altered Unit-02 was still the same familiar girl inside.

"You idiot Shinji, it really is you."

It wasn't until the familiar voice emanating from the machine that Shinji Ikari confirmed the identity of the pilot inside. However, the pilot's will seemed to emanate from the machine's eyes, carrying a kind of gnashing anger.

"After fourteen years, you're still hanging out with those scum from NERV. You might as well be dead."

After saying just one sentence, she opened her right hand and suddenly reached out to grab Shinji Ikari. However, before Unit-02 Kai's hand could touch Shinji Ikari, another pink giant arm blocked her from the side.

"Oh, Princess, even if you wanted to take the puppy back in this mood, you'd probably accidentally scratch him. You'd be the one heartbroken then."

The unit that spoke out to stop it was the pink EVA that appeared shortly after Unit-02 Kai. It was the same height as Unit-02, but its armor was a style that Shinji Ikari was somewhat unfamiliar with; it was at least not armor from BGF Type-3.

The two EVAs didn't seem to be on the friendly side. Shinji Ikari became increasingly curious about what was happening in this world.

"No, I've endured it for so many years, but I still can't take it!" Unit-02 clenched into a fist, and Asuka seemed to want to smash her fist down again, but reason told her that doing so would only lead to the death of Shinji Ikari, who was only made of flesh and blood. "This is probably what it's like when anger and sorrow are intertwined."

Anger was raging within her, which should have been a cause for celebration for Asuka, who was already on the verge of becoming an Angel. It meant that she still possessed human emotions.

But whenever I see that idiot in front of me, I still have the urge to punch him and smash his idiotic face to pieces!

"Asuka, your emotions are a bit out of control, which isn't good for your work. Mari will be in charge of the detention now, and you'll be responsible for guarding her." A familiar voice rang in Shinji Ikari's ears. It was Misato Katsuragi, but this time, Shinji didn't see her in person.

Because the owner of the voice was not here; she was simply transmitting her voice to this open space through a loudspeaker.

Shinji Ikari turned his head and saw a huge ship flying in the air above the southern ocean. Around the aircraft carrier, many destroyers bobbed and moved forward on the sea, their searchlights sweeping across the surface.

Such a magnificent fleet made Shinji Ikari laugh out loud.

"What are you laughing at?" A cold, questioning voice came from Unit 2.

"It's nothing. I just wanted to see the Yokohama fleet, which was destroyed by the Fish Angels, get utterly thrashed by that trash. Maybe some things are just for show and not very useful," Shinji Ikari said with a smile.

"Fish Apostles?" Misato Katsuragi, aboard the ship, frowned. She didn't know what Fish Apostles were, but she understood when Yokohama's fleet was mentioned. In other words, Shinji Ikari was mocking her fleet as being just another poorly made shoddy vessel.

Fourteen years have passed, and he's become much more eloquent, even capable of making sarcastic remarks. At least we can be comforted by the fact that his mental state remains stable.

“We should just kill him, Captain.” The pink-haired staff member spoke up from the side, though Misato Katsuragi stopped her, saying, “…Obey orders!!”

“…Yes.” The pink-haired girl shrugged, took a deep breath, and stopped looking at the little figure on the screen.

Misato Katsuragi looked at the familiar boy on the ground. If she wanted, she could turn this potential world-destroying disaster into a pile of mud in an instant. The only ones who would truly care about Shinji Ikari's life or death were the old guard of NERV. As the trigger of destiny, NERV needed to use Shinji Ikari to achieve the so-called Human Instrumentality Project.

“Miri, it’s Katsuragi Misato, right? I heard your voice. You’re hiding in this ship, refusing to come out and meet me?” Shinji Ikari smiled.

Misato Katsuragi said calmly, "Shinji Ikari, you may have many questions, but the situation is urgent and there is no need to answer them. You just need to wait to be taken into custody... Midori Kitakami, if Shinji Ikari or any of the pilots belonging to the old NERV around him make any rash moves, just open fire."

"Haha, I guarantee I'll complete the mission!" An excited female voice came from the loudspeaker.

Misato Katsuragi turned and left. She wasn't entirely sure if the boy in front of her would resist and try to escape, and if she could really bring herself to order him killed.

At least the deterrent effect of this death order can keep the little guy quiet for a while after a long separation.

However, the unexpected intruder completely disrupted her plans.

"Shinji Ikari, where are you?"

The same familiar voice belonged to Rei Ayanami.

Along with the sound came a deafening roar, like an earthquake, as if some colossal object had fallen from the sky. The tremor shook everyone violently. Then, what appeared from the sky was a single-eyed, entirely yellow machine.

—EVA Unit-00.

No, Shinji Ikari immediately rejected the idea. He would hesitate even with the obviously different Unit-02, but upon seeing the machine in front of him that resembled Unit-00, Shinji Ikari was able to make a very quick judgment.

Among all the EVA units, two stand out for Shinji Ikari: the first is undoubtedly his Unit-01, and the second is Unit-00, piloted by Rei Ayanami. He always felt a connection when Rei piloted Unit-01, but looking at the unit before him, that sense of unity was completely absent.

However, after rushing to this place, the yellow machine stretched out a huge hand in front of Shinji Ikari.

"Shinji, come this way," Rei Ayanami, piloting a yellow mobile suit, invited.

"Don't go there! Shinji Ikari!" Misato Katsuragi's shrill voice ripped through the air. "That's definitely not the right path! Your safety is our responsibility!"

"Shinji, come this way." Rei Ayanami mechanically extended the invitation once again.

It's a mess, this world is such a mess.

Upon arriving in the New World, Shinji Ikari's feeling was that every country has its own laws and every industry has its own rules, and the local NERVs were incredibly rude!

A city covered in red, a desolate world, and old friends who harbor hostility towards me.

It was as if NERV split into two after the apocalypse.

At this moment, the continuous barrage of artillery fire was not directed at Shinji Ikari, but rather at the fierce attack launched by the surrounding fleets against the yellow mobile suit that was descending from the sky.

"Don't move! Shinji Ikari!"

The mobile forces that had already landed and were responsible for escorting the prisoners were now ready.

A dozen or so dark red lights lit up; those were the laser sights of sniper rifles. The dense beams of light converged on Shinji Ikari's vital points. The person holding the gun had a very steady hand, and the beams of light only swayed slightly.

Even with countless rifles locked on him, Shinji Ikari remained expressionless, but as if he had thought of something, he glanced sideways at the ensemble members standing beside him.

"Do you need any help, Shinji?" the boy named Kaworu asked again. He smiled faintly, like a helpful hotel waiter asking if you would like some dessert.

From Misato Katsuragi's words, we know that this ensemble player named Kaworu Nagisa is a pilot from the old NERV, and is a companion to Rei Ayanami, who pilots an unknown yellow mobile suit. Looking at his smile, could his mobile suit be nearby? Or is he capable of unleashing the Stone-Shattering Heaven-Shattering Fist of the Invincible East style?

Just as Shinji Ikari turned his gaze to Kaworu Nagisa, a bullet grazed his scalp, pierced a few strands of hair, and struck the piano behind him.

At this moment, Shinji Ikari's expression finally changed.

Because firing a gun would completely change the nature of the situation. He watched the hair falling from his head, but didn't reach out to catch it; he simply let it fall to the ground.

"Fool, this is your last warning: don't try anything funny. We're here to protect your personal safety, but to prevent the world from being destroyed again, we'll also kill you." The female voice issuing the warning belonged to a woman inside the ship—a completely unfamiliar voice.