The news spread like wildfire: Ryota Kitazawa had demanded Captain Ishiki kneel and apologize—and he had. Even the media got wind of it.
Initially, everyone was stunned. Ishiki was a powerful military figure, and Ryota, while hailed as a hero, was just a student. Could a high-ranking officer really kneel before a kid?
But the answer was clear.
Once the request reached the United Nations, already relayed to the military, and then escalated to the General, the decision was sealed.
"Is this Ishiki?" roared the General over the phone like an enraged lion. "I don't want excuses. Find Ryota Kitazawa now—and kneel and apologize!"
Ishiki's voice trembled. "General, I'm an officer. How can I kneel before a student?"
"Refuse, and you're out—military and the UN will throw you out! You caused this mess, Ishiki, and you're going to fix it. Understand?"
"Yes… General," Ishiki replied, defeated.
He ended the call, composed himself, and climbed into a military vehicle. The streets of Neo Tokyo were sealed—entirely underground now, with shattered defenses overhead. The vehicle sped toward Misato's apartment.
When Ishiki arrived, a crowd had already gathered. All eyes were on Ryota and Ishiki. The colonel exited the vehicle, his face ashen—he had to kneel.
Kitazawa lounged serenely on the sofa. The sight of Ishiki in submission struck him with an unfamiliar power. Ishiki's human pride shattered completely.
Crash!
Ishiki finally dropped to one knee before Kitazawa. He closed his eyes, utterly ashamed.
"I apologize, Ryota-kun," he whispered. "My past mistakes—please forgive me."
"Captain…" Misato murmured, stunned. She had influence in the military, but never expected this. Ishiki groveling before Ryota? Unreal.
Ryota nodded imperiously. "Good."
He looked down at the broken officer—only to simmer inside. He could take his life anytime. Instead, he'd weaponize the shame.
He stared at Ishiki and thought: He's finished in the military now.
Soon after Ishiki left, a firm knock came at the door.
"Ryota Kitazawa?"
An elderly man in full uniform stood there, flanked by aides. Though weathered, his eyes burned with intensity.
"General Matsushita!" Misato gasped. He was legendary in the Japanese military, commander of elite forces and massive resources—so powerful he could tilt governments.
Now, here he was—visiting Misato's apartment. To find a student?!
Ryota stood and bowed politely. "General Matsushita, how may I help?"
Matsushita looked weary. "Captain Ishiki already visited and fulfilled your demand. So I assume you'll now fulfill your promise, won't you, Ryota-kun?"
Author's Note: General Matsushita
General Matsushita is an original character created specifically for this story. He does not appear in the official Neon Genesis Evangelion canon.
PS: Access advance (50+) chapters at
https://www.patreon.com/c/NanamiTL