Kaji Ryoji, Chief Inspector of NERV
"I understand," Kaji Ryoji sighed after the call ended. "But Chairman Keel, can I refuse this assignment? I just got back from leave…"
"You're NERV's Chief Inspector," came the cold reply. "This mission is right up your alley. Besides, in Russia three months ago, you handled the traitor situation perfectly—you eradicated them and gained Gendo Ikari's trust."
"Three months ago…?" Kaji furrowed his brows.
"Now I have another covert task," Keel Lorenz continued. "Watch over Unit‑01's pilot, Ryōta Kitazawa. You've heard of him—I assure you, he's no ordinary kid. Be cautious, understood?"
"I understand, sir. But you must promise me a long vacation once this is over," Kaji replied, pipe clenched between teeth, exhaling smoke slowly.
"You'll have your leave. Good luck," said Keel—then the call ended, leaving only the murmured music and perfume of the lounge.
Kaji stood, hands in his pockets, and walked into the cold German night outside. He looked at the full moon and exhaled.
Japan… Ryōta Kitazawa… I'm heading back.
---
The Other Side of the Galaxy
Out in space, near a swirling blue planet, a teenage boy stood on the moon's horizon, gazing at Earth.
Behind him sprawled a vast lunar base. Curiously, he wore no spacesuit.
His sapphire eyes reflected the stars and the galactic void.
From the shadows behind him, a deep voice cut through:
"Kaworu Nagisa—it's almost time. Soon it will be your turn."
An image flickered beside him: No. 1—his rank in SEELE. It was Kērū's face and voice speaking.
"I've been waiting for this," the boy replied quietly, "I'm certain many fascinating events have happened on that pale blue planet."
Keel's voice carried on:
"Be careful with Ryōta Kitazawa—you've heard of him? He could be a threat to our objectives."
"Kitazawa… yes, that is interesting. I look forward to meeting him, Chairman."
---
Three Months Earlier—Russia, Bethany Base
"Engine start. Evangelion Tentative Unit‑05 is go!" a confident female pilot called inside the cockpit.
Outside, tanks fired relentlessly, keeping pace with a fleeing monster—its neck bristling like bone spines, its head armored like a dinosaur skull, avian but monstrous.
"Hold the perimeter at all costs! Don't let him breach the final barrier!" someone barked from mission control.
"Who'd have thought the seal system would fail?" murmured another technician. "We can't afford these lapses."
Bethany Base, Russia: NERV's European stronghold. It stood fortified with ditches, multiple boundary walls, and a columned main barrier.
The creature on the video feeds was closing in on the perimeter breach—aiming to escape.
"Failure is inevitable," a male voice announced from behind, "with normal human tech—even dissected—this third Angel is unstoppable." Revealing himself, the man in long hair and stubble was none other than Kaji.
He held a cockpit helmet and smiled at the onlookers.
At the boundary breach, Tentative Unit‑05 thundered ahead—its female pilot grinning, humming to herself from within.
Suddenly, a loud roar echoed ahead.
"Finally, engagement! AT‑field up!" she said cheerfully, activating the shield and charging.
Ahead: the Third Angel. Alarms rang.
"Ha! Die, Angel!" she laughed, charging forward.
The beast's roar split the air. Whip‑like tendrils lashed at Unit‑05.
"Boom!" The EVA was slammed away—violently tossed back.
From the cockpit came a frustrated groan: "First time in the cockpit and I swing like this? Ugh…"
The Angel screeched, relentless and enraged. Chaos rippled through Bethany Base.
Behind them, Kaji watched from a secret location. This area was dubbed the "Soul Chamber"—locked behind reinforced walls and code guards.
Stepping forward with quiet authority, Kaji prepared to breach the door.
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