Chapter 204: Misato, You Disgraceful Person!!

[Body diagnostics normal.] [Neural connection, from 0.02 to 1.7.] [Third-generation energy battery initiated, power increased by 37.12%.]

The broadcast echoed through the massive hangar. Four EVAs stood within the cooling liquid, their electronic eyes flickering.

“The Ito team has some ability; developing the third-generation energy battery this quickly, and even borrowing some research results from the pseudo-S2 engine?” Ritsuko Akagi looked at the data on the screen, feeling quite moved.

After resolving the SEELE issue, humanity had finally stepped into an era of political stability and sincere unity. Technologies previously classified as top-secret were released, and isolated research teams began communicating, allowing stagnant technologies to undergo explosive development.

“Pseudo-S2 engine—why not just install it directly into the EVA?” Misato Katsuragi walked over. EVAs were quite alien to her now. Just a few months ago, they still required external power, and if the cables were severed, they only had a few minutes of operation time. Now, there were high-energy batteries, AT-field restraint weapons, and super-alloy armor; she didn’t know NERV had so many good things.

“The Second Impact was originally a technological revolution, but humanity, due to various problems, couldn’t put it into practice, just like how SEELE feared the EVAs becoming too strong.” Ritsuko first answered the question in Misato’s heart with a look of disdain, then addressed the one she spoke aloud: “I’ve read the data on the EVA mass-production models. They lean closer to Angels; once equipped with an S2 engine, they are too close to the Negative Universe and impossible for humans to pilot.”

“So that’s why they developed the auxiliary dummy system?”

“The essence of the dummy system is using an Angel to pilot an Angel. No one is more suitable than that boy. SEELE poured countless resources into this.” Ritsuko explained while guiding Maya Ibuki and the others in modifying the data. She highly approved of the timing of Shinji’s move. If it had been too early, she wouldn’t have been able to develop these semi-finished products, and more importantly, he needed to reach a tacit understanding with Kaworu.

“Sounds troublesome.” Misato wasn’t very interested and looked at the boys and girls on the screen. Kensuke Aida was still excited; piloting a giant robot was his life’s dream. Shinji had a focused expression—he was serious about everything he did. Rei Ayanami was dazed as usual, who knows what she was thinking. As for Asuka, she was discussing what to eat for lunch.

‘Once the Sixth and Seventh children arrive, this little group will be even larger.’

Misato swung her legs gently, imagining the future, then felt something was wrong as she looked at the time in the top right corner of the screen: 2016-3-30-8:37:25.

“Ritsuko, be honest, is there some trick? Why pick today, and call everyone over? Isn’t Shinji enough for the usual testing work?”

“Look at you. They are pilots who receive NERV subsidies; this is their job. Do you think it’s normal to rarely come to headquarters to participate in experiments and spend every day going to school like ordinary kids?” Ritsuko didn’t even turn her head to ask this back.

“Uh, isn’t it? Damn, it’s all Shinji’s fault for letting my ‘slacker’ mindset sink into my marrow.” Misato rubbed her hair, feeling that her worldview had been distorted.

‘I was so dedicated to my job back in the day; now I actually ask such idiotic questions.’

“But I always feel like something is wrong.”

“That’s because you’re too free.” Ritsuko finally turned around, her face filled with regret. “I held meetings with those scholars until midnight last night, then read Commander Ikari’s latest research report and only slept for three hours before starting the experiment. Where would I have the energy to plot any tricks?”

“Uh, sorry.” Misato put her hands together to apologize; Ritsuko was the busiest among them. She then widened her eyes: “Commander Ikari’s research report? He participated in research?”

“Yeah, it looks like this father and son have finally laid their cards on the table. That man and Deputy Commander Fuyutsuki have poured their energy into research while also being responsible for NERV’s normal operations. So, they are the busiest people—in workplace terms, no different from oxen and horses.”

“Why do I feel like you’re gloating?”

“No, that’s your illusion.” Ritsuko said this with a smile, leaned over, and pressed the communication button. “Shinji-kun, the experimental data has been analyzed. You may come out.”

“Yeah, it’s finally over.” Asuka stretched, not bothering to listen to Shinji and Ritsuko’s Q&A, and turned to look at Rei Ayanami’s expressionless face. “Blockhead, I agreed with the class president to meet in the city center at 2:00 PM. Let’s gather at the cake shop first, then go to the rooftop restaurant.”

“Rooftop restaurant?”

“That high-end restaurant we went to last time, the one Misato booked out.” Asuka paused, glancing guiltily at the screen on the other side. Fortunately, Shinji didn’t notice their conversation at all and was checking data with Ritsuko.

“You really are something. At least act like one of the leads and show some interest in today’s activities!”

Rei had been rushing through her work schedule lately and really hadn’t paid attention to activities, let alone had any experience with birthdays.

‘What was I doing at this time last year? Oh, it seems I was having surgery; I only remember the medicine Dr. Akagi gave me was very bitter.’

She blinked, feeling a bit lost. Just one year ago, she had no emotions, didn’t even understand joy or pain. Even after going to school, she wouldn’t say half a word all day, becoming a weirdo everyone talked about. But one year later, she was already playing games of wits with Asuka. Since waking up today, her heart had been beating fast.

‘This is anticipation. Not just anticipation for a birthday, but yearning for the most sacred ritual. Will Ikari-kun accept me? Has he been waiting for me to say those words? What if I have to have a duel of honor with Asuka?’

“Hey, hey, hey, I’m talking to you, why are you spacing out again?” Asuka looked suspicious, feeling that this blockhead was a bit strange.

“Um, I just want to correct you. Today is my birthday. Your birthday is in December.”

“We’re making it up! Who told the Angels to get in the way, and these activities were all arranged by me!” Asuka became excited, grumbling as she closed the communicator, huddling in the cockpit, wrinkling her nose.

‘Expectation. Damn it, it’s those idiots’ fault for forgetting completely. It’s lucky Misato’s was forgotten too, otherwise, I’d force you to give me an excuse.’

She had a grudge about this. If it had been in the past, she probably would have been throwing a tantrum. Fortunately, the current Asuka had shed her “glass cannon” attributes. Annoyed as she was, she was still full of anticipation for today. Ever since her mother’s accident, she hadn’t celebrated a birthday, let alone had so many friends to play with. So she decided she must have a blast today and leave behind the best memories.

‘She’s probably still thinking about how to play.’ Rei had already guessed what Asuka was thinking and felt a bit guilty. While Asuka’s “instrumentality” made her no longer fragile, it also had a debuff. Since her instrumentality, as if to fill the regrets left by the cracks and pain in her heart, she had started to become a bit naive and innocent. She wasn’t as stubborn as before, nor was she willing to pretend to be an adult to think about problems.

‘This is a good thing. A fifteen-year-old girl should be naive and innocent. It confirms the truth that ‘growth comes from pain.’ So, in Rei’s heart, Asuka’s threat was always negligible. But then again—I envy her.

No need to force, no need to disguise, just openly showing your thoughts, just like how Misato is often roasted for being a slacker. Can you really say that’s bad? You don’t have to play the dark and edgy act, right?’

“So I also need to be complete, and let Ikari-kun be complete too.” Rei’s eyes became firm. Especially since the latter’s completion was good for everyone. The moment she stepped out of the entry plug, she looked at Ritsuko Akagi above the facility. The latter nodded slightly, indicating that everything was under control.

“Kensuke, if you’re free later, let’s head out together. Borrow Misato’s car and gather in the city center first.” Asuka put her hands on her hips, taking charge of the tasks. “Idiot Shinji, you drive. Remember to drive slowly this time; I don’t want to vomit halfway.”

Shinji looked at her silently and suddenly asked: “You seem unusually excited today?”

“Of course! Today is my fifteenth birthday. Aren’t you excited?”

“Astartes don’t celebrate birthdays.”

“Uh, isn’t there any day when everyone celebrates together?”

“Generally, it’s the Emperor’s Ascension Day. The entire Empire holds week-long activities, and every chapter launches commemorations based on different cultures. I once won the laurel during a stewardship ceremony!” Shinji raised his head. This was also his glory; the whole process was extremely sacred. Astartes would pray and swear oaths under the guidance of chaplains, then conduct team-building activities based on their culture. Some chapters had poetry recitations, some had tactical reviews, and the Blood Ravens had a performance review.

‘Isn’t that just a gathering of thieves?’

Asuka had a thought pop up quietly. Having been with him for so long, she knew what a stewardship ceremony was, but she didn’t dare say it out loud, otherwise, there would be no playing later. “Anyway, it’s about the same. It’s just a group of people finding an excuse to celebrate. Just pretend it’s celebrating that we worked together to solve a dozen Angels.”

“Alright, I’m a little excited.” Shinji tried to understand. Before Asuka could breathe a sigh of relief, Ritsuko Akagi walked down.

“Sorry, I still need to borrow Shinji-kun for a moment.” She walked up and handed over a document. “This is the report I compiled overnight, covering the summaries of Commander Ikari, Deputy Commander Fuyutsuki, and various scholars regarding the ‘Emperor Conjecture’ and other information.”

‘Damn it, you have to pick today, right?’ Asuka’s teeth itched with hatred. She immediately knew her plan had to be revised. Shinji was easy to talk to sometimes, but when it involved the main quest, there was absolutely no room for negotiation.

“Interesting. Proposing amendments to the final ritual so quickly.” Shinji flipped through the document. Just as Asuka thought, his expression immediately turned serious.

“It’s normal. The basis of the ritual is the ‘Human Instrumentality Project,’ and this project was proposed by Commander Ikari. He has studied the Dead Sea Scrolls extremely deeply.”

“This is exactly why I kept him.”

“To let him atone?”

“He doesn’t deserve it yet. Call the people on the list to a meeting.” Shinji lifted his foot to leave, then turned his head, remembering something. He indeed saw an angry face.

Asuka glared with her eyes, wrinkling her nose, looking aggrieved. Like Misato, she was becoming more childlike, but she knew some things couldn’t be delayed.

“You guys go first. I will definitely catch up. I won’t let you down.”

‘That’s more like it.’

That was the attitude Asuka wanted. She raised her chin and said, “It’s fine, I’ll wait for you. Anyway, I still need to change clothes and do my makeup.”

“Is it that troublesome?”

“Nonsense! Didn’t you just say that the Emperor’s Ascension Day thing is very solemn, and the chapter mothership needs a deep cleaning? It’s the same for me today.”

‘Can be this important.’

With this analogy, Shinji understood immediately and happened to glance at Rei Ayanami. Theoretically, she was the protagonist, but from beginning to end, she didn’t say a word, burying her face and using her waterfall-like long hair to hide her expression.

“Then wait a moment.”

“Hurry up and go, don’t keep this lady waiting too long.” Asuka tilted her head.

Today, she went all out, emphasizing the importance repeatedly, and didn’t say anything like “it doesn’t matter if you come or not,” as if the Unit-02 standing guard nearby brought her endless confidence.

It wasn’t until Shinji left that she sighed. For the Nth time, she blamed herself for why she liked such a clumsy idiot with no grace, who didn’t understand a girl’s heart at all. Couldn’t he push his work back?

‘And this blockhead, I’m running around here, but she’s just not saying a word.’

“Asuka, what should I do?” Kensuke finally had a chance to speak, but the girl just glanced at him.

“No one’s driving. You take the subway and go first. What else can you do?”

“You’re treating me differently.”

“Otherwise? Be careful, or I’ll report you to Ibuki for secretly bringing lewd magazines to headquarters. Don’t underestimate the nose of a disciplinary committee member.”

Kensuke had a “how did you know” look and left with his head drooping. It could be said that except for Shinji and Rei, Asuka was the big sister; he and Toji didn’t dare to provoke her at all.

“Hey, where are you going?” Asuka stopped Rei Ayanami, who was leaving quietly.

“Of course, returning to the lounge to wait for Ikari-kun.” Rei replied coldly. In the blink of an eye, a suspicious face had already leaned in front of her, making her instinctively lean back.

“I always feel you’re strange today. Tell me, is there a conspiracy? On such an important day, you didn’t even put on makeup, didn’t wear new clothes, just wearing a school uniform—what’s the meaning of this?”

Rei was no longer the puppet she used to be. After being nurtured by everyone, her clothing was very rich, but today she was just wearing her school uniform, black short socks. Except for her hair being much longer, there was no difference from before.

‘Because this is how I looked when I first met Ikari-kun. It has special significance.’

Rei answered in her heart. In fact, their feelings were already clear; the only thing missing was that final step. It was just that Rei paid more attention to the sense of ritual and longed to achieve success in one battle. Asuka wasn’t that troublesome; she was hot-blooded and just wanted to charge.

‘Confession, completely turning a new chapter. What will it be like in the future?’

Rei indeed thought about the long term, which was exactly the reason that hindered her progress. But the situation was pushing her forward.

Misato Katsuragi, Ritsuko Akagi, and now Kaworu Nagisa had popped up. She had to move forward and had to learn from Asuka.

‘Deal with future things later. Since I’m human, selfishness is an inevitable emotion.’

“I’m going back to rest.” Rei didn’t answer the question, turned around, and walked away, her fists clenched, obviously having made up her mind.

‘Tonight, a fight to the death.

Blockheads, idiots, and that bad woman!’

Asuka walked menacingly through the corridor. The NERV employees passing by looked over one after another. Because of the result of resolving SEELE, the number of employees in the underground city had exploded several times. The elite soldiers, who were originally distributed in various branches and treated as loyal forces by the old men, had all been transferred over.

Many of them had never seen Asuka. After hearing introductions from colleagues, they chuckled one after another. But this laughter was well-intentioned, even thinking Asuka’s appearance was very cute, full of the vitality of a girl her age.

If anyone was a normal person, they wouldn’t like obscure, profound, and cruel storylines. Fourteen or fifteen-year-old children fighting Angels was already miserable enough; why make them act like psychos? Of course, these chuckles came to an abrupt end under Asuka’s fierce glare.

‘Making me a laughingstock, when I go back I must record it all down, and calculate the accounts with him one by one later.’

During this time, the number of pages in Asuka’s “Book of Hatred” had increased a lot. The grievance had a head and the debt had a master, so naturally, it was all counted on Shinji’s head. But looking closely, it was somewhat reasonable.

‘If it weren’t for this non-Earthling, I would have already succeeded in confessing and made that blockhead the loser. Why would I be mocked by these people?’

Fortunately, she was a hundred times more determined now. In the past, if she were mocked, her sensitive self-esteem would have made her self-isolate for a few days. Now Asuka didn’t care at all. Sometimes when she saw people looking at her, she just glared back, leaving the passersby confused. But everyone didn’t take it to heart.

Rei couldn’t get rid of her “three-nos” attribute, making it very difficult for people to know what that exquisite girl was thinking. Asuka was just the opposite; she was a very emotional person, and after her completion, she was even less willing to hide her thoughts.

“This group of people must be planning some conspiracy, calling Shinji away for no reason, causing my planned activities to go bankrupt.” Asuka thought the more she felt something was wrong. In fact, she really didn’t think about running away today. Precisely because she was emotional, as long as the emotion reached the right level, she could be courageous. She immediately wanted to confess, just like last time when the words reached her mouth…

‘Interrupted by a throwing knife!’

She wandered in the middle layer of the underground city, suddenly heard a “ding” sound of an elevator, and subconsciously turned her head to look, but jumped behind the wall with a step, then stuck her head out to peep.

Two women walked out of the elevator. They were exactly Ritsuko Akagi and Misato Katsuragi. These two were very strange, because they had taken off their uniforms and white coats and changed into a black and a red long dress. The long dresses were very much like evening gowns, with V-necks, revealing the magnificence that only adults had. The thin fabric showed off their perfect figures. The two also put up their hair, wore earrings, and wore light makeup. Even with Asuka’s stubborn mouth, she had to admit they were very beautiful.

‘Strange, the meeting isn’t supposed to end until 6 PM, why did these two leave early?’

Asuka looked at her watch and saw the passing staff revealing envious expressions, so she couldn’t help but curl her lips.

‘They are just two old ladies. After a few more years, I will definitely surpass them.’

High heels, thin dresses—they looked like they were attending a banquet. Misato was obviously a bit uncomfortable. “Hey, is this much exaggeration necessary? It’s just the birthday of two kids. I only wore this dress during NERV’s annual summary meeting last year.”

“Today is an important day, of course, you have to dress up.” Ritsuko glanced at the corner and slowed down. “The so-called birthday is just an excuse to leave good memories. Don’t you want to leave a good impression on Shinji-kun?”

“You really have impure motives. Let me remind you again, the main characters today are Rei and Asuka.”

“Who said supporting roles don’t have a sense of presence? Being pure to Shinji-kun is useless. His thinking is different from ordinary people; you must use the most direct method to make him realize certain things. This is also a form of completion.”

“What things?”

“Sex and love. It’s a bit explicit, isn’t it? But this is the fact. According to my observations, Shinji-kun has physical and mental suppressions. Among them, the physical suppression has been lifted, but the mental part is more troublesome.” Ritsuko’s tone was indifferent, and she wouldn’t blush slightly like Misato. She was more like a urologist, without any extra shyness. “In his eyes, there are only enemies, comrades-in-arms, and the Emperor. He doesn’t realize the difference between men and women at all. Even physical union is just to cast coins for the Emperor. Fortunately, having been back for so long, he also has some changes.”

Misato was stunned and nodded subconsciously.

She was bold enough at home, often wandering around in underwear, and could most feel this change. When Shinji first moved in, he didn’t even bother to look. A woman’s beautiful body was not worth mentioning in his eyes. Unless you grew four breasts, he wouldn’t gaze over.

‘Don’t overthink it. This is him suspecting you are a Slaanesh filth.’

But as time passed, Shinji changed. He wouldn’t have straight eyes or mysterious bulges like a teenager, but he would look away and start preaching.

“Eh, now that you mention it, it’s true. If I wander around in underwear now, I’ll definitely get scolded.”

“You really are dull. You’ve been staying together every day and didn’t even notice this change.” Ritsuko didn’t know how to roast her and smiled slightly. “Re-instilling normal gender views into him and letting him experience female charm is also a form of completion. Remember your trip to the beach last time.”

‘That thing…’ Misato laughed as she remembered. Asuka had carefully prepared for a long time, but Shinji judged it from such a tricky angle of defense capability. At the time, it was amazing.

“So these things should be completed by adults. Do you want to rely on those two kids? Have they finished their health and hygiene class?”

Like a devil’s whisper, Ritsuko Akagi was leading the prey into a logic trap step by step. And not far away, Asuka leaned against the wall, her pupils shaking violently. She finally couldn’t hold it back.

‘Ritsuko Akagi, you really are a bad woman, actually having such obscene ideas!’

Asuka was educated in Europe and America, so her health and hygiene knowledge was definitely much stronger than Rei’s, but she still listened with a face full of blushes.

‘And what’s going on with Misato? Does she really like Shinji too? Then isn’t it stupid of me to hire her as a consultant?’

Right then, she was both shy and angry, and jumped out directly. “I absolutely do not allow it!”

The two people walking in front stopped. Ritsuko smiled slightly, while Misato’s eye corners twitched, feeling like disaster was imminent and she didn’t dare to face it. But what kind of character was Asuka? She simply walked over and pressed on their shoulders. “You two are plotting against the idiot Shinji, right?”

“As-Asuka, listen to my explanation. It’s this bad woman Ritsuko who is plotting, it has nothing to do with me!”

Seeing that she was decisively sold out, Ritsuko was not angry and still turned around calmly. Seeing that Asuka had already raised her hand, ready to give her a “correction palm,” she still wasn’t afraid. “Since you overheard it, then was what I just said wrong?”

‘Huh?’

Asuka’s palm stopped in mid-air, her azure pupils solidified, and then she frowned again: “Don’t try to fool me!”

“Fool? I just analyzed Shinji-kun’s condition from a psychological perspective. For some reason, he actually has a serious mental illness. Didn’t you see it?”

‘Of course I saw it. He’s not an Earthling at all, not in the scope of human psychology research.’

Asuka thought for a while, especially about the beach story Ritsuko mentioned, and couldn’t help but feel depressed. She had put a lot of thought into choosing her swimsuit that time, choosing the most daring bikini style, just wanting to suppress that blockhead Rei.

‘What happened? I just couldn’t keep up with the idiot Shinji’s thinking. If I wanted to win, I should have worn an airtight chemical protection suit. What kind of swimsuit episode is this.’

And then there was usual life. Asuka wasn’t as shameless as Misato, but her clothing was still very bold. She had worn loose T-shirts, suspender short skirts, and so on. Initially, she even deliberately wobbled in front of Shinji, stooping down to show the curve of her buttocks, just thinking of catching an opportunity to properly roast someone.

‘What happened? That idiot never cared once. Oh, there was one time when she was lying on the floor wiping the floor, her tight short denim shorts tightened, revealing the edge of her panties. This time Shinji noticed.’

When Shinji said “your panties,” she was both shy and expectant, but what followed was “you haven’t changed your panties for two days, do you know this is a hotbed for Nurgle to breed?”, followed by a long paragraph of preaching.

‘Damn it, how can you say such wolf-like words with an expressionless face, and is this the point?’

At that time, Asuka was messed up. You said Shinji was like a piece of wood and knew nothing, but he could accurately judge how many days she had worn her panties. You said he observed carefully, but this was simply not the point.

“See, this is the problem Shinji-kun urgently needs to solve. If this problem is not solved, what if you become his girlfriend?” Ritsuko had already gotten the answer from Asuka’s rapidly changing expressions. Her smile disappeared, replaced by a scientist’s rigorous expression, and she incidentally pushed up her non-existent glasses. “As a Doctor of Psychology, this is also within my research range. When a patient is going to have surgery the next day, the shyness and stupidity and irrationality when being shaved.”

Her words were still reasonable, just like hanging up a male doctor’s number for gynecological diseases; people had seen countless of them, what was there to be shy about?

“Don’t try to fool me. Even if you are right, it shouldn’t be you!” Asuka didn’t fall for it.

“I have relevant experience; this is the highest efficiency method.”

“No means no. You should give up this idea!”

The girl stuck her neck out, and seeing the disappointment flashed in Ritsuko’s eyes, she was instantly happy.

‘Ha, you thought I was that blockhead, and so easily fooled by you? My wisdom is unparalleled, what scene haven’t I seen?’

“Are you so persistent? But this matter must be solved. Who should do it then…”

“Of course it’s this lady!” Asuka blushed, her palm pressed on her chest, meeting Ritsuko Akagi’s gaze, obviously going all out.

‘After the completion, Asuka became brave, actually not even being stubborn, and volunteered?’

“Th-this is for the good of the idiot Shinji. This lady has received many favors from him, so just consider it paying back his favor.”

‘Good, I haven’t finished thinking yet, and you’ve already completed the process.’

Ritsuko laughed. Sometimes she felt Asuka was really cute, especially after her completion, the tsundere, the tsundere attribute weakened a lot, and she was not as annoying as before, but the cute aura skyrocketed. Asuka in the past was overbearing and didn’t know how to handle people. The current Asuka was still strong and stubborn, but looking at her blushing, looking like a hero sacrificing herself, she really wanted to press her in her arms and rub her dog’s head well.

“European and American education is different, not as reserved as the Orientals, but can you really do it?”

“Isn’t it just that matter, why not? On the contrary, it can bring my advantages into play.” Asuka calmed down too. After thinking about it, she realized Ritsuko Akagi’s strategy was very consistent with herself. Wasn’t her advantage full of courage, and not thinking too much like a certain blockhead? Charging first and paying later is also a tactic. As for being discovered by Rei Ayanami? It’s okay. I will just copy this bad woman’s wording at that time. With that blockhead’s IQ, she will definitely be fooled.

‘This isn’t cheating. This is treatment. You don’t want the idiot Shinji to always be like a non-human, right?’

“Alright, I’ll entrust this task to you. Let’s plan it properly. After all, Shinji-kun is not so easy to hook, but now he already has relevant consciousness, so we can take advantage of the victory.”

“Yes, Dr. Akagi.” Asuka excitedly stood at attention and saluted.

‘This idiot, she was completely fooled by Ritsuko.’

Misato was stunned to hear it from the side. Because she had a ghost in her heart, she couldn’t intervene. By this time, she was depressedly covering her face.

‘You just jumped out aggressively to ask for an explanation, and even the personality correction palm was ready. Why did you become Ritsuko’s number one lackey in a blink of an eye? Isn’t this change a bit too fast?’

From anger to questioning, from questioning to approval, and then from approval to following, Ritsuko this bastard was fooling kids like this, wouldn’t her conscience hurt?

‘No, as a guardian, I still have to remind Asuka, don’t fall for Ritsuko’s trap.’

Misato had some conscience, but she had no chance to speak at all.

“Mis—ato—”

Smack. A palm slapped on her shoulder. The wise Asuka-sama’s memory was not bad, and she wrapped around like a vengeful soul. “Now it’s time to talk about your problem. Tell me, what did you treat the idiot Shinji as?”

Under the gaze of those eyes, Misato obviously couldn’t change the subject and had to bite the bullet: “Shinji is too reliable, and I felt full of security from him.”

“Who among us wasn’t attracted by security? So, you like Shinji too?”

‘…Ah…’

Misato swallowed, knowing that if she lied now, she wouldn’t be able to explain later, but she didn’t dare to nod.

“It’s different from you, Shinji, ah.” Misato took a breath, closed her eyes, “He is a man enough to be my father.”

‘Saying so is fine, leaving room for future confession anyway, and I didn’t lie.’

Misato was secretly pleased, but felt that the hand on her shoulder retracted quickly as if it had touched something dirty, and then saw thick incomprehension and contempt on Asuka’s face.

“Misato, you’re almost 30, right?”

“Specifically, 29 years old.”

“Then you treat a fifteen-year-old boy as your father, isn’t this disgraceful?”

‘Damn it, to be glared at by you, this idiot.’

Misato gritted her teeth and tried to squeeze out a smile: “Didn’t that guy say he was 130 years old? 130 years old is enough to be my ancestor, right? I’m taking advantage of this.”

‘Eh, that’s… still makes some sense.’

Asuka raised her eyebrows. She didn’t think Shinji was only fifteen, but still despised it.

“Oh, by the way, Misato has a father complex.” Ritsuko Akagi suddenly added from the side, only then paying back the previous arrow.

For a moment, the air solidified. The smile on Misato’s face suddenly disappeared, seeing the vengeful Asuka pouncing on her.

“Misato, we need to have a good talk.”