"Heh heh, Misato, don't get angry—angry women are the least attractive," Major Ishiki Kishimoto smirked, swaggering forward.
"Ishiki! Apologize to Ryōta Kitazawa immediately!" Misato's expression darkened as she glared at him.
Though deep down she felt helpless. She and Ishiki had once been classmates at military academy, and he had courted her for a long time. Seeing Ryōta by her side, his anger flared uncontrollably. But Ryōta observed it all with calm awareness.
"I thought he was someone important… turns out he's just a dog," Ryōta said coolly.
Both Misato and Ishiki froze at his words. Ryōta remained relaxed, hand casually brushing his ear, addressing Ishiki directly: "I was just insulting a dog."
At hearing this, Ishiki's face reddened. "You—what did you just say?"
"I said nothing but insult the dog," Ryōta repeated, never raising his voice.
"You little brat! You're lucky you don't want to die tonight," Ishiki sneered. "Even Gendo Ikari would never speak to me like that. And you—just a pilot—have the gall to mock me?"
Ryōta responded quietly, "I never hold back when I face dogs that bark and bite everywhere."
Enraged, Ishiki clenched his teeth and launched a heavy kick aimed directly at Ryōta's chest.
"Ishiki, stop!" Misato screamed, but it was too late. Ishiki's foot was already inches away from Ryōta.
In an instant, Ryōta vanished as though a phantom, reappearing behind Ishiki. His hand flashed in a precise strike.
"Impossible!" Ishiki exclaimed, shocked to find he'd swung at empty air. Ryōta's speed rivaled the military's deadliest operatives—absolutely impossible for a 14‑year‑old boy! His sheer surprise froze him in place.
Then Ryōta's hand slammed into Ishiki's shoulder with a sickening crack. Ishiki screamed in agony and collapsed.
Misato stared, dumbstruck. She never imagined anyone could strike with such power—especially someone so young.
Ryōta confronted Ishiki's writhing form, towering over him. "Get lost."
Ishiki spat through clenched teeth, pain and rage burning in his eyes. "You're… dangerous, Kitazawa. I'll never forget this humiliation. One day, I'll make you pay."
Misato watched with concern. Ishiki was no ordinary man—he was a rising power within Japan's military elite. Ryōta had just offended a force that might bring serious institutional backlash to NERV.
Ryōta walked over, offering Misato a faint grin. "What's wrong, Misato? You look awful."
She sighed, shaken. "Ryōta-kun… you've caused quite a mess. But we'll go back now." She shook her head, unwilling to drag Ryōta into the political fallout.
Ryōta laughed softly. "It's just one officer, Misato. No need to worry over it." His tone betrayed no concern—he saw Ishiki as little more than a barking dog. If necessary, he could've taken on the entire military himself. His confidence stemmed from the harsh survival he'd endured in the Forest of the Cosmos.
Misato bit her lip as unresolved worry flickered in her eyes.
Ryōta could see it—but he didn't say anything further.
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