"Inspector Kaji makes a fair point." Ishiki Kishimoto clapped his hands slowly, voice calm.
"However, the three fugitives from NERV are classified as highly dangerous individuals. Their continued freedom poses a serious threat to human society. Therefore, I, as a colonel, have no choice but to take the appropriate measures."
"Hmph! If you want to frame someone, you'll always find a pretext!"
Misato Katsuragi snapped, glaring at him.
But from there, things only became more difficult.
The reason was simple: Misato, representing NERV, insisted on taking Ryota Kitazawa with her and outright rejected all charges from the Cabinet or any other government institution.
Kishimoto, however, stood firm—adamant that Ryota Kitazawa and the others were guilty, and repeatedly stressed that he was merely following Cabinet orders.
"If you have complaints," he said smugly, "take them to the UN."
But until then, he intended to arrest Kitazawa—and even detain Asuka and Rei.
The standoff hardened. Neither side budged, both rejecting the other's authority or logic. The situation grew ever more tense.
Then, from within the school, a figure slowly emerged—drenched in blood, gripping a steel blade.
None of the blood was his. His body was virtually unscathed.
With a calm and elegant stride, he stepped forward, triggering immediate alarm among Kishimoto's soldiers. Rifles raised and sights locked.
It was unmistakably Ryota Kitazawa.
His calm approach tightened every face. Misato, by contrast, looked visibly relieved, eyes filled with concern.
"Ryota… you're okay?" she exhaled.
"Seeing you alive is a relief."
"I'm fine," Ryota replied with a quiet smile, then turned to Unit-00, giving Rei a nod before asking,
"How's Asuka?"
"She's been hospitalized. Her injuries are serious."
Rei answered simply, then fell silent again.
Ryota's expression stiffened slightly, then he turned to Kishimoto.
"It's been a while, Captain Kishimoto."
"Hmph. I, Ishiki Kishimoto, don't associate with traitors."
Kishimoto bared his teeth in a smirk.
"Men! Arrest Ryota Kitazawa on the spot!"
"Anyone who dares touch him, answer to me first!"
Misato's voice rang out sharp and commanding.
"Tsk tsk… Misato, don't interfere with official duties," Kishimoto said with faux civility, his face twisted with menace.
"Letting Kitazawa walk free would be a betrayal of the Cabinet… and of the people of Japan."
"Don't you dare lecture me with your propaganda!" Misato snapped.
"This is nothing but kidnapping!"
"Kidnapping? Me?" Kishimoto feigned innocence.
"You're standing right here, aren't you? I haven't laid a finger on you. Watch your words, Katsuragi."
"You…"
Misato's fists clenched in frustration. His rhetoric was sharp, hard to refute directly.
"Oh? Judging by your silence, Katsuragi, are you admitting I'm right?"
Kishimoto grinned wickedly.
"If that's the case, I won't hold back."
"Don't you dare!" Misato barked again, but in truth, she had no immediate way to stop him.
"Misato, don't hinder a lawful arrest. If Kitazawa and the others have indeed committed crimes against humanity, all of NERV will be held accountable."
Kishimoto sneered, raised his hand, and gave the command.
"Take him!"
"Yes, sir!"
A squad of heavily armed soldiers surged forward to restrain Ryota Kitazawa.
They had seen what he could do—they weren't taking chances.
But then, without warning, Unit-00 moved.
Despite its massive frame, the Eva took just one heavy step forward and placed itself directly between Ryota and the advancing soldiers.
Its towering body loomed over them all, casting a shadow that froze them in place.
Then, from within the Eva, Rei Ayanami's voice rang out clearly:
> "Anyone who wants to touch Ryota Kitazawa… will have to go through Unit-00 first."
Her words were calm, unwavering—deadly serious.
Even Misato was stunned.
"Rei…?"
This wasn't like her at all. Rei was always distant, cold—detached. Misato couldn't believe what she was seeing.
But Ryota knew better.
Rei Ayanami was icy on the outside, but her heart burned hot—she just didn't know how to show it.
Today, she had chosen to speak for herself.
To act.
To protect him.
Everyone stood in stunned silence. They exchanged glances, unsure of what to believe anymore.
It seemed more likely than ever that the "defection" of NERV's pilots was real.
Why else would they stand so blatantly against the government and military?
"Rei Ayanami! Are you truly going to betray humanity? Betray the government?!"
Kishimoto was furious.
"You have one last chance. Step aside!"
He turned again to his troops:
"Arrest Ryota Kitazawa—NOW!"
If they got him into custody, he would make Kitazawa pay dearly.
But then...
A rumbling humph echoed from within Unit-00.
It took another massive step forward—so powerful that the entire campus shook as if rocked by a massive earthquake.
Soldiers stumbled and fell. The very ground seemed to tremble with warning.
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