A figure strolled out from within the compound Fujikawa. He wore a smug expression while casting a satisfied glance at Misato Katsuragi.
"So… it's you," Misato said, biting back anger.
Seeing Fujikawa here meant this was much more serious than she thought.
He smirked. "Indeed, it's me. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder—Misato, you look even more beautiful."
Misato's pulse quickened. "Since you're an old classmate, are you seriously intending to bar the NERV Operations Director from entering?"
Fujikawa shrugged. "I'm just following orders from above. Don't blame me personally."
Misato's fury erupted. "The UN investigation team is still in Tokyo-3! Who authorized this? NERV answers to the UN—not you!"
Fujikawa jeered, "Old classmate, I'm doing you a favor—don't insult me, or my gun won't hesitate."
Misato ground her teeth. If only she could draw her sidearm and shoot him, but she couldn't.
A clear voice cut through the tension. "Wait."
Misato whipped around and saw Ryōta Kitazawa standing behind her, with Rei Ayanami at his side. Ryōta's presence steadied her unexpectedly, like a pillar of strength.
Fujikawa's face twisted with rage. "Kitazawa! You dare show up here?"
Ryōta spoke evenly. "Yes it's me. Step aside. This is NERV, not the military."
Fujikawa scoffed. "You really think you can stop this takeover? Even Ikari dare not speak. You're too green."
Ryōta repeated calmly, "Step aside."
Fujikawa's expression darkened. "Don't interfere, or I'll arrest you for obstructing the military."
Ryōta advanced another step: "Last warning—move, all of you."
Fujikawa laughed coldly. "You're asking for trouble. Soldiers! Seize him!"
Misato screamed: "You wouldn't dare!"
Fujikawa roared orders: "What are you waiting for?! Grab him!"
Misato's eyes widened—Ryōta was hot property, and she believed Fujikawa wouldn't actually risk shooting him… but would he?
Rei calmly stepped back and called out: "Ryōta-kun, do it!"
Ryōta answered the call—he moved like a phantom warrior. He surged forward, dodging and weaving through the soldiers with uncanny speed and precision. A punch sent one crashing, a kick swept a group aside.
Fujikawa, twisted with malice, cried out for blood.
Ryōta was unstoppable—like a wall of power within the melee.
Then—BANG!
A shot rang out. The scene froze as soldiers frantically chambered rounds, aiming their guns at Ryōta.
Misato gasped in panic—control was slipping away.
Meanwhile, Rei remained poised. She called to him: "Ryōta-kun, keep going!"
Misato stole a glance toward Rei, bewildered by their silent synchronization. And with that, a green-eyed jealousy flared inside her.
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