"Ha! General Matsushita, of course I'll help wholeheartedly," Ryota Kitazawa replied with calm assurance. "But I must ask—if, after the battle, the military insists on seizing the Evangelion again, what then?"
Unfazed, he continued, "As you know, the EVAs are NERV's trump card—immature weapons prone to disaster. Only NERV can prevent such risks. I don't want a repeat of today's chaos."
"Absolutely not," Matsushita agreed earnestly. "The EVAs belong to NERV, and we only follow orders. Now that the importance is clear, they should return to NERV."
Ryota allowed a small, knowing smile. "Very well. But to defeat the Sixth Angel, we'll need the full military's cooperation. Can you promise that?"
"Of course," Matsushita replied, matching Ryota's smile with a solemn nod. "Whatever the military can do, we'll do it."
"Great! Let's plan our next operation then." Ryota's words were casual, friendly—but Misato felt a shiver down her spine. This boy was setting them up for something.
In that moment, she realized she had some sympathy for Matsushita.
---
Soon enough, "Operation Yashima" was born—a nighttime assault scheduled for 8 PM. The plan was simple:
The military and Unit-00 will provide cover.
Unit-01 will fire NERV's newly developed positron cannon for the killing blow.
The positron cannon, a high-powered electromagnetic weapon in testing, required city-wide power support.
This was Ryota's strategy—and the military was its main partner. Misato, reviewing the plan, was filled with anxious respect. How did Ryota even know about such a weapon? Was he some kind of genius?
Despite the risk, this was the most effective plan on paper. Misato felt a deep awe.
---
As night approached, the clock ticked closer to 8 PM. Everyone was in place, ready for the decisive fight.
"Report," Misato commanded over comm.
"The Sixth Angel has penetrated to Level 18. Estimated two hours to reach Level 24," a subordinate replied.
With NERV's deep bunker built of 24 hardened levels, Level 18 was dangerously close to the core.
Misato's brow furrowed, but she remained calm. "Positions, everyone. Begin."
At the same time, General Matsushita stood ready nearby.
"General Matsushita, are your forces ready?" Misato asked, smiling.
"Of course, Director Katsuragi," he replied with a wry grin. "We're ready. Just give the order." But behind his smile was exhaustion—over 100 tanks, thousands of soldiers, and hundreds of artillery units were to protect Ryota's plan. He'd begged for reinforcements, but they were all cannon fodder.
Misato nodded politely. "On behalf of humanity, thank you."
Inside, though, she struggled to suppress a cruel smile.
Then, with a nod to comms: "Ryota, everything's in position. Begin when you're ready."
"Acknowledged."
"We're go."
Ryota and Rei replied; Ryota was locked on the massive looming figure of the Sixth Angel, Ramiel—his mind working through its invulnerability, its A.T. Barrier.
He wouldn't go in close; that'd be suicide. He didn't inform the military—they'd pay the price and learn the risk of greed.
As the clock struck eight, Misato's voice echoed: "Battle of Yashima—engage!"
---
Meanwhile, in NERV Central Command, Gendo Ikari appeared from the shadows, asking, "Has it begun?"
"In full swing," replied Fuyutsuki with a sly smile. "Misato commands, but the Angel data is still incomplete. Ryota wrote the plan—seems he's setting a trap for the military."
Gendo watched the tactical monitor with amusement. "The Battle of Yashima… intriguing."
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