"Dear viewers! We are now standing in the Itayoshida district of New Tokyo-3, right in front of the home of none other than Ryota Kitazawa! Without a doubt, everyone remembers the monster invasion that struck humanity just a few weeks ago—once again, it was Ryota Kitazawa who saved the day. Without a doubt, Ryota Kitazawa is humanity's hero!"
The spirited TV reporter gushed excitedly in front of the camera.
And just behind the camera was a dense crowd of people, completely blocking the only road leading to Kitazawa's house.
Balloons, streamers, a continuous flow of visitors—people had spontaneously organized a passionate celebration here. More than anything, they had gathered to catch a glimpse of humanity's hero—Ryota Kitazawa!
Yes, Ryota Kitazawa! He had repeatedly resolved one crisis after another, defeating humanity's enemies—the Angels—and saving the world time and time again.
So, when Kitazawa once again triumphed over the Sixth Angel a few weeks ago—especially with the military's failure as a contrast—people's admiration for him rose to even greater heights.
People had been camping outside his home day and night for weeks, hoping just to catch a glimpse of the hero. But by this time… some had finally begun to wonder—could it be that Ryota Kitazawa isn't even home?
And they were right—Kitazawa hadn't been home for a while now. He had moved in with Misato Katsuragi.
"Yo, yo, yo! Kitazawa-kun, come take a look at these fools. They're still out there waiting! Of course, those idiots will never know their so-called hero has already been abducted by me!"
Misato Katsuragi, lounging in a tank top and sipping beer, laughed gleefully as she watched the scene on TV.
And our hero—Ryota Kitazawa—was currently… cooking.
Since Misato couldn't cook, that task naturally fell to Kitazawa.
Luckily, due to circumstances before his transmigration, he had gotten used to cooking for himself, which allowed him to develop some solid culinary skills.
And a man who can cook? That's always a plus with women—just look at Misato, who had long since claimed Kitazawa as hers!
"Misato-san, we're out of groceries. If there's no food, I can't make dinner," Kitazawa said, stepping out from the kitchen, hands raised in resignation, seeing Misato still acting like it had nothing to do with her.
"What? You need to ask me for something like that? Just take care of it yourself, Kitazawa-kun." Misato laughed without even looking away from the TV.
But she couldn't help sneaking glances at Kitazawa, thinking to herself, Kitazawa-kun… if— no, when you want to ask me out, just say the word! I, Misato, never turn down an invitation.
Even if it's just to go grocery shopping… ahem.
"Misato-san!"
While Misato was lost in her thoughts, Kitazawa's voice suddenly rang out again.
"Huh?!"
Startled, Misato jumped—like someone had just exposed her inner thoughts—her face flushing red.
"What is it?! If you've got something to say, just say it! Don't scare me like that!"
"Well, if you're not driving me to the store, we really will be going to bed hungry. If we don't leave now, we'll run out of time." Kitazawa shrugged helplessly.
"Damn it! Why didn't you say so earlier?! How am I supposed to go out looking like this?!"
After a moment's pause, Misato bolted into her room like a sprinter. Only then did her voice echo out again.
…
Three hours later…
"Heh… Look at this, your posters are everywhere. You really are popular, huh, Kitazawa-kun?"
Walking shoulder to shoulder into the supermarket with Kitazawa, Misato now looked like a completely different person. Wide-brimmed sun hat, short skirt, a touch of lipstick—she was practically glowing.
From ancient times to the present, in every nation and every culture, women have always adorned themselves for the one they love.
Of course, Kitazawa, walking beside her, was also in full disguise—large glasses and a mask—just like the celebrities often seen on TV, doing everything to avoid being recognized.
"Heh, Misato-san, let's go. I'll make miso soup for dinner tonight."
With that, he naturally took her hand and started walking.
But what seemed like a natural gesture to Kitazawa didn't feel so natural to Misato.
Feeling his hand in hers, Misato's heart fluttered in panic.
Could I… actually be falling for him? That can't be! We're years apart…!
Misato spiraled into silent confusion.
"What's wrong, Misato-san?"
As if sensing her thoughts, Kitazawa looked back with a gentle smile.
"Ah—n-no, it's nothing. Let's go."
Seeing Kitazawa's casual expression, Misato couldn't help but grit her teeth internally: Damn you, Kitazawa-kun! If you like me, just say it already! Why keep stringing me along like this?!
…
A vast, empty land stretched out before him, dotted with countless gravestones.
A man stood silently in front of one particular grave, staring at the inscription, saying nothing.
He wore glasses, and under the glaring sunlight, his face looked sharp and resolute.
But even such a face had not escaped the wear of time.
His name was Gendo Ikari—originally Gendo Rokubungi.
His eyes were locked on the grave. Though he visited every year, this time felt… different.
Because recently, a new grave had been added beside the old one.
On the old gravestone were carved the words:
"Grave of my beloved wife, Yui Ikari."
And on the new one:
"Grave of my beloved son, Shinji Ikari."
Gendo stared at the two tombstones, unable to speak.
"Yui… Shinji's death… was my fault." Gendo's voice was low and heavy. "But your will—your dream—will live on. Wait for me. We'll be reunited soon."
"If Yui could hear that, I think she'd be relieved," came a calm voice from behind. Kouzou Fuyutsuki had arrived, speaking solemnly. "It's Yui's memorial day today. No matter how busy you are, I knew you wouldn't forget."
PS: Access advance (70+) chapters at
https://www.patreon.com/c/NanamiTL