"Hmph! I'm the great Captain Shikinami, after all. Why would I waste my time on a bunch of broke, short losers?"
Asuka flicked her hand dismissively, clearly annoyed.
And honestly, who could blame her? In just the past few days, she'd received hundreds—if not thousands—of love letters. Anyone would be fed up by now.
"Hey! Stop right there."
A voice rang out sharply behind her. A young man—slim and fairly handsome—stepped into Asuka's path with a wide, cocky grin.
"Huh? Who the hell are you, and why are you blocking my way? You trying to die?" Asuka's tone turned instantly cold, her fists clenched tight with a cracking sound.
She was getting seriously sick of these boys stepping into her way. It was exhausting.
"Heh… You must be the new transfer student—Asuka Shikinami, right?"
The boy smiled faintly.
"My name's Narumi Hattori (OC). Nice to meet you. How about having dinner with me?"
"Get lost. You're in my way."
Asuka tried to step around him without a second thought.
But another boy, big and broad-shouldered, immediately stepped forward to block her.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Asuka's expression darkened as she glared at Narumi Hattori.
"Now, now. Don't misunderstand me," he said with exaggerated politeness.
"I only hoped for the honor of treating Miss Asuka to a simple meal."
He spoke with the air of a man used to acting superior—oily and theatrical.
"Asuka Shikinami is just so beautiful… I, Narumi Hattori, can't help but be utterly taken with her."
"I'm going to count to three. If you're still standing here when I finish, I'm not going to be nice about it."
Her voice turned cold, her eyes sharp.
"Ah, to be struck by Miss Asuka's lovely fists would be a blessing," Narumi said with an insufferably fake smile.
It couldn't have been more phony if he'd tried.
"Fine! You asked for it!"
With a sharp shout, Asuka lashed out with a powerful kick aimed straight at his midsection.
She wasn't just bluffing—Asuka was a European elite pilot, trained in close-quarters combat.
That kick packed enough force to take down most trained men.
But Narumi Hattori didn't flinch. His expression didn't change. He didn't even blink.
Instead, a massive bald man stepped forward, blocking the blow effortlessly with one arm, then shoving her back with the other.
A crowd had begun to form around them, and some students, recognizing Hattori, quickly slipped away.
"Ugh, it's Narumi Hattori again. Always harassing girls. What a piece of work…"
"Yeah, and he's the son of a Diet Chairman. Shikinami-san's in serious trouble now."
"You said it. He acts like a prince just because his father's high up in the government."
"Exactly. And you see those guys around him? All handpicked from the military's elite. That bald guy? Total monster—word is he was a top-tier soldier."
"You…"
Asuka's eyes widened. The strength she felt from the man's block had changed everything.
He had stopped her kick easily—too easily.
There were very few people who could do that. Back in Europe, only elite soldiers with extensive combat training had the skill and reflexes to counter her so cleanly.
Was this man… also one of them?
Yes, Ryota Kitazawa could beat her easily, but men like him were beyond rare.
You could count people like Ryota on one hand, even among soldiers.
So if this guy really was one of those elite few—
Asuka's face darkened.
"Now, now, Miss Asuka," Hattori said with that same insincere smile as he stepped forward,
"I wouldn't recommend struggling any further. These men are all professionals—top-class military operatives. If they have to drag you off, things might get... unpleasant. Don't you think it would be more graceful to come willingly?"
"You…" Asuka gritted her teeth. She knew what was happening—he was about to force her.
And with so many people around, calling NERV for help just wasn't an option.
"If you lay a hand on her, NERV will retaliate."
The voice was quiet, cold, and emotionless.
Rei Ayanami stepped forward, placing herself beside Asuka.
"You dumb doll! Who asked for your help?!" Asuka hissed, eyes wide with embarrassment.
Having Rei of all people jump in to protect her?
Asuka could've died of shame right there.
The elite pilot of Eva Unit-02, Captain Shikinami, being shielded by this lifeless porcelain doll? It was a complete humiliation.
"NERV, huh?" Hattori chuckled darkly.
"Well, even NERV can't control mutual consent between two young people in love, can they?"
His smile was oily and mocking.
"Like hell we're in love!"
Asuka's response was immediate and blunt.
But even she wasn't foolish. She could tell she was outnumbered and outmatched—now wasn't the time to pick a fight.
"Stop."
A calm voice rang out like a thunderclap—clear and cutting.
Even Rei blinked in surprise.
Who would speak up against Hattori?
Even Narumi Hattori's smile faltered.
And then the crowd parted—Ryota Kitazawa stepped forward, silent and composed, standing between Asuka and Hattori.
"Ryota Kitazawa…"
"It's him…"
"He actually stepped in…"
"What's the point? So what if he's defeated Angels? This guy is the son of a Diet Chairman. Kitazawa still has to live in society, doesn't he?"
"Exactly. Ryota's just a hero in battle. But in real life, even he has to bow to people like Hattori."
A murmur rippled through the students. Everyone knew Ryota Kitazawa.
He was famous—the hero of humanity.
But even so… they couldn't help but doubt whether he could win here.
"Kitazawa Ryota? I suggest you stay out of this," Narumi said with a sneer.
Despite Ryota's reputation, Hattori didn't seem the least bit concerned.
After all, he was the son of one of the most powerful men in Japan.
Why would he fear anyone—even the so-called Savior of Humanity?
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