Nagatachō, Japan's political epicenter—akin to South Korea's Blue House or China's Zhongnanhai—had been thrown into turmoil these past three days because of Sahaquiel.
The rescue efforts, conflict fallout, and crisis response created a flurry of urgent affairs—no lawmaker or official could afford loose attention.
Inside his office, Kōjirō Hattori sat at his desk, deep in paperwork.
As Speaker, he was gearing up to become the next Prime Minister. At the moment, that position looked like it would be his—and he could not afford even one misstep.
Command memos flew from his desk as he worked swiftly.
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At that moment, a young man in a black suit knocked and entered, bowing politely.
"Chairman Hattori," he addressed respectfully.
"Yes?" Hattori glanced up, somewhat distracted.
He had a lot on his plate.
"Sir, polling shows your rival, Kai Katō (OC), is gaining significant traction. Should we take action?"
"What? Kai Katō? He was always at the bottom. How is he suddenly rising?"
Hattori frowned, stunned.
Kai Katō had been just another Nagatachō lawmaker—long shot in the race for Prime Minister. How had he garnered so much support?
"Here's the explanation," the aide rushed.
"Unlike others, Katō publicly endorsed NERV during the conflict. Because NERV defeated the Eighth Angel and saved Japan, public sympathy surged—so did his polling."
He cleared his throat again.
"Now his approval rating sits at 44%, closing in on your 59%."
"That can't be… how is that even possible?"
Hattori's eyes widened as reality sank in.
If his rival was nearly catching up before campaigning began, things could turn disastrous.
"If this continues, it could seriously affect your chances, sir," the aide warned.
"We need to act—do you have something in mind?"
Hattori leaned forward, intriguing rising on his face.
The aide tonight served not only as speechwriter but also as campaign manager. Hattori trusted him without reserve.
"I do indeed," the aide replied with a cunning smile.
"You attempted to use the conflict with NERV to rally sentiment before, even if it failed. Now, after the Angel battle and that iconic blood-rain disaster—why not use this moment to strike again?"
The Speaker blinked, eyebrows raised as he motioned impatiently for the aide to continue.
"Use the blood-rain event to relaunch a movement against NERV," the aide explained.
"Public opinion is always driven by self-interest. That flood of blood may have been due to NERV saving us, but it also wrought massive economic damage. Many people will blame them and stand behind you."
"Yes… you're absolutely right."
After a moment's thought, Hattori nodded decisively, a thin, calculating smile spreading across his face.
If he positioned himself now as the defender of those harmed, Katō would be outclassed—and the road to the premiership would be his.
He leaned back, steepled fingers tapping the desk—at last, his rival was truly outmaneuvered.
Meanwhile, in New Tokyo‑3…
Inside a bustling yakiniku restaurant, Misato Katsuragi's voice rang out behind the grill:
"Come on, everyone, eat up! Today's barbecue is grilled by Ryota Kitazawa himself—you know the taste will be amazing!"
It was the big NERV celebration—credit where it was due: they had defeated the Eighth Angel and saved Japan from annihilation.
Most NERV staff were present, except for the unresponsive Genzō Ikari and Kouzou Fuyutsuki. Even Ritsuko Akagi had come.
Sitting nearby, Ritsuko quietly smiled as Misato flitted around.
"Ritsuko, you smile so prettily…"
A familiar masculine voice interrupted, and a strong arm wrapped around her shoulders.
"Kaji, don't tease me. Today's a celebration," she replied with a soft smile but made no move to push him away.
It was unmistakably Ryōji Kaji—a senior NERV member and natural presence at such gatherings.
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