To Ryōta Kitazawa, this was nothing more than a passing disturbance. Ishiki Kishimoto? Just a posturing clown—not worth a second thought.
So, even though Misato Katsuragi appeared anxious and uneasy, Ryōta didn't think twice about it. With the War God System on his side, Ryōta had never feared anyone. Compared to his brutal year surviving in the Cosmic Forest, this situation was child's play.
---
Meanwhile, at the Japanese Ministry of Defense—
"Outrageous. Absolutely outrageous!"
Bang!
A powerful fist slammed down on the desk. Ishiki Kishimoto roared like a wild beast, his eyes stormy and twisted in rage. His entire face was contorted with fury.
Standing beside him was Captain Fujikawa, his face equally dark.
He hadn't expected Ryōta Kitazawa to be this bold—to actually attack Major Kishimoto.
Ironically, it had been Fujikawa's idea to provoke Ryōta in the supermarket. He had hoped Kishimoto would eliminate the boy. Instead, Ryōta humiliated them both.
Still, Fujikawa smirked inwardly. "This is fine too…"
Looking at Kishimoto's furious face, Fujikawa suppressed a grin.
Ryōta Kitazawa… you're finished.
Feigning righteous indignation, Fujikawa said, "Major Kishimoto, that arrogant punk Ryōta went too far. Striking a superior officer? Unforgivable!"
"Damn right! This is blood feud! If I don't take revenge, I'm not Ishiki Kishimoto!" the major snarled, gritting his teeth. "Fujikawa, inform the troops: effective immediately, the military is seizing all EVA-related operations at NERV! Anyone who resists—kill them! Understand?"
"And contact the UN Human Combat Command. I'm reporting this directly to high command!"
"Yes, sir!"
Fujikawa's heart leapt. So, Kishimoto was finally making a move on NERV. Now the military would seize everything related to the Evangelion units. They finally had a justification—Ryōta Kitazawa had struck a ranking officer. This confirmed NERV's insubordination.
The conflict between NERV and the military had always been inevitable. Now, the gloves were off.
"Hmph! Ryōta Kitazawa, just wait. I swear, I'll make you pay for this!" Kishimoto roared again, his voice seething with hatred.
---
A storm was brewing.
A storm that started in Japan swept across the Pacific, across Europe, and landed in New York, at the United Nations.
Since the Second Impact, nearly half of humanity had perished, and the UN had only grown in importance. Rumor had it that a call from Japan triggered an explosive debate behind closed doors. Voices were raised, tempers flared, and one delegate stormed out. Soon after, uniformed personnel were seen coming and going.
In this world teetering on the brink of extinction, military power ruled all.
Soon after a series of secret meetings, a military plane discreetly arrived in Japan. Officials disembarked and went straight to NERV headquarters. All operations at NERV were suspended, pending a formal UN investigation.
Commander Gendo Ikari remained characteristically absent, and Vice Commander Fuyutsuki maintained his usual silence—as if they had planned it this way from the beginning.
Ten days later, the political struggle reached its climax.
Dozens of military vehicles appeared on the streets, heading toward NERV. No one knew what the soldiers planned to do—but no one dared to ask.
---
Meanwhile, Ryōta Kitazawa was napping peacefully on the school rooftop.
"Ryōta! Ryōta, wake up! Do you even know what's going on right now?!"
Kensuke Aida paced nervously nearby, shaking Ryōta's shoulder in a panic.
He had rushed over as soon as he heard the news, only to find Ryōta snoozing like it was any other day.
Toji Suzuhara stood behind him, watching the unfolding situation outside the school with a conflicted expression.
He knew: if the military took over the EVAs, the next time an Angel attacked, victory would be uncertain.
After all… Ryōta Kitazawa wasn't just strong—he was terrifyingly powerful.
If the next battle was lost, Tokyo-3 would fall—and they would die with it.
That was why Kensuke was so anxious.
"Rei! Come on, help me wake him up! You're an EVA pilot too! Why aren't you even a little worried?" Kensuke pleaded.
Rei Ayanami shook her head calmly. "No. I believe in Ryōta-kun. If anyone can resolve this, it's him."
Her tone was flat, but her conviction was unshaken. She showed no sign of panic or fear.
"You guys really aren't worried, huh…" Kensuke groaned, rubbing his temples like the world was ending.
Since Ryōta had saved their lives, both he and Toji had begun to see him as their closest friend.
But right now, the situation was just too overwhelming.
---
"Thanks, Rei."
Once the others had left, Ryōta sat up slowly, yawning and stretching. He gave Rei a gentle smile.
"No need to thank me," she replied. "I just truly believe you'll find a way. Otherwise… you wouldn't be this calm."
Ryōta smiled and said nothing more. He really wasn't worried.
He knew the military's seizure of NERV wasn't just their idea—it had the backing of the United Nations.
But above the UN… was SEELE.
The shadowy organization that had begun to supersede all global institutions, forming the real architects of this new era.
SEELE had yet to speak.
And because they remained silent, Ryōta understood this was merely a message—a way of shaking the tree.
Commander Ikari knew it. Fuyutsuki knew it. SEELE knew it.
This was all just a game.
What Ryōta didn't know—was when the game would end.
But he wasn't worried.
After all, if push came to shove, he could just storm the military HQ and annihilate everyone who stood in his way.
That much, he was sure of.
Author's Note: About Fujikawa
Just to clarify for readers: Fujikawa is an original character (OC) created specifically for this fanfic. He does not appear in the official Neon Genesis Evangelion series, manga, or Rebuild films.
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