MAGI is the world's most sophisticated supercomputer—invented by Ritsuko Akagi's mother—capable of modeling virtually every aspect of global data.
Even so, the originator of the posters protesting NERV left no trace in MAGI's databases.
That meant the force behind this event was far from ordinary.
Misato Katsuragi clenched her jaw and turned to Maya Ibuki:
"Maya, I need a favor. Please find Ryōji Kaji for me—just tell him I have urgent business."
"Understood."
Maya nodded, though inwardly puzzled—Ryōji was a NERV staffer anyone could reach anytime. Still, she didn't question it and hurried off.
Left alone in the office, Misato stared blankly at the EVA storage bay through the window.
Inside stood the three EVAs. All were severely damaged except for Unit-01, which only bore minor surface scratches.
These are the machines that had saved countless lives. Misato could hardly imagine: if Ryota Kitazawa had failed, what fate would humanity now face?
As she sat lost in thought, the door quietly opened. A soft, familiar voice drifted in:
"I hear you wanted to see me, Misato."
"We know each other well—no need to send Maya all the way."
Misato knew that voice all too well. She responded icily:
"Ryōji, spare me the jokes. Can't you see how bad I'm feeling right now?"
Ryōji shrugged, a wry smile still playing on his lips.
"If you're upset, beautiful, there's not much I can do… But I'm here. What do you need?"
Misato cut straight to the point.
"People are protesting NERV—and I know Ritsuko already spoke with you. If you know anything—tell me. This isn't small potatoes."
Ever flirtatious, Ryōji teasingly responded:
"How about this? If you give me one kiss, I'll tell you everything."
Misato, lips pressed tight, bit her tongue.
In her youth, she might have fallen for such lines. But now? Her heart belonged to Ryota Kitazawa—he overshadowed Ryōji completely.
She had no interest in his charms anymore.
Ryōji smirked, unfazed:
"You've grown up, Misato," he said, then became serious and sat down.
"As Chief Inspector of NERV HQ, yes—I was briefed on this. Whoever orchestrated this is no amateur."
Misato smacked her hand on the desk, eyebrow sharp:
"So there's a mastermind. Ryōji, who is it?"
Ryōji nodded.
"Only one person fits the bill—Kōjirō Hattori. He's orchestrating this for votes. He's been eyeing the PM post for a long time."
"Vile politicians," Misato hissed.
"What should we do now?" she asked him.
He shrugged.
"Ask someone else about the politics—it's outside my jurisdiction. My role is internal control, not political maneuvers. Anyway, Misato, I've not got any more to say."
Without ceremony, he walked out. Misato was left with no easy answer.
---
In the days that followed, Tokyo‑3 seethed with unrest.
Word spread fast about NERV's alleged misdeeds. Citizens sprang up with banners and protests outside NERV HQ.
But NERV remained silent—doors closed, no comment. That only fueled the anger outside.
Misato watched it all unfold with mounting concern.
Without Commanders Ikari and Fuyutsuki to assert authority, NERV had no leadership left. Technically Misato was first in rank—but as head of the Tactical Division, administrative control wasn't fully hers.
NERV was divided: Tactical under Misato, Technical under Ritsuko. Without orders from higher, no one in administration could act.
In practice, NERV was floundering.
Yet behind it all, an invisible hand pushed the entire protest movement into overdrive.
More and more people joined. Marches filled the streets. Demonstrators attacked NERV as reckless and unaccountable.
And the government? It appeared deaf—actively ignoring it all.
It was utterly outrageous.
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