On the surface, everything was silent.
No one had spoken about the battle against the Sixth Angel. Even on the surface, everything appeared normal. But beneath that eerie calm, a turbulent undercurrent was surging wildly.
SEELE, NERV, the United Nations—almost every organization seemed to have gone mad, throwing every intelligence resource at their disposal into finding that mysterious red-ponytailed girl.
This was especially true for SEELE.
"The appointed time has not yet arrived, yet such a blunder has occurred!"
In the dark space, the slabs flickering with bright red numbers showed no expression, but their furious tones made it clear just how agitated they were.
"Ikari, who exactly is that girl?"
"I would like an answer to that question just as much as everyone present."
Sitting in his chair with his hands clasped together, Gendo Ikari spoke expressionlessly.
"I believe you all understand that there was no such record in the predetermined apocalypse..."
"The records of the Dead Sea Scrolls are absolute!"
At that moment, a shrill voice rang out.
"We must eliminate every obstacle. Gendo Ikari, you should understand that if someone finds that girl, then NERV's existence will lose all meaning!"
"I understand."
Of course Gendo Ikari understood. Once the United Nations or another organization made contact with the red-ponytailed girl, it would mean that NERV was no longer the only force in the world capable of defeating Angels. That might be good news to others, but it was absolutely not good news for NERV.
SEELE and NERV had considered the possibility that the girl belonged to some other organization, but honestly, they were now doubtful that this was true. The power she had displayed had already far surpassed anything SEELE and NERV could comprehend.
Gendo Ikari had even specifically consulted Ritsuko Akagi. Ritsuko Akagi had only one