Ambush

Misato saw Shinji's dejected expression in the rearview mirror and couldn't help sighing.

They were both Cores, yet the difference between them was enormous.

By now, Misato Katsuragi had learned a little more about Takigakure from Ritsuko. She knew they were born elite soldiers.

And Evangelion Unit-01 was different from the other EVAs. In Ritsuko's words, it had the greatest potential of them all.

Those two facts went some way toward explaining the terrifying strike Evangelion Unit-01 had unleashed earlier.

The people of Takigakure really were professionals.

Misato adjusted the rearview mirror and stepped on the gas. Once she had sped onto the coastal highway, she spoke with a curious expression.

"Shinji, do you know why your father asked you to come here?"

"Huh? No, I don't."

Shinji hadn't seen Gendo Ikari in three years. Misato's question made him seem a little ill at ease.

Every so often, he also stole a glance at Tao Yu, who had the window open and was letting the wind blow over him.

The wind from the moving car sent Tao Yu's hair flying. With his relaxed expression, he looked carefree.

Tao Yu seemed to notice Shinji's gaze and turned around with a smile.

"What are you looking at me for?"

The casual tease immediately made Shinji blush, leaving him a little awkward.

But just as Tao Yu was about to poke fun at him again, he suddenly paused. Frowning slightly, he asked Misato beside him, "Misato, who else knows we're coming to pick someone up?"

"Huh? Why do you ask? Probably not many people. Commander Ikari gave me the assignment directly."

Misato Katsuragi looked at Tao Yu in surprise, as if she hadn't yet caught on.

"Then why are we being ambushed?"

"What? Ambushed?"

Misato Katsuragi still hadn't quite understood.

Although she was