Aftermath

"Go over the attack again."

In his office, Gendo Ikari looked at Tao Yu, Misato, and Shinji in front of him. He showed no joy at being reunited with the son he hadn't seen in three years.

His expression was as composed as ever, almost cold.

He seemed like a machine built to carry out its tasks.

"Yes!"

Misato had already reported it over the phone, but she started from the beginning and gave her account again.

As for Tao Yu's performance, apart from Shinji still being in shock, no one else found it particularly surprising.

He was from Takigakure, after all. This seemed like standard procedure for him.

Tao Yu hadn't bothered to hide his combat skills when he'd been leaping around the hangar earlier. On the highway, all he'd shown was his sharp aim and excellent driving.

To them, those abilities were out in the open.

"Did they pinpoint your location precisely...?"

"All right, you may leave. Stay within the city for now, and try to limit your trips outside. Don't go to school for the time being, either."

Gendo didn't forbid them from going out altogether. He only told them to stay away from school for now. After a pause, he continued:

"You'll be responsible for the Cores for the time being. Take him to Ritsuko for testing later."

Gendo's cold demeanor left Shinji feeling disappointed. He wanted to shout and throw a fit.

But when he glanced at Tao Yu, he didn't want to embarrass himself in front of someone his own age.

If that was how they were arranging things, then perhaps there was nothing wrong with going along with it.

Cores?

He had no idea what that meant...

Shinji had always been timid and inclined to go with the flow. With Tao Yu setting