NERV Headquarters
Command Room
Ritsuko Akagi picked up the microphone and addressed the two seated in their Entry Plugs. "Shinji, Huang Zhetian. Get ready. While neutralizing the enemy's absolute territory, Shinji, use the Gatling gun to draw its attention, just like in training. Huang Zhetian, you're free to attack as you see fit."
That last instruction alone proved Huang Zhetian's considerable ability and NERV Headquarters' confidence in him.
Shinji answered Ritsuko Akagi somewhat timidly. "Yes..."
Once the briefing was more or less finished, Misato ordered with a stern expression, "Launch!"
Whoosh-thud!!!
The gates of the launch platforms beneath the two EVAs opened, rapidly sending them to the surface.
Rear Mountain
Toji and Kensuke ran up, panting, with a Micro Camera.
The Fifth Angel had already entered the middle urban district of Tokyo-3.
It stood up, wriggling its shrimp-like joints and continually emitting an indescribably eerie echo.
Bzz-haa-
Kensuke immediately set up the camera and began recording, marveling nonstop. "Awesome! Sneaking out was totally worth it! Good thing we didn't listen to Boss. Hey! Look! Boss and Shinji are coming out!"
Clearly, Kensuke had already tossed Huang Zhetian's warning out of his mind.
Hearing Kensuke's excited cry, Toji looked in the direction he indicated.
The steel plates on two distant buildings slid open rapidly, revealing the two EVAs-Special Unit and Unit-01.
The two EVAs were abruptly locked in place as they reached the surface, making their heads tilt slightly upward and straighten.
Their views suddenly cleared as well, changing from a fast-moving blur to a bright, sunny scene.
Kensuke couldn't help clenching his fists and cheering quietly. Toji, however, looked distinctly uneasy. He kept feeling that something bad was about to happen, and the discomfort in his chest refused to fade.
This was Shinji's first time piloting an EVA, but he