Recaps

Huang Zhetian entered NERV’s selection test in China, piloting the Special Unit against Shamshel in a simulation. After his first attack failed and Shamshel badly damaged his mech, he prepared to use his trump card.

• Huang Zhetian reflected on his two years in the EVA world and his practice system as he prepared for the candidate selection test.
• NERV staff instructed the candidates to defeat Shamshel first with a power cable and then within five minutes without one.
• Huang Zhetian activated his A.T. Field and cracked Shamshel’s A.T. Field with a Particle Knife attack.
• Shamshel grabbed Huang Zhetian’s wrist, hurled his mech through buildings, and struck it with a laser beam.
• Huang Zhetian’s mech suffered damage to its waist and armor, so he called out to his system.

Huang Zhetian passed the pilot test by defeating an Angel in the simulation and earned the top ranking. China’s NERV branch confirmed its support and arranged for him to travel to Japan Headquarters with the Germany Branch.

• Huang Zhetian used a boost card to increase his synchronization and attributes, then destroyed the Angel in the simulation in three minutes and twenty seconds.
• The test awarded Huang Zhetian 95 points, a 57 percent synchronization rate, and first place, making him the only candidate to qualify.
• China Branch officials discussed Huang Zhetian’s results and arranged to ship the Special Unit to Japan alongside Unit-02.
• Huang Zhetian reported to the command room, where officials confirmed his pilot status and discussed government and United Nations support for the NERV branch.
• The branch head told Huang Zhetian to prepare to travel to Japan Headquarters with the Germany Branch, while senior officials discussed a hidden organization and the Mass Production Units.

Huang Zhetian packed for his departure and brought along a mysterious sword hilt, while Shinji found comfort in Misato after struggling with the pressure of piloting Eva. The chapter ended with Shinji anticipating the arrival of two new Evas and wondering about his future teammates.

• Huang Zhetian packed food, drawing supplies, and study materials, then took one last look at the blood-red sea before returning to his room.
• Huang Zhetian packed a black, blade-less sword hilt given to him by the system, which flashed red after he left.
• Shinji cried out in distress, and Misato comforted him while acknowledging the pressure the adults had placed on him.
• Misato asked Shinji to make breakfast and warned him not to investigate the Jet Alone incident further.
• Misato told Shinji that two Evas would arrive the next day and asked him to bring his friends along.

Huang Zhetian met Misato, Asuka, Shinji, Toji, and Kensuke aboard the battleship and quickly befriended the boys. He led them toward the command room for a promised good show, where Misato's startled expression awaited them.

• Misato brought Toji and Kensuke on a battleship tour while Huang Zhetian discussed Eva units with the captain and Kaji.
• Huang Zhetian joined Misato's group and found Toji and Shinji with slap marks after an argument with Asuka.
• Asuka boasted that Unit-02 surpassed Huang Zhetian's Special Unit and Unit-01, then slapped Toji again for insulting her.
• Huang Zhetian introduced himself to the boys, befriended Kensuke and Toji, and invited them to try his Chinese cooking.
• Huang Zhetian put an arm around Shinji and led the group to the command room, promising them a good show; Misato greeted them with a shocked expression.

Misato secured emergency command authority at NERV after the Captain reviewed information about the Angel, and she left with Kaji, Asuka, Huang Zhetian, and the others. In the lounge, Kaji embarrassed Misato by asking Shinji about her sleeping habits, while Huang Zhetian watched the awkward exchange.

• The Captain told Misato that he would sign her paperwork but that command would remain with his side unless an emergency gave NERV supreme operational authority.
• The Captain explained that Huang Zhetian had shown him information about the Angel, and Misato left the command room with the group.
• Kaji teased Huang Zhetian in the elevator, where Asuka and Misato complained that the crowded passengers should stop moving around.
• In the lounge, Kaji asked Misato whether she had a boyfriend and then questioned Shinji about living with her.
• Kaji asked Shinji whether Misato had changed her sleeping habits, prompting Misato to blush and shout at him while Shinji continued answering.

Kaji compared Shinji and Huang Zhetian’s piloting abilities, prompting Asuka to challenge them to prove themselves. While Asuka showed them Unit-02, the Sixth Angel attacked the ships, and Asuka saw her chance to test the boys.

• Kaji told Asuka that Shinji had achieved a Synchronization Rate above forty percent in his first untrained battle and that Huang Zhetian had reached fifty-seven percent in simulator tests.
• Asuka became unsettled by Huang Zhetian’s hard work and strong results, then went to find Shinji and Huang Zhetian so she could judge them herself.
• Asuka showed Shinji and Huang Zhetian Unit-02 and explained that it was the world’s first production-model Evangelion, built for combat.
• The Sixth Angel struck the transport ship, then rammed warships and sent them sinking to the seabed.
• Asuka smiled and declared her chance as Shinji worried about getting back to Misato.

Misato took command as the Fish Angel resisted the fleet’s attacks, while Huang Zhetian and Asuka prepared their Evas to fight. The chapter ended with Huang Zhetian connected to an external power supply and facing the approaching Angel, eager to battle.

• Asuka hurried Shinji and Huang Zhetian to prepare their combat suits and Evas, while Huang Zhetian accidentally saw her changing.
• Misato took supreme operational command after the captain confirmed that the naval attacks could not hit the target.
• Kaji left the battle in a fighter after telling Misato he had something to deliver.
• Misato directed Huang Zhetian to join her carrier and connect to its external power supply because his Eva’s battery lasted only one minute.
• Huang Zhetian landed his blue Eva on the carrier, connected to external power, and prepared to face the Fish Angel.

Huang Zhetian and Asuka joined Shinji in fighting the Fish Angel, using two battleships to destroy its core. After the victory, Asuka kicked Huang Zhetian, while he wondered whether Commander Ikari had already obtained the Adam Embryo.

• Asuka arrived at the command room, nearly pulling Huang Zhetian into the sea, and argued with him and Shinji.
• Misato ordered Huang Zhetian to occupy the Fish Angel while Asuka and Shinji searched for its core.
• Huang Zhetian fought the Fish Angel underwater and held its jaws open as Asuka pushed two battleships into its mouth.
• The battleships detonated inside the Angel, defeating it, and Huang Zhetian and Asuka returned to the surface.
• Asuka kicked Huang Zhetian after the battle, and he wondered what to do next as he considered whether Commander Ikari had obtained the Adam Embryo.

Huang Zhetian arrived at NERV Headquarters in Tokyo-3 with Misato, Shinji, and Asuka, marveling at its scale while considering the dangers and goals ahead. Misato brought the group to meet Deputy Commander Fuyutsuki, as Huang prepared to see the man he considered a hidden mastermind.

• Huang Zhetian admired NERV Headquarters as the electric railcar descended, and Shinji explained that he had once been just as amazed.
• Huang Zhetian asked Shinji whether Commander Ikari was his father, prompting Shinji to grow quiet and Asuka to mock his position as Unit-01's pilot.
• Misato handed Huang Zhetian and Asuka CD cards, and Huang exchanged numbers with her before inviting Shinji to shop with him.
• Huang Zhetian saw a system quest to earn Asuka's affection and a reward tied to the Black Sword Hilt, then worried about the risks posed by Commander Ikari and uncertain plot variables.
• Misato led the group to NERV Headquarters and said they would meet Deputy Commander Fuyutsuki first, while Huang anticipated seeing him.

Huang Zhetian met NERV’s leadership and joined Misato, Shinji, and Asuka, then agreed to cook dinner at Misato’s apartment. The chapter ended with Rei Ayanami reflecting on Shinji and the thanks she had yet to give him.

• Huang Zhetian greeted Kozo Fuyutsuki and Ritsuko Akagi, and Fuyutsuki told Shinji to visit his father.
• Gendo Ikari praised Shinji for his performance, making Shinji happy and Huang Zhetian feel sorry for him.
• Misato decided Huang Zhetian and Asuka would live with Shinji, and Asuka protested that she wanted to live with Kaji instead.
• Huang Zhetian offered to make a Chinese meal for everyone and went to buy ingredients while Misato prepared to store his luggage.
• Rei Ayanami looked at her medicine and broken glasses, then quietly said she had not yet thanked Shinji.

Huang Zhetian cooked an elaborate Chinese dinner for Shinji, Asuka, and Misato, bringing warmth and lively conversation to Misato's apartment. The chapter ended with the four sharing a happy meal together.

• Huang Zhetian returned to Misato's apartment and found Asuka and Shinji bickering over Asuka's luggage.
• Huang Zhetian gave Asuka orange juice, then joined Shinji in preparing dinner and impressed him and Asuka with his knife skills.
• Huang Zhetian prepared six dishes, while Asuka, Shinji, and Misato watched and learned about Chinese cooking.
• The group enjoyed the meal, with Misato praising Huang Zhetian's cooking and Asuka reacting to the spicy cucumber salad.
• Asuka, Shinji, Huang Zhetian, and Misato shared jokes and conversation, and Misato felt glad that Shinji was no longer alone.

Huang Zhetian went to school with Asuka and Shinji after an embarrassing morning at home, then bought Kensuke and Toji’s photos of Asuka. At school, he spotted Rei Ayanami and settled in to watch Asuka meet her.

• Asuka woke Huang Zhetian by hitting him with a stuffed panda, saw that he was sleeping naked, and beat him while Shinji, Toji, and Kensuke waited outside.
• Huang Zhetian, Asuka, and Shinji left for school after Misato thanked them from inside the apartment.
• Huang Zhetian bought Kensuke and Toji’s photos of Asuka and gave Kensuke a camera to take more pictures for him.
• Huang Zhetian noticed Rei Ayanami sitting on a bench and watched as Asuka and Shinji approached her.

Huang Zhetian left school with Asuka after noticing her growing closeness with Shinji, then learned that the Seventh Angel had arrived. At NERV, Asuka, Shinji, and Huang Zhetian prepared to fight the Music Angel together as SEELE discussed its plans and the chapter ended with Huang Zhetian recognizing the threat.

• Asuka pulled Huang Zhetian away from Shinji and Rei, teasing him about dinner and letting him call her by name.
• Rei and Shinji warned Asuka and Huang Zhetian that another Angel had appeared and Misato had ordered them to NERV Headquarters.
• SEELE members discussed Unit-01, the Spear of Longinus, the Human Instrumentality Project, and their difficulty controlling China.
• Misato sent Asuka, Shinji, and Huang Zhetian to fight the Seventh Angel together, despite Asuka's complaints about sharing her debut battle.
• The three Evas landed and connected to external power as Huang Zhetian studied the approaching Music Angel and saw its kill reward and Resurrection Ring.

Asuka split the Angel, but it divided into two and badly injured Shinji, leaving Huang Zhetian to fight alone while Asuka retreated with Shinji. With Japan’s military support delayed, China answered Huang’s call and launched a saturation bombardment; he escaped the strike zone and later fell asleep after his Special Unit ran out of power.

• Asuka cut the Angel in half, but it split into two and attacked, piercing Unit-01’s waist and severely burning Shinji.
• Huang Zhetian ordered Asuka to evacuate with Shinji, then stayed behind to hold off both Angels as Misato requested military support.
• Asuka returned to NERV and watched Huang’s damaged Special Unit fight while Gendo Ikari arranged Chinese satellite assistance after Japan’s satellite system failed.
• Huang’s power supply was destroyed, but China’s Ministry of National Defense contacted him and directed him to withdraw before launching a saturation bombardment.
• Huang reached safety as the Japanese military resumed operations, and his Special Unit ran out of power, leaving him asleep in the darkened entry plug.

After waking from his injuries, Huang Zhetian comforted Asuka and grew closer to her before they were assigned to fight the Angel together. Asuka returned to Huang Zhetian’s room during the night, while he worried about Shinji and considered contacting China.

• Huang Zhetian woke in the infirmary and accepted Asuka’s hug, then urged her not to blame herself for Shinji’s injuries.
• Gendo Ikari ordered Misato to lead the next operation with Huang Zhetian and Asuka, while Fuyutsuki warned that Gendo’s plans might conflict with SEELE’s.
• Asuka reflected on Huang Zhetian’s concern and felt that he gave her a rare sense of safety.
• Misato explained that Huang Zhetian and Asuka had six days to synchronize their Eva units and destroy the Angel’s cores at the same time.
• Huang Zhetian and Asuka teased each other at Misato’s home before going to bed, and Huang Zhetian considered reporting Shinji’s condition to China.
• Asuka opened a door and went to the toilet while Huang Zhetian pretended to be asleep.

Huang Zhetian comforted Asuka through a nightmare and grew closer to her while they practiced synchronization together. By twilight, they were laughing and chasing each other, and the system announced that the mission's initial objective had been completed.

• Huang Zhetian saw Asuka cry out for her mother in her sleep, hugged her, and resolved to prevent the Mass Production Unit incident.
• Huang Zhetian and Asuka quickly synchronized their movements during practice, while Misato said Shinji had woken and Rei Ayanami was caring for him.
• Huang Zhetian told Misato that he and Asuka would visit Shinji after defeating the Angel.
• On the rooftop, Huang Zhetian and Asuka talked about the sunset, and Asuka thanked him for the previous night before asking him to make her something delicious.
• Huang Zhetian ignored the system's mission announcement and chased Asuka through the streets as she called him stupid Zhetian.

Huang Zhetian and Asuka defeated the Angel with a synchronized attack, meeting NERV’s one-minute deadline. Afterward, Fuyutsuki and Gendo Ikari discussed advancing their plan to give Unit-01 an S² Engine despite the old men’s objections.

• Huang Zhetian cooked a Chinese feast for his classmates, and they praised the food.
• After Misato left for NERV, Asuka warned Huang Zhetian not to try anything, but he accidentally kissed her and she slapped and scolded him.
• The next morning, NERV summoned Huang Zhetian and Asuka because an Angel had arrived and ordered them to defeat it within one minute.
• Huang Zhetian and Asuka dodged the Angel’s attacks, then broke its core with a combined Rider Kick just before their EVAs lost power.
• Fuyutsuki told Gendo Ikari that the old men opposed giving Unit-01 an S² Engine, and Gendo said they could proceed regardless.

Huang Zhetian fused the Black and White Sword Hilts into the powerful Taiji Sword Hilt and resolved to expose the China NERV Branch and save Kaji and Misato. After visiting the recovering Shinji, he called Kaji to arrange a meeting at the watermelon patch.

• Huang Zhetian combined the Black and White Sword Hilts, creating the Taiji Sword Hilt with powerful abilities and dangerous techniques.
• Huang Zhetian tested the hilt by forming a transparent blade that briefly tore open space, then decided to give the Resurrection Ring to Kaji and warn people in China about the NERV Branch.
• Huang Zhetian and Asuka visited Shinji, who thanked them for defeating the Angel and spoke fondly of getting along with Rei Ayanami.
• Misato suggested the classmates go on an outing once Shinji recovered, while Huang Zhetian asked her for Kaji's phone number.
• Huang Zhetian called Kaji and agreed to meet him at the watermelon patch.

Huang Zhetian gave Kaji a Resurrection Ring and warned him that both SEELE and Gendo Ikari might kill him, while Kaji entrusted Asuka to Huang Zhetian’s care. Huang Zhetian returned to Misato’s home and shared a warm evening with Asuka before Misato came home.

• Huang Zhetian explained that the ring could save Kaji’s life and warned him that Gendo Ikari had written him into his plans.
• Kaji activated the ring with a drop of blood, then thanked Huang Zhetian for giving it to him.
• Kaji asked Huang Zhetian to care for Asuka, and Huang Zhetian promised to protect her with his life.
• Kaji and Huang Zhetian talked about love, individuality, and escaping the schemes of others as they watched the sky.
• Huang Zhetian returned to Misato’s home, where he and Asuka shared a tender exchange while preparing dinner.
• Misato came home and smiled at the sight of Huang Zhetian and Asuka together.

Kaji teased Asuka about Huang Zhetian moving in with Rei, revealing Asuka’s jealousy, while the pilots discussed their canceled school trip and plans to go swimming. Huang Zhetian began playing a mournful flute piece that reminded him of his family in another time and space.

• Kaji took Asuka shopping, and she asked about the ring on his hand before they bought a swimsuit.
• At a café, Kaji told Asuka that Huang Zhetian might move in with Rei, and Asuka insisted that she should move in with him instead.
• Asuka returned home and Huang Zhetian told her and Shinji that they could not attend the school trip because they had to remain ready to fight an Angel.
• Shinji suggested that they go swimming, and Rei agreed to join him and the others.
• Huang Zhetian announced that he would play a sad piece called “Thoughts Across Time and Space” and began playing it as he thought of his family.

Huang Zhetian played a flute piece that stirred painful memories in Asuka and Shinji, then gave Shinji the sheet music. The group went to the swimming pool, where teasing about romance left Rei Ayanami quietly wondering what it meant to be liked by Shinji.

• Huang Zhetian's flute performance brought back memories of Yui for Shinji and of her mother for Asuka, who secretly cried.
• Huang Zhetian teased Asuka about her red eyes, and she denied crying before storming away.
• Shinji asked who composed the piece, and Huang Zhetian gave him a copy of the sheet music.
• Huang Zhetian teased Asuka at the swimming pool and she kicked him, while Shinji helped him up.
• Huang Zhetian accused Shinji of liking Rei Ayanami, and Shinji hurriedly denied it.
• Rei Ayanami heard their conversation, wondered whether Shinji liked her, and felt warm at the thought.

Huang Zhetian and Asuka joked together by the pool while Shinji and Rei Ayanami talked nearby. At the volcano, Misato’s probe detected an Angel Embryo, and she ordered the research site sealed and its discovery kept secret.

• Asuka helped Huang Zhetian solve a physics problem, then teased him about thermal expansion and demanded he cook her something delicious.
• Huang Zhetian and Asuka noticed Shinji handing Rei Ayanami a towel and joked about Shinji’s interest in her.
• Huang Zhetian invited Shinji to take a walk outside with them.
• Misato ordered the probe lowered deeper into the magma despite damage to its pressure-resistant bulkhead.
• The probe detected Pattern Blue before the magma’s pressure crushed it.
• Misato identified the image as an Angel Embryo and ordered the site sealed under NERV control, with the past six hours classified as top secret.

Gendo Ikari secured approval for the A-17 Directive to capture a living Angel, and Asuka prepared to pilot Unit-02 on the mission. Huang Zhetian saw a warning that Asuka might need rescuing as the team readied to depart.

• Gendo Ikari won tacit approval from the committee to issue the A-17 Directive and capture the Angel alive for its S2 Core.
• Akagi briefed Shinji, Asuka, and Rei Ayanami on the capture mission, and Asuka eagerly claimed Unit-02 as her assignment.
• Akagi told Rei Ayanami and Unit-00 to remain at headquarters while Shinji, Unit-01, and the Special Unit waited above for orders.
• Asuka complained about the bulky Type-D Equipment, then agreed to pilot Unit-02 after Rei Ayanami offered to take her place.
• Huang Zhetian checked his mission panel, which listed rescuing Asuka as a bonus objective, and warned that the mission looked dangerous.

Asuka piloted Unit-02 into the volcano to investigate the Angel, but it began hatching far earlier than expected. Huang Zhetian and Shinji pulled Unit-02 out before it was destroyed, and Asuka warned that the Angel was rising.

• Misato prepared the units and support equipment at the volcano while Asuka asked where Kaji was; Kaji was elsewhere discussing NERV’s A-17 Directive with a woman.
• Akagi explained that the UN fighters were waiting to destroy the Angel and NERV with N² Missiles if the operation failed, then said Commander Ikari had ordered it.
• Asuka rode Unit-02 into the magma, but the Angel began hatching early, prompting Huang Zhetian to suspect Gendo Ikari was accelerating events.
• Huang Zhetian used his psychic power and sensed Gendo Ikari and Fuyutsuki two kilometers from the volcano as they discussed their plans and the race against time.
• When the Angel attacked Unit-02, Huang Zhetian and Shinji hauled it out of the magma; Asuka survived and warned that the Angel was coming up.

Huang Zhetian and the other Evas defeated the fully hatched Angel by forcing an N² Missile into its mouth, but Huang lost a foot to escape its grasp. The Angel and volcano were destroyed, and Huang passed out after the system confirmed his mission reward.

• Misato learned that NERV could not call off the bombing and ordered the team to hold the line while the evacuation proceeded.
• Huang Zhetian converted his Eva for flight, destroyed the fighter carrying the N² Missile, and seized the weapon as the military retreated.
• Huang Zhetian, Shinji, and Asuka coordinated their Evas to neutralize the Angel's A.T. Field and force the missile into its mouth.
• The Angel caught Huang's Eva with a tentacle, so Huang cut off its foot and let Shinji and Asuka drag him to safety.
• The N² Missile and the Angel's core exploded, destroying the volcano and burying the three Evas in ash.
• The system confirmed Huang's mission reward of 7,000 points, and Huang passed out as his cockpit lost power.