Even the usually composed Ritsuko Akagi could not help looking excited. This was a living Angel, an extraordinarily rare and precious experimental specimen.
Although her EVA had been developed through research into Progenitor-class life-forms, the higher-ups valued those Progenitors far more than her, their Chief Technician. Her research had barely scratched the surface.
The research value of a living Angel was simply incalculable.
"Dr. Akagi will continue to handle the Third Child's physical examinations. From now on, submit the relevant reports directly to me," Kozo Fuyutsuki instructed.
Ritsuko Akagi nodded. "Understood. But I'm afraid the Elders of the Human Instrumentality Committee won't readily leave this Angel in our hands."
Kozo Fuyutsuki fell silent for a moment, then said gravely, "The Commander-in-Chief and I will handle it. Don't worry."
They had gone to every possible length to weaken the power those old men held. There was no way they would now hand over such a precious Angel specimen and strengthen their enemies.
"To them, an Angel may be worth more than an 'ace pilot.' If we disagree, they may resort to force," Ritsuko Akagi warned.
Kozo Fuyutsuki replied calmly, "Seal the Ninth Angel immediately after Unit-01's AT Field releases its mental suppression. Just focus on your work. The Commander-in-Chief and I will speak with them."
The white-haired old man had always carried himself like a mild-mannered scholar. At a moment like this, however, he displayed the authority and dependability befitting the Commander-in-Chief's adjutant.
Watching Ritsuko Akagi leave, Kozo Fuyutsuki did not go straight to Gendo Ikari. Instead, he sat in the command chair, gazing at the large screen, lost in thought for a long while.
He took a photograph from the lining of his clothes.
The photograph showed his student, Yui Ikari, holding a boy named Shinji Ikari in her arms.