Yui Ikari looked over Shinji's physical examination report, comparing it with the data Hikari had compiled for Ritsuko.
Yui pointed to a row of figures. "Why is this value so much higher?"
Ritsuko said, "This doesn't look like an increase brought on by the fusion. It looks more like this particular attribute within Shinji was unlocked when he merged with Zero. This is the sum of the two."
"So Shinji already had it inside him... but it was hidden."
"Then could this apply to other humans too?"
Light reflected off Gendo Ikari's glasses. "If that's really the case, who placed those limits on humanity?"
They discussed the question for a long time without reaching an answer.
Before Ritsuko left, Gendo told her to make arrangements for Unit-03's Candidate in preparation for the upcoming experiments.
"We've already chosen one. I've sent over the file."
Looking at the photograph, Yui said, "You picked another one of those children?" She clearly didn't approve.
Fuyutsuki sighed. "They're the only ones who can do it..."
At school, classes ended, and the dismissal bell rang.
"Hmm... I've gotten used to a student's schedule..." Zero yawned.
It had been hundreds of years since he'd last attended school...
"Suzuhara, it's your turn to clean today. Make sure you do a proper job." Only after the other students had left did class representative Hikari Horaki stand in front of Toji and tell him.
"What is it?" Toji had completely forgotten...
"The handouts!" Hikari Horaki held out the handouts she was carrying.
She looked at Toji seriously. "Didn't the teacher tell you to deliver them?"
Toji wasn't very keen on doing it. "Why me? Class rep, can't you have the other student on duty do it?"
"Rei Ayanami is absent today!" Hikari Horaki explained.
"Oh, Rei and I are