Chapter Summaries

Shinji trained for nine hours to prepare for piloting, while Zero discovered the soul inside Unit-01. During a synchronization test, Shinji met his mother, Yui Ikari, who refused to leave Unit-01 and began explaining the Human Instrumentality Project.

• Shinji spent the day training until he was exhausted, and Misato treated his injuries when he came home.
• Zero told Shinji to build his stamina before learning Space Martial Arts and decided to investigate the soul he had sensed inside Unit-01.
• During the next day's synchronization test, Zero guided Shinji into Unit-01's mindscape, where they met Yui Ikari.
• Yui thanked Zero for protecting Shinji, but she refused to leave Unit-01 when he offered to arrange her rescue.
• Zero asked Yui to explain NERV's secrets and conspiracies, and she began revealing the Human Instrumentality Project.

Yui Ikari explained the Human Instrumentality Project and her own plan to leave humanity’s fate to Shinji, while Zero condemned her for abandoning him. Shinji and Zero left the mental space determined to stop SEELE and Gendo’s plans, and Zero intended to bring Yui back to Shinji.

• Yui explained that humanity originated from Lilith and that SEELE planned to turn all life on Earth into LCL and merge it into a new life-form.
• Yui revealed that she had merged with Unit-01 so Shinji could choose humanity’s fate, while Gendo planned to use Adam’s embryo to become a god.
• Shinji rejected both plans and declared that he and Zero would protect humanity and bring Yui back.
• Yui warned Zero that Gendo was seeking Adam’s embryo and would likely send Shinji to escort it.
• Zero angrily confronted Yui for leaving Shinji to suffer and forcing the fate of humanity onto him, then said he would get her out.
• Shinji and Zero left the mental space, with Shinji saying goodbye to his mother.

After Shinji learned that Yui was inside Unit-01, he and Zero discussed retrieving her and decided to secure the Adam embryo before confronting Gendo. Zero contacted the Space Garrison for guidance, and its leaders authorized him to stop the Human Instrumentality Project while minimizing casualties.

• Shinji discovered that Yui was inside Unit-01, and his synchronization rate rose to sixty-five percent after briefly reaching one hundred percent.
• Shinji persuaded Zero to secure the Adam embryo before confronting Gendo, and Zero agreed to seek advice from the Space Garrison.
• Zero sent an emergency Ultra Sign and brought Shinji to Space Garrison Headquarters in the Land of Light, where they met Zoffy, Father of Ultra, and Mother of Ultra.
• Father of Ultra explained that the Garrison could not interfere in humanity's internal affairs but that Zero could act to protect Shinji and save lives.
• Zoffy promised guidance and support as Zero pursued the Adam embryo, while the Garrison urged him to avoid direct attacks and minimize casualties.
• Zero asked Zoffy to keep the matter from his father and master, then returned with Shinji to his room.

Zero told Shinji how his human mother, Anne Yuri, died and how he learned that Ultraseven was his father after overcoming exile and proving himself. He comforted Shinji and encouraged him to become strong enough to protect others, and Shinji set off for school determined to follow Zero’s example.

• Zero explained that Father of Ultra and Mother of Ultra were honored elders who had adopted many of the Ultra Brothers and had raised him.
• Zero told Shinji that Ultraseven had fallen in love with human Ultra Guard member Anne Yuri, and that he was born as Shin Moroboshi before his mother died and he was taken to the Land of Light.
• Zero recounted how he had sought power, tried to touch the Plasma Spark Tower, and was exiled to K76, where training with Ultraman Leo taught him to use strength for others.
• Zero explained that he later learned Ultraseven was his father, defeated Belial, and reunited with his father, who told him about Anne and showed him her image.
• Shinji sobbed over Zero’s story, and Zero comforted him while urging him to see his own mother again and become strong.
• Shinji went to school the next morning, determined to protect the lights in every home like Zero.

Shinji received his first NERV salary and bought a trench coat with an inside pocket, while Zero encouraged him to attend the JA Drone launch. The chapter ended as Shinji, Misato, and Ritsuko arrived by helicopter at the launch venue.

• Misato secured Shinji a monthly NERV salary after he asked her to apply on his behalf.
• Zero helped Shinji choose a black trench coat and Wanderer Hat, giving him a discreet place to keep the Zero Glasses.
• Shinji wore the new coat to school, impressed his classmates, and gave Rei Ayanami an extra lunch.
• Gendo discussed NERV funding, Unit 8, and the giant with an official from Dragon Nation, dismissing the suggestion that NERV try to befriend the giant.
• Zero found an invitation to the JA Drone launch and persuaded Shinji to ask Misato to take him.
• Misato, Shinji, and Ritsuko traveled by helicopter to the JA Drone launch venue.

Zero and Shinji attended the JA Drone demonstration, where Zero exposed flaws in the robot’s construction before it went berserk. Zero stopped the runaway machine by entering its radioactive interior and activating its control rods, then flew away.

• Zero mourned the submerged ruins of Tokyo as Misato, Shinji, and Ritsuko traveled to the JA Drone launch.
• Zero guided Shinji to challenge the company’s claims about the robot’s imported technology and risky nuclear reactor.
• The JA Drone malfunctioned during its test, ignored its stop signal, and crushed the observation room.
• Shinji transformed into Zero, who tried to halt the drone but stopped himself from damaging its reactor after Misato warned him about a radiation leak.
• Misato learned that the control rods could stop the robot and relayed the instructions to Zero.
• Zero entered the drone through a hatch, used Ultra Psychokinesis to insert the control rods, and stopped it before flying away.

After dealing with JA and NERV’s suspicions, Zero trained Shinji in Space Martial Arts until he was ready to fight. Meanwhile, the Ultra Warriors planned to revive Yui Ikari to turn Gendo against the Human Instrumentality Project, and Zero’s attempt to help Shinji with homework backfired.

• Ritsuko told Gendo Ikari that Ultraman had stopped JA and demonstrated size-changing, prompting Gendo to order Misato’s psychological examination; Misato was taken away for observation.
• Gendo told SEELE that events were still following the plan, while the Ultra Warriors agreed to prioritize reviving Yui Ikari and winning Gendo over to stop Human Instrumentality.
• Zero trained Shinji physically, then taught him Space Martial Arts in an alternate space where time passed faster; Shinji learned the techniques and managed to land a punch during their sparring session.
• Zero used Shinji’s sleeping body to complete his math homework, but his answers lacked the required working and were incomprehensible to the Japanese teacher, earning Shinji scoldings and a punishment outside.

Zero helped Shinji learn German and trained him as they prepared to meet Unit-02’s pilot, Asuka. On the Pacific Fleet, Zero discovered that Kaji was carrying the Adam Embryo and confronted him, while Kaji realized that the plans of both SEELE and Gendo Ikari might be disrupted.

• Zero taught Shinji basic German by using his abilities, then trained him in the Attack Beam and Twin Slugger as their fusion grew stronger.
• Gendo Ikari confirmed that the cargo had sailed across the Pacific, and Shinji, Misato, Kensuke, and Toji flew to the Pacific Fleet to collect Unit-02.
• Asuka introduced herself and tried to slap Shinji, but Zero caught her hand and spoke to her in German before handing control back to Shinji.
• Zero sensed an Angel signal and located the Adam Embryo in Kaji’s briefcase aboard the carrier.
• Zero confronted Kaji, disarmed and pinned him, identified the object as Adam’s embryo, and warned him that he aimed to help humanity.
• After Zero left, Kaji concluded that events had gone off-plan for both SEELE and Gendo Ikari.

Misato and the others escorted Unit-02 by aircraft carrier while Kaji reunited with Misato and spoke with Asuka about Shinji. When an Angel attacked the fleet, Zero restrained it with Ultra Psychokinesis, and Shinji joined Asuka in Unit-02 as they synchronized and activated it.

• The captain argued with Misato over when NERV could take command of Unit-02, while Zero complained about the world’s poor record against monsters.
• Kaji met the group, teased Misato about her messy habits, and discussed Shinji’s abilities with Asuka.
• Asuka showed Shinji the red Unit-02 and described it as the first Evangelion built for combat.
• Zero sensed the Sixth Angel-Fish Angel approaching, and it attacked the fleet as Shinji tried to find a place to transform.
• Zero borrowed Shinji’s body and used Ultra Psychokinesis to pin the Angel in the sea, but the fleet’s weapons could not penetrate its AT Field.
• Asuka brought Shinji into Unit-02, and the two synchronized successfully and activated the Evangelion.

Asuka and Shinji fought the Fish Angel in Unit-02, but it dragged them underwater and swallowed the Eva. Shinji transformed into Zero to rescue Asuka, then let Shinji control his body as they defeated the Angel.

• Asuka launched Unit-02 with Shinji aboard, and Zero used telekinesis to soften its landings as it crossed the warships to reach the carrier.
• The Fish Angel attacked Unit-02, dragged it underwater, and swallowed it after its power cable reached its limit.
• Asuka screamed in pain as Unit-02 was crushed, so Shinji disabled the Entry Plug recordings and transformed into Zero.
• Shinji took control of Zero, dodged the Fish Angel, and used his head sluggers to break its AT Field and wound it.
• Zero charged and fired the Zero Twin Beam into the Fish Angel's mouth, destroying its core and killing it.

After Zero defeated the Angel, Shinji revealed his secret to Asuka and explained that he and Zero shared one body. Shinji and Zero then confronted Kaji and Gendo over the Adam Embryo, ending with Zero demanding answers from Gendo.

• Misato and the sailors watched Zero leave after defeating the Angel, while Kensuke showed off a photo of him flashing a peace sign.
• Zero revealed himself to Asuka, explained his bond with Shinji, and told her why he had saved Shinji's life; Asuka agreed to keep their secret but called them both idiots.
• Shinji secretly followed Kaji, then rode with him and told him that Gendo planned to use the Adam Embryo to become a god, killing humanity in the process.
• Kaji brought Shinji to Gendo's office with the Adam Embryo, where Zero confronted Gendo and said it was time to clear things up.

Ultraman Zero confronted Gendo Ikari over the Human Instrumentality Project and offered to resurrect Yui if Gendo cooperated. After Gendo agreed, Zero took the Adam Embryo and beat him for mistreating Shinji, who left feeling cared for.

• Zero revealed that Gendo planned to fuse Adam and Lilith to become a god and resurrect Yui.
• Zero introduced himself as Ultraman Zero and offered to revive Yui with Life Solidifying Technology if Gendo abandoned his plan.
• Shinji refused to sacrifice humanity, and Zero warned Gendo that he would protect Shinji and take him elsewhere if necessary.
• Gendo agreed to cooperate, and Zero took the Adam Embryo in his Dimensional Backpack.
• Zero beat Gendo for abandoning and mistreating Shinji, then gave Shinji control and left the base with him.
• Shinji cried with relief that someone had stood up for him, then ran home with Zero.

Zero sent an Ultra Sign to arrange for Shinji’s mother to be brought back to life, while Hikari set out from the Land of Light with a life and equipment. After Asuka moved in with Shinji and Misato, Zero and Shinji entered her memories and comforted her wounded younger self.

• Zero used Shinji’s body to send an Ultra Sign and promised Shinji that his mother would be brought back to life.
• Father of Ultra and Zoffy learned that Zero had obtained the Adam Embryo, and Hikari prepared to travel to Zero with a life in the Life Solidifier.
• Asuka moved in with Shinji and Misato, and she and Shinji argued before going to sleep.
• Zero and Shinji entered Asuka’s memories, saw her mother reject her after a traumatic experiment, and comforted her younger self.
• Asuka woke in Shinji’s room, blushed at remembering her dream, and kicked Shinji after realizing where she was.

Asuka transferred into Shinji’s class and struggled to hide her growing interest in him and Zero’s stories. After she mistook Shinji’s lunch for Rei for a romantic rival, Zero promised her a surprise after school.

• Shinji ran to school, where Kensuke showed off photos of Zero and shared the United Nations’ name for the giant: Ultraman.
• Asuka arrived as a transfer student and chose the seat beside Shinji, saying she wanted to keep an eye on Zero.
• Asuka joined Shinji and Zero’s secret classroom conversation, and Zero told her how Zoffy had lost to Birdon while protecting a nearby hospital.
• The teacher caught Shinji and Zero chatting and scolded them.
• At lunch, Asuka ate the boxed lunch Shinji had made, then grew jealous when she saw him give one to Rei.
• Zero told Asuka that Rei was Shinji’s little sister and promised her a surprise after school.

Zero helped Asuka meet the soul of her mother, Kyoko, inside Unit-02, and Asuka learned that Kyoko had been protecting her. The next morning, Zero heard a familiar voice calling from below and recognized Hikari.

• Zero took Asuka to the Eva Hangar and used his power to bring her into a white space where she could meet Kyoko.
• Kyoko explained that part of her soul had entered Unit-02 during an experiment and later returned there after her death, and she apologized to Asuka for how she had treated her.
• Kyoko thanked Shinji and Zero, asked them to look after Asuka, and said goodbye as Zero's energy ran out.
• Asuka returned to her body, hugged Unit-02, and thanked Shinji and Zero before recalling a mysterious voice telling her that her mother was waiting in the future.
• The next morning, Zero heard a familiar telepathic voice and saw a weathered middle-aged man below; he joyfully called out, "Hikari!"

Hikari and Zero separated Yui Ikari’s soul from Unit-01 and used the Life Solidifier to restore her body, reuniting her with Shinji and Gendo. Afterward, Serizawa explained the Land of Light’s position to Gendo, who agreed to help dismantle the Human Instrumentality Project, while Zero gave Serizawa the Adam Embryo and asked about repairing his broken Palaj Bracelet.

• Serizawa brought Shinji to NERV, where Misato learned that an Ultraman had possessed him and Gendo prepared to resurrect Yui.
• Zero began separating Yui’s soul from Unit-01, but the Eva resisted and went berserk until Hikari transformed and stopped its rampage.
• Hikari used the Life Solidifier to restore Yui, and Shinji reunited with his mother in tears.
• Yui slapped Gendo for abandoning Shinji, then Gendo apologized to her as Serizawa insisted he honor his promise.
• Serizawa explained the Land of Light’s position, and Gendo agreed to cooperate in dismantling the Human Instrumentality Project.
• Zero gave Serizawa the Adam Embryo, and Serizawa asked to borrow Zero’s broken Palaj Bracelet.

Hikari repaired Zero’s Palaj Bracelet and agreed to protect Earth while Zero and Shinji traveled to another universe. After saying goodbye to their friends and family, Zero and Shinji set off through space.

• Zero gave the damaged Palaj Bracelet to Hikari, who repaired it in a portable laboratory while Ritsuko questioned him about Ultra technology.
• Misato asked how Zero had come to possess Shinji, and Zero and Shinji explained what had happened.
• Hikari warned Zero that the bracelet remained damaged and that he should avoid using its stored shining power or bow mode.
• Zero persuaded Hikari to stay behind and protect Earth while he went to help Z, and Shinji told everyone he would return within two days.
• Shinji said goodbye to Yui, Kaji, Rei, Asuka, and Misato, then transformed and flew into space with Zero, who equipped the Paraghi Shield.

Zero and Shinji arrived in Z's world and joined Geed and Z in fighting Pedanium Zetton. After the Ultras destroyed the monster, Jugglus Juggler recognized Shinya Kaburagi and sensed new trouble.

• Zero brought Shinji through a portal to Z's world, where Zero sensed a powerful energy signature from an old enemy.
• Zero arrived as Geed and Z were being overwhelmed by Pedanium Zetton and encouraged them to fight alongside him.
• Z, Zero, and Geed combined their attacks to defeat Pedanium Zetton and destroy it in a massive explosion.
• Shinji watched the battle through Zero's eyes and was stunned by the Ultras' power.
• Jugglus Juggler saw Shinya Kaburagi shoot him with a light bullet and run away, then smiled as he recognized him.

Shinji and Zero visited STORAGE, where they met its captain, Jugglus Juggler, and learned about the organization’s Special Airborne Armors. Zero agreed to tour the hangar, leaving him and Jugglus Juggler trading jabs over whether Zero resembled an Eva.

• Shinji discovered that the Palaj Bracelet could store his Ultra Glasses, then met Riku Asakura and reunited with Haruki.
• Zero decided to stay in the world for a day, and Haruki invited Shinji to visit STORAGE.
• Riku secretly told Shinji that STORAGE’s captain was Jugglus Juggler, and Zero admitted he found the captain difficult to understand.
• Jugglus Juggler met the group, sent Haruki to meet Yoko, and discussed Shinji’s role as a fourteen-year-old Eva pilot.
• Jugglus Juggler showed Shinji and Zero the Special Airborne Armors, and Zero laughed at the name Z Special Airborne Armor Z.
• Jugglus Juggler called Zero “EVA: Unit Zero,” and Zero angrily rejected the comparison.

Shinji learned about Riku Asakura’s struggle against his father, Belial, and resolved to take control of his own fate. Before Shinji and Zero returned home, Jugglus Juggler gave Shinji information on Special Airborne Armors, and a shadowy figure received technology and red liquid from Celebro.

• Zero explained that STORAGE and Z had fought monsters driven berserk by Belial Splinters, while Riku resolved to confront the trouble connected to his father.
• Shinji explored Tokyo with Zero and Haruki, saw its crowded streets and glowing homes, and said he wanted to protect people like them.
• Zero told Shinji how Geed overcame his origins and defeated Belial, inspiring Shinji to take control of his own fate.
• Jugglus Juggler secretly gave Shinji a USB drive with Special Airborne Armor information, then treated Shinji and Zero to breakfast after their money proved unusable in his world.
• Riku left by spaceship, and Shinji transformed into Zero to fly home after saying goodbye to Riku and Haruki.
• Celebro gave a shadowy figure technology and two jars of red liquid, and the figure insisted the Ultra Warriors would not stop its plan.