"Impossible. I tried everything. Every method."
"Resurrecting the dead... how could it be that simple?"
Hearing Natsuki say he'd resurrect Yui tomorrow, Gendo's composure shattered.
Only one thing in this world could shake him. Anything involving his wife.
Absurd.
Years of scheming. Countless sacrifices. Using everyone around him. All for a glimpse of hope—just hope—of bringing her back.
But why? Why was resurrection so... casual to this man?
"Believe me or don't. Tomorrow, you'll see the result."
Natsuki extended his hand. The briefcase flew from Gendo's grip into his.
"I'll hold onto this."
Adam's embryo was Gendo's tool for resurrecting his wife. If Yui could be revived directly, this thing became unnecessary.
Safer with him anyway.
"Mm..."
Gendo stood frozen. Didn't move. Just made a sound.
His human body couldn't take it back by force.
"See you tomorrow."
Natsuki smiled. Turned. Briefcase in hand. Left.
Tomorrow, he'd reunite this family of three.
"Mm..."
Gendo still didn't move.
Not until Natsuki and Connie were completely gone.
Then he walked slowly to his chair. Steps heavy. Defeated.
Collapsed into the seat. Bent forward. Hands clasped in front of his mouth. Silent. Drowning in self-doubt.
The Land of Light... what kind of place was it?
Problems we can't solve. To them... trivial matters?
Such advanced civilization. Such powerful individuals. Why help the weak?
Does a civilization truly exist that prioritizes helping others?
"But... I hope it's all real."
Whatever the truth, Gendo only hoped they wouldn't deceive him about Yui.
If they could truly resurrect her, NERV was theirs. He'd give anything.
Everything.
"Every choice you make surprises me."
Outside in the corridor, Connie turned to Natsuki.
"I thought you'd wait until those two showed their hand before acting."
The other two Travelers hadn't made obvious moves yet.
"That was the plan. But then this thing caught my interest."
Natsuki glanced at the briefcase.
"Hm?"
"An Ultraman interested in that?"
"You're not planning to taste it, are you?"
Connie raised an eyebrow. Surprised.
He remembered Natsuki enjoyed sampling different cuisines.
But Adam's embryo? That was... bizarre.
"Of course not. Looks disgusting."
Natsuki's tone carried disdain.
"Wait."
"Maybe..."
Natsuki had experienced culinary cultures across multiple star systems. Couldn't judge food by appearance. Some things looked worse but tasted better.
"Eh?"
"That seems... not great."
Shinji's voice echoed in Natsuki's mind.
In their current state, if Natsuki ate it, the food would end up in Shinji's stomach.
"Forget it. Save it for Hikari."
After a few seconds, Natsuki dismissed the thought.
Not that he was interested. More accurately—Hikari would definitely be interested.
A being called the Creator. Capable of making Angels. Absolutely a rare specimen.
Normally, Space Science Technology Bureau regulations prohibited bringing life forms from other planets back as samples. Disrespectful to life.
But this Adam embryo was sealed by humans themselves. Adam inside was still alive. Just missing its soul.
Natsuki was certain Hikari couldn't resist.
"Speaking of which, can you deduce where the other two are?"
Natsuki asked Connie.
Intelligence on the Travelers was the priority.
"I have limited intel. But based on past experience, one's definitely among the Angels. The other... probably still among humans."
Connie stroked his chin. Analyzing.
His position in NERV wasn't high. And Gendo didn't trust easily. So his intelligence gathering was limited.
"If Gendo truly sides with us and we combine intel, we can probably identify them."
Gendo was ruthless. But genuinely capable.
"Depends on how deep his feelings for his wife run."
"Tomorrow, after resurrecting Yui, everything becomes easier."
Natsuki walked and talked.
Shinji's emotions surged hearing this.
"Tomorrow... I can meet my mother?"
Disbelief colored his voice.
She died when he was three. He didn't even remember her face.
Only instinct told him she must have been gentle.
"You will."
Natsuki smiled. A promise.
"That's... wonderful."
Shinji's heart filled with anticipation.
These past days felt like a dream.
His gray life now had color.
By the time they returned to the apartment, evening had fallen.
Shinji stared curiously at the pile of cardboard boxes by the door. Pulled out his key.
Did Misato-san order delivery?
The door opened. A shout erupted:
"Nothing but beer and frozen food!"
"The NERV Operations Director can't cook!?"
Then a sheepish voice:
"Well... Shinji's not back yet. Let's make do. Haha... haha..."
Hearing the door, Misato—previously embarrassed—found her savior.
Ran to the entrance barefoot. Saw Shinji. Relief washed over her.
"Shinji! Finally!"
"Dinner. Please!"
Hands clasped. Bowing earnestly.
Nearly thirty years old. Personality of a child.
"Wait, you live here too?"
Asuka appeared. Peeked around the corner. Saw Shinji. Surprised.
"I should be asking that."
Shinji stared at the two figures—one tall, one small. His eye twitched.
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