EVA: Daybreak

This was unbelievable—Misato Katsuragi couldn't trust her eyes!

Could someone really dodge a bullet?

Even if she doubted it, the evidence was right in front of her...

Thanks to that brutal year of survival in the Cosmic Forest, Ryota Kitazawa had developed an uncanny, almost supernatural reflex—born from constant life-threatening danger.

BOOM!

As Ryota moved, dozens of soldiers fell in agony. He struck like a born fighter—every blow obliterating foes, even bullets seemed powerless against him.

Captain Fujisaki froze. He knew his troops were elite—but against Ryota, they were like paper dolls. Who was this boy?

Over and over, grisly screams filled the air as Ryota dispatched the soldiers effortlessly. Fujisaki felt cold sweat running down his spine. Dodging gunfire—this wasn't human!

But time didn't allow for fear.

Ryota appeared before him like a wraith.

A bead of sweat dripped from Fujisaki's brow, face pale violet with dread.

Around him, his soldiers lay broken and helpless.

Locked eyes with Ryota, Fujisaki felt a stabbing chill as if faced with a monster.

> "Get out!" Ryota's voice thundered, commanding.

Fujisaki's face contorted.

> "Let's go!"

He barked to his wounded troops.

Because in that moment, he believed Ryota could kill him—and the UN wouldn't convict a hero.

Turning away, Fujisaki glared back:

> "You're Kitazawa, right? I won't forget you. But this isn't over. We'll meet again—Ryota Kitazawa. And I'll avenge this."

---

Watching the military depart, Misato exhaled, relieved.

If not for Ryota, things would've gone badly—he was undeniably extraordinary.

Her gaze shifted to him—curious, concerned.

> "I never expected… You defeated even Fujisaki-kun," she said softly, her eyes reflecting awe.

Ryota shrugged and walked away.

Refusing to reveal his savage survival memories from the Cosmic Forest—they'd terrify her.

---

Inside NERV Headquarters' command room, Gendo Ikari and Kouzou Fuyutsuki observed in silence.

Fuyutsuki, eyes wide, whispered:

> "He's just a 14-year-old student, but his combat skills… only a military ace could match that!"

Gendo's voice was low, emotionless:

> "Fuyutsuki, if we didn't push him this way, we'd never know his true ability. It also served to destabilize the military."

Fuyutsuki sighed.

> "It was harsh—but the plan demanded it."

Gendo turned to the departing Ryota, lost in thought.

> Is this boy a boon... or a disaster?

Ryota didn't care. Since the second Impact, the world had been ruled by strength. Fists spoke loudest—and Ryota knew it.

---

That afternoon, he walked into class. Every eye turned to him.

Everyone knew: he piloted Unit‑01 and defeated an Angel.

Now, he was the center of attention.

> "Kitazawa-kun, I made these sushi just for you—please help yourself."

"I got up early for breakfast—please take it!"

Girls swarmed him with shy smiles and hopeful eyes.

The evolution of Unit‑01 became global news in a day, and Ryota Kitazawa was the hero of Third Tokyo—especially at school.

And suddenly, he was every girl's dream.