EVA: Daybreak

"Is there truly no hope?"

Misato Katsuragi's thoughts raced.

This is unbearable…!

> "No need for three days. I'll tell you right now—no deal."

A quiet yet powerful voice cut through the tension.

Fujisaki's eyes snapped toward the sound, and Misato did too, startled.

Who dared to challenge the captain?

From the crowd, a boy in white stepped forward—him.

> "Kitazawa-kun…"

Misato began, but Ryota's gaze silenced her—assuring her, with me here, everything'll be fine.

Fujisaki snarled:

> "Who are you to question the military?"

Ryota stepped up, calm and clear:

> "My name is Ryota Kitazawa, pilot of Unit-01."

Fujisaki's grin turned cold:

> "You? When did the military let you speak?"

Ryota's reply dripped with disdain:

> "Because I hear barking dogs—and I hate dogs, especially those that yap nonstop."

His voice echoed like a bomb that split the hall in two.

Who was this kid to speak like that to Fujisaki?

Even Misato paled—but Ryota's unwavering confidence steadied her resolve.

Fujisaki clenched his fists:

> "You're either insanely brave… or insane. Ready to die?"

Ryota stared him down:

> "I don't know if I'll die—but if you don't leave this building, I will make you wish you had."

Fujisaki roared and swung a punch—like a sledgehammer—but Ryota's reflex was faster than thought.

In a flash, he caught the blow, twisted Fujisaki's arm until it broke—with a sickening snap—and drove his knee into his chest.

> "AAAAAAAAH!!!"

Fujisaki crumpled, intense pain ripping through him. Gritting his teeth, he snarled:

> "Screw you! Kill him!"

Soldiers immediately leveled their guns at Ryota.

> "I'm not letting anyone shoot here!"

Misato barked, glaring fiercely. As a UN-appointed commander, she wouldn't allow this on NERV grounds.

But before she could intervene—

Ryota moved again: a blur toward the soldiers.

> "Kitazawa-kun!" Misato yelled out, alarm cracking her voice.

They'd all underestimated Fujisaki—these guys fired without hesitation.

But Ryota was already there. Someone pulled the trigger—

> Bang!

A bullet tore toward Ryota, and Misato gasped.

Yet Ryota seemed to vanish—only to leap in front of the soldier and punch him squarely.

It was as if the bullet never existed.