The Other Half: A

Bah. This isn't doing a damn thing.

Not even my Hero Beam can penetrate this confounded Anti-Field!

Time's up! Everyone, fall back!

Only one minute until the Ultra Beam fires!

You mean we have to leave this dastardly villain with our tails tucked between our legs?

We're falling back.

Retreat.

Frima, get on!

That last hit caused a blackout...

I have l'impression it's getting closer.

Enikk.

How much of the surface is left after this attack?

After this last strike by the Ultra Beam,

it is estimated that approximately 50% remains.

Only half?

Mon Dieu, this isn't good at all.

Meanwhile, all of our attacks are as ineffective as ever.

I don't think I've ever felt so powerless.

If we had more time,

we could at least try to imitate the D-Wave or whatever that thing out there is!

So, the most pressing le problème is that we're short on time?

Is there no way of attacking this thing in the remaining time

without involving the members of NERV?

...

...

...

It appears we have no choice but to wait for them to make headway.

Don't worry about them.

I hear they're settling into school life well and their training is going smoothly.

They've teamed up with School Circle and are planning strategies for a joint operation.

And it's all thanks to M.M.R.'s full support.

We've even created a dedicated curriculum for NERV, as well as specialized weapons.

They won't be heading into the fray empty-handed like they did last time.

We should still prepare for the worst-case scenario.

If they end up going out there

and are unable to put a dent in that thing,

we have to come up with a contingency plan

to quickly restore and reinforce the surface above the Ark.

I will set that issue as a top priority.

I'll tell Mighty Tools and M.M.R. to pick up the pace.

I'll have my girls conduct more fréquemment broadcasts

covering what do to in case of an emergency.

I'll expedite repairs on the pathways to the shelters

and put the A.C.P.U. on standby for any emergency.

All right.

There's not much more we can do to be prepared than that,

so for now, we'll simply have to continue monitoring the situation on the surface.

Rei.A, Asuka, and Mari are all adapting well to the curriculum.

More importantly,

they have shown marked improvement

in their combat skills:

from swift responses to various Raptures,

adept use of cover for attacks,

not to mention their exceptional academic grades.

Very much so.

Is it because they are pilots?

Indeed.

It's almost hard to believe this is their first time living with Nikkes.

They get along swimmingly with the entire student body,

and even those outside of School Circle.

However, there is one slight problem...

*Sigh*

During our last group test,

their teamwork still wasn't up to par.

Currently,

Asuka is paired with Zwei, Rei.A with Ein, and Rei with Mari.

However,

Asuka's competitiveness gives Zwei a headache,

Ein finds Rei.A's quiet personality a bore,

and Rei...

No matter how much of a fuss she makes, Mari's reactions only infuriate her more."

You'd think so,

but based on our evaluations of their combat styles,

they are in fact the perfect match.

Yes. It would not be wise to partner them up with other students.

We have to find a way to improve their teamwork.

Considering how dire things have gotten,

I think we need to take special measures.

Is everyone here?

Yeah.

...

Yes.

... Hmph.

We're both here.

I can speak for myself, thank you!

Right? They don't seem close at all.

That's good.

Now that everyone is here,

I'm going to give you all a special assignment.

Special assignment?

Asuka, Zwei.

Rei.A, Ein.

Mari, Rei.

You all will split into the following two-person teams.

Two-person teams?

Yes.

Just like the mission we conducted on the surface before,

NERV will break through the Anti-Fields with their gunfire.

Then, the School Circle Squad will open fire on the opening

in order to take down the Rapture.

That is your new assignment.

Why on earth

do we have to pair up like this?

Asuka, pl...

I'm perfectly capable of attacking on my own.

You know that as well as I do.

But... wouldn't attacking together be even more effective?

Last time was the first time any of us had laid eyes on a Rapture.

We didn't know what to do back then, so we needed your help.

That's not the case anymore.

Breaking through the Anti-Field ourselves and firing straight through

would be the most effective method.

Okay, but for the time being, we should listen to what the teachers are telling us.

Zwei is right, Asuka.

This is an assignment we're giving you, so for now, I want you to...

I don't want to do this either!

How can I team up with someone as quiet as her?

What about you, Rei.A? Are you up for this?

... Sure.

!!

Now, of all time, you decide to pipe up?

I'm not into this either!

Why not?

I just don't want to!

Wow, that's harsh!

How can you say you hate someone to their face like that?

!!

Th-that's true, but...

So that means you'll team up with me?

No!

I don't want to and I don't care how harsh it sounds!

So tell me, why not?

Because I don't want to team up with you!

Even if you don't want to, you don't have a choice.

This is an order.

!!

... We're running out of time.

...

I'll see you once your assignment is completed.

... I'd like to believe it is.

Right.

Once we face this head-on, something's bound to happen.

They'll either get closer...

or end up as enemies.

*Sigh*

*Sigh*

I can't believe this!

Asuka, why don't you sit down so we can discuss this...

You know I'm right.

If my body is emitting a wavelength that negates those Anti-Fields,

might as well blast through 'em with my shots and take 'em down right away.

It's the quickest and most efficient way, after all.

...

Instead,

all this rigmarole just makes it impossible to tell if I've even removed the Anti-Field.

Wouldn't that just make everything more difficult?

I understand what you're trying to say,

but if there is a situation when a group of Raptures approach us,

wouldn't it be impossible for you to handle that many of them by yourself?

What are you talking about?

If you were going it solo,

you wouldn't be able to handle that many Raptures at once.

You really think

I couldn't handle a large group of those things?

Activate the Simulation Room.

I'll show you what I can do.

Huh?

Your concerns are understandable.

So I'm going to prove to you what I'm capable of.

I'll defeat every single Rapture

that comes at me with my bare hands.

Then will you believe me?

H-hold on, aren't you going a bit overboard here?

Not at all!

Hurry, let's start.

Or do you simply find it unbelievable that I'm that superior?

!!

It's not that...

Then stop blabbering and get ready.

I'm ready.

... Okay.

Activating now.

Great, let's do this!

...

...

You failed.

I know that! You don't have to keep saying it.

I may not have defeated them all,

but I got most of them!

Right.

You were incredible.

What?

I can't believe that you've only been going up against Raptures for a short while.

Your ingenuity and skill in combat have improved by leaps and bounds

compared to when you first arrived.

Now you're laying it on thick. You don't have to pity me.

I failed, and that's that.

Asuka.

Have you trained in a simulation room before?

Why ask such an obvious question?

If you've learned something, it's obvious you should practice it, right?

So you've been making an effort

to improve yourself.

What are you on about?

If you want to excel, you obviously have to put in the effort.

I don't know how you see me,

but I'm not so arrogant to expect things to go my way without lifting a finger.

...

Sorry.

I guess I did have the wrong impression of you.

I thought you were only driven by competitiveness.

What?

But that's not it.

You've worked hard and have a good head on your shoulders.

Listen. Either criticize me, or praise me. Pick one!

... Would you like to try again?

Do what again?

The Simulation Room.

I've got your back.

This time, you'll be able to defeat them all.

!!

...

Can you do it?

Sure.

I remember your movements from the last battle.

You memorized how I move?

Not down to the last detail, but that's something I'll continue working on.

So just do whatever you want.

I'll do my best to support you

and keep the approaching Raptures at bay,

so that you can neutralize their Anti-Fields and defeat them by yourself.

That's how we can work together.

Are you okay with that?

Sure.

I doubt the teachers expect us to employ conventional methods.

You really don't have any filter, do you? I didn't have you pegged as that type.

I didn't offend you, did I?

Not at all.

... I kinda like it.

All right.

Let's practice this plan you mentioned.

Sure, I'll activate the Simulation Room.

Let's do it!

This is the last one, Asuka!

Eat this!

We did it, Asuka! We did it!

You defeated them all!

Finally!

...

Ahem...

*Sigh*

How am I supposed to team up with someone who doesn't even talk?

...

This is too much, Teacher.

When we're out on the field, we'll be surrounded by Raptures!

How are we supposed to work together if we can't even talk to each other?

Get to the frontline and shoot.

Oh... right.

I guess we could do that.

But what if multiple Raptures approach us from the front?

Then start from the left.

Okay... you're right, I guess.

If we continue making rules like this...

Eh?

...

What if they sneak up from behind?

Then whoever spots them first shoots.

I can't believe this.

Are you actually... replying to all of my questions?

...?

Er... right!

When I was asking what to do if multiple Raptures come from the front, did you actually respond?

Yes.

So you haven't been ignoring me this whole time?

I'm listening.

!!

I see.

I thought you weren't listening to me...

...?

It's not that you're uncommunicative,

you're just a woman of few words.

Oh man,

this changes everything!

I can just consider you a quieter version of Zwei.

??

This is great!

This is doable. Very doable.

Umm...

Do you remember everything that I said before?

Hmm?

The answers you gave me when I was asking about the Raptures coming at us from different directions.

Yes.

Can we try that again?

What do we do when multiple Raptures approach us?

Head to the front.

What if there are multiple Raptures coming from the front?

Head to the left.

And if they sneak behind us?

The first of us to see them will gun them down.

If I suffer a critical injury?

Remain in position and report to the Commander.

If you suffer a critical injury?

Get undercover and report to the Commander.

Wow, it's working!

You remember all of it!

Yes.

Jeez, there I was wasting my time when it was this easy all along.

I... I'm sorry.

For what?

I misread you.

I'm sorry for accusing you of never talking.

???

It's okay, though. Everything worked out.

Now,

should we go practice what we talked about?

Sure.

Good.

Let's head to the Simulation Room.

Okay.

Simulation complete.

We cleared it?

Was it really that easy?

Because we followed our plan.

That's true, but...

Umm...

I guess we make a better team than I thought.

...?

Hmm... What have we got in the vending machine...

Chocolate milk.

Oh, okay!

Thanks for making that easy for me.

Here you go.

Just so you know,

just because I'm accepting this doesn't mean

I'm agreeing to do this dumb assignment with you.

Okay, okay.

Mmmm!

This is the best stuff this vending machine has to offer.

Really?

I'm glad you like it.

... I just like chocolate, that's all.

Don't think any of this means I'm happy I have to do this with you.

Why don't you want to team up with me?

That's...

...

Come on. I even bought you your favorite drink.

Don't tell me it's already over before I even get to hear an explanation?

It's because you're acting like such a weasel!

You never listen to me,

and you never let me do what I want to do!

Me?

I won't let you do what you want?

No!

I like letting Narus fly wherever they want.

Now, not only do I have restrictions, but I've gotta watch out for people shooting them down!

It's a huge headache.

I like being able to do as I please, and I get frustrated when I can't.

Why do you mean you can't do as you please?

You can do whatever you want to do.

I'm sure we'll make a good team.

We will?

Sure.

Would it work if I shoot whichever opponent that you were thinking of shooting?

That... could work, but...

There you go, then. Problem solved.

How do you know which target I'll want to shoot?

What if I spray bullets everywhere?

I'll be firing off shots all willy-nilly!

Do you think you can still do it?

Oooh!

That actually sounds like more fun.

You can fire away.

... Really?

Yes, really.

...

Why are you staring at me like that?

Really. I can do it.

You can at least trust me that much.

... Okay, fine.

But why?

Why are you doing all this in the first place?

What do you mean? Aren't we supposed to be partners?

...

Maybe you're not such a bad person after all...

How about we go practice all the stuff we talked about?

Right now?

Yeah, right now.

If we do that, don't you think you'll trust me more?

I guess so, but...

Okay fine.

Since you got me this chocolate milk, I'll go along with it.

All right! Let's go!

What are you?

How did you do that?

What do you mean?

How did you know which Rapture I was going to shoot?

What?

Did you not like that?

Not at all.

Then feel free to cut loose.

If you don't, I'll just have to do whatever I please.

No, wait...!

I heard

Asuka will neutralize the Anti-Field and take down the Raptures,

while Zwei will attempt to keep them at bay and prevent them from swarming.

That way, Asuka will be able to focus entirely on taking down the Raptures near her.

As for Rei.A and Ein,

they have set their own rules.

They've worked out which Raptures they want to defeat according to a set priority list.

Seems so.

For Mari and Rei,

*Sigh*...

In order for Rei to attack whichever target she wants,

they decided that Mari would pre-emptively attack whichever targets Rei had her eyes on.

We've tested it numerous times in the Simulation Room,

and surprisingly, the results showed that it's a perfectly viable strategy.

Rei.A and Ein's strategy is the only one that sounds somewhat plausible,

but I don't think we have anything to worry about.

It seems everyone has worked out their own unique strategies.

Yeah, by letting them come up with their own ways to work together,

they became closer than before.

Now that the biggest problem we had is resolved,

if we train them according to the strategies they all prepared...

Sorry, that's headquarters calling. I should take this.

Yes. This is Marciana.

Sorry?

From the Massive Object?

... Yes. Okay.

We'll get ready.

It's an emergency.

Strange movements from the Massive Object have been observed.

!!

Is something wrong, Miss Marciana?

Misato,

did something happen up on the surface?

Yes... something cropped up.

All right,

I'm going to start the briefing.

I just received an urgent call from headquarters telling me

that strange movements on the surface have been observed.

Until now, the Ultra Beam has been the only naked act of aggression from the entity.

It also summoned Raptures wrapped in Anti-Field for defensive purposes.

Other than that, no other movements were detected.

While everyone has been training here,

we have continued our offensive against the Massive Object.

No matter what damage we inflicted upon it, it exhibited no change in its patterns.

However.

It just began to exhibit irregular movements.

It abruptly launched three separate units,

which headquarters has identified as Bunker Busters.

Yes.

We calculated their trajectories,

and their intended target is the Ark.

The fact that you're telling us can only mean one thing:

they're most likely cloaked in Anti-Field.

Yes.

That's right.

I knew it.

That thing is spreading Anti-Field everywhere.

So,

you have to intercept them

before they reach the area near the Ark.

No.

The distance between each Bunker Buster is too great, so that's not a viable option.

You must all individually employ the strategies you prepared.

Each team will handle one Bunker Buster.

One per team?

Feels to me like we're spreading ourselves awfully thin.

For this operation,

each team will be escorted

by an additional Nikke squad for protection.

That's a load off.

Because we have no other choice.

What are you all acting so mopey for?

The stupid masses cannot handle the job, so they're calling in the elites, i.e. me. That's how things should be.

That's right. It's something that needs to be done.

That's right!

This is a chance for us to put our strategies to the test.

Personally, I think it sounds fun!

Isn't that right, Rei?

Yeah! We've been practicing a whole bunch for this.

Narus say they are confident too! Hehe.

So we should be able to do it.

It's not like we have much of a choice, anyway.

Even as we speak,

the Bunker Busters are falling.

That's right.

We should get going, then!

Rei.A and I have been practicing a whole bunch,

so we'll be able to manage.

Isn't that right?

Yeah.

You're saying you can do it, right?

You see?

I'm feeling confident.

You're all so impressive!

Hello, Commander.

Yes, since it's an emergency.

All the renowned fighting squads are here in one place...

Zwei...

Is it just me, or does it feel like we don't deserve to be here?

You're right.

I'm so nervous!

We don't have much time, so I'll quickly go over the operation.

Absolute, Matis, and Cafe Sweety

will be escorting School Circle and NERV to the mission area.

Once they arrive, they will set up a perimeter and cover them until the operation is complete.

It's just like Marciana mentioned back at the school.

You'll move quickly to the operation area with the help of the Nikke squads,

and then intercept the Bunker Buster using the strategies you practiced.

Are all those Nikkes over there

the ones who will be escorting us?

Misato, Commander, and I

will set up here and monitor the situation, providing guidance and instruction for all three teams.

The Counters Squad will guard this location.

Roger.

Leave it to us!

You can trust me, Master!

Weakling,

who do we escort?

Roger.

Looking forward to working with you!

H-hi...

Have no fear, your hero is here!

Don't worry, you've got a villain in your corner, mwahaha!

*Sigh*... Can't you two at least TRY to act normal for a while?

Roger.

Got it.

We better get well compensated for this.

How do you intend on taking us there?

Do you have military vehicles, perhaps?

Oh no!

A hero doesn't need anything like that.

Our legs do just fine for running headlong towards justice.

What?

We're going on foot?

I knew it...

So what's the point of you all tagging along?

We could go on foot on our own!

Like we said, we're acting as escorts.

Going together will allow us to get through

the parts of the surface which are covered in Raptures.

We don't have any time to waste.

Everyone hurry and get into position.

Let's go, heroes! Full speed ahead!

Whoa, what the...!

I don't want to run...

I can't lose! Wait for me!

See you all later!

Wow. They really took off.

We better get going too.

Okay!

See you, Commander.

We'll be back!

Get on.

I'll take you there.

Oh, a motorcycle?

So we don't have to walk?

That's right. This is much faster.

Now this is more like it!

The rest of you will have to hoof it, though.

I knew you'd say that...

Unfair.

Let's hurry after them!

Don't like running.

Commander. Misato.

We should get going as well.

Let's go.

This is Absolute. We've arrived at the location.

Location confirmed. Proceed with interception and defense.

Roger.

Whew... We actually ran all the way out here.

Both of you, keep your attention focused on that Bunker Buster.

We'll take care of these guys.

!!

What the... where did those things come from?

Stay calm.

Once you start messing around with that Bunker Buster, more will come.

Don't worry about them.

That's why we're here.

Just like Eunhwa said, take care of the Bunker Buster.

Y-you can do it!

We'll try our best!

... Right.

Whew...

That's our target?

I'm already feeling overwhelmed. All right, Rei.A, let's start from the front.

Yeah.

Heroic arrival!

Location confirmed. Proceed with interception and defense.

All right!

Ugh... I ran too much.

Whew... Still, we got here quickly thanks to you.

Much appreciated.

No need to thank me. That's merely what we do.

A hero in training, and a hero from another world.

Please take care of the Bunker Buster.

Unfortunately, we're powerless against it at the moment.

You...

In exchange, we will protect with our lives if need be!

None of these villains will be able to lay a finger on you.

You must protect the Ark from these dastardly villains' plan.

Don't you worry about us.

There's no way we'll fail. Isn't that right, Zwei?

... We'll try our best.

I'm glad to hear it! Very reassuring.

Laplace! They're coming!

Stop pestering those two and come do your job!

Oh dear! Okay!

No more interference, then! Heroic deployment!

Oh no you don't! Villainous deployment!

No matter how overwhelming it may feel, just keep your head down and do your best.

Whew... Okay.

Let's do this!

I've got your back!

*Gasp*... *Gasp*... Arrived.

Roger.

Thanks for the ride.

Yeah, thanks!

No problem.

Finally... *Gasp*... We caught up!

*Gasp*... *Gasp*...! So... tired!

Me too.

No need to thank me.

If you don't mind, could you take care of that?

We may not be able to take care of the airborne ones near the Bunker Buster itself,

but we'll be able to hold off the ones

that will be attracted by the noise you're about to make.

We're counting on you, kiddos.

Stop talking.

But I'm complimenting them!

Go.

All right, see you later.

Hey, wait for me, you rascals!

Now then, waddya say we blow up this here Bunker Buster?

Whew... Whew...!

Can we really do this?

You bet we can!

You're right! We can do this!

Let's go, Naru.

That thing won't fall so long as we have anything to say about it.

Okay,

let's do this!

These Raptures just keep coming!

We haven't even been able to get close to the Bunker Buster.

Three minutes remaining until the Bunker Buster reaches the surface!

!!

!!

We're running out of time!

Damn!

Asuka!

I'll push back all the Raptures at once,

you go ahead and focus your firepower entirely at the Bunker Buster.

Okay!

Here we go!

Now!

Hrrraaaahhhh!

Interception confirmed!

We did it!

We really did it!

All we've got to do now is deal with the remaining Raptures, and there's no time limit anymore.

Sounds good. Let's make quick work of these punks.

You got it!

Three minutes remaining until the Bunker Buster reaches the surface!

Already?

There are still so many Raptures left!

... From the front.

What?

From the front.

From the left.

Remember what I said? We have to take them down one by one.

!!

You're right. You did.

This is no time to be scared. I can't be afraid of death now!

Let's go from the front again!

With more speed this time!

Roger.

I can see the Bunker Buster!

Rei.A!

Anti-Field...

Deactivation complete.

Follow up shot! Eat this!

Now it's done for.

All clear.

Bunker Buster intercepted!

Whew, I thought I was gonna die for sure.

There are still Raptures remaining.

Oh, right!

Get lost, all of you!

I will go from the front again.

Okay, let's wrap this up and head back.

What should we do? This place is crawling with Raptures!

There are only three minutes left?!

What do you mean? Things are starting to get fun around here.

Is this your idea of fun?!

Rei.

What?

Do you want to make a bet?

A bet? What are you talking about?

Let's see who can shoot more of these things.

Huh?

Whoever downs the most gets to eat all of Naru's chocolate.

Wha...?

All right, you're on!

Wait, I didn't agree to anyt...

Start!

I never agreed to anything!

I found an opening!

Nooooo! All that chocolate, gone!

It exploded!

All clear!

All Bunker Bunkers intercepted!

Good job, everyone.

Now you just have to focus on dispatching the remaining Raptures.

That's music to my ears!

Excellent.

No, not excellent!

I can't lose that bet!

Oh, you're a spunky one.

All right then, let's have some more fun!

Teacher, we're here!

It's so great to see that everyone made it.

Good job. You too, Ein.

I really thought I was gonna buy the farm out there.

I darn near lost all of Naru's chocolate!

Come again?

What are you all so excited for? It was just one small operation.

Let's hurry back.

Right. Good job, everyone.

The Bunker Busters and Raptures surrounding them have all been eliminated.

Matis, Absolute, and Cafe Sweety are on their way back.

I'm glad everything worked out.

Huh?

That sound...

Why on earth...?

The Massive Object! It's recharging!

How the...?!

There's supposed to still be time left until the next Ultra Beam...

Incoming!

What's going on? Why was the Ultra Beam fired?

There should still be time left.

I don't know. It fired sooner than we expected.

I'll contact headquarters.

Teacher...

Is that...

... the Ark?

So this is... the Ultra Beam?

Oh no... the Ark!

...

...

...