Chapter 71 103: Following the Vine to the Melon.

Destroying personalities, seizing control of the mind—Shinji's methods remained just as simple and efficient as ever.

There was no need for patience, no need for exchange of interests, and no use for complex or treacherous schemes. The two "Black Gloves" of SEELE were ready to tell everything they knew without reservation.

As for the brutality of it—disloyalty carries a price. Becoming a puppet with a shattered personality was already the smallest price they could pay. Had they not seen the fifty elite soldiers outside, of whom not a single intact corpse remained?

An Astartes doesn't even treat their own life as a life; do not expect them to possess a heart of mercy.

'I see. These old men are even more cowardly and hidden than I imagined.'

A few minutes later, Shinji nodded slightly. These two were merely executors; their knowledge of the "Human Instrumentality Project" was far less than that of Ryoji Kaji. However, they knew a secret that even Gendo Ikari was unaware of.

The offline coordinates of the SEELE members. Well, of one of them at least: the direct superior who issued orders to the two of them.

There are limits to hiding behind the scenes. No matter how careful one is, they still exist upon this Earth.

'I've finally caught a trail.'

A former Japanese Prime Minister, the patriarch of a major financial zaibatsu—this kind of personal information regarding a SEELE member was the highest level of classified material, exceeding even the "Human Instrumentality Project" itself. This was exactly why Ryoji Kaji had been so powerless.

You could know SEELE's plans, you could even investigate the Dead Sea Scrolls, but no one could resist them because you simply didn't know who was behind those monoliths. Whether they were political figures, corporate magnates, or great philanthropists, they had countless backup plans prepared. Even Gendo Ikari could only play along with their schemes. No matter how sharp the blade, it is useless if you cannot find your opponent.

'Except for me, of course.'

"This 'Lord Saionji' is not a member of the Human Instrumentality Committee; does he know the coordinates of other SEELE members?"

"Unknown. Such are the rules of the organization. The elders do not inquire about each other's details; it is a form of protection mechanism," the agent named Robert answered in a low voice.

Shinji nodded, expressing understanding. SEELE had existed since the eighteenth century; if they weren't sufficiently cautious, they wouldn't have lasted this long; they would have been uprooted ages ago.

"A reliable mechanism. So, how did Gendo Ikari join?"

"Gendo Ikari's original surname was Rokubungi. He married into the Ikari family and joined SEELE by relying on his own talents."

'Is that so? He married into the family?'

Shinji was somewhat surprised, but on second thought, this was merely the ladder Gendo Ikari used to reach the "heavens." Two factors truly allowed him to enter the core circle.

First, the man was genuinely capable. One only had to look at Terminal Dogma to know that completing the preliminary preparations for NERV was not something an ordinary person could achieve; it required both political craft and profound knowledge.

Second, the fact that Gendo Ikari's information was public was also a major factor. After all, they could wipe out his entire household at any moment. As the man standing at the forefront of SEELE, he couldn't hide his identity. Such a person is the easiest to manipulate.

As he was thinking, the communicator beside him lit up. Shinji made a "please" gesture.

Elena reached out, took it, and pressed the talk button. An aged voice came through.

"What is the situation?"

"Everything is normal. No one has taken the initiative to contact us," the woman replied immediately. Even as the blade of the youth beside her was still dripping with blood and the air was thick with the scent of gore.

"NERV is fully committed to the operation against the Angel. Commander Ikari has personally gone to the front lines to provide on-site command."

"Hmm. It seems Ikari-kun is a smart man. He knows what should be done and what shouldn't. I presume he will act with more caution in the future."

The old man was satisfied. They held supreme power, yet possessed only aging bodies nearing the end. If even their most trusted confidants could not be relied upon, there was no point in stepping onto the stage.

"What about those people in the Security Department?"

"They are loyal to their duties, though perhaps too lax."

"That is normal. The Angels haven't caused severe damage yet, and peripheral members like them don't know many secrets." The old man paused for a moment, then specifically asked about one person: "Has Ryoji Kaji made any suspicious moves? The power outage at NERV should have provided him with enough room to move freely."

'Heh, quite a meticulous mind. He noticed Ryoji Kaji long ago.'

Shinji listened from the side. If it weren't for his help, Ryoji Kaji would already be a dead man. He was clever, but SEELE had no shortage of clever people under its command. One couldn't expect the masterminds behind the world to be fools.

"He was trapped in an elevator. He did not participate in the interception of the Angel, nor did he take the opportunity to scout for intelligence."

"So obedient? Does he have accomplices?"

"Dr. Ritsuko Akagi, who is close to him, is at the command post. Major Misato Katsuragi has already gone to the front lines. We have found no abnormalities."

The old man was silent for a moment, ultimately choosing to trust the loyalty and professionalism of "The Owls." These were the agents they had specifically cultivated; any doubt would be a slap to their own face.

"And what of the Adam embryo? Any findings?"

"None for now. We will continue to investigate."

"It must be found. This concerns the fate of humanity!" The old man emphasized his tone, then added: "The pressure can be stopped now. Continue your infiltration. Remember, keep a close eye on Gendo Ikari and find the embryo. If there are any problems, you have the authority to mobilize the Second Division for armed suppression."

"Understood."

The communication cut off, but the two agents did not move to start the backup power. Instead, they sat quietly, waiting for Shinji's command.

"Do as he said."

"Yes."

The "malfunction" was cleared, and the power was immediately restored. The entire fortress became bright instantly, but Shinji's expression was quite playful.

NERV was like a black hole. No matter how many people SEELE sent, they would only report back that "everything is normal." How could they possibly play against him now?

Next, he would go meet that old man and see just how blasphemous this "Human Instrumentality Project" truly was.

He sat quietly, thinking about his next steps while listening to the voices coming through the communicator: "Rei, cover me!" "I've drawn the aggro, hurry up and fire!" "Ugh, this liquid is disgusting!"

He looked up at the thick armor plating. It seemed the Ninth Angel was even weaker than he had imagined.

This wasn't bad. Aside from the fact that he couldn't make contact with the Negative Universe again to strengthen his psychic powers, it would greatly boost Asuka's confidence and allow the two of them to practice their coordination.

Shinji suppressed the urge to launch Unit-01 and looked at the vacant-eyed puppets before him.

"Give me the coordinates for that Saionji person. Then call the rest of the Owls over. I want to have a heart-to-heart with them."

"Understood."

Robert sold out his superior and his comrades without blinking an eye.

Shinji leaned back slightly against the chair, taking a breath of the blood-scented air. The smell was quite pleasant to him.

"Very good. It seems you understand what loyalty is. Oh, and one more thing—

Remember to clean the corridor."

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