AN below. Enjoy
One thing Shinji never knew would be difficult was making friends. Whenever Shinji would visit Tokyo-2 with Kazuma-san he could always strike up a conversation with one of the many homeless men in the public parks, or the women working at soaplands. Kazuma-san said it was an important trait for any young man to be approachable, when he was younger Kazuma-san helped a lot of people who in turn would help him when he needed it.
"Being kind has a habit of making its way back around," he said.
So Shinji followed that advice, he made himself approachable offering aid to anyone who needed it. Whether it was finding a lost puppy, rebuffing bullies, or - strangely enough - helping a man embrace his dream to become his town's mascot.
And just like Kazuma-san said, those very people often came back around to aid him in the oddest of times. Whether gifting him food, helping in a fight, or giving good advice, they were always there to give a helping hand.
Here, however, it was different.
The first day of school was rough, scratch that, the first week. From all the stories he has heard from the others about school, he didn't expect it to be so…empty.
The school building could likely hold a few thousand students, not including staff. Shinji counted about a couple hundred all around his age. There didn't seem to be any upperclassmen, only his grade of students attended. It weirded him at first, but hearing the chatter among the students made him realize why it felt so empty.
"Did you hear, Ren's family decided to move to Tokyo-2."
"Satoshi's mom didn't think this was a good place for their family."
"Yeah, my folks want to move back in with my grandparents."
It seemed more people were leaving everyday, and Shinji couldn't help but feel partly responsible. Homeroom did not alleviate his guilt. The classroom was half empty, and the kids who sat there didn't look particularly happy. At least Shinji could finally experience what a classroom was like, even if it didn't quite live up to the hype.
"Dude, what are you wearing?" Shinji looked up from his desk to another kid, a bespectacled brunette boy with a camcorder in his hands.
"Uh, is something wrong?" He asked as he looked at his attire, the same suit and shirt combo he showed to Misato a few days ago.
The boy looked at him as if he was messing with him, "It's a little too much."
Thinking about it, Shinji did notice a few stares as he entered the school. He thought it was because he was new. When he tried to spark up conversation he was also avoided. Was it really because of his clothes?
"Oh, sorry, I've never gone to school. I was taught at home." Shinji apologized.
That seemed to give him an adequate excuse as the boy nodded, "Makes sense, though your folks have a strange time enlisting you into school." Shinji didn't argue. "Honestly, lose the jacket and you'd fit in well enough, the shoes are a bit much but you can pass along just as well as the next guy."
Shinji did as the boy recommended, getting an approving nod in return, "That should work, new kid. My name's Kensuke, Kensuke Aida. And you are…?"
"Shinji Ikari," Shinji gave a small bow, "Thank you for the help, Aida-san."
Kensuke waved his hands and shook his head, "Calling me that makes me sound like my dad, just call me Kensuke."
"Alright, thank you Kensuke." Shinji appreciated the small help, he'd hate to look out of place. He took off his suit jacket and placed it into his bag full of school supplies. Shinji was left with his black trousers, shoes, and blue dress shirt.
"You better not be annoying him, Kensuke."
Coming from the front of the classroom was a girl that he recognized as Hikari Horaki, the class president he was told of. She definitely gave off "Class President" vibes.
The bespectacled boy scoffed at the idea. "Me? Annoy the new kid? You must have confused me with someone else Prez." Kensuke mocked.
Hikari ignored him and addressed Shinji, only slightly pausing at his overly-formal set of clothes. "Welcome to our class, I'm Hikari Horaki, your Class President. Please call me Hikari," She gave a small bow, which was returned in kind by Shinji, "Sensei wanted me to hand you over all my notes from the year, to help you get up to date on the curriculum." Hikari pulled out a couple of notebooks. Shinji was immediately amazed by how neat it all was, flipping through some of the pages he already saw well documented notes, highlights, and examples. This girl was quite the student.
"This should catch you up fairly quickly. If you need help, tutoring, or anything else school related you can always ask for help." Hikari said with a soft smile, immediately Shinji could tell this sorta thing was rewarding to her. Hikari
"Thank you, this will help a lot." He put the notebooks in his bag just as the bell rang.
"In your seats everyone!" Hikari shouted, startling Shinji.
Kensuke could only chuckle, "That's Class Prez for ya, she takes her role very seriously."
"That means you too, Kensuke." Hikari put her hands on her hip glowering at the boy.
Shinji did not hesitate to sit at his desk, Hikari's glares reminded him of Kazuma-san's. The Class Prez gave off an air of authority that was seldom rivaled, he concluded that he did not want to get on her bad side.
The rest of the day was not remarkable, in fact its un-remarkability was what made school a bit of a disappointment. The teachers were rather boring, barely interacting with them except for a rare few occasions when asking for answers. Most around him slacked off, Hikari being one of the sole exceptions.
When classes were done they would head out for gym, today the boys had the unenviable track and field. The teacher, like all the others, let them walk around and talk to each other instead of paying attention. The girls on the other hand had been given the pool for the day. In the never-ending summer of Tokyo-3, Shinji found the idea of swimming in a pool a great idea.
"Thinking of taking a dip with the girls?"
Shinji was knocked out of his thoughts by Kensuke, who had jammed a camera in his face. "I was just thinking it'd be nice to go for a swim in this heat."
Kensuke turned his camera from Shinji up to the chain-link fence that separated them. A couple of girls sat with their backs facing them, Kensuke could only giggle as his camera zoomed in. "I love this place." He remarked.
The rest of the day was as unremarkable as the first half, more classes, more teachers that didn't care, and more studying. Shinji took his notes and followed along, Hikari's notes were a huge help. He'd have to show her his appreciation someday. He wondered if Hikari would accept learning some Komaki School defensive techniques.
When school ended Shinji headed towards NERV to continue his EVA-training. Unlike the last time, Shinji made an effort in trying to learn how to use a gun. Even if he didn't want to, if he had to choose between it and the fate of the world…well it was an obvious decision.
"Good job Shinji, your accuracy rate jumped to 40% today," Misato told him as he exited the showers.
"Thank you," He gave a curt nod, "Will you be staying late again today?" He asked.
Misato groaned, "Yep, you're on your own again."
And so Shinji went home, all the while absentmindedly flipping his phone. He still didn't know how to have a conversation with the other Morning Glory kids. He hadn't called them in a week; Ayako is probably worried sick about him.
"I have to call them eventually." He told himself as he again flipped his phone.
It was then that Shinji finally recognized the footsteps behind him. He had been lamenting about the other kids so much that he forgot to listen to his surroundings. Shinji didn't make any noticeable moves, instead continuing to flip his phone. He listened closely, judging by the footsteps there was only one person following him. He could tell the person was following him because he took a few turns, not too obvious to be suspect, but enough to know that his tailor was indeed following him.
Shinji made a turn into a nearby alley suddenly, his tailor would be turning the corner soon, he needed somewhere to hide. Just above him, there was a fire escape ladder. He jumped up and managed to grab the lowest rung, pulling himself up he climbed to reach the end and stood on the fire escape waiting for his tailor.
As expected, the man turned the corner searching for Shinji. Carefully, Shinji dropped his bag and phone on the metal platform and climbed over the ledge. He was going to deal with this directly.
As his tailor passed him, Shinji dropped down fist first.
The tailor moved at the last second, rolling out the way of Shinji's punch. Already he could tell this person was a skilled fighter. His reaction was impressive, but so was Shinji.
Shinji stood up and readied himself, "I don't know who you are, but you better stop following me." His fists were ready for a fight.
The man was dressed horribly, wearing two coats on top of a sweatshirt, a raggedy cap on his head, and dirtied jeans. Was this some homeless man trying to swindle money from him? This wouldn't be Shinji's first time being harassed by someone like this.
The man simply made a mocking 'come here' motion with his hands, and brought his fists up. He wanted a fight.
"Last chance." Shinji warned.
The man did not waiver.
Shinji rushed forward and threw a punch, one that was fast and strong. It was a punch that Shinji usually threw whenever dealing with homeless people, a quick and hard punch that usually knocked them out. But his opponent blocked it, with frightening speed. With his leg no-less. This man was no mere homeless man, he was a fighter.
MYSTERIOUS HOMELESS MAN
The man kicked Shinji away, landing a solid hit against his shoulder causing some pain. Shinji had questions for this person, but he would save it for after he beat him down.
Shinji stood back up and paced himself, circling his opponent who did the same. Shinji would throw out a punch to see if the homeless man would react, which he surprisingly didn't. The two of them stopped circling each other, coming to a quick conclusion that there were no obvious weaknesses that either could exploit. It was going to be a brawl.
Shinji quick-stepped forward and threw a low punch, the homeless man once again blocked it and retaliated with a kick. Shinji narrowly dodged it and threw a kick of his own, impacting the man's side. Clearly he was not in his prime, maybe a few years ago the homeless man could have reacted fast enough, but he couldn't keep up nearly as much anymore.
The homeless man lunged forward with a few more kicks, Shinji blocked them in an attempt to get a feel for his opponent. While he obviously wasn't in his prime, this man was still dangerous. Shinji would have to be careful.
Shinji brushed the last kick away and went on the offense, throwing a few punches the man couldn't escape. Each went into his body, causing the man to cough out air. Shinji finished it with a kick to the gut, launching the man back.
"That hurt." The man admitted as he coughed, for some reason the voice sounded vaguely familiar.
That kick didn't stop him as he rushed back to Shinji, this time with a flurry of kicks that Shinji had a hard time blocking. Eventually the man's kicks did break Shinji's guard, with one landing across Shinji's cheek. Shinji fell to the floor, but he would not stay down.
Turning back to his opponent, he stumbled when he found the homeless man casually smoking. Before Shinji could voice his opinion the man flicked the cigarette at Shinji, it was only a moment of swatting the object away, but it was enough for the homeless man to continue his assault.
More kicks connected to Shinji, causing Shinji to get launched back. Still on his feet, Shinji started feeling hot. It was time to end this.
"Rargh!" Shinji flexed as he felt his body burn up. Extreme Heat like this was hard on the body, but it was also a useful tool.
Shinji ran forward throwing punches rapidly, none hit as the man carefully dodged every strike but succeeded in stopping any advance from his opponent. As Shinji threw another punch, the man parried the punch and threw Shinji off-guard.
Shinji stumbled forward but spun back around to his opponent on time enough to see a kick coming his way. There was one easy way to end this fight, a Tiger Drop was perfect in this situation. Shinji knelt down as the kick came his way and threw his fist out.
Only for it to miss its mark. The kick impacted his face and forced Shinji to the ground.
"I missed," Shinji said, startled at his improper use of the technique. "But I did it in the EVA."
The man chuckled, "Maybe you're not quite ready for it,"
Shinji looked at his opponent, pushing aside his disbelief for a moment, "Who are you, and why did you follow me?"
"I wanted to see how the young dragon was doing." The man took off his cap, and finally Shinji understood why he sounded familiar.
"Akiyama-san!?"
Sure enough, standing in front of him was the hobo from Tokyo-2, Shun Akyama.
"Hey there kid."
Shinji had met the homeless man years ago back in Tokyo-2. Back then, Shinji was only starting to help Kazuma-san with small jobs, things that no one felt to be bothered with. One of those jobs happened to be delivering messages between Tojo members. Back then it was hard to get a phone call in the newly burgeoning Tokyo-2, some parts of the city didn't have the necessary infrastructure.
Shinji had volunteered to act as a courier, an attempt to pay back Kazuma-san for taking him in. He had begrudgingly agreed to Shinji's request, that was when Shinji's role within the Tojo clan started. On one day however he had an unfortunate run in.
Shinji had just left Kazuma-san's office when he was surrounded by one of the smaller color gangs, White Edge.
At the time, the Tojo had been slowly usurping old Yakuza territory that was abandoned after Second Impact, one of those clans bought the loyalty of White Edge and Shinji happened to be the poor fool to enter their crosshairs. So he was surrounded, a 10 year old with only a fraction of self-defense knowledge against men twice his age and height. Shinji didn't dare to think what would happen if it wasn't for his savior.
Shun Akiyama was a homeless man who was drinking booze in a nearby alley, he saw a kid about to be pummeled and decided to step in.
"H-hey!" He said, stumbling up from his spot in the alley, "If you're gonna mess with some-" Akiyama stumbled again as he slurred his speech, "-someone, mess with me!"
The fight was sloppy, Akiyama was out of practice but he managed to fend them off. "Don't let me catch you harassing this kid ever again!" Akiyama shouted, before promptly falling over from exhaustion.
"Mister, are you alright?!" Shinji asked as he ran to the homeless man's aid.
Akiyama only gave a pained grin, "I'm alright, how about you?" Shinji could only give a heartfelt appreciation to the man's selflessness.
Shinji would repeatedly stop by Akiyama whenever he could to hangout with the man, he was good company. Over time Shinji began to know more about Shun Akiyama.
Before Second Impact, Akiyama was a gifted student and college graduate with a business degree. He even managed to join a prestigious banking company and became its best employee, but after Second Impact the Yen had plummeted, the economy was left in ruins. The bank folded, Akiyama was left out of a job, and he was left homeless. His family had been one of many consumed in the destruction of the original Tokyo, so he was left alone. Without family or friends, Shun Akiyama was just another forgotten tragedy among the millions affected by Second Impact.
But Akiyama pressed on, determined to live the rest of his days as best as he could. And it was that decision that led him to meeting with Shinji. Which would be the start of a years-long friendship.
To Become A Dragon
"Oh man, you can't believe how long since I've had a full dinner like this." The slurp of food hitting Akiyama's mouth filled their air as Shinji almost shrank in embarrassment. It was a soup stand near one of the children's parks, he had stumbled upon it one day after school on his way home.
The cook was a nice enough man, on the older side of fifty and quite generous with his servings. When Shinji came with Akiyama he did not hesitate to pour out two bowls for them. Of course that ended up with Akiyama devouring the noodles in a loud display that caught the attention of the people around him.
"So Akiyama," Shinji said a little loud to get the attention of his friend, "What are you doing in Tokyo-3?"
Akiyama slurped one last strand of noodle and swallowed, "You of course, the kids were worried when you weren't calling them back. So they tracked me down and asked if I could go out looking for you."
Shinji sighed, of course they would look for him. The orphans of the Morning Glory looked out for each other. And that included Shinji, "Thanks, you have my gratitude for helping them but I'm fine."
Akiyama gave him a knowing look, "I know when somethings fine, you're not totally fine. What's this I hear about a big mecha fighting aliens?"
Shinji shook his head, "Finish your food, then let's walk."
And so Akiyama went back to devouring his food. A quick thank you and the two left the soup stand and started walking around Tokyo-3.
"So, about this mecha stuff?" Akiyama asked.
"It's my new job." Shinji admitted, "I pilot a big robot to protect humanity."
"Seems a bit insane don't you think? Last year you were helping budget a Tojo Cabaret Club and now you're piloting a robot? Seems a bit of a large jump between jobs, no?" Akiyama asked as they walked down the street.
It was a bit of a career jump, Shinji had to agree. Back in Tokyo-2, Shinji would help however he could with Kazuma-san's operation, whether it be doing accounting, running as a courier, or even cleaning, Shinji did anything to help big or small. Ironically, it was already a strange resume of jobs, but piloting robots was a step beyond all of that.
Shinji sighed, "It's not like I wanted to do it, but I was the only choice at the time. The other girl would have died, I couldn't let her go out there in her condition. I'd be letting her die for my selfishness." The pained look on Rei's face as he held her on the floor flashed in his mind. The pain she was going through was devastating, how could any good hearted person let that continue?
Akiyama nodded, "So, they blackmailed you." Shinji shrugged. "Since you're here I assume you won the fight. What was it like?"
Shinji thought back to that day, "Intense, exhausting, powerful. It was like I was me, but bigger and stronger. At first I had to learn how to walk again and adjust to my new size. But when I started getting used to it, I could fight better. I was able to correctly use the Tiger Drop."
Akiyama clapped, "Congrats, I know you've been practicing that one for a long time."
"But now when we just fought, I couldn't do it." It was almost embarrassing how badly he implemented the Tiger Drop when he did it flawlessly under harder circumstances.
Akiyama cupped his chin, "Maybe your robot is just way stronger to you comparatively." Akiyama thought for a moment, "It's like a video game…like one of those RPG's you showed me once. The robot has max stats, but you're still developing. Does that make sense?"
Shinji thoughtfully nodded his head, "Like Dragon Quest." Things started to make sense to him.
"Don't get any delusions of grandeur now, you aren't some RPG hero slaying dragons and saving damsels. You're just a boy put in a very serious situation." Akiyama was quick to dash those dreams, not wanting the idea of being a hero to get to his head.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you." Shinji chuckled, scratching the back of his head slightly embarrassed.
The two of them stopped by a nearby park, a secluded area that would give them a safe place to talk. "So, you plan to stay in this city?" Akiyama asked as the duo sat down on a nearby bench.
Shinji nodded, "I can't in good conscience say no, can I? Despite how much I hate it, and want to go back to Tokyo-2, I'm needed here. Aside from Rei, I don't know anyone else who can do this. Definitely not someone who has been in a fight against something bigger than them."
Akiyama gave a quick laugh, Shinji was definitely used to fighting people bigger than him. A kid his age was often dwarfed by the new grunts in any Yakuza family, but despite his size he could run laps around grown men. In all aspects, Shinji was a perfect candidate for fighting monsters the size of buildings. Except for the fact that he was a child.
"Just needed to make sure I didn't have to call Kiryu-san." Akiyama said. Akiyama had met the leader of the Tojo clan once, after saving Shinji. Kiryu was thankful for Akiyama's interference and offered a reward. Akiyama refused, he didn't want Yakuza money.
"Thank you, Akiyama-san, for checking up on me. I'll be sure to call the others when I get back home. And Kazuma-san."
Akiyama nodded before standing up, "Well, my job is done." He stretched his back, popping some of his bones in the process.
"Are you headed back to Tokyo-2?" Shinji asked.
Akiyama shook his head, "Nah, getting here was a long enough walk as is. I'll be staying here for the time being, just to keep you company if anything else. What about you? Where are you staying?"
Shinji gestured further into the city, "I live a few blocks away," He looked down to his watch to check the time. "I should also be going, I have to cook dinner."
"Didn't you already eat?" Akiyama asked.
"I live with my current caretaker, Misato. She works at NERV but I try to make sure she comes back to a good meal." He began to describe living with the alcoholic Captain of NERV, which left Akiyama with a gaping maw. "Um, Akiyama, why are you looking at me like that?"
Akiyama straightened up, "You have it good Shinji. Take care kid, I'll see you around." He started to walk away, leaving Shinji confused.
Elsewhere, deep beneath the bowels of NERV H.Q. Misato Katsuragi gulped down a can of beer like it was her very last. Beside her, Head Scientist of Project E, Ritsuko Akagi stared at her screen in annoyance.
"How does your kidney withstand it?" Ritsuko asked, "I thought after college it would give out, but somehow it's still chugging. I'm starting to become convinced it has maladapted to your drinking habits."
Misato chugged the rest of the can before tossing it into the trash, "Lay off will you? Do you know how many beers I have at home?"
"One hundred?" Ritsuko had been to her friend's apartment once when she moved in months ago, even then her fridge was already full of cans of beer.
"Zero!" Misato exclaimed, "The day after Shinji moved in he threw out basically everything! I had only a case of beer and a couple of microwavables left."
Misato explained how Shinji upended her entire kitchen, replacing it with healthy food and ingredients. "I can't even get mad at him because all the food he cooks is good! How can I get mad at that?" Misato slacked back in her chair and scoffed.
"Sounds like you have a live-in servant, I feel bad for you." Ritsuko sarcastically replied.
"Yeah yeah, I know I sound ridiculous complaining, Makoto was telling me the same thing down at the bridge. But I can't help it, beer takes the edge off of things, y'know?" Misato leaned forward in her chair looking at Ritsuko.
"Edge off of what?" Ritsuko absentmindedly asked as she typed away at her computer.
"Oh, I don't know, maybe all of this." Misato gestured around her.
"Oh, right." Ritsuko said as she remembered where she worked. Her attention went straight back to her work. "So, if his food is so good, why are you still here?"
Misato shifted back to her more serious face, and Ritsuko could tell it was her serious face because her eyes became more stoney. "Shinji told me of how he lived before coming here, did you know the Commander abandoned his son to a tutor?"
Ritsuko briefly stopped typing, "No." Misato either didn't seem to realize her quick hesitation or didn't comment on it, as she continued describing Shinji's past. In truth, Ritsuko did know.
Like all candidates considered for Project E, Ritsuko was given a folder of the candidates history, health records, mental state, everything necessary to successfully pilot an Evangelion. Like so many others, Shinji Ikari was among that list of candidates. The Commander had told her one day Shinji would be brought in to pilot Unit-01, so she did her research. Everything from Yui Ikari's failed experiment to his eventual abandonment was detailed in Shinji's records. That eventually changed when Shinji was given a new caretaker. Everything after that was classified even to her.
"So now, I'm trying to find this 'Kazuma Kiryu' guy in Tokyo-2. But I'm finding nothing." The monitor near Misato displayed a large grid of men all with the same name, "You never realize how many people share a name until you start looking for someone."
"Well," Ritsuko started as she continued her work, "Why not just ask Shinji?" She asked.
"I thought about asking him, but Shinji looks up to the guy. You should hear his stories, it sounds insane." Misato reached to her side to grab another can of beer before realizing she was out. "I can't really rely on him to give me the facts. I gotta do this by myself."
Ritsuko rolled her eyes, "Just don't let it get in the way of your actual job."
Before Misato could return to her investigation she stopped in her tracks. "Right…" She slowly said.
A sigh escaped the faux-blonde doctor's lips, "You realize it's due tonight, right?" She turned to Misato who was sweating like she just got done running a marathon, "Right?"
That night, the duo would work up until dawn to get through all of the built up paperwork Misato had been delaying that week. All the while Misato wished she had a beer in hand.
Welcome back Akiyama! Unfortunately he's not the "Lifeline of Kamurocho" but a very well trained homeless man who is friends with Shinji. Without the events of Yakuza 1 happening as they originally did, poor Akiyama never quite got out of poverty. But at least he still got his kicks.