The Children

Rei and Asuka are revealed as fellow Evangelion pilots, establishing the pilot trio.

As attacks continue, Shinji discovers he is not the only child capable of piloting an Evangelion. Rei Ayanami is revealed as the first chosen, emotionally distant and enigmatic. Later, Asuka Langley Soryu arrives as the second child, possessing impressive credentials and confident demeanor. The three adolescents become responsible for humanity's defense against Angels, creating forced intimacy between individuals with minimal emotional preparation or support systems. Rei's mysterious nature and emotional distance contrast sharply with Asuka's apparent confidence masking deep psychological fragility. Shinji finds himself simultaneously attracted to and confused by both pilots. The three must learn to cooperate despite severe psychological barriers and individual trauma. Their interactions demonstrate that forced proximity without genuine emotional support creates resentment and conflict. Shared danger may unite them superficially, but fundamental psychological problems prevent healthy relationships from developing. Misato Katsuragi, NERV's operations commander, attempts to serve as adult supervisor yet lacks adequate emotional resources. Her own trauma and poor coping mechanisms compromise her ability to support the pilots effectively. Instead of providing genuine guidance, Misato sometimes places her own psychological needs above the pilots' wellbeing. By arc's end, the three pilots have formed forced team without genuine support structures or emotional understanding. Their cooperation functions despite fundamental inability to connect authentically.