Toji and Asuka, page 20, panel 2 - "Off to a good start..."

Now that the Second Child has arrived to NERV, it is time for formal introductions. During the meeting, Misato notices that Shinji has gotten a bruise on his face... Asuka jumps to explain what happened, but turns it all around! She claims that Shinji saved her from some punks that were pucking on her, and warns Shinji not to snitch. Meanwhile, at Gendo's office... Kaji delivers a sealed briefcase to Ikari, which contains something he suspects as the real reason of Gaghiel's attack: Adam sample.
Down at the cafeteria, Asuka is enjoying the spotlight when Kaji comes in. Misato is obviously not happy to see him again. Kaji recognizes Shinji, saying that he is famous name in his business, and compliments his skills. Asuka is not happy about the sudden competition...
At school, Kaji and Kensuke are shocked to hear the she-devil they met earlier is a pilot. Kaji pities Shinji for having to work with her (Kensuke is envious )... when Asuka steps into the classroom. It appears she will be attending the same class as they. Needless to say, the 'hot outlander' causes quite a stir in the classroom.
When they are returning from school to NERV Asuka realizes that Shinji is unaware of the real truth behind the second impact; she explains him that it was not caused by a meteorite but by an explosion at the First Angel's excavation site. She also mentions that NERV's real job is to prevent the Third Impact. When Rei walks by, Asuka runs after her. Looks like she has taken an instant dislike of the 'commander's pet'. When the 'discussion' starts to degenerate, Shinji interferes... and Asuka, angered, runs away.

Two choices:

• Misato, page 17, panel 1 - "Whaaaat!"
• Asuka, page 21, panel 5 - "Mischief's my middle name"

Ryoji Kaji is getting re-acquainted with his old friends at NERV; the next target of his attention is dr. Akagi. But he has chosen a poor time to make friendly passes at Ritsuko: Misato is in the same room, just...  around the corner, and hears everything. Misato get quite mad at Kaji, but he doesn't see the point; didn't they break up a long time ago?
A sound of an alarm interrupts them. An unknown submerged object is approaching Tokyo-3, and NERV quickly identifies it as an Angel. The EVA Units 01 and 02 are scrambled and sent to meet the enemy along an EVA elevator that reaches all the way to the coastline. Tokyo's own intercept system is still under repair so they cannot face the Angel inside the city. Shinji is less than thrilled with the prospect of fighting with Asuka. She on the other hand claims they don't need him for the operations; her skills are more than enough.
The pilots get ready to meet the enemy amongst the ruined coastline that once was old Tokyo, and soon enough the Angel makes it's appearance, jumping out of the coastal waters. This strange-looking one is Israfel. Shinji gives Asuka back-up with a machine gun while she charges the Angel with an EVA-sized naginata (like a spear but the blade has a cutting edge). She penetrates the AT field easily and cuts Israfel neatly into two halves. For all practical purposes the battle seems over and the pilots prepare to leave... when Shinji notices the Angel is still alive and moving!
In front of the stunned pilots, the two halves of the Angel separate and form into two slightly smaller replicas (well, almost replicas) of the original, apparently unharmed by the blow Asuka dealt to their "big brother". The fight starts anew...

Kaji, page6, panel 1 - "Whoooops!"

Sorry folks, but I have been unable to find this issue of NGE anywhere... it appears the collectors have finally found this series too and scoured the stores empty of ALL the available issues, the older ones included. And when there is high demand but low supply one must act extremely quickly to secure one's own copy... In fact I was very close to missing the next stage as well: I got the last one available in the store.

After their defeat against the twin Angels Shinji and Asuka are given a special training course by Misato, which should make them able to synchronize their movements and give them a chance at defeating their opponents. The only downside (for Shinji and Asuka) is, they must live together 24 hours a day for the duration of the five-day training period. Despite their objections Misato doesn't see any problems with the arrangement.
The first practice day is hard for Shinji, having to adjust to Asuka's pace... the dance of the Monkey and the Crane, as Kaji comments. ^_^. During their lunch break Shinji and Asuka run into Gendo; during the brief meeting even Asuka seems to realize how unemotional their commander really is. Shinji makes an attempt to easen the strained relations between himself and his father, but we know how the commander is...(a twit. -ed)
Later in the evening, as Shinji and Asuka are back in their room they strike up a conversation that reveals some interesting facts about Asuka's past, including why she really believes to be a superior (well, the best) EVA pilot. But later, as Asuka calls for her dead mother in her sleep, Shinji realizes her arrogance might be nothing more but a facade to hide the real Asuka behind.