Scenario:Asuka & Unit 02 - On-the-Job Discoveries

On-the-Job Discoveries

Asuka starts her first job at a ramen shop known for using monster-based ingredients. However, the shop turns out to be hectic and disorganized. Seeing the shop's owner fumble his interactions with the customers, she takes matters into her own hands, steering the shop to success. Lilele, who had just happened to stop by for a bowl of ramen, sings Asuka's praises.

---

Asuka and her companions have embarked on a journey to get on-the-job experience across different fields.

After some discussion with Asuka about how she wants to proceed, Robomi lines up a job for her friend.

Vyrn: Well, here we are. Your first workplace...

Vyrn: Is a ramen shop? Of all places, why?

Robomi: This is no ordinary ramen shop. This particular establishment specializes in using rather unique monster-based ingredients gathered from across the skies.

Shinji: Are monsters even edible? And more to the point, working in a ramen shop doesn't seem all that special...

Asuka: Idiotic as always, aren't you? Considering the ingredients, we're not just going to be slinging any old bowl of ramen.

Asuka: This is a job that can only be found here in the Sky Realm. Plus, we'll gain some valuable cooking experience. Great find, Robomi!

Robomi: Thank you very much. I have already received permission from the shop's owner for us to train with him.

Shinji: Since when did you have an interest in cooking, Asuka?

Asuka: ...

Asuka: Geez, you're so nitpicky! Let's just get a move on. As for you, Nicholas, you can sit back and enjoy a bowl of my mind-blowing ramen!

Nicholas: Great! Can't wait to taste the fruit of your labor!

Shopkeeper: Ah, so you're the helpers Robomi mentioned. Thank you for coming. Now, could the four of you get started in the kitchen, and the two of you work at the shop front?

Asuka: You got it!

Vyrn: Yeah! Leave it to us!

And so, Asuka, Shinji, Lyria, and (Captain) begin prepping in the kitchen. However...

Lyria: Wow, you're really good at this, Shinji! You prepped all those ingredients in the blink of an eye!

Shinji: It's nothing. I do a lot of cooking at home, so it's like second nature to me.

Asuka: Hmph. Figures he'd let a simple compliment go straight to his head.

Seeing Shinji handle the ingredients like a pro, Asuka continues working with her own, pouting all the while.

Asuka: But wait. Looks like we've got a problem...

Customer: Heeey, how much longer do I have to wait for my food?

Food Critic: Are you sure you've prepared this correctly? The excess water from the bean sprouts has thinned out the broth!

Bandana Bob: The hell, man? The ramen's so hot I nearly burned my tongue off! I swear, if I end up needing treatment, you're gonna pay.

Shopkeeper: I-I'm terribly sorry! I'll bring your food out right away! And remake that bowl! And pay for your medical expenses too!

Vyrn: Uh-oh. Things are starting to get a little hairy. Looks like we won't even be able to serve our customers at this rate...

Robomi: The chain of command is beginning to break down. It appears the staff are not being optimally utilized.

Shinji: Wh-what do we do? At this rate, we'll become nothing but liabilities!

Chaos starts to brew in the shop as even Nicholas's expression slowly becomes tinged with a sense of panic.

Asuka watches the chaos unfold, and after a few moments, she puts down her knife.

Asuka: Geez, do I have to do everything myself?

Asuka: Idiot Shinji! You finish prepping the rest of mine and Lyria's ingredients!

Shinji: What! All by myself?

Asuka: It'll save time if you handle the job yourself. You're faster than either of us!

Asuka: Lyria, can you start with these vegetables here? (Captain), walk her through the steps.

Lyria: All right! But what about you?

Asuka unties her apron and pins a name tag to her shirt.

Asuka: Just you wait and see.

Customer: Come ooon, I'm starving! What's the holdup?

Asuka: Here you go! One slime miso ramen topped with a heaping helping of myconid.

Customer: Whoa, you had it ready to go? You should have said something earlier—I got all worked up for nothing!

Shopkeeper: Wait, how in the world did you get that out so fast?

Asuka: Most of the prep work was done, right? And you've got an operation manual, so I just followed the instructions on how to put a bowl together.

Asuka: Robomi! Vyrn! The other dishes will be ready in a second. Get on either side of me and get ready to serve.

Vyrn: Y-you got it!

Shopkeeper: Thank you for handling all this, when I should be the one...

Asuka: Hey! If you've got time for regret, then you've got time to make as many bowls of ramen as you can!

Asuka: Head to your post! We'll take care of dealing with the complaints at hand!

Shopkeeper: R-right!

Food Critic: The shop's been overtaken by a bunch of part-timers. I made the effort to get here, but there's no way I can give the shop a decent review when it's in such shambles.

Asuka: Hey, you came to judge the flavor, not the people serving you, right? Then stop whining, because you're about to get the best bowl of your life!

Food Critic: Excuse me? Do you have any idea who I am? I am renowned across the culinary world as—

Asuka: A customer, just like everyone else here! And you will enjoy your ramen!

Food Critic: Y-yes, ma'am!

Bandana Bob: Hey, you gonna cough up my money or what? My tongue ain't gonna un-burn itself!

Asuka: You talk a smooth game for someone with a scalded tongue! You've finished your meal, haven't you? Then quit yapping and make way for the next customer!

Bandana Bob: Yeek! S-so sorryyy!

Some time after Asuka took over the shop's operations...

Customer: Oh, this ramen is amazing! It was so worth the trip here!

Food Critic: Fantastic! Clearly, I was born unto this world so I could have the transcendental experience that is this ramen!

Pretty soon, the shop is packed to unprecedented heights with customers hungry for ramen.

Asuka: Robomi! Could you get Table 3 cleaned and ready for our next customers? Vyrn, after you finish serving Table 5, Table 8 needs their water filled!

Vyrn: You betcha! Leave it all to me!

Shopkeeper: I've never seen the shop so crowded since its opening. I wouldn't have thought it'd be this packed...

Asuka: What are you going on about? Your shop has plenty of potential—it always did. If anything, I'm surprised you didn't have more...

???: Now this is top-tier ramen!

Vyrn: Hey, if it isn't Lilele! Didn't realize you were here too!

Lilele: Yeah! This place has been on my radar for a while now because of its unique approach to preparing ramen!

Lilele: But the last time I came, I felt like it wasn't living up to its full potential.

Lilele: The shopkeeper makes a fine bowl, but the operations side was kind of disorganized.

Lilele: But then, in come the saviors—your talented assistant manager and sous-chef!

Lilele: Your flavors are always on point, but you're only one person. You'll run yourself ragged trying to do every job this shop requires!

Lilele: That's where having an assistant manager can be a lifesaver! They can assign tasks in a way that lets everyone focus on what they do best!

Lilele: And of course, a good sous-chef who understands the head chef's vision and can lay the groundwork to make it happen is essential!

Lilele: These two are like your wings, elevating the shop to the loftiest heights of the ramen world!

Shinji: I-I haven't actually done anything worthy of that kind of praise...

Asuka: Enough with the humility. Try holding your head up high for a change!

Shopkeeper: A-amazing. To think that one of the ramen world's most renowned critics, Lilele, would lavish such praise on my shop...

Shopkeeper: I'm so moved! Thank you, everyone!

Lilele: It's all thanks to your efforts! By securing new blood, you've secured the shop's future!

Asuka: Huh? Neither of us are planning on working here permanently. We're here just to get some workplace experience.

Shopkeeper: Hwuh?

The Two: Whaaat! You're not staying on?
No waaay! What a waste of superb talent!

Shopkeeper: Eurgh... I'm finished. Just when I thought I could glimpse the peak of ramen excellence...

Asuka: Oh, save your tears. I'll make sure everything I did with everyone is written down in your operating manual.

Lilele: With managerial skills like that, I bet you could have founded a ramen empire...

Lilele mumbles her feelings of regret, but soon turns her attention to something else.

Lilele: You said you're here to get workplace experience, right? What other... jobs...

Asuka: Hey, what's got you quiet all of a sudden?

Lilele: (Now that I've gotten a closer look, her facial features are well-proportioned. And her skin looks smooth, like porcelain.)

Lilele: (Then there's the way she was running the shop... It's clear she's got a strong personality that contrasts with her delicate exterior. Hmm...)

After giving it some thought, Lilele grabs Asuka's hand and peers up at her.

Lilele: Say, why don't you try being an idol?

On-the-Job Discoveries: Scene 2

Lilele, recognizing Asuka's talent, scouts her into trying her hand at being an idol. Asuka's companions worry about whether she can pull off the job, but she proves herself by exposing a group of scam artists causing trouble at an event. Asuka makes quick work of dispatching the troublemakers and receives a round of hearty applause from the gathered audience. Shukra, who had been patrolling when she saw what happened, invites Asuka to join the new Divine Generals.

---

Shinji: An idol?

Lilele: Yeah! It's an amazing job that's all about entertaining people through song and dance.

Lilele: You're only working here for a little while, right? Then, please, won't you try your hand at being an idol next?

Lilele: You've definitely got the potential! Trust me, I know!

Asuka: An idol, huh... That might be worth trying out.

Asuka: Standing above the masses as they gaze up at me in respect sounds great, actually! Sure, I don't mind giving the idol thing a shot!

Vyrn: Uh, not sure idols are that self-absorbed. At least, the ones we've met have been different...

Lilele: Ooh, so you're like a queen bee type! How novel! I'm sure you'll win over a ton of fans!

Nicholas: I get the feeling these two aren't quite on the same page. Is it going to be all right?

While there's a touch of uncertainty in the air, the group decides to leave the matter in Lilele's hands. They follow the idol to her job location...

Cockscomb Carl: Say that again, punk! I dare you!

Asuka: Fine! Beat it! You're making it hard for other fans to enjoy themselves!

Lyria: Oh no, this is bad... A fight will break out if we don't step in!

Shinji: I knew this would happen...

To get Asuka familiar with the idol experience, Lilele brings the group to some local shops to do some promotion work.

Lilele: Visiting different towns lets new fans know who you are and gives established fans a chance to get to know you better in a more intimate setting.

Lilele: It's not every day you can interact so closely with fans, and it's also a great way to find out what your fan base wants leading up to bigger events like concerts.

Robomi: Lilele's proposed aim has merit: There is much to be gained from immersing yourself in a situation to gain a better understanding.

Cockscomb Carl: I thought you came here to entertain us, but it sounds to me like you just wanna stand there and insult us!

Shady Sam: Maybe if you say you're sorry and give us some rupies to soothe our hurt feelings, we won't ruin this nice little event you got.

Nicholas: I see your point, but don't you think the situation's getting out of hand? Nothing about this feels like a friendly fan event.

Lilele: This isn't Asuka's fault. It's clear that those people are going out of their way to make trouble. The question is, what do we do about it?

Unease starts to spread among the visitors, bringing the event to a standstill in the face of the brewing confrontation.

Lilele: Hmm... Catering to our fans is important, but their safety takes priority. Maybe we should cancel—

Asuka: There's no need to, Lilele! Could you and the others make sure the crowd stays safe?

Asuka: I can handle these clowns on my own!

Cockscomb Carl: Why you little—

Shinji: Look out, Asuka!

Incensed at Asuka's words, the men come at her, fists swinging.

Shady Sam: Wha!

But Asuka quickly turns the tables with a well-placed kick that sends the man sprawling.

Vyrn: Whoa. She took down that big guy with one kick?

Asuka: Still want to fight? If you take your friend there and go back to wherever you crawled from, we can forget this ever happened.

Shady Sam: You think we're gonna give up just 'cause you got in one lucky shot? Hah! Over here, boys!

Shinji: Where did these guys all come from? Were they here this whole time?

Asuka: He was signaling his friends from the very start. I bet some of them were supposed to kick up trouble in the area, and then the others would happen to "pass by" in time to save the day.

Asuka: Wait, isn't that...

Bandana Bob: Eugh. You're that lady from the ramen place!

Asuka: I knew it. They're trying to scam businesses out of money by pulling stupid schemes.

Nicholas: So they were scamming hardworking people out of money by threatening their businesses? How low can you go?

Shady Sam: Tch. You think you can unravel our whole business and walk away? Think again!

Shady Sam: Gweh!

Lyria: The way she weaves around her opponents reminds me of Carmelina...

Vyrn: Well I'll be a rotten apple. Asuka's plenty strong without her Eva too.

Asuka moves gracefully, as though she's dancing. Everyone gapes in awe at the seemingly effortless way in which she dispatches the scam artists.

Shinji: (Come to think of it, Asuka mentioned she was a captain in the air force. Did she also receive combat training there?)

Lilele: Wonderful reflexes! You don't find talent like hers every day. I just know she'll nail any dance routine that comes her way!

Vyrn: Sure, she moves gracefully, but isn't there more to being an idol?

Asuka: It doesn't matter how many of you come at me. It won't change a thing.

Bandana Bob: Damn it... Is this really how it's gonna end?

Bandana Bob: Hah! You're wide-open!

Asuka: ...!

The scam artist takes aim at Asuka's blind spot. Just as it looks like his weapon will find its mark...

???: Oh no you don't!

Bandana Bob: Fgweh!

???: As long as evil exists in these skies, my eyes and ears will detect every misdeed! I'll rush to the rescue, wherever justice calls!

???: Hup!

Shukra: Divine Cat Shukra, here to save the day!

Lyria: Shukra! I didn't think we'd run into you here!

Shukra: I could say the same thing! As a member of my new set of Divine Generals, I've taken it upon myself to patrol these streets. I was just on my rounds when I spotted you.

Shukra: Hey, you okay? Set your heart at ease, 'cause Shukra of the new-and-improved Divine Generals is here to lend a helping paw!

Asuka: ...

Shukra: Oh, poor thing. You must have been through a lot. But never fear! The Divine Cat has got your back—

Asuka: Um, are all your lines this cheesy?

Shukra: Hey, they're not cheesy! They're the kind of cool lines you make at a grand entrance!

Asuka: You're kidding, right? Did you actually run those lines by anyone before you let them loose on the public?

Cockscomb Carl: Argh. You're just gonna ignore us after what you did? Well, you're in for a world of hurt!

The Two: Shut up!

Cockscomb Carl: Urgh...

In one swift move, the arguing duo bring down the scammer. The guests begin cheering with all their might.

Lilele: You're amazing, Asuka! Not only did you keep the guests safe, but you entertained them too!

Asuka: Oh, you don't need to thank me. I've hardly done a thing.

Shukra: ...

Asuka: Thanks for earlier. I could have dealt with these guys myself, but seeing as you did help...

Shukra: Wow, you've got some moves on you!

Vyrn: Oh no...

Shukra: Think you'd wanna put them to use in the new Divine Generals?

Asuka: Huh?

Vyrn: Here we go again...

Shukra: So, in a nutshell, the new Divine Generals are a hot new order! Aaand, if you sign up today, you can get bonus points!

Vyrn: Sorry about this, Shinji, Asuka. Shukra has a habit of trying to recruit anyone with potential she comes across.

Asuka: Well, to start with...

Shinji: Who, or what, are the new Divine Generals?

Shukra: Well, our organization is based on a group of twelve of the coolest people in the Sky Realm, the Divine Generals!

Shukra: I admired them so much I decided to start up a new group as a homage to them! And I'm recruiting members big-time!

Asuka: How many people have you recruited so far?

Shukra: I'm the only one!

Asuka: That's not a group, that's just one person!

Shukra: It won't just be me for long! If you join, that'll make two! And then more people will sign up!

Lilele: Hold on a second! Asuka's supposed to be an idol! She isn't going to have time for Divine General activities, new or otherwise.

Shukra: Oh, that's not a problem. I don't mind if you mainly work as an idol and do the Divine General duties on the side. So? What do you say?

Lilele: I don't see any problems with that! Deal!

Vyrn: (Hooboy, all I see is a minefield of problems...)

Asuka: Then it's decided! Meet your brand-new idol and newly appointed Divine General!

Shukra: Yay! A new member!

Shukra: Now that you're on board, we need to think of new moves and lines for you!

Asuka: Hard pass. I'm not really into posing and spouting cheesy lines.

Shukra: Whaaat!

On-the-Job Discoveries: Scene 3

As a fresh member of the new-and-improved Divine Generals, Asuka confronts the scam artists at their hideout on the outskirts of town, with the help of all the friends she has made at her various jobs. After dealing with the ruffians, Nicholas admits that he was wrong: No matter where Asuka goes, she is a force to be reckoned with. Later, Misato looks over the form that Asuka has submitted, seeing the adventures she had whilst in the Sky Realm.

---

On the outskirts of town, in a repurposed storehouse, several men have gathered.

Scammy Ringleader: Sorry... Not sure I heard you right. Could you repeat that?

Bandana Bob: The same girl keeps popping up all over our turf and gettin' in the way of our business!

Bandana Bob: I managed to sneak away while she was arguing with someone else, but I'm telling ya, she ain't just some amateur.

Cockscomb Carl: It's terrifyin'! She's got several aliases from workin' at the ramen joint to being an idol at the same time...

Shady Sam: I dug up some information on her. She's also a scholar with connections to some research ship and pilots a big machine too!

Scammy Ringleader: Just how many jobs has she got! There's no way someone like that's for real!

Bandana Bob: Ow! I'm telling you the truth!

Scammy Ringleader: Sigh... If even a sliver of what you're saying is true, then we've gotta deal with that woman before she destroys our entire operation.

Shady Sam: Maybe we oughta go all out. She might be tough, but she can't take us all down at the same time, right?

???: Hmph! Pathetic! I can't believe you're actually having a meeting about ganging up on little old me.

Scammy Ringleader: Wha! Where'd you come from? And how much did you hear?

???: Hehe, you can't hide from the watchful eyes of the new Divine Generals! There's no place dark enough for scoundrels like you to survive!

Scammy Ringleader: "New"? I've heard about the Divine Generals, but since when did they have a junior division?

Scammy Ringleader: (Hold on, though. The Divine Generals are the keepers of the twelve shrines. They're as holy as they come!)

Scammy Ringleader: (Does that mean they're here? Have they brought reinforcements?)

Scammy Ringleader: Huh?

Shukra: Behold, the next set of Divine Generals!

Shukra: Evildoers lurking in the dark corners, tremble! You stand before Divine Cat Shukra of the new Divine Generals!

Scammy Ringleader: Wait, hold on. What the hell's going on here?

Shukra: Huh? What is it? If you don't mind, I'd rather spend less time chatting, and more time catching the baddies.

Scammy Ringleader: I get the Divine Cat part, but who are those people?

Shukra: That's Nicholas! He's been giving parenthood his all lately!

Nicholas: Yep! And I've got a few errands to run for Marie after everything's handled here!

Shukra: We've also got Lilele! Can you believe an idol famous in the skies has joined our ranks?

Lilele: Lile-Lilele! Don't forget to come see me in concert too!

Shukra: And getting some work experience under her belt is NERV pilot extraordinaire, Asuka!

Asuka: You've wasted enough of my time! I'm going to round you all up and put an end to this!

Scammy Ringleader: You people are all over the place!

Scammy Ringleader: Look, if you say you're a group, you need to act like one! I can't even tell what you're trying to do!

Shukra: We can work out the details later! Besides, I've made a conscious choice to prioritize each member's uniqueness!

Scammy Ringleader: Hah! They were so absurd I got distracted, but now's not the time to fight. Time to make our getaway, boys!

The ringleader turns on his heel, ready to flee. However...

Bandana Bob: Hrgh...

Scammy Ringleader: Whaaat! How did you sneak up behind me?

Asuka: Did you really think we spent all that time introducing ourselves just for fun? We knocked out your guards while your attention was on us.

Scammy Ringleader: What! So that silly opening was just an act?

Scammy Ringleader: But I'm not going to roll over in defeat just yet! I've still got others with me! Get 'em!

Lilele: Sing a song with me, little star.
You found me then, so come to light,
and sing the song you sang that night.

The Scammers: Lovely Lilele! Our beloved Lileleeee!

Nicholas: And that is that! Everything's good on my end too, Asuka!

Scammy Ringleader: Wh-who are you? You're not in sync at all, yet you worked together so seamlessly!

Asuka: Of course we did. Who do you think led everyone? As if we'd lose to some third-rate, money-grubbing thugs!

Scammy Ringleader: Grr! You think you're so smart...

Scammy Ringleader: But you've got nothing on these fists!

With nowhere left to run, the ringleader starts swinging at Asuka.

Scammy Ringleader: Guah...

Asuka: Idiot. I may be a great leader, but I'm an even better fighter.

The ringleader's attack doesn't stand a chance. He goes down with one swift kick from Asuka.

Shukra: Turns out those con men were causing problems all over town with their shenanigans.

Shinji: The mayor seemed really grateful for our help. I guess it's all thanks to our assignment to get on-the-job experience.

Vyrn: You really came through! I bet you won't have trouble recruiting new members for the new Divine Generals now!

Shukra: Yeah! I bet we'll get tons of members in no time!

Robomi: Unfortunately, with the end of their assignment, Asuka and Shinji must be on their way. I am afraid you cannot count them among your ranks.

Shukra: What? No way!

Shukra: Oh, but you did say that you were trying out a bunch of things while you're here, huh?

Asuka: Yeah. And I did get to try on a bunch of different hats, but...

Asuka: Still have doubts that I'm an elite, Nicholas?

In response to Asuka's challenging gaze, Nicholas shrugs in good-natured defeat.

Nicholas: Hey, I know when I'm wrong. You really carried the day, Asuka!

Nicholas: So? What did you think of the jobs? Did you maybe even have... fun?

Asuka: Well...

Nicholas: Knowing what you want from the start is great, but trying out a bunch of other things can come in handy, in ways you didn't expect.

Lilele: You're right. Trying out new things means that I get to add more depth to my idol persona.

Shukra: You're on a journey of self-discovery, huh. Then I guess I can't expect you to stay.

Shukra: Go out and see the world. And if one day, you decide the new Divine Generals is the place for you, you know where to find me!

Lilele: Same goes for being an idol. Let's do a duet the next time you're here!

Nicholas: And it goes without saying that you're welcome aboard the Rashomon Research Vessel anytime!

Asuka: Everyone...

Asuka basks in the warmth of her friends' farewells, at a loss for what to say. Eventually, she finds the right words.

Asuka: Right. I'll think about it!

Her smile is bright and joyous enough to rival the sun.

Asuka: Idiot Shinji! If you can't keep up, I'll just do this myself!

Shinji: I'm trying! Geez, why do you have to be so pushy?

Ritsuko: Looks like Shinji and Asuka's teamwork has improved. I guess taking time off worked to their advantage.

Ritsuko: You made a good call, giving them that on-the-job training assignment. How do you feel, as their guardian?

Misato: It's all well and good that their time off yielded fruit, but Asuka's report...

Ritsuko: Haha. So that's what it is.

Misato's gaze drops to the "Career Consultation Form" Asuka has filled out.

In the field asking what careers she's considering, Asuka has written: "Ramen shop owner, researcher, idol, new Divine General."

A huge "X" is scrawled on top of all the choices. In their place is one short phrase.

"Still thinking!"

The big, bold letters are splashed across the page.