This is exemplified by some instances in which they worked together well early in the series, unlike the more tempestuous relationship Shinji has with Asuka, and the way she sacrifices herself for him in Episode 23. Supporters tend to argue that Rei understands Shinji intimately and supports him. She is last seen observing Shinji in a beach just before he notices a just-returned Asuka laying by his side.įans often debate on whether Shinji is better off with Rei, whose views on the fandom range from an uncaring, cold 'doll' to a caring, warm and philosophical character, or other characters such as Asuka and Kaworu. Later in End of Evangelion, Rei joins with Lilith and starts Third Impact, relinquishing control of Instrumentality to Shinji. This results in Shinji pushing Rei away, claiming to be scared of her. Eventually, Ritsuko reveals that Rei is in fact part of a series of clones of Shinji's mother Yui, and in fact has three iterations throughout the series. Distraught over her loss, Shinji is overjoyed to find out she is still alive, but she has no memories of her recent past. In Episode 23, Rei sacrifices herself to save Shinji, realizing she has feelings for him. Over this time, regardless, Shinji gravitates closer to Asuka, who is also living with and goes to school with him.

In Episode 22, Asuka notices Rei quietly waiting in the train station with Shinji, which provokes great jealously in Asuka. While Asuka is strong-minded and even critical of Shinji, Rei listens to his musings without offering much response, remaining passive. She is able to easily synchronize with Shinji in Episode 9 much to Asuka's irritation, but this instead is used to motivate Asuka and Shinji to train harder. Rei shares a lot less scenes with Shinji in the following episodes as Asuka takes a bigger part in the story. Unsure of how to react, Shinji suggests she smiles.Īsuka joins the cast in Episode 8, and Rei takes an immediate, and eventually mutual dislike to her. After promising she'll protect him, Rei acts as a human shield to Shinji and he later forces open her entry plug, fearing she might be hurt. Later, in the battle against Ramiel, Shinji asks Rei why she pilots the Eva, which she explains as her 'bond', with Shinji expressing his uneasiness as a pilot. After stumbling on her naked in her apartment, Shinji inquires on this, demonstrating his frustration at Gendo, which upsets Rei. Moreover, Shinji is unsure why his father seems to be close to her. After he enrolls in Tokyo 3's middle school, Shinji is intrigued by her mysterious personality as Rei isolates herself from class and seems uninterested in everyday activities. They meet in the first episode when Rei is used by his father Gendo to motivate Shinji into piloting Eva 01 since Rei is unable to.

Rei and Shinji have a significant relationship thorough the series.

Evangelion shinji ikari opening smile