Tanba's pursuit of Shizuka in the janitor's room is cut short by an urgent call from Anno, sending him instead to a darkened movie theater. There he observes Ikumi caught in a compromising encounter while Anno and Tanba watch from the shadows. Anno explains the arrival of the newly released Gonda and outlines a scheme to involve the imposing former student in Ikumi's further experiences. The episode builds toward a tense confrontation in an abandoned school, ending with a startling stage reveal that leaves Ikumi visibly shaken.