### Screenplay: Shinji's Accidental Piracy **FADE IN:** EXT. TOKYO-3 CITY - NIGHT A futuristic cityscape under the luminescence of neon lights and towering skyscrapers. The streets are quiet, reflecting the calm before another potential Angel attack. CUT TO: INT. SHINJI'S ROOM - NIGHT **SHINJI IKARI**, a delicate and introspective fourteen-year-old, sits on the floor of his sparsely decorated room, his laptop open in front of him. He wears headphones, lost in a world of music, his only escape from the pressures of piloting Evangelion. **SHINJI** (to himself) Maybe a movie will take my mind off things. Shinji minimizes his music player and opens his web browser, typing in a search for a movie he's been wanting to watch for a while. CUT TO: INT. SHINJI'S LAPTOP SCREEN - CONTINUOUS Shinji clicks through various links, looking for a legitimate streaming service. However, his search leads him to a sketchy-looking website promising free movies. **SHINJI** Huh, this has to be too good to be true... Despite his better judgment, Shinji's curiosity gets the better of him, and he clicks on the movie title. A flurry of pop-up ads assaults the screen. **SHINJI** (annoyed) Come on! Frantically, he tries to close them, but in his haste, he accidentally clicks on a "Download" button. **DOWNLOAD PROGRESS BAR** **0%...25%...50%...75%...100%** Shinji stares at the screen, a knot forming in his stomach. CUT TO: INT. SHINJI'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS Suddenly, there's a knock on the door, causing Shinji to jump. It's **MISATO KATSURAGI**, his guardian and operations director at NERV. **MISATO** (through the door, teasingly) You wouldn't be downloading anything illegal in there, would you, Shinji? Shinji panics, quickly closing his laptop. **SHINJI** (nervously) No, of course not, Misato-san! CUT TO: INT. SHINJI'S LAPTOP - LATER The movie file sits downloaded on Shinji's desktop, a digital representation of Shinji's accidental foray into piracy. Voiceover of **SHINJI** reflects his thoughts as he debates what to do next. **SHINJI (V.O.)** What have I done? I just wanted to watch a movie... I didn't mean to steal! CUT TO: INT. SHINJI'S ROOM - LATER With a resolute expression, Shinji right-clicks on the movie file and selects "Delete." **SHINJI** (to himself) It's not worth it. I can't let myself become something I'm not, even in these small ways. Shinji sits back, relieved yet contemplative, looking out his window at the city. FADE OUT: **THE END**