Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Asuka's arrival brings friction to school and Nerv, where her attempt to befriend Rei meets a cool response. When a new Angel approaches, she and Shinji deploy together, but Asuka wants the victory for herself. She slices the creature in two and celebrates too early: both halves become active opponents, defeating the Evas. A military mine damages the Angel enough to buy several days while it regenerates. Nerv uses that interval to prepare a different attack, based on Kaji's proposal that the two cores must be destroyed simultaneously. Misato moves Asuka into the apartment and orders the pilots to train until their movements match exactly.
Their rehearsals repeatedly collapse into blame and argument. When Rei follows Shinji's movements successfully, Misato threatens to replace Asuka, giving her a reason to work harder. Shared meals, matching routines and practice gradually produce the coordination they need. The night before the battle briefly exposes a different side of Asuka when she cries for her mother in her sleep; Shinji stops himself from trying to kiss her. On the appointed day, Units-01 and 02 perform their attack to the timing of a musical track. They destroy both cores together, ending the Angel's regeneration. Their successful teamwork does not prevent another quarrel when the Evas land in a tangled heap.