Mana Kirishima

Mana Kirishima (霧島マナ) is a fictional character and one of the protagonists of Neon Genesis Evangelion: Iron Maiden. She is a transfer student to the school where the main cast studies. Mana is later revealed as the test pilot of the ''T•RIDEN•T Land Cruiser'.

Profile
Mana is, like the Evangelion pilots, fourteen years old. She was born in Akune city, in the Kagoshima prefecture. Her father was a former Tokyo reclamation worker, who was submerged, and her mother a magazine editor. She can be seen as an expy of both Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Sohryu. Physically, she is closer to Rei, having short, brown hair. However, her personality is closer to that of Asuka, being more energetic and passionate. When she is not wearing her school uniform or pilot suit, Mana usually wears a white dress or a skirt. Her pilot's outfit consists of a gray jumpsuit that closes at the front with dark ranks. She also has a helmet, a bust and rigid beige gloves. Attending the same school as the Evangelion pilots, Mana has the same uniform, consisting of a blue dress, white socks and a pair of black shoes.

History
Mana first appears in the game as transfer student to the Children's school, taking interest in Shinji, saying that he is 'cute' (much to Asuka's chagrin and suspicion). Gradually, they formed a relationship and go on a date. However, it turns out that she, along with two other teens, are the test pilots of the T•RIDEN•T, a new, man made war machine poised to rival the Evangelions. Eventually, T•RIDEN•T goes berserk, forcing the Evangelions to destroy it.

Her in-game story differs, as the player chooses outcomes. In Mana's ending, it is discovered that she wasn't killed in the battle, and Shinji saves her and takes her to his apartment. After she showers and teases Shinji, Misato discusses with them that Mana has to leave Tokyo-3. She departs with a teary farewell, Shinji having won her heart. In Ryoji Kaji's ending, the above happens, though Shinji promises Mana that he will be waiting for her. In Asuka's ending, Mana dies in battle, but Asuka later comforts Shinji and gets closer to him. If the player follows Asuka's route, it is possible for Shinji to reject Mana's advances altogether. If so, Mana takes note of Shinji's feelings for Asuka.

The PSP edition features an additional, happy Mana ending: Shinji drinks lots of coffee and is inebriated in the streets until he is found on the trash in the rain by Mana. They go to laundromat to clean his clothes while Mana tries to strip him off completely. After that, they go to some place to sleep and talk about the events involving T•RIDEN•T. Shinji is berating himself until Mana stops him with a hug and tells him to not go and that she doesn't want to lose anyone ever again. Mana tells Shinji to touch her heart and it is beating fast and she says to him to be gentle, while closing her eyes.

In the next scene, Shinji and Mana tells Toji and Kensuke that they are eloping, that are not happy to hear that, showing their concern, but understanding their decision to run away and parting in an amicable way.

Mana and Shinji meets up with Makoto Hyuga, who delivers lots of documents and papers to facilitate leaving a secret organization and starting a new life. Makoto also delivers a message from Misato wishing them the best of luck, he also tells that Asuka moved in Kaji's place, leaving Misato all alone. Shinji worries about and thinks that Makoto is doing his job because of the welfare of NERV employees, Makoto corrects him, saying he is doing this because of his love towards Misato, sharing his secret with Mana and Shinji, making it clear that he is helping them but with further selfish intentions.

Later, they encounter Asuka who is acting like a parody of a Japanese housewife, wearing an apron, braids and using wooden clogs. She wishes happiness to Kirishima, Shinji ask her if she plans to pilot the EVA, and she says that if there is a need, she will pilot it again, dashing in the streets, leaving the couple alone.

The last scene is with Mana and Shinji waiting for the train near the ocean holding hands with their bags. Shinji tells her that it almost feels like everyone is moving away from him, Mana asks him if she is lonely, and he thinks it is a bit, but that is the path that he chose. She says that the world that he should live is different from her, and he says that they are going to live together from now on and she agrees. Shinji says lets live together, Mana smiles and says thank you.

Appearances

 * Neon Genesis Evangelion: Iron Maiden
 * Neon Genesis Evangelion: Shinji Ikari Raising Project
 * Neon Genesis Evangelion: Shinji Ikari Raising Project (manga)