Wille
The last line of defense against a manipulated destiny and global catastrophe.
Wille is a military resistance organization formed within the Rebuild of Evangelion timeline to oppose the reorganized NERV and its leadership under Gendo Ikari. Led by Misato Katsuragi, this faction operates independently from the original government structures, driven by the urgent need to prevent a forced Instrumentality that threatens to erase individual human consciousness.
Quick Facts
- Leader
- Misato Katsuragi
- Timeline
- Rebuild of Evangelion
- Base
- Mobile Aircraft Carrier
- Affiliation
- Independent Resistance
- Primary opponent
- NERV (Gendo Ikari)
- Key personnel
- Ritsuko Akagi
- Maya Ibuki
- Asuka Langley Shikinami
Lore & Background
Wille emerged as a distinct rival faction during the 14-year time skip between Evangelion: 2.0 and 3.0, fourteen years after Second Impact, rather than rising from the ashes of a destroyed NERV. In this timeline, NERV remained an active operational organization under Gendo Ikari while Wille formed to oppose it. Gathering loyal personnel who refused to accept humanity's erasure for a supposed higher purpose, they established a clandestine military group dedicated to survival. Their existence is defined by secrecy and mobility, operating from a massive naval vessel capable of deploying Evangelion units directly into conflict zones across a devastated landscape.
Reader's Guide
Wille serves as the primary antagonist force against Gendo Ikari's reorganized NERV during the Rebuild timeline's later stages. Founded by Misato Katsuragi after she discovered the extent of the Instrumentality Project, the group aims to prevent a forced evolution that would erase individual human souls. Their roster includes defectors from the original organization, such as Ritsuko Akagi and Maya Ibuki, alongside pilots like Asuka Langley Soryu who seek redemption through combat.
Operating out of a mobile aircraft carrier, Wille functions as a guerrilla military force rather than a bureaucratic agency. They prioritize immediate tactical survival over long-term political strategy, engaging directly with Mass Production Evangelions and NERV's heavy forces. Their goal is not merely victory in battle, but the preservation of free will for all living beings. Despite their heroic intent, Wille faces overwhelming odds against a world already scarred by previous impacts.
They represent hope in a bleak future, fighting to ensure that humanity does not surrender its existence to a predetermined script written by those who claim to know better than everyone else.
Did You Know?
- The Rebuild timeline places Second Impact in 2000, meaning Wille formed 14 years later, not 15.
- Misato Katsuragi serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the entire resistance force.
- They operate primarily during the conflict depicted in Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, existing alongside an active NERV led by Gendo Ikari.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Wille?
Wille is a paramilitary organization formed within the Rebuild of Evangelion timeline to oppose Gendo Ikari’s reorganized NERV. Led by Commander Misato Katsuragi, this group operates independently from government control to protect human individuality. They serve as the primary counterforce against the SEELE-aligned plans for forced Instrumentality.
What is Wille's role and capabilities?
The faction functions as an independent resistance force equipped with Evangelion units and advanced weaponry to combat rogue NERV operations. Their primary mission involves intercepting Gendo’s plans and safeguarding the remaining pilots from being sacrificed for Instrumentality. They maintain their own base of operations on a mobile aircraft carrier to ensure strategic mobility.
How does Wille's story conclude?
Throughout the Rebuild saga, Wille engages in a prolonged conflict with NERV that culminates during the events of Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. While their military efforts are crucial, the final resolution ultimately depends on Shinji Ikari’s choice to reject Instrumentality and allow humanity to exist again. The organization effectively fulfills its purpose once the threat of forced assimilation is neutralized by this decision.
Who are the key members of Wille?
Commander Misato Katsuragi leads the organization alongside Dr. Ritsuko Akagi and Lieutenant Maya Ibuki as core command staff. The faction also includes pilots such as Asuka Langley Soryu, who operates under their command to pilot Evangelion Unit-02. This team combines military strategy with technical expertise to counter NERV’s superior resources.
More in Factions & Groups
Elsewhere in Neon Genesis Evangelion
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