It was effective on Shinji, in a way. He certainly felt resentment, although it was aimed much more at himself for not standing up for himself. He couldn't even object to being treated unfairly. How pathetic. He just did what he was asked because he didn't want to be hated. He feared being hated. So he kept silent.

Although, like now, the occasional thought or word slipped out. He moved on to a new tile, still scrubbing obediently. It took him a moment or two t reply. "...why? Why would they want us to hate each other?"

That didn't make any sense to him. He thought they'd been mental patients. Now they were supposed to be soldiers? Was he going to have to fight again? He thought that maybe, just maybe, he would be able to move beyond that special brand of suffering and pain.