Asuka's excessive pride prevents her from admitting—even to herself—that she feels something for Shinji, and as events and battles unfold, her feelings of love and hate intensify and dominate her. She kisses Shinji in the fifteenth episode, but when he beats her in pilot tests, she develops a profound inferiority complex towards him. This leads her to attack Shinji's virility continuously, directing both interest and open hostility towards him. Because of their intimate fragility and insecurities, Shinji and Asuka are unable to communicate effectively with one another on an emotional level, despite their mutual latent interest. She also has a deep sense of admiration for her guardian and "senpai", Ryōji Kaji. Asuka is emotionally dependent on Kaji, since she has a strong subconscious desire to find a reference figure to rely on. Asuka's infatuation also leads her to feel great jealousy for him and she eventually tries to seduce him. Asuka's relationship with Rei Ayanami is also conflictual. She despises Rei, calling her and "mechanical puppet girl". In a scene from the 22nd episode, Rei and Asuka are left alone in an elevator; Rei states she is ready to die for Commander Gendō Ikari, provoking Asuka's anger, who slaps her and says she has hated her from the moment they met. Shortly thereafter, Rei helps her during the fight against Arael, an act that destroys her already wounded pride.