AllMovie

Yushiro finally meets Miharu as they engage in the very first battle between TAs on the stage site. The SSDF support team notices that Yushiro's systems seem to be operating at a much higher efficiency, which the other Gowa brothers assume to be the influence of the site. On the battlefield itself, the SSDF TAs, equipped as they are for urban warfare, are having a tough time in the desert environment, but a surprise sandstorm forces a disengagement. While technicians work at getting sand out of the TA joints, the members of the Experimentation Company demand explanations from a reticent Yushiro about his odd behavior. The next day, Hayakawa receives new orders: to capture at least one enemy TA. The battle doesn't quite go as planned, but footage of the fight is broadcast on news networks around the world, announcing the existence of TAs to everyone. (American release in 2000.)