Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"Captain, this doesn't seem like a good idea. If something goes wrong, it'll be difficult to control," Ryo said, hesitating as Hanji explained her latest experiment.

Hanji's plan? To release a titan's legs and test its speed, strength, and other attributes. These were metrics that had never been properly measured before, and the data could be invaluable for the Survey Corps. However, the risk was undeniable. Even restrained, a titan was no less deadly.

"It'll be fine!" Hanji waved off his concern with an enthusiastic grin. "We'll keep its hands tied, and with your skills and the maneuver gear, you'll be safe as long as you stay alert!"

The test was undoubtedly dangerous, requiring someone with both exceptional strength and the composure to handle a titan in such an unpredictable scenario. There were few soldiers who fit the criteria. Levi, of course, was out of the question. Hanji didn't even bother asking him—there was no way he'd entertain something he'd consider a "waste of time." Captain Sanmao was another option, but his rank made him unavailable.

That left Ryo. His stellar performance during the battle in the forest, where he single-handedly outmaneuvered two abnormal titans, made him the perfect candidate for the task. Hanji had even tried recruiting him into her research unit, though Ryo seemed intent on returning to the training corps. A pity, in her eyes—a talent like his shouldn't go to waste.

Ryo sighed, resigned to the task. "Are we only testing its speed and strength, or do you have other plans for it?"

"Well…" Hanji's eyes lit up as she considered the possibilities. "We could test its vision and hearing too! We know titans don't feel pain, but what about their other senses? There's so much we still don't understand!"

"And once the tests are over? What's your plan for securing it again?"

Hanji's grin widened. "Simple. We'll just cut off its limbs. They regenerate anyway! It'll be fine as long as we don't kill it. Besides, observing its regeneration rate could give us even more valuable data!"

Ryo couldn't help but chuckle. Hanji's unconventional methods and boundless enthusiasm were legendary, but this bordered on madness. Still, her reasoning wasn't entirely flawed. "Cutting off its joints would be a more efficient approach," Ryo suggested. "Disabling its movement without wasting its limited regenerative energy would preserve its vitality for future use."

Hanji tilted her head, considering his suggestion. "That's fair. The upper joints are easy targets, but the legs might be a bit trickier. Are you sure you're up for it?"

Ryo finished strapping on his maneuver gear, adjusting his blades. "If you called me here, Captain, you must already believe I can handle it."

Hanji laughed. "True, true. But don't forget, if something happens to you, *someone* might be very upset." Her eyes darted toward the ring on his finger, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"Haha, people with something to protect are always the most dangerous on the battlefield," Ryo replied, his confidence unwavering. He turned to the soldiers, giving them a signal. "Release the titan. Let's get started."

The soldiers hesitated, casting uneasy glances at the restrained titan. Its looming form, bound yet still exuding raw menace, was enough to make even seasoned soldiers nervous. With a final glance at Ryo's calm demeanor, they began loosening the restraints around the titan's legs.

Ryo flexed his fingers, feeling the familiar weight of the maneuver gear. As the titan growled and started to move, he couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation.

"Time to see what you're made of," he muttered under his breath, his gaze locked on the titan.

And with that, the experiment began.