Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"You... will never... leave me...?"

Krista sobbed, her words broken and barely understandable. Ryo felt his heart ache as he wiped her tears away, but they just kept coming, streaming down like a never-ending rain. Seeing her so overwhelmed, he could do nothing but hold her tightly, trying his best to comfort her.

"Alright, alright, I promise. No more crying, okay? If you keep crying, your eyes will be all puffy, and you won't look as pretty anymore," Ryo teased gently, stroking her hair. "Look, everyone's watching us. We're always affectionate, but now even the instructors are staring…"

Even someone as thick-skinned as Ryo couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. Being surrounded by so many people was not exactly his idea of a romantic moment.

Krista sniffled and, realizing the attention they were drawing, quickly pulled away from his embrace. Her face turned crimson as she glanced around. Just as Ryo had said, every single person was looking at them. Embarrassed, she lowered her head, wishing she could disappear.

Thankfully, before the situation could become even more awkward, Instructor Keith stepped forward.

"Ahem. Quiet down!"

The chatter died down as everyone turned their attention to him.

"First, let's welcome Ryo and Mikasa back with the warmest applause! They represented the Training Corps in an expedition with the Survey Corps and performed outstandingly. Their contributions have earned them commendations from both the Survey Corps and the Supreme Command. Let's give them a round of applause!"

Keith was clearly intent on making an example out of them. Not only had he arranged this entire event, but he also made sure to publicly praise them, ensuring that the entire Training Corps recognized their achievements.

A wave of applause erupted as the recruits cheered. Ryo had always maintained good relationships with his peers, and Mikasa was widely respected. Their return, safe and victorious, was something everyone could celebrate.

"And in light of Ryo and Mikasa's remarkable performance, the Military Police have decided to expand their recruitment slots for the 104th Training Corps. The top twelve will now have the chance to join the Military Police!"

Gasps of excitement spread through the crowd.

"Soldiers! Train hard, and you will achieve your dreams! If you want to join the Survey Corps, follow Ryo's example—he killed twenty-two titans in one battle and even received a personal commendation from the commander! If you seek the safety of the Military Police, you must prove yourselves through hard work. Do you understand?"

For the recruits, two things were most enticing: honor and security. Keith had dangled both in front of them, fueling their determination. Some yearned for glory on the battlefield, while others desired the comfortable life within the walls. Either way, their path was clear—train harder than ever.

Seeing the spark in their eyes, Keith nodded in satisfaction. The fear that had weighed on the recruits after witnessing their first titan attack had now been replaced with motivation. Perhaps this class would produce many excellent soldiers.

But regardless of what others might accomplish, Keith was certain of one thing—Ryo's future was destined to be extraordinary. Killing twenty-two titans in a single battle was a feat that reminded him of someone else… someone who had once turned titans into minced meat.

Levi.

---

Ryo, however, had no interest in the instructors' plans. Taking advantage of the distraction, he grabbed Krista's hand and quietly slipped away.

"What are you doing?!" Krista whispered, still sniffling.

"Escaping," Ryo grinned. "Way too much talking back there. I'd rather spend time with you."

Krista blushed but didn't protest. She clung to his hand tightly, as if afraid that if she let go, he might disappear again.

"My palms are sweating…" she murmured shyly.

"Haha, if only we had a thermometer, I wonder what the temperature between us would be?" Ryo mused playfully. "They say when lovers hold hands, the warmth between them can be measured."

Krista tilted her head, confused. "A thermometer? What temperature?"

Ryo quickly shook his head. "Ah, nothing! Just some nonsense I picked up along the way."

Krista didn't press further, but her heart pounded even faster. Despite how close they already were, walking hand in hand through the forest still made her feel like a girl experiencing first love.

"Oh, by the way, did you get the things I sent you?" Ryo suddenly asked, remembering the packages he had sent while away.

Krista nodded. "Yes! You sent back so many things! I couldn't even finish all the food—it got divided between Sasha and Ymir." She pouted slightly, then hesitated before lowering her voice. "As for the clothes…"

Her cheeks turned bright red.

Ryo raised an eyebrow. "What about them? The one you're wearing now looks great!"

He took a moment to admire her outfit. He had personally chosen that pink dress, preferring it over the black one. The soft color suited her, making her look even more angelic.

Krista fidgeted. "You… You sent me a lot of outfits that were… too revealing…"

Ryo chuckled. "Well, I just thought they'd look good on you."

Krista's blush deepened. "You're just saying that to tease me…"

"Heh, our little angel looks beautiful in anything." He leaned in and kissed her forehead before whispering with a smirk, "She'd look good without clothes too…"

Krista froze.

Before she could react, Ryo took off running.

"You—!" Krista gasped, picking up a small stone and hurling it at him in frustration.

Her mind flashed back to that time by the lake when he had accidentally seen her and Mikasa bathing. He had the audacity to act all innocent afterward, and now he was teasing her again!

---

Meanwhile, back at the Training Corps, the recruits swarmed around Ryo and Mikasa, eager to hear about their experiences.

"Lin—uh, I mean, Ryo, what was it like fighting titans?" Connie asked, his face filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. His hometown was south of Wall Rose, one of the first areas that would be in danger if the titans ever breached the wall.

Ryo shrugged. "You guys have already seen a titan before, haven't you? There's no difference between the ones outside and the one that appeared here."

The recruits shuddered at the memory. That titan had nearly wiped them out. If Ryo hadn't acted when he did, many of them wouldn't be standing here now.

"But the outside world… it must be terrifying, right?" another recruit asked hesitantly.

Ryo glanced at Mikasa, then back at the others. Should he tell them the truth? About the horrors they had faced beyond the walls?

After a moment, he simply smiled.

"It's dangerous, yeah. But that's why we get stronger—so we don't have to be afraid."

The recruits fell silent, absorbing his words. Some looked determined, while others remained uncertain. But one thing was clear—Ryo's presence alone was enough to inspire them.

And as long as he was here, they knew they had a chance.

---