Return to Shiganshina(1)

Atop the walls of Shiganshina, under the cover of darkness, three men huddled around a small fire.

Beside them was a collection of supplies, tents, and crates scatted across the ground.

"Remember, Eren Yeager must not be killed, he must kept alive. Now that we have confirmed that the Founding Titan lies within him, we must provide our Motherland another powerful weapon to add to its military." A bespectacled guy spoke.

Another lie slipped from Zeke's lips. He was a master at it after having kept his true intentions hidden for so long.

Not one in the warriors would have ever expected that their renowned War Chief was working against the Marley Empire secretly … 

"Has the situation on the Middle Eastern Front gotten that bad?" Reiner asked.

"Yes. The fact that the motherland has not moved to enforce the Treaty of Einsburg has convinced the Middle East Coalition that something is going on. That agreement is worth as much as trash now. With Duclaria's Kaiser in the lead, they've already re-annexed over 75% of the territory that was supposed to be demilitarized." Zeke filled his cup. "Hizuru's Ruler, as one would expect, has simply parroted the usual claims of restraints and needs to talk this over nicely. After all, a strong Middle East would serve as well a buffer against invasion by Marley against them."

"The Middle Eastern Front is getting volatile." Berthold hugged his knees tightly against his chest, his eyebrows furrowing.

"It is indeed troubling. Which is why we have to finish things here and return to Marley as soon as possible. It is no longer a question of whether war will happen, but when." Zeke downed the cup in his hand. "Thanks to your reports, it suffices to say the higher-ups feel the threat of Paradis has to be taken with much urgency. The idea that the devil Eren can defeat one of our best fighters Annie has shaken them quite a bit. The Tyburs share the same view."

Zeke never understood why the Tybur Family had chosen to be so passive since Marley's founding. The Warhammer Titan was a legendary titan that faced down the seven other titans at one point in an epic final confrontation during the Great Titan War. One that immortalized its Divine Like status. Although Karl Fritz also was on the Warhammer's side, he didn't even lift a finger.

The Tyburs just needed to show off a bit of that power and Marley's enemies would be pissing themselves silly. 

Not that it mattered to him. His aims were else, greater, nobler, of a higher cause. He was determined to save his race through Eldia Euthanasia.

Bertholdt and Reiner's eyes widened. Zeke realized he had some explaining to do. 

"Don't look so shocked. Either way, the Guardian of Kensea will not be making a move. It has not fought since it did so alongside Karl Fritz against the other noble families during the Great Titan War. The Tyburs intend to keep it that way."

"Is that why the recent shipments …" A look of realization flashed across Reiner's eyes.

"Their sacrifice will not be in vain. Their families have been promised good treatment and monetary incentives within the internment zone. Because of the report we've submitted, the Military Brass has taken the risk of shipping over a sizeable number this time to prevent any failures. Normally there would be only one ship a month. But high command has thrown caution to the wind and sent 5 shipments over in one go - such a scale is impossible to hide from our dear Middle East Friends who have always kept a close eye on Liberio's port. We cannot afford to fail with so many resources committed."

Reiner nodded. "Understood. Warchief. There's one thing I have to mention, there are two people you need to be careful of."

"Oh?" Zeke frowned.

"One is Eren and the other … is Levi. That man is especially dangerous, but I'm sure you'll kick his scrawny ass with no issue, War Chief. It's just better to be careful. When I was in the Survey Corps, they would joke that the walls were built to protect the titans from Levi."

"Hmm, what an exaggerated bluff to boost morale, but I suppose there is no smoke without fire. I'll keep that in mind. With my hardening and titan control, I'll smash him into bits if he even tries to get near. There's no way a single human can defeat me and so many titans alone. What a ridiculous joke … you might as well say titans could fly." Zeke took another sip. "Regarding Eren, I expect you to hold your own against him with my titans that will be supporting you in the battle."

"Of course. War Chief. My previous defeats were simply due to my carelessness and underestimating the enemy. I won't make the same mistake." Reiner clenched his fists.

Reiner was about to say something else when a sound interrupted them. 

It was the Cart Titan. 

"Warchief, there is a large number of enemies approaching. At least a hundred."

"Only a hundred? Our victory is assured then. If we can't even defeat them with the numbers we have … When can we expect them to arrive?" Zeke asked.

"Latest by sunrise." 

"Very well, let us cleanse the world of these Eldian Devils," he stood. "Follow the plan that we have discussed earlier. Check once more that the people we have brought over are hidden properly and proceed to take up your positions."

Bertholdt and Reiner stood. 

"Roger, War Chief."