Warrior (Chapter)

Warrior, is the 42nd chapter of Shingeki no Kyojin. It was released in the 13th of February 2013. The chapter is based on the mystery of the Armored and Collosal Titan.

Summary
While Ymir is still recovering from her previous battle, Historia is pleading to Hange to understand the truth behind Ymir’s actions, despite the recent revelation that she was a Titan Shifter all along. Hange accedes to Historia’s plea, and also addresses her as “Historia” from there on, having learned of her true name and her background.

Meanwhile, Eren, Armin, Reiner, and Bertolt are having a discussion related to their recent skirmish. When Eren makes mention of them having passed their village, Bertolt exclaims to Reiner that it’s time to return to their home village. But just before this peculiar declaration can continue, Hannes regroups with Hange and the rest atop the wall, to deliver the report that “There is no breach.” This leaves them startled, as Hannes continues by stating that both Trost District and Klorva District had no wall-abnormalities, as well as the fact that he hasn’t encountered a single Titan during the expedition. In the end, Hange decides that the operation to plug the wall should be called off, and she and the others will position for standby in Trost District.

As Eren, Mikasa and Armin stand perplexed over these bizarre events, Reiner calls to Eren, needing to talk to him. As Hange’s team leaves, Reiner readily tells Eren that he and Bertolt destroyed the wall five years ago, that he is the Armored Titan, and that Bertolt is the Colossal Titan. Eren is quick to reject this, and Bertolt is distressed about Reiner’s sudden act; after revealing the details of their original mission, Reiner then claims that if Eren comes with them, they won’t touch the walls ever again. Eren is argumentative towards this sudden circumstance at first, but eventually……

A flashback occurs at this moment, detailing Hange reading the report concerning Annie Leonhart's background. Hange reveals that Annie’s place of origin is similar to that of Reiner Braun’s and Bertolt Hoover’s; both Reiner and Bertolt were close to Eren during their trainee days in the 104th, but Annie was comparatively reclusive. Armin, Eren, and Mikasa; all three state that Annie was never close to Reiner and Bertolt. But then Armin recalls his experience during Annie’s attack (as the Female Type Titan) on the Survey Corps's expedition; to respond to Hange’s inquiry about their possible interest in Eren’s location, Armin admitted that he gave Reiner an estimated guess as to his whereabouts. Not only that, but he recalled that Reiner had cut letters into Annie’s palm when he cut free, which would explain why Annie changed course while continuing pursuit.

……Eren just tells Reiner that he’s simply tired from all these recent events, to which Bertolt concurs. Reiner then appears to lose it, believing that he was “surrounded by brats” all these years within the walls, feeling as though he had become feeble, having forgotten about his original mission; he removes the cast from his right arm and it suddenly regenerates. Bertolt freaks at Reiner’s decision to act at this point in time. Just as Reiner is about to make his move, Mikasa jumps in and lops off Reiner’s right hand and strikes at Bertolt’s neck. Mikasa screams at Eren to flee the area before being tackled off the wall by Reiner. Armin and Hange’s team run to the scene. For one brief moment, Reiner and Bertolt stand before Eren, until they transform into Titans, their forms exactly as Reiner said.

Reiner takes hold of Eren, whilst Bertolt, in a half-formed state of his Titan form, snatches the still-unconscious Ymir. As Reiner slides off the wall to escape, Eren’s memories erupt, of his trainee years having been acquainted with them. Now seeing them as traitors, he manages to free his left arm and bite into his thumb, transforming him and thus setting the stage for battle.