Kenny Ackerman

Captain Kenny Ackerman (ケニー・アッカーマン隊長) is a member of the Military Police Brigade's First Interior Squad and also the anti-personnel control squad. He is responsible for the death of Historia's mother.

Appearance
Kenny Ackerman is a very tall and slim man who appears to be well-built. He has short, coarse-looking dark hair that reaches to his neck and also has a thin beard along his jawline. He has the appearance of a middle-aged man with wrinkles around his eyes, which are small and piercing. He is always seen wearing a simple white shirt with a black tie that is never fully done up, and a large black overcoat that reaches past his knees. He also has a bowler hat with a white band around it. He is almost always seen wearing a pronounced scowl, even when making a foul joke.

When not engaged in combat, Kenny, like his fellow Military Police, also fashions a black trench coat, along with his standard attire and bowler hat.

Personality
Kenny is an incredibly serious individual. He will do anything to get the job done, including betraying and murdering Dimo Reeves, who had just turned over Eren Yeager and Historia Reiss. While he operates with utter professionalism, showing neither remorse nor pleasure in his mission, the revelation that he was once an infamous serial killer suggests there is much more to him. His reasons for killing in the past, as well as becoming a government agent, remain unknown. Levi Ackerman mentions learning quite a bit from him concerning how to out-maneuver his targets, suggesting that Ackerman is highly intelligent and a strategic thinker.

Kenny also shows some manner of disrespect and questionable loyalty toward his supposed superior, Rod Reiss. Not only did he demand answers from Rod when Historia's mother was murdered, he calls Rod 'Your Majesty' with a sarcastic tone, and he revealed that he considered becoming a Titan and gaining Eren's powers himself. This is in direct opposition with Rod's goals.

He has shown a cynical humour occasionally like when he told Rod Reiss that he was sticking around because he was looking for a toilet.

History
At some unspecific point, either before or after becoming a serial killer, Levi recalls Kenny saying he felt a sudden inexplicable serge of power and with it he knew "exactly what to do".

In the decades prior to the events of the story, Ackerman was an infamous serial killer that stalked victims in the Capitol. His preferred method of killing was to slit the throats of his victims which earned him his infamous handle "Kenny the Ripper" (切り裂きケニー), and it was rumored that he murdered over 100 members of the Military Police Brigade. However decades later his killings ceased and the terror that he once inspired dwindled into an Urban Legend. He also trained a young Levi who now shares his same surname hinting at a familiar bond between them, though when they parted ways he became a member of the 1st Brigade via reasons and circumstances that remains unknown as even Levi was unaware of it until he saw his old teacher after decades apart.

Year 845
Captain Ackerman first appeared as a member of the group that arrived at the place Historia grew up. He grabbed Historia's mother and asked Rod Reiss if she and Historia were related to him. Rod Reiss denied it and Captain Ackerman slit Historia's mother's throat while she wished that Historia had never been born. As another member approached Historia to do the same, Rod Reiss told them to stop and saved her life by telling her that her new name would be Krista Lenz, and she was never allowed to talk about what happened here.

The Uprising arc
Kenny Ackerman appears five years after the death of Historia's mother as the leader of the group sent to retrieve Eren and Historia from Dimo Reeves. Upon arriving he reminds Historia who he is and remarks how much she has grown. He tells Reebs that he needs to speak with him outside to which Reebs asks if he is being properly rewarded. Kenny brings in his team and tells Reeves that he will be rewarded with more jobs due to his success here. Reeves wonders about the carriage they brought and why Kenny wouldn't just use the one Dimo brought, which prompts Kenny to remark that all businessmen care about is making money and you can't trust them. In the woods, he asks Reeves if he knows who Levi Ackerman is, to which Reeves responds that everyone knows Levi but he had never heard his full name. Reeves expresses worry that Levi is likely coming after himself because he kidnapped Historia and Eren. Kenny tells Reeves that he personally trained Levi and then kills him in the same way he killed Historia's mother, claiming that it is his own fault for Reeves' betrayal. A female subordinate then tells him that Eren and Historia both had small knives on them but are still captured. After confirming that everyone from Reebs corporation is dead, he tells her to prepare the anti-personnel 3D maneuver gear, and then says that it is time for the anti-personnel control squad to show what they can do.

Kenny travels with his two captives and arrives in Trost, being followed by Levi and the Survey Corps the entire time. Kenny is able to sneak up behind Levi and Nifa on a roof and quickly fire two bullets from his modified 3DMG. While Levi is able to narrowly dodge the bullet meant for him, Nifa is killed instantly. First Interior Squad members also make quick work of Keiji and a goggled member of Hange's squad. As Levi watches with horror Kenny reloads his guns while sarcastically saying hello. He fires a hook into the chimney that Levi is hiding behind and flips around it. He takes aim while remarking that Levi hasn't changed much as Levi draws his blade and shouts Kenny's name.

Levi throws one of his blades at Kenny who uses part of his 3DMG to block it. He quickly fires at Levi but misses and hits the chimney as Levi hid behind his Survey Corps cloak. Levi dashes off the roof and begins using his gear to get away as Kenny reloads and surprisingly remarks that Levi ran away after all. Kenny remains on the roof as several First Interior Squad members fly after Levi with their gear and fire at him. They miss and more shots are fired at the Survey Corps Captain as he propels himself through an alley. Levi takes a harsh hit to the side of the face that draws blood before he flees into a nearby tavern. Kenny lands just outside and claims that the scents of a tiny rat are coming from inside the tavern. He bursts through the doors and announces that the 'Great Military Policeman' has come to kill the evil villain. Ackerman looks around while concluding that Levi is not here but is corrected when Levi says that it has been a long time from under the counter. Sarcastically commenting on the nostalgia, Kenny asks Levi to show his face and is told by Levi that all he does is shoot bullets at his face. Kenny brushes this off by saying that he came to see Levi's brains, while Levi expresses amazement at Kenny still being alive and his occupation within the military police. Kenny again brushes Levi off by saying that a brat can't understand adult matters but promptly corrects himself by saying that Levi has gained a few years despite being a runt. Kenny is confused since the strategies he taught Levi would not have led him into this tavern, since he has no escape route. Kenny grows impatient and throws a chair which breaks several bottles as he asks Levi why he joined the Survey Corps. He proposes his own theory that since he and Levi lived among garbage they were shocked when they learned how big the world is. As the Captain picks up a chair and moves forward he claims that their shitty lives had no meaning and only hobbies give life meaning. Levi finally answers by asking if killing his subordinates are Kenny's hobbies. For the third time Kenny brushes off a complaint by saying that he will kill as many times as it takes for a larger goal. As he begins to say that Levi is killing for his own reasons, he is shot with the bar owners gun by Levi who used a bottle to see where Kenny was. He is launched outside by the blast and falls on his back as his subordinates wonder if he is ok. Levi throws a chair through a window and makes his escape by hooking one enemy and using him as a shield against the fire of the others. Kenny's female subordinate from the kidnapping asks if he finally died while he calls Levi a stupid bastard, apparently having survived due to the chair he was holding absorbing most of the blast. He gets up and says that they have been done in as his subordinate notes that firearms are legal for self-defence in bars. Kenny remarks that Levi has grown and after his subordinate says that it is great, Kenny replies that there is nothing good about it and his dream is slipping away from him. Having personally given up the pursuit of Levi, Kenny delivers Eren and Historia to Rod Reiss. He lifts off Eren's coffin and tells him that it has been a long journey. As Rod frees Historia he apologizes to her for everything and hugs her.

Kenny next appears in some kind of underground dungeon. He is sharpening a knife as Rod Reiss and Historia look at Eren, who is shirtless and chained up. Rod remarks that it is time to put an end to this battle. Eren wakes up from his sleep and is told by Historia that everything will be ok as Kenny and Rod talk far away. Historia, under no restraints, tells Eren that her father has always been an ally of humanity and that the Survey Corps misunderstood him. She admits that he had Pastor Nick and Reeves killed but believes he had no other choice. Historia claims that he did it for mankind as the man himself walks over and Kenny appears to leave. Despite this, he actually stays fairly close by as Rod hugs Historia and says that he will explain the rest. He leads Historia to Eren and explains that this is his first time here, although he admits it is not unusual that Eren recognizes it. Historia asks him to explain to Eren but Rod responds that by touching him he will gain memories of what happened here. After placing both their hands on Eren and observing his shocked reaction, Rod asks him if he remembers his father's sins.

Kenny continues to listen in as Historia reacts tearfully and asks how she could have forgotten 'her', who was kind to her and taught her many things when she was a child. Rod asks if she met with Frieda but she replies that she doesn't know who that is. Rod explains that the women Historia described is most likely Frieda Reiss, his daughter and therefore Historia's older half-sister. Rod continues by saying that Frieda worried about Historia and would go check on her but likely erased herself from Historia's memories in order to protect her. By activating Eren's memories, Rod accidently did the same to Historia. Historia asks her father where Frieda is so that she can thank her and Rod replies that Frieda is deceased before hugging Historia. He explains that he had five children and a wife who were all killed by Grisha Yeager in this very place five years ago. Rod says that he didn't know Grisha but that the man came to steal a 'power' that the Reiss family had, the power of the Titan that Frieda could shift into. Even though she possessed this invincible power, she was inexperienced and thus eaten by Grisha who stole the power. He then murdered every remaining member of the Reiss family except Rod and destroyed the underground dungeon, which is actually underneath a chapel. As Historia absorbs the information and asks how Grisha could do something so terrible, Kenny reveals himself by asking if they are done chattering away. He explains to them that the military has switched sides, overthrown the puppet king, and taken over with Darius Zackly in charge. He adds that since they are certainly looking for them it will only be a short while before they find this place, so Rod should hurry up. Rod replies that he can only move forward once the anti-personnel control squad leaves, Kenny included. Kenny coyly asks if Rod is angry before replying that he was just looking for a toilet. Rod answers that he trusts Kenny before telling him to leave, and Kenny sarcastically calls Rod 'Your Majesty' while saying the same. Clearly displeased with how the conversation went, Kenny tips his hat and again appears to leave. Rod leaves Hisstoria and Eren alone for a short while as he retrieves a doctors bag and remarks that finally everyone is gone. He apologizes to Historia for making her wait and pulls a small case out of the bag revealing a needle filled with serum. Historia asks what it is and Rod dodges the question by asking if she wants to see Frieda again and replies that she does. Eren pulls at his chains and attempts to yell as he sees the needle that Rod has.

Rod, hearing the sounds of the First Interior Squad battling Levi's squad and Hange tells Historia that they should hurry up. Eren again attempts to speak and Historia coldly asks him what as Rod responds that Eren has finally realized his fate due to his family's sins. Rod adds that the power stolen by Grisha will finally return home with Historia. As Historia listens, Rod explains that the cave they are in was created by a Titan, the same as the three walls. The Titan also manipulated memories in order to ensure that humanity would live in peace, however some bloodlines are exempted. Despite this, Rod tells Historia that no one knows human history before 100 years or how the Titan were created, except Frieda. She also knew about the history of the world and was 15 when she obtained this Titan's power. Eight years ago, Rod reveals, Frieda ate her uncle who was Rod's younger brother in this same place. This is the duty of the Reiss family who has done this ritual to inherit the Titan's power for 100 years. The person gaining the power learns everything about the world and is entrusted with the fate of humanity, however no one with this power has ever revealed the secrets. As Historia attempts to ask a questions Rod interrupts her by saying that the walls broken, men dying, and the overthrow of the government could have been prevented if Grisha never stole Frieda's power, he adds that even exterminating the Titans would have been possible. Historia asks why things are like this and Rod responds that with the power inside Eren it can't be activated since he is not a Reiss. Historia is again interrupted but this time by Kenny, who lowers himself from the ceiling and is revealed to have been listening in this entire time. He asks Rod to confirm what he just said about only a Reiss being able to obtain the Titan's power, and he does. Kenny, looking desperate, says to himself that even if he ate Eren there would be no point.

Kenny begins to recount a story from his youth. He entered a house and asked his dying grandfather to speak with him and was asked by his grandfather is he killed more Military Police. Kenny replied that he killed the ones snooping around and then told his grandfather that he found his little sister. She was working at a brothel in the underground city and had become pregnant. She was determined to keep the child despite Kenny's advice otherwise. Kenny added that the other branch of the family moved to Shiganshina and due to some abuse they remain poor. Kenny asked his grandfather why this has happened to them when the Ackermans used to be warriors with royal ties. He was confused about why the monarchy hated them and responded to his grandfather's silence by asking him to tell his cute little grandson, referring to himself. His grandfather laughed at how his cute grandson turned into Kenny the Ripper, the capitals monster. He said that he was hoping to protect his family by never revealing these secrets but now has no choice. He began by telling Kenny that the Ackermans are feared by the monarchy, not hated, because they can't be controlled. Despite his grandfather being born inside the walls and not knowing everything, he does reveal that the Ackermans were guards of the monarchy who were trusted with humanity's survival. The vast majority of the population came from a single bloodline, but not the Ackermans or the Asians. These different bloodlines impeded the King's vision for the country which was to erase all memories and create perfect order. Kenny was confused and asked his grandfather to clarify and he responded with the power of the Titans. His grandfather continued by saying that generations of King's inherited this power and used it to not only build the walls, but also to erase memories of humanity outside the walls. Only the majority bloodline can be affected by this power which made the Ackermans an obstacle for the monarchy. Most smaller bloodlines agreed but the Ackermans and the Asians did not, resulting in their current harassment and loss of status. However, his grandfather added that the Ackerman who made this deal did not tell his children in order to protect them from purges by the monarchy. He ended by saying that this Ackerman was executed in order to ensure his family's safety, but given the Ackermans current state it obviously did not work. Kenny told his grandfather that he will believe this story because things will be more fun that way.

He finishes his story by saying that the conversation he had with his grandfather is why he thought what he did, until now. He violently lifts Rod into the air by the collar amid Historia's protests and points his pistol directly at his eye. Rod asks if Kenny thinks that he is lying and Kenny replies no while adding that he has been waiting for this day to see if Rod would lie. He tells Rod that he knowns this is the succession ritual while being angry that Rod knew his intentions and strung him along. Rod replies that he is grateful but also that he was unaware why his brother ever took Kenny off the streets. Kenny interrupts him and says that if he insults Uri once more, he will blast Rod's face in half. Historia quickly dashes at Kenny's gun and knocks it away while telling Kenny to let go of her father. Kenny calmly calls her a poor thing and says that surely she must understand that Rod is trying to turn her into a monster who will eat Eren. Historia replies that she will do it since it is her mission and adds that there is nothing sad about saving humanity. Historia further declares that she will wipe the world clean of Titans as Kenny tells her to hold on and remember what Rod did to her. He reminds her that her birth was a tragedy and only conceived because Rod wanted to feel good with a servant. He continues by saying that her mother only did it to gain favour and everyone hated her birth, including congress and her own father. Kenny doesn't believe the notion that Rod saved Historia out of love and claims that he only did it because Grisha killed the rest of his children and he needed Historia's blood, which is why the Wall Cult had been keeping an eye on her. Kenny begins shoving a knife down Rod's throat while saying that this piece of garbage didn't want to turn himself into a Titan and so used his family. Kenny claims he can say more and does so by saying that he covered up the theft of the Titan's power in order to keep the Reiss family in power. Furthermore, Rod only started talking after Eren saved Trost District which was only after innumerable sacrifices. Kenny, shouting, concludes that Rod only cares about protecting himself and not his family, humanity, and especially not Historia. To Kenny's surprise Rod is able to pull the knife out of his throat and tells Historia that Kenny is wrong while badly cutting his left hand. He admits that he hasn't told Historia some things but does reveal that he can't become a Titan for an unspecified reason. He tells Historia that she can't trust others as Kenny finally releases Rod from his grip and asks if that is true. Historia rushes to Rod's side before her father tells Kenny that he has been a loyal servant and he is proud of Uri's decision. He says that Kenny's ambitions will go unfulfilled but adds that he believes humanity will see peace again. Finally, he tells Kenny that he is free to leave and should go live a long life. Kenny, with a blank expression, remarks that Rod's suggestion wouldn't be very fun. He ascends the stairs towards the chained Eren and as Rod asks him what he is doing Kenny ignores him and tells Eren to turn into a Titan. He does request that Eren count to three before transforming and then removes the mouth restraint, much to the horror of the two Reisses. Kenny says that both Historia and Eren can become Titans and fight to the death, with peace returning if Historia wins and nothing changing is Eren wins. He cuts along Eren's forehead with his knife while saying that he is helping Eren transform. As the blood falls down Eren's face, Kenny asks Rod if he can truly call dying of natural causes living.

Rod ignores the question and gives the needle to Historia in a panic, telling her that she will become a combat-type Titan and has hope of eating Eren since he is in restraints. Rod tells her to hurry and corrects himself by saying that she only has to ingest his spinal fluid, not completely eat him. Kenny uses his 3DMG to pull himself up to a safe distance while remarking that he should get away from what's about to happen. As Historia raises the needle to her arm she hesitates and asks Eren why he isn't transforming. Eren, with a mixture of blood and tears on his face, weakly says that this never needed to happen. If his dad hadn't stolen Frieda's power than she could have prevented all the death and horrific events. He remembers Armin's grandfather, Thomas Wagner, Mina Carolina, Mylius Zeramuski, Nac Tius, Marco Bott, Petra Ral, Oluo Bozado, Eld Jinn, Gunther Schultz, people in Stohess District, the soldiers who rescued him from the Armored Titan, and finally Hannes. In tears, he admits that is not everyone and that he could never atone for all those deaths. Eren says that none of this needed to happen and after thinking about more memories he says that he never needed to happen. Eren requests that Historia end Eren's life as a favour and save humanity. Historia tells Eren that the day he called her a normal person made her very happy before finally injecting herself with the needle and transforming into a Titan.

Abilities
Decades ago, the one-day captain was an infamous serial killer who murdered within the capital and was capable of taking out over a hundred members of the Military Police, showing exceptional battle prowess. He is also very fast as he suddenly appeared behind Historia Reiss's mother. He seems to have a lot of pull within the government as he was seen talking to a member of the Royal Family in a professional manner, which implies he reports to a higher authority than Rod Reiss. On top of that, he is the leader of the First Interior Squad, showing high leadership skills.

When Levi felt the possibility of facing his old teacher, he was highly uneasy despite going head-on against Titans on a recurring basis. He is also very analytical and intelligent and is the one who taught Levi to think in the same strategic genius as he does, even outmaneuvering him and tricking Humanity's best soldier into walking into a trap. The fact that he was able to teach an individual as skilled as Levi these things suggests that he's an adept teacher.

3D Maneuvering Gear
Like the Survey Corps, the First Interior Squad have 3D maneuvering gear as well. However it is also equipped with guns so as to kill humans rather than Titans. He is able to use them to scale buildings at incredible speeds and assault his targets before they can react.

Relationships

 * Levi Ackerman - Kenny trained Levi when they were younger, and they even lived together. He appears to have some respect for Levi, since he called him "his pride" and though he respects Levi, his dream appears to be killing him. The meaning behind their similar last names implies a familiar relationship, however Levi was unnaware of his last name until he was told by a soldier, though he was not surprised by him being an Ackerman.
 * Mikasa Ackerman - Not much is known about their relationship, aside from the fact that they share the same surname.
 * Rod Reiss - Rod and Kenny trust each other, both admitting to it, but Kenny appears to respond to/be motivated by something beyond the Reiss's family power.

Trivia

 * Kenny's back story, preferred method of killing, physical appearance, and the title of Chapter 57 being 'Kenny the Ripper' resemble real-life serial killer . One theory of the Ripper's identity and motive was that he was a government agent murdering victims as part of a larger conspiracy.

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