Soldier (Episode)

"I have no right to tell you how to live your life. So actually, this is nothing more than a hope of mine... I want you... to live a life you're proud of."

- Ymir makes a request of Christa

Soldier (兵士) is the 4th episode of the 2nd season and the 29th episode overall of the Attack on Titan anime, produced by Wit Studio and Production I.G.

Overview
At Utgard Castle, the scouts prepare to battle the Titans. Two hours earlier, the recruits had discussed Conny's village and the Titan he found atop his house, though Ymir trivialized his concerns. Later, Reiner visits Ymir as she searches for food and hands him a can of herring. However, Reiner is unable to read the writing on the can and wonders how Ymir is able to understand it. Before she can explain, Lynne alerts the scouts of the approaching Titans. As the senior officers battle the Titans in the open, the recruits are left to ensure the Titans do not infiltrate the castle. Reiner heads down alone to check for Titans and comes across one at the lower levels, barricading the door as best he can. When the Titan nearly catches him, he recalls a day five years ago where he and Bertholdt witnessed a friend getting eaten by a Titan. The others come to his rescue and send a cannon to block the doorway, but a smaller Titan steps through and attacks Conny.

Reiner defends Conny and the recruits toss the Titan out a window, but Reiner's arm is severely injured. Christa treats Reiner's wound, and outside the scouts continue to fight. Suddenly, the Beast Titan begins throwing chunks of Wall Rose at the scouts, killing Lynne and Henning along with all the horses. As the Beast Titan sends another horde their way, Gelgar and Nanaba fight them off as best they can until both run out of gas and blades and are caught by the Titans. The recruits are left to fend for themselves, and Ymir decides to fight. Taking Conny's dagger, she asks for Christa to remember a promise they made years ago during their training. Jumping from the top of the castle into the horde of Titans, Ymir slices her palm and transforms into a Titan.