After the gripping confrontation between Eren, Mikasa, and Levi in the last chapter, tensions in the Survey Corps have reached a peak. The remaining members find themselves at odds over who should receive the highly coveted Titan serum: should it be Armin, who is gravely injured from his attack on the Colossal Titan, or Erwin, who barely survived his suicide mission against the Beast Titan?

Eren, determined to save Armin, attempts to steal the serum, leading to a clash between him and Levi. Mikasa, fiercely loyal to Eren, joins in the fight. Emotions run high as Eren justifies his decision, while the last member of Erwin’s unit argues that he should have ensured the commander’s survival. Hange intervenes to prevent Mikasa from further escalating the situation. Eren pleads one final time for Levi to save Armin’s life before being dragged away, leaving Levi with the weighty responsibility of making the ultimate decision. In a final act of selflessness, Erwin refuses the serum and sacrifices himself, allowing Armin to consume Bertolt and inherit his Titan powers.

This chapter has undoubtedly divided the fanbase. Like the Survey Corps, each reader has their own opinions on who should have survived. Many believe that Armin is unfit to fill Erwin’s shoes and consider him useless. However, if that were true, Levi would not have struggled with his decision. Erwin’s death, while tragic and avoidable, had been foreshadowed for a year. Since losing his arm, Erwin had been fixated on the idea of his own death. As mentioned in my review of chapter 74, he had taken a step back to train Armin as his potential successor. Erwin had set aside his dream of uncovering the basement to prioritize the mission. Levi, too, had to come to terms with the idea of losing Erwin, as he had previously threatened to prevent his suicide mission but ultimately allowed him to go head-to-head against the Beast Titan.

Although Armin may lack Erwin’s experience and expertise, he possesses a unique perspective, untainted by the weight of history. Armin has proven himself capable by uncovering the Female Titan’s identity, strategizing the victorious Battle of Trost despite his fear, and playing a vital role in defeating Bertolt during the fight for Shiganshina. Armin’s growth throughout the series, despite a rocky start, cannot be overlooked. Besides, being a shounen manga, it is only natural for the original trio to survive the longest.

Initially, I had speculated that Bertolt would be the one to survive this battle, with Reiner teetering on the edge of death multiple times. After all, Eren had been thirsting for revenge for six long years. Moreover, it was Bertolt who breached the outer wall, indirectly causing Carla’s death. However, Eren’s victory against Bertolt, utilizing Armin’s sacrifice to defeat the Colossal Titan, turns out to be a better outcome. Eren achieves his revenge without resorting to actual murder. His aim is to eliminate the Titans, not the people within them, even if the lines have become blurred. “Killing” the Colossal Titan might provide some closure for Eren. Additionally, they needed Bertolt to restore Armin’s humanity, so Eren gets to see the demise of the Shifter who orphaned him while keeping his best friend by his side.

In the upcoming chapters, I am eager to witness the repercussions of the clash between the Ackermans. Though Mikasa’s intentions were noble, she disobeyed her commanding officer and turned her blade against fellow soldiers. Naturally, her actions should have consequences, although Levi might make an exception considering that he, too, allowed his emotions to cloud his judgment. It would be intriguing to see if he punishes both Mikasa and Eren for defying him or understands that tensions were high and that he, too, played a part in the conflict.

Moreover, I am curious to discover the contents of Ymir’s letter, which was alluded to several chapters ago. Now that humanity has reclaimed Shiganshina and the Colossal Titan is defeated, they may decide to regroup within the inner walls and devise a plan to neutralize the Armored and Beast Titans. Historia, who has been preoccupied with her duties as queen, is likely to hold the key to finding Ymir. If the Survey Corps can ally themselves with the Dancing Titan, the odds would be more even. Although Bertolt is gone and Armin has become a Shifter, it would still be three against two: Eren and Armin versus Reiner, Zeke, and the awakening Annie. Ymir’s assistance will be crucial once that happens, especially if Erwin’s theory about the Quadrupedal Titan being a Shifter holds true.

Nonetheless, it appears that the distinction between “good” and “bad” Titans is no longer as clear-cut. As Zeke suggested, Eren may have been manipulated by his father, though the truth of that statement remains uncertain. Many mysteries still remain, and Ymir’s letter may provide more answers. Furthermore, Armin may have inherited Bertolt’s memories after consuming him, potentially revealing additional information that could aid him in his battle against the other Shifters.

All in all, there is still much to uncover in the unfolding story. Hopefully, after the action-packed chapters we have experienced, we will soon be treated to quieter moments that finally offer some long-awaited answers.

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