Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"That's right, their names are Mikasa Ackerman and Ryo Carter!"

Ryo frowned as Keith declared his name, particularly at the addition of "Carter." Since when did his simple name require embellishment? He rolled his eyes, muttering internally about Keith's tendency to make things unnecessarily complicated.

"Okay, everyone else is dismissed. Mikasa, Ryo, you two come to my office!"

The rest of the group exhaled in relief. No one envied the chosen duo, especially Ryo. His presence had become a cornerstone of the group's morale, and the idea of him going to the Survey Corps left many uneasy.

As they trudged toward Keith's office, Mikasa glanced at Ryo, who seemed lost in thought. "Are you worried?" she asked.

Ryo smirked, his tired expression betraying amusement. "Worried? No. I'm just trying not to burst out laughing."

Mikasa frowned in confusion. Was he truly so eager to face the giants?

Keith's office was a storm of maps, notes, and books—a fitting reflection of his rigorous demeanor. For over an hour, he lectured them on the dangers of the Survey Corps, from the logistics of expeditions to survival tactics. Ryo tuned out halfway, nodding occasionally to feign attention while Mikasa diligently absorbed every word.

Finally released, Ryo sighed in relief. The mental exhaustion was palpable. "That man should consider a second career in wind farming. He's got enough hot air to power a city."

Mikasa, still pondering Keith's warnings, didn't reply. Her focus shifted to Eren and Armin, who waited nearby.

Ryo headed to the training ground's quiet back hill. Krista stood waiting, her usual bright expression clouded by worry. As soon as she saw him, her eyes filled with tears.

"Ryo, can you… not go?" she whispered.

Ryo's heart ached at her plea. He had never considered how his decisions might affect her. Though eager to join the battlefield, he now realized the emotional toll on those he cared for.

Placing an arm around her shoulders, he gently pulled her closer. "Krista, I have to go. If I don't, someone else will. Someone who might not be ready. You know I'm strong enough to do this."

Krista sniffled but couldn't argue. She knew he was right. The strongest candidates were chosen to minimize losses, and Ryo's strength was unparalleled. Yet the fear of losing him overshadowed all logic.

"Promise me," she said, her voice trembling. "Promise me you'll come back safely. Don't talk about… dying or anything like that."

Ryo smiled and extended his pinky. "Let's make a promise. A hundred years, no breaking it."

Krista linked her pinky with his, but the gesture broke the fragile hold she had on her emotions. Tears flowed freely as she cried into his chest.

Ryo felt helpless but held her tightly. "I'll come back, Krista. I promise."

Nearby, Eren watched Mikasa with concern. Though he longed to be chosen for the Survey Corps, his desire paled in comparison to his worry for Mikasa.

"Mikasa," he said, his voice unusually soft. "When you're out there, be careful. Promise me you'll protect yourself."

Mikasa gave him a small nod. "I will."

Eren clenched his fists. He hated feeling powerless, especially when the people he cared about were heading into danger. But he knew Mikasa wouldn't waver.

As the camp settled for the night, Ryo sat by the fire, lost in thought. Krista's tears and Mikasa's quiet determination lingered in his mind. He wasn't afraid of the giants, but he feared the possibility of failing those who believed in him.

For now, he could only steel his resolve. The battlefield awaited, and he intended to return victorious—not just for himself, but for everyone counting on him.