Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Ryo and Mikasa stood prepared to leave, their faces calm but their emotions carefully concealed. Mikasa turned to Eren, who, for once, had set aside his fiery determination to express genuine concern.

"Be careful out there, Mikasa. Stick close to the main group," Eren said, his voice laced with uncharacteristic worry.

Mikasa felt a pang of warmth at his words but couldn't shake her concern for him. Eren's impulsive tendencies often placed him in danger, and she had already asked Armin to keep an eye on him during her absence.

"I'll be fine. Just promise me you won't do anything reckless," Mikasa replied, her tone firm yet protective.

Armin, sensing the weight of their exchange, quietly excused himself to seek out Ryo.

---

Armin found Ryo packing his belongings under the watchful gaze of Krista. The little angel was stuffing items into his bag, including an impractically large heart-shaped pillow.

"Ryo, I need to ask you something," Armin began hesitantly.

Ryo glanced up, his brow slightly raised in surprise. "What is it?"

"I want you to look out for Mikasa. I know you two don't exactly get along, but she's important to us. You're strong—if anyone can keep her safe, it's you."

Ryo paused, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he shrugged lightly. "Alright. We're from the same squad, after all. I'll do what I can."

Krista, oblivious to the tension, interrupted with a firm tug on Ryo's sleeve. "Don't forget the pillow! You'll need it for those cold nights in the wilderness!"

Ryo sighed, his lips twitching into a reluctant smile. "Fine, but if this takes up space for my gear, you're carrying it next time."

Armin, sensing he'd overstayed his welcome, offered a quick thanks and left, his apprehensions slightly eased.

---

Before dawn fully broke, Ryo and Mikasa quietly departed the training camp, avoiding the emotional farewells they both dreaded. The stillness of the early morning wrapped around them like a shroud as they rode toward the Survey Corps' base.

Instructor Keith had given them a brief sendoff, his voice gruff but tinged with unspoken emotion. "Remember, stay with the main force. Erwin's leadership is unmatched, and his strategies keep casualties to a minimum. Make sure you come back alive."

Ryo saluted crisply, his tone steady. "We won't let you down, Instructor."

Mikasa nodded in agreement, her gaze determined.

---

The journey to the Survey Corps camp was swift, their horses galloping across the open terrain. When they arrived, they were met with a bustling scene of soldiers preparing for another expedition beyond the walls.

The Survey Corps, though small in number compared to the other divisions, exuded an air of quiet confidence. Their scars and hardened expressions spoke of countless battles against Titans.

Ryo and Mikasa dismounted and approached the registration area. Today was a crucial day—the influx of reinforcements from the other corps would determine the strength of their next expedition.

As they handed over their orders, the officer in charge gave them a cursory glance before directing them toward the barracks.

"You're here just in time. The next expedition begins soon. Get yourselves settled quickly," he said brusquely.

Ryo exchanged a glance with Mikasa, both understanding the gravity of the situation. Their training was over; the real battle was about to begin.