Falco's inadvertent knocking successfully saved Reiner from his suicidal plan with the Cart Titan. Meanwhile, Falco was being bothered by the heir of the Armored Titan, who did not want to become a Titan at a young age and shorten his lifespan.
Falco then walked aimlessly through the streets, lost in thought, and found himself at the hospital. At that moment, a disheveled man with long hair called out to Falco, thanking him for seeing him off earlier and inviting him to sit for a while. This man was named Kruger.
Kruger was a casualty of war. Although his injuries had healed, he had not left the hospital. More than physical torment, Kruger was undergoing treatment in the hospital due to psychological trauma.
Falco asked Kruger why he didn't return to his family. Kruger replied that he didn't want to, as he felt ashamed to face them. Noticing Falco's dejected state, Kruger guessed that Falco was undergoing training to become a Warrior.
Falco poured out his troubles to Kruger, expressing his regret at the thought of his life ending without achieving anything. Hearing this, Kruger seemed to recall something and began to counsel and encourage Falco. He spoke of how people are often pushed by certain things to step into hell, not out of their own will, but due to circumstances and the pressure of others. Yet, at the end of that hell, one might glimpse something – it could be hope, or it could be another hell. The only way to know the ultimate answer was to keep moving forward.
After hearing Kruger's words, Falco seemed to regain some hope. He then got up to leave. On his way back, he encountered Reiner. Though Falco had been filled with melancholy just moments before, he was now brimming with confidence, though Reiner was unsure what had happened.
Falco then rushed to headquarters. It turned out he was to deliver a letter for Uncle Kruger, as mail sent from within the hospital containment zone would be read. Kruger had asked Falco to post the letter in an outdoor mailbox.
Kruger wanted to let his family know he was still alive. The white envelope slowly descended to the bottom of the mailbox. However, Falco was unaware of the foolish act he had just committed. Meanwhile, the Tybur family, holders of the War Hammer Titan, one of the Nine Titans, arrived. This blond man was Willy Tybur, the head of the family.
His purpose was to recruit Captain Magath. Marley was, in essence, under the jurisdiction of the Tybur family. However, the power of the Titans had fallen behind the times, and Marley's development lagged behind other nations.
Furthermore, the threat from Paradis Island was growing more perilous. Considering Marley's internal conflicts and the global situation, Willy decided to shift the focus to Paradis Island to divert domestic and international risks.
Therefore, he planned to reveal the truth of Titan history to the world at an upcoming festival. For this, he needed a decisive military leader, and Captain Magath was the obvious choice.
On the other hand, encouraged by Kruger, Falco's performance surpassed Gabi's in certain aspects. Reiner, Gabi, and the others watching from the stands felt a sense of relief. Falco's performance undeniably provoked Gabi's anger. Gabi furiously questioned Falco, "You already have a brother to inherit the Beast Titan and become an honored Marleyan, why are you working so hard?" Falco, with a blushing face, loudly protested, "Isn't it all for you?"
This answer only further angered Gabi. "If it's for me, then why are you hindering me?" Falco offered no response and ran off.
Falco then returned to Uncle Kruger. He thanked Kruger for encouraging him during his low point. Kruger, however, dismissed it, saying it was nothing, as Falco had often helped him with his mail.
Kruger then calmly continued, "After the festival, I plan to return to my homeland." Falco's face showed sadness at this, but he was also happy for Uncle Kruger's return home.
Just then, a doctor named Yeager arrived. Seeing the doctor's arrival, Falco hastily and apologetically got up to leave. Doctor Yeager slowly sat beside Kruger, his purpose clear: he wanted Kruger to stay away from Falco.
Falco's uncle had once been a high-ranking member of the Eldian Restorationist movement. Although the incident occurred before Falco was born, it could still implicate his family. To protect their families, Falco and Colt had volunteered to become Warriors. It was because his brother Colt inherited the Beast Titan that their family could live a stable life.
Doctor Yeager urged Kruger not to rely on Falco for errands anymore, as any suspicion could ruin their efforts. Finally, Doctor Yeager advised Kruger to return to his family, warning that he might regret it if he couldn't see them again.
Kruger, hearing this, became pensive. He wondered if Doctor Yeager regretted his own family. Doctor Yeager replied that he regretted it every day, wishing he hadn't been so harsh on his son. He wished he hadn't pressured him to inherit his medical practice, for then his son wouldn't have taken his sister outside the walls that day. Memories of Grisha flooded Doctor Yeager's mind, and he descended into a state of frenzy.
Seeing Yeager's condition, a nurse quickly led him away. Looking at the old man before him, Kruger couldn't help but ponder. He realized this must be his grandfather. The festival day soon arrived, and the Warrior team was given a rare day off. As the elder, Reiner had to pay for the meals of these young ones out of his own pocket.
With the consumption of the four mischievous children, Reiner's wallet quickly emptied. However, seeing their joyful faces, Reiner felt a sense of contentment. Well-fed and content, Gabi fell asleep on the ground, allowing Reiner to drag her along. Reiner wished every day could be a festival.
The group soon arrived at the festival stage. There was still some time before the opening ceremony. Falco called Reiner to a tunnel. Reiner was perplexed by Falco's strange behavior, but despite his doubts, he followed. At the end of the tunnel, Reiner once again saw the person he never wanted to see again in his life: Eren Yeager.