What was the truth behind Marco's death?
Why did Jean strike Reiner with such ferocity?
All of this began with a piece of news that Ilana brought up, the truth about Marco's demise.
Ilana stated that Marco's sacrifice was inextricably linked to Reiner and Annie. Hearing this, Jean's vision darkened. Annie slowly explained that she had taken Marco's Omni-directional Mobility Gear, which is why he was eaten by the Titans.
Reiner, on the other hand, claimed that Annie was merely following his orders. He feared his true identity would be exposed because he and Bertholdt had been overheard by Marco. Thus, he orchestrated Marco's death.
He had forcefully restrained Marco in mid-air, and Annie then removed his Omni-directional Mobility Gear. Unable to escape, Marco was consumed by the Titans. The atmosphere in the immediate vicinity plummeted to an icy chill.
Jean softly asked, "What did Marco say in the end?"
Reiner hesitantly replied, "Marco said we never got to properly talk things through." Indeed, no one had ever taken the time to have a calm conversation, leading to mutual slaughter until one side was utterly annihilated.
If they had communicated clearly from the start, perhaps they wouldn't be engaged in this endless killing. Who could have imagined that they would all be sitting around a campfire, eating dinner together now?
However, Reiner felt as if he were indulging in melodrama.
Reiner continued with remorse, "Watching Marco being eaten by the Titans, I wondered why he was eaten. In my rage, I killed that Titan, shouting that it dared to eat Marco."
Jean urged Reiner to stop, suggesting his mind was clouded by guilt.
Yet, Reiner continued his self-incriminating accusations with no sign of recovery.
At this, Jean could no longer bear it. Without hesitation, he launched himself forward and punched Reiner squarely in the head, followed by several furious blows that left Reiner's face unrecognizable.
Armin and Connie quickly moved to restrain the enraged Jean. Still seething, Jean kicked Reiner fiercely. At a critical moment, Gabi stepped in front of Reiner, blocking the kick. Seeing that he had accidentally injured a child, Jean's temper immediately subsided.
Gabi knelt before them, begging for forgiveness. He pleaded for them to set aside their grievances and help stop the Rumbling.
Despite such earnest pleas, Jean chose to turn and disappear into the woods.
Witnessing Gabi's humble demeanor, Captain Magath felt a profound sense of helplessness for the first time. At the same time, he understood that children grow up in the blink of an eye.
Meanwhile, Levi, resting on a wooden cart, found everyone incredibly noisy, disturbing his sleep.
The next morning, a voice gently woke Gabi.
It turned out Jean had not left. He had ultimately chosen to stay and help everyone stop the Rumbling.
The next second, Jean grabbed Reiner by the throat.
Jean knew Reiner's injuries had long since healed, yet he was still feigning sleep.
Along the way, Jean apologized for kicking Gabi, but thankfully, Gabi was unharmed. Jean declared that he would never forgive Reiner.
Reiner knew he had committed grave sins and never expected Jean's forgiveness. Perhaps maintaining the current state was the best option.
Just then, the Cart Titan, responsible for reconnaissance ahead, detected a situation. The port had been seized by the Jaegerists. Many soldiers were equipped with anti-Titan gear and had entered combat readiness.
They must have arrived by train, likely sensing their intention to stop the Rumbling, and were prepared for a confrontation.
Humanity's time was dwindling, yet the obstacles continued to multiply.