Levi's Daughter

13

Sasha was laying down, her head on Berthold's knee, waiting for the order for the cadets to get into position.

They were with Reiner, Ymir, Historia, and Haru with them.

"Trainees, line up!" A soldier shouted. "Line up before the stage!"

"I'm not risking my life because someone convinced me."

As Haru helped Sakura up, they listened to Jean talk.

"This is a job you can't do unless you decide for yourself." Jean continued before walking away.

Sakura raised her eyebrows at his explanation before walking with her fellow cadets to the front of the stage where Erwin and a few other Survey Corps members were.

"I am Erwin Smith, Commander of the Survey Corps." Erwin introduced. "Today, you will choose a military branch. Put bluntly, I'm here to persuade you to join the Survey Corps. During the Titan attack, you learned how terrifying they can be. And how limited your own power is. However, this battle brought humanity closer to victory than its ever been. Through Eren Jaeger's existence. By risking his own life, he's proven himself, without doubt, a friend to humanity. With his help, not only did we stop the Titans' advance, but we have a way to discover their true nature."

The cadets gasped at the news.

"We believe that in the basement of his Zhiganshina home, there are answers about the Titans that he himself doesn't have." Erwin continued. "If we can reach that basement, we will find a clue that will end this century of Titan rule."

"The basement?"

"We've already advanced that far?"

"If we learn what they are, we can end this!" 

"We will head for the basement in Zhiganshina." Erwin explained. "However, that requires us to retake Wall Maria. In other words, our objective hasn't changed. But with the Trost gate sealed, we'll have to take the long way around, from Karanes to the east."

Sakura studied the route on the map that Petra and Miche were holding.

"The four years we spent laying a route for a large army have gone to waste." Erwin told the cadets. "In those four years, more than sixty percent of the Survey Corps lost their lives. Sixty percent in four years. An insane figure. Any trainees who join will participate in our excursion beyond the walls in a month. We expect thirty percent won't return. In four years, most will be dead. But those who survive will become superior soldiers with a high survival rate. Knowing these discouraging facts, any still willing to risk their lives, remain here. Ask yourself: Are you willing to offer your beating heart for humanity? That is all. Anyone who wishes to join another branch is dismissed."

Sakura remained rooted to her spot as all around her, other cadets left.

Erwin caught eyes with his niece, wanting to have a silent conversation with her.

Are you sure you want to stay?

Yes. I've dreamed of this ever since I left you guys years ago.

I'm so proud of you, Kura. Of this huge decision you've made by yourself.

Thank you. Tell Hanji I said sorry about Sawney and Bean. She's probably off to the side.

Erwin turned to the side,  talking to Hanji, who was in the wings of the stage, with a few other Survey Corps members.

Hanji grinned, running onto the stage, waving excitedly at Sakura before she was dragged away by Miche and Petra, almost all the cadets having left to join a different branch.