Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人)

Take a good look, Zeke.

That's Liberio, where we live.

Compared to the world, it's like a tiny birdcage.

Since we can't leave, we have to live here until we die.

Zeke, wouldn't you like to leave?

Yes, I would.

Oh, what's this?

We hardly ever get visitors this early.

I'll come back later.

It's okay. We're on our way out.

What?

Oh, Eldians?

What?

We got permission to leave the walls!

It's my job to clean the tower and get rid of the trash.

You came in here and defiled it, you devils!

Your kind slaughtered countless lives!

Yet here you are, pumping out kids?

Devils!

Stay in the internment zone!

You guys stink!

-Thanks for ruining my day! -Remember this well, Zeke.

This is the outside world.

If you don't like it, you've got to change it.

Zeke, you're going to save everyone.

One of these kids will be my successor?

Yes, we'll choose one.

One of them is falling behind.

Who's that?

Oh, Jaeger again?

All the other kids are fiercely competing to be Honorary Marleyans.

Yet he has none of that drive.

Why does he even come here?

How was the training, Zeke?

It's really tough.

I see. But I know you can be a Warrior.

Because you have a special power.

And most important of all, you're our son!

Right!

Father, Mother. Thanks for watching Zeke.

Yes.

I baked your favorite pie today.

All right!

Your social dance club again?

Zeke misses you.

But it's for the wellness of Liberio.

Someday, I'm sure Zeke will understand why we're doing this.

This is the Tragedy of Lago that occurred 1,200 years ago.

After Lago was destroyed in a single day,

the Titans went on to cause

the Horrors of Valle and Ravaging of Monte.

Marleyans in the tens of thousands were killed by Eldia.

What's more, the people who escaped Lago fled into the countryside.

However, the Eldian Empire put Titans along the path,

and at daybreak, the Titans rose and attacked the--

Yes, I know. A lot of people died.

Is your father teaching you our actual history?

He says Eldians did horrible things to Marleyans,

so we have to atone for it.

Do you want to become a Warrior and fight for Marley?

Yes. I want to be a Warrior.

Well, I think it's bedtime.

Oh, next time you're here, I'll read you the cat house book!

Yes!

Begin!

You're awful at this, Dad!

Dad!

Zeke?

I finished early today! Let's--

Oh, good. We'll be able to study more.

Right…

In other words, the Tragedy of Lago never happened.

The Ravaging of Monte and Horrors of Valle are stories made up by Marley, too.

Eldians have never had such cruel customs or culture.

-After all-- -The Founder Ymir wouldn't want that.

It's unthinkable.

That's right! You're catching on, Zeke!

Yes!

If you're not serious, get lost!

Marley needs people willing to give everything to our motherland.

We sure as hell won't leave a Titan in the hands of someone like you.

Hey! You there!

Can you toss that ball back?

You've got a good arm for a kid!

What?

Here!

Nice catch!

I'm sick of throwing off the wall. Do you mind playing for a bit?

A red armband! You're…

One of the Marleyan Warriors you're aiming to be.

Though, since my Beast Titan isn't too helpful in war,

I mostly just play catch around here.

The name is Tom Ksaver.

I work in Titan research.

So what's your name?

Zeke Jaeger!

Zeke, your throw has some heat!

You would be a good pitcher.

I'm home! Dad, guess what?

-That's not what you told me! -What?

What gives, Grice? If Zeke isn't chosen, the plan's finished!

But the Owl said they can't influence the decision

unless Zeke has decent scores.

I know!

A chance like this comes once a century!

Doesn't Zeke still have a shot, though?

Yes, he might. If Zeke steps up…

-I'm sorry. -Zeke!

I know you can do it!

You're our son, after all!

I said Marley has no need for you.

Why are you here?

To show my loyalty to Marley and atone for Eldia's sins!

Let me be in open training, please!

What are you doing, Jaeger? Run!

Run, boy!

Damn it! It's bullshit!

Don't say that! He's trying his best!

He'll never be a Warrior like this!

You were a mess the other day.

It's not funny.

They are just having me run errands now.

It's over for me.

It seemed to me that you never wanted to be a Warrior.

I have to become one,

yet I totally failed.

No big deal.

It's stupid for you to be a Warrior.

It's dumb to shorten your life for Marley and get sent to fight other nations.

What?

Why did you become a Warrior?

To learn the secrets of Titans.

I'm a researcher, you know.

Everything started when the Founder Ymir touched "something,"

but I wanted to know the truth of it all,

enough to shorten my life to look through Titan memories.

That's why I'm pretty much useless when it comes to war.

Compared to the mysteries of Titans, hatred and war seem so trivial.

That's why you and I aren't interested in their war games.

We're just two decent people, a real rarity in this world.

This is for the best.

Even if I can't leave the zone, as long as I'm alive…

We finally got a lead.

They are the "Eldian Restorationists."

It's a pretty large group.

A traitor called the "Owl" formed it.

We've got a few hunches already.

It's just a matter of time until we get solid proof.

Zeke?

What's wrong?

Eat up.

My stomach hurts.

Dad, Mom…