#smartpass interview

[wvvmrn]

Armin and Annie: Perfect for Each Other

Many people seem to misunderstand or feel confused about Armin and Annie’s relationship. But the author wouldn’t have connected them without careful intention.

Some might find it hard to understand Armin and Annie’s love, but simply assuming it’s because of Bertholdt’s influence isn’t the right approach. It doesn’t align with the story’s emphasis on autonomous, self-driven love. In fact, this behavior is very much in line with Armin’s character. Ideal people often act in ways that don’t make rational sense.

I believe their relationship has roots going back to Season 1, sharing well-crafted, complementary traits. Considering Armin’s development through to the end, this is clearly an intentional relationship established by Isayama from early on. Moreover, they share a relationship that is too meaningful to be simply dismissed.

I’ve reinterpreted the events surrounding them while inferring the author’s intent. I’m not trying to force anyone to agree, just hoping people might take it lightly and see that this is one valid way to understand their connection.

1. Boy Meets Girl

In my view, their relationship was not forced by anyone, but rather portrayed as a natural result of mutual growth and understanding—a journey of self-discovery.

Their bond is built on complementary traits that allow them to admire one another. Annie possesses inner flaws but outward strength, while Armin has outward weaknesses but inner strength. Annie’s vulnerability was an internal cynicism and nihilistic attitude rooted in her troubled family background, while Armin’s vulnerability was an external lack of confidence in being “a weak person,” as revealed through the admiration—tinged with inferiority—he felt toward Eren and Mikasa. This mutual awareness explains why they took notice of each other.

In the ODM inspection scene, Annie shows concern for Armin, and when she learns he plans to join the Survey Corps, a faint sadness flickers across her expression. Armin tells her she’s kind for worrying about him. In that moment, at the very least, he sees her as a good person. Annie, in turn, recognizes Armin’s quiet determination, and he becomes the first to truly notice the hidden kindness within her. They each saw something in the other that quietly stood out. In particular, Armin’s speech in Trost demonstrated the kind of strength to go against the tide—something she deeply admired.

(Annie cared about Armin, and when she heard that he was going to join the Survey Corps, she showed a sad expression.)

Also, through the close-up interviews on AU Smartpass (2014), we gain further insight into how they perceive each other.

— Annie: “Armin... he lacks strength, so is often a hindrance, but he doesn’t complain or ask for help... he has willpower.”

— Armin: “I thought that, Annie, despite coming off as cold and unfriendly, is pretty observant of her surroundings...”

And their interactions in the OAD, we can see that they had a relatively close relationship.

1-1) A Good Person Doesn’t Gamble

Their meaningful interaction was revealed in Stohess, underscoring the bond between them. Armin was able to recognize the Female Titan’s identity just by looking into her eyes. He voluntarily took the initiative to lure Annie out. It seemed he believed he had something within himself that could persuade her. Armin saw through Annie’s inner longing to be a good person and made use of the goodwill she felt toward him. This entire course of action would have been impossible if Armin hadn’t cared about her.

Armin’s gamble was the right one. We may never know how far he had to push her inner world down to make it happen. But Armin cared about Annie, and he was one of the few who could catch even a faint glimpse of the world inside her. She wanted to be a good person, and Armin chose to use the fact that, to him, she already was.

(Even though she was somewhat aware that it was a trap, Annie couldn’t bring herself to refuse to show kindness to Armin.)

(Though the words are directed at Eren, the gaze is fixed on Armin — a deliberate directorial choice.)

(Annie is hurt by Armin’s gaze—their relationship formed through glances.)

(Just as Annie couldn’t bring herself to kill Armin, Armin also couldn’t bring himself to expose Annie’s crime—the discovery of Marco’s ODM gear—for an entire month.)

(Annie couldn’t kill Armin because of an “indescribable something.”)

Annie nearly killed Jean, but she couldn’t bring herself to do the same to Armin—twice. It’s true that she felt a sense of camaraderie with the 104th trainees and tried not to harm them more than necessary. However, it is also a fact that Annie treated Armin in a uniquely special way. Her kindness was focused on Armin—with deliberate narrative intent. Armin represents the humanity that Annie couldn’t let go of, even within her cruelty.

(Right after Annie accepted the mission and during their later reunion, there are depictions of Armin feeling guilt about this matter.)

“Armin, I'm glad I could be a good person to you...”

In that moment, Annie was seized by a sudden, inexplicable sense of liberation. Betrayal, trust, friendship, the charade she had played, even her faith in Armin—all the things that had weighed her down—fell away. She could now betray even the faint trace of hope that remained within her. Just as Armin had. Because they were not necessarily good person, they gambled.

1-2) The Things That Get Us Into Trouble

(A magazine that hints at Annie’s feelings for Armin)

— Armin: “There are also people who are forced into a dilemma because of such special feelings. I realized that those feelings are often made use of... That is why, even if I have someone I like, I won't say it. Because it will end up as a weakness of mine...(close-up interviews on AU Smartpass, 2014)”

Armin spoke about love in this way. His perspective mirrored the situation they found themselves in: Annie, caught up in that “indescribable something” she felt toward Armin, had ended up putting herself in a difficult position.

It was a momentary whim. For a brief time, she placed being a good person to Armin above returning to her father. This choice ultimately led to her downfall. Armin, too, was unable to reveal her alleged guilt for an entire month. Deep down, he denied or wished to ignore the possibility that the enemy might be Annie. Even after her true identity was uncovered, he still tried to communicate with her. Whether this was mere camaraderie or something more cannot be determined. But at the very least, it was clear that something was unfolding between them.

In the Female Titan arc, Annie was portrayed as a monster alongside Eren, while her human side was emphasized through Armin. I felt that Annie and Armin were connected on a deeply human level.

Armin represented the humanity that Annie still couldn’t fully let go of. However, after the Battle of Stohess District, Armin realized that while he could love Annie as a human, he could not love her as a monster. Armin was responsible for the blood spilled by the Survey Corps that day.

1-3) The Monster and the Good Person

Of course, at this stage, it’s not certain whether they were already in love. However, it’s clear that they regarded each other as somewhat special—and that there was a genuine human affection between them.

In particular, Annie’s feelings for Armin are expressed quite openly. For example, she deliberately directs her gaze toward him when she mentions “the feelings of a feeble maiden.” And she couldn’t bring herself to kill Armin because of that indescribable something she felt.

​Furthermore, Armin was the first person to recognize Annie’s kindness—to see her as a good person. He was the only one who treated her as a girl, not as a weapon. That might seem like a small detail, but to someone starved of affection, those words must have been a true source of comfort.

However, due to the cynicism shaped by her difficult family background, Annie was unable to fully understand her own emotions, while Armin was a boy who hid his feelings because of his particular view on love. This likely served as the author’s justification for portraying their relationship in such a complex and nuanced way.

​Personally, I believe Armin symbolized the kind of person Annie aspired to be—a good person. Their relationship repeatedly invokes the metaphor of the “monster” and the “good person.” At this point in the story, it’s enough to understand that they either hadn’t fully recognized their feelings yet—due to emotional immaturity or conflicting circumstances—or that their bond simply carried the potential to blossom into love.

2. Bertholdt Effect

I believe the author introduced the so-called 'Bertholdt effect' only to explicitly refute it—just as Mikasa’s obsessive attachment to Eren was ultimately revealed to be nothing more than simple love, not driven by any deeper or mysterious cause. There are far more reasons to reject that theory than to accept it.

“(To Eren, who asks about Bertholdt’s memories) Nothing that seemed useful.”

Considering how inconsistently memory inheritance works, it’s unlikely that Armin inherited much from Bertholdt’s memories. The inheritance period was relatively short—only four years—and Armin isn’t even related to Bertholdt by blood. There are no scenes explicitly showing Armin accessing inherited memories—only indirect implications. In fact, not a single scene depicts him actively using Bertholdt’s memories.

From 845 to 850, Ymir had little to no access to Marcel’s memories, and Eren also took a long time to recall his father’s. Armin had no knowledge of Marley or the Warriors. In fact, he even admitted that he couldn’t retrieve anything useful from Bertholdt’s memories. His awe and wonder when he first saw the ocean — and again when he arrived in Marley — remained completely genuine. The memories of the world outside the walls must have been either nonexistent or extremely faint. The closer we get to Armin’s early visits to Annie’s crystal, the less likely it becomes that Bertholdt’s memories played any role. To explain it as Bertholdt’s doing would be not only ironic, but also misguided. It’s simply not the right approach.

Considering Annie’s isolated personality and withdrawn attitude, it’s unlikely that Armin would have inherited any deep or meaningful memories of her. In fact, those memories would probably have differed little from the way Armin perceived Annie back in their cadet days. Therefore, the claim that he fell in love with her solely because of Bertholdt’s memories — without any genuine feelings of his own — is ultimately unconvincing.

Of course, that doesn’t mean he saw nothing at all—but it certainly wasn’t to the extent Eren implied. It didn’t have a profound impact on him. Rather, Armin’s actions appear to be guided by his own will.

Personally, I believe the memories Armin inherited were mostly from Paradis Island: memories of training with his friends, moments when they felt guilt and helplessness, and especially the trauma of causing Marco’s death. These would have helped Armin, someone who constantly seeks understanding, empathize with the Warriors.

This could be considered a set of “useless” memories that, while not significantly impacting the story (such as Armin obtaining information about the Warrior Unit in Marley from Bertholdt’s memories), help him better understand the Warriors’ perspective.

2-1) A Lie in the Guise of Truth

The idea of inheriting someone else’s emotions is simply absurd. Porco didn’t care about Historia during the Paradis infiltration, and Eren never felt Grisha’s guilt toward Zeke. Armin and Reiner didn’t share a deep bond either. If inheriting emotions were truly possible, the Reiss and Tybur families—who have passed down the Titan powers for generations—would be plagued by incest. And if Erwin had eaten Bertholdt, would he have fallen in love with Annie?

Why would something never shown anywhere else in the story suddenly apply only to Armin—and only in the context of love? Especially when the sole basis for this claim is Eren’s lie.

Everything else shapes Armin’s identity, yet the feeling of love for Annie alone is supposed to belong to Bertholdt. That would require a massive leap in both the scope and impact of memory inheritance—so it’s simply not a reasonable explanation.

The timing of Armin inheriting Bertholdt’s power was merely coincidental or due to circumstantial factors, and Eren exploited that coincidence to support his lie. This seems to be a source of confusion for many people. The creator deliberately planted narrative devices to heighten the shock and plausibility of the “table scene.” These were intentional misdirections—crafted to appear believable.

• The special bond of the Ackermans, and Mikasa’s headaches.

• The highly contrived scene where Mikasa subdues Armin.

• Eren’s ambiguous feelings toward Mikasa and the line, “Mikasa, I’ve always hated you.”

• Armin’s ambiguous feelings toward Annie, and the deliberately unclear timing of his visits to her crystal.

This is a narrative device crafted to make Eren’s lie feel convincing. By first presenting shocking claims to draw the audience in, and then later refuting them, the story reestablishes a sense of justification. Consequently, the emotional threads initially implied may appear subtle or even suspicious—but in hindsight, they can be read either as genuine emotional hints or as narrative evidence of deception.

This is especially true if we focus on Armin’s situation. First, Eren needed to confuse Armin to gain control over the conversation. And to keep readers immersed, the story had to make that confusion plausible. The ambiguous timing of Armin’s visits to the crystal also served to make his love appear sudden.

The limited depiction of Armin’s emotions serves a similar purpose. Looking at Armin’s view on love from the close-up interview on AU Smartpass—“...That is why, even if I have someone I like, I won't say it. Because it will end up as a weakness of mine...”—we can understand this intention to some extent.

It’s highly likely that Eren’s claim about the “Bertholdt effect” was a lie. Considering that he lied to Mikasa to push her away, it makes perfect sense that he’d do the same to Armin—using emotional manipulation. There’s no reason to think he’d suddenly be honest with Armin and Armin alone. After all, Eren didn’t truly want to hurt him.

This also implies that Annie was a significant figure to Armin. Eren used her as a tool to wound him emotionally—which only works if Annie genuinely mattered to him. If Armin hadn’t truly loved her, Eren would have chosen a different method.

This is later admitted once again by Eren. The fact that Zeke indirectly denies the so-called “Bertholdt effect,” followed immediately by Armin’s confession in the very next episode, reveals a deliberate narrative intention.

Armin had already suspected that Eren was lying. Unlike Mikasa, he didn’t waver in the face of Eren’s harsh words—he seemed confident in his own emotions. Furthermore, when Annie’s crystal was undone, Armin initially regarded her as a potential threat. More importantly, he prioritized rescuing Falco. He was never controlled by anyone, nor did he abandon his responsibilities due to personal feelings.

In the confession scene between Armin and Annie, their conversation revolves around the concept of being a “good person.” This alone makes it clear that the dialogue is uniquely theirs. It also confirms that their relationship, which began as early as Season 1, held deep emotional significance. Mikasa, too, disregarded Eren’s words and supported their relationship.

While it’s true that Bertholdt’s memories helped Armin understand Annie better, dismissing Armin’s visits and the love that grew from them as merely the result of Bertholdt’s influence is inappropriate. Such a view completely ignores Armin’s unique personality and his own free will.

3. Armin’s Motivation

(An official voice drama depicting Armin going to see Annie while Eren watches — could this be where Eren’s idea at the table scene originated?)

The exact timing of Armin’s first visit to Annie is unclear—it could have been either before or after the retaking of Wall Maria and his inheritance of the Colossal Titan. However, the voice drama is believed to take place shortly after they saw the ocean, and based on what is said in the dialogue, it’s clear that Armin had already been visiting her regularly. While it’s not certain, I currently estimate the timing to be shortly after the medal ceremony.

This is based on several clues: Armin is depicted wearing his medal, and It might have functioned as a kind of authorization to visit. the emotional impact of Floch’s accusations, and the hairstyles of both Hitch and Armin during that time.

3-1) Escalation of Mental Burden

According to Isayama’s Q&A interview (2015), Armin would often scream alone in the forest to release stress. From this, we can imagine Armin speaking to Annie in her crystal. It is also a hint that their relationship was kept in mind. The main reason Armin visited her was to find emotional solace—not just to comfort her or because of some “Bertholdt effect,” but because it aligned with his own emotional needs.

At the time, Armin was under immense psychological strain. Consider how he mentally broke down when the Okapi Titan captured him. He experienced killing for the first time. And he also had to ate Bertholdt, who was once his friend. Eren was changing rapidly. Being chosen instead of Erwin made him feel the weight of countless critical gazes. Armin sought out Annie to relieve that mental burden.

Listen closely to what Armin says in front of Annie’s crystal—in the anime and official voice dramas. He shares his worries and talks about himself while holding the conch shell. Even in a cruel world, we see a version of Armin who still dreams of understanding and hope.

3-2) The Trait of Never Giving Up on Understanding

Another reason lies in Armin’s relentless pursuit of understanding. He genuinely wanted to understand Annie. To him, there was something about her that couldn’t be explained by the simple label of “enemy.” That something was the kindness she had shown him. Annie couldn’t bring herself to kill Armin—yet Armin had, in a way, driven her to her death. Their roles had reversed, and the contradiction lingered in his mind, accompanied by a guilt he couldn’t quite name.

The expansion of the world gave Armin a broader perspective and deeper longing—but also more concerns. To him, Annie was like a forest. The fact that she showed him kindness despite being an enemy reminded him that she wasn’t simply evil. As someone who tries to understand others, Armin naturally wanted to understand her. That desire drove him to visit her.

It seems Armin believed in the warmth he once sensed from Annie. And he projected his ideals onto that warmth. His desire to understand her reminded him of his longing for the unknown and his hope for dialogue. Perhaps that’s why he so desperately sought to know her reasons—why she had to do what she did. Armin might have been trying to find the real Annie, the person beyond all the guilt and bloodshed. Just like when he once retrieved a conch shell from a sea of blood.

3-3) How to Love a Monster

Considering Armin’s willingness to communicate, his persistent spirit of understanding, his ways of coping with mental burdens and stress, and the feelings he harbored since Season 1, it is reasonable to conclude that this love arose from Armin’s own will, independent of external influence. Bertholdt’s memories may have accelerated Armin’s understanding, but not his emotions — and the judgment of that understanding has always been Armin’s own.

After the Raid on Liberio, Armin gained a deeper understanding of the Warriors’ perspective and grew into someone capable of empathizing with both sides. He felt compassion not only for Annie, but also for Bertholdt — the very person who had trampled his homeland, killed many of his comrades, and nearly brought him to death’s door. Yet, they had once been friends. The story consistently emphasizes that they weren’t so different; with just a shift in perspective, they could have remained friends — just as they were during their cadet days. When Hitch tells Annie, “I heard your story from Armin,” it becomes clear that Armin had already come to truly understand them.

Though they couldn’t hold each other physically, they were deeply connected mentally. Armin’s confession of his sins to Annie feels reminiscent of a confessional booth — projecting his inner turmoil onto her, seeking comfort, and trying to console the “monsters” they had become. Just as Annie maintained her sanity through Armin’s presence, Armin found emotional support in her. Given the human affection they shared since their training days, it’s only natural that Armin’s feelings for Annie developed into genuine love over. He built this love slowly and healthily.

Any sense of moral superiority between Armin and Annie had lost its meaning. Now, Armin and Annie faced each other as monsters. To fully accept her was, in essence, to understand himself. I believe that from this moment on, Armin was finally able to truly comprehend his own feelings. What remained unchanged were his feelings. In a turbulent world, the one thing he held onto was love. It was all he could accept.

“Annie, please... say something.” Armin said that as he gently held the conch shell.

4. The Author’s Intention

“Are you human or are you titans—are you a good person, or a monster?”

The charm of “AruAni” lies in their complementary traits and the dynamic way their relationship emotionally evolves depending on the circumstances. It is a subtle yet deeply engaging bond that makes understanding them all the more rewarding. Armin embodies the idealistic side for Annie, while Annie brings a sense of realism to Armin. Furthermore, their perspectives on what it means to be a “good person” enrich the story by exploring the nuances of good and evil, as well as complex moral dilemmas.

In short, the feelings that began as a simple human connection during their cadet days gradually blossomed into love over the four years Armin spent visiting Annie in the crystal. That love ultimately came to fruition as they faced the end of the world together. Their relationship is not rooted in moral superiority, but in mutual understanding. It is a healthy bond grounded in emotional connection and shared growth.

4-1) Fix You

This dynamic between Armin and Annie encapsulates the core message of the series. Thematically, it suggests the possibility of an ideal world—where hatred transforms into love through mutual understanding. On a personal level, it symbolically represents the recovery of humanity: the journey of those who were forced to become monsters—child soldiers swept up in an era of war—gradually becoming human again through empathy and understanding.

This is also why I see their relationship as clearly intentional. Considering that Armin is both the narrator and the one who bears the burden of survival, it seems the author always intended him to symbolize reconciliation between those inside and outside the Walls. When this concept is scaled down to the personal level, it becomes a story of hatred and love between individuals—with Annie being the most fitting counterpart. Their relationship connects silence and conversation, and even if peace on a global scale may be impossible, it shows that the chain of hatred can still be broken on a personal level.

Attack on Titan is a story that emphasizes agency in love rather than blind affection. If Armin’s love had been forced upon him by someone else, he would never have confessed it, and Isayama would never have portrayed it positively. Armin and Annie’s relationship represents, in a narrow sense, personal growth through understanding and love; in a broader sense, it shows the process of rebuilding hatred into love—and ultimately peace—through dialogue. It is no coincidence that Armin was chosen to guide the world toward peace.

​

5. My Own Take

Armin and Annie’s relationship blurs the line between good and evil through the metaphor of the monster and the good person, creating a moral dilemma. What we should focus on is not who is more deserving, but the process by which hatred transforms into love through understanding. It is, at its core, simply the process of one human learning to love another.

The bond between Armin and Annie is the story of “monsters” who longed to become “good person.” To understand each other was, in turn, to understand themselves. Just as Armin picked up a conch shell in a sea of blood, he saw the girl within the monster named Annie.

And he is a boy who chooses to live in a cruel world for the sake of beauty. The love with Annie symbolizes that very way of life for Armin. Through Armin, Annie was able to rediscover her true self. That’s why she was able to break free from her cynicism and make a choice that defied the flow. Recovering Armin from a life stained with regret made her truly alive again

5-1) When You’re Fallin’, You Can’t Dance

“I'd do it all over again.”

All of her actions, it’s said, were not driven by some grand cause to save the world—but simply by the desire to return to her father. For the sake of what was precious to her, she trampled on what was precious to others. Even as she was overwhelmed by guilt and despair at the corpses left in her wake, she admitted she would do it all over again. If it meant seeing her father again.

That was the true nature of the monster named Annie Leonhart—utterly selfish, yet profoundly realistic; almost small-minded in a way. She was still just a “regular people.” It was the burden of a vast current she could not resist, and a cry against her own cynicism.

Annie saw Armin as a good person while regarding herself as a monster. Because of this, she may have felt unworthy of being by Armin’s side. Alongside the compulsion to see herself as a “monster,” Annie also longed to be a “good person.” Her cynicism and avoidance slowly eroded her sense of identity each time she drifted further from that ideal.

But Armin took her hand. He did not deny her monster side, and he accepted his own monster as well. It was a process of accepting each other as they truly were. In a world filled with violence, this was the power and value of understanding and empathy. It was at this moment that Annie named that “indescribable something” by the name of love. Annie sat beside Armin once again.

Armin, too, had lost his humanity countless times under the banner of saving mankind. He knew all too well that he was not a good person. He carried with him an overwhelming sense of guilt—voices not only of soldiers, but of civilians, sometimes even children, and at times, of his own homeland, comrades, and friends.

There was no such thing as a “good person.” What existed were only people—and those who wished to be human. Much less would a monster ever blush.

Annie’s growth lies in her realization of the importance not only of her father but also of her comrades and Armin. She breaks free from her cynical attitude and begins to seek her true self. Until then, she had merely been one of the “regular people,” drifting along with the current—but through Kiyomi’s words and Falco’s help, she finally found the strength to resist it. At the end of that choice stood Armin—whose heart is connected to hers (Guidebook, 2021).

— Annie: “...On the contrary, if I could find one, maybe this meaningless world... might become a little better(close-up interview on AU Smartpass, 2014).”

Morning and evening. Our lives may be nothing more than a cycle filled with emptiness. And yet, if there is anything that can make life rich, it is love. If Annie could find someone truly precious within her nihilistic world, then perhaps that very meaninglessness could finally give rise to meaning. A meaning that allows one to live for tomorrow, with a sense of hope—like Zeke simply playing catch, or like their childhood selves running toward that tree on the hill. Armin is someone who can find meaning in the meaningless, and for Annie, he was that person all the more.

She seemed as if she were dreaming of an escape with her lover—like Eren and Mikasa's life in the cabin. In a world where there was nothing left for her to love, it felt like she just wanted to stay with Armin. But just as Mikasa couldn't stop Eren's advance, Armin too must move toward the conclusion of his choice, and Annie cannot stop him. Armin, too, understood Annie’s fragile heart and wished for her to find peace rather than pain, so he didn’t stop her from leaving. Mikasa cared for them because she knew better than anyone what it meant to carry such regret while moving forward.

There can be no paradise where you escaped and arrived. Just as Paradis Island was never a true paradise for the Eldians, Hizuru-the land Annie's ship was bound for—was never going to be hers. Her paradise was no longer a place, but a "form."

Mikasa's growth lies in letting go of Eren, while Annie's lies in being with Armin. Annie was able to be honest with herself through Armin. She no longer felt bound by the compulsion to see herself as a “monster,” or the yearning to be a “good person.” Because of this, she made a choice without regret. The bird broke the boat sailing on regret—her former self—and flew toward her own “life.”

This imagery evokes the themes of Demian. Armin is a central figure who breaks down the boundary between good and evil—there are no good person, only those who are useful. It was this Armin that Annie found at the end of her journey toward personal growth.

This was something only Armin could give Annie, which is why I believe their relationship holds an even deeper meaning. Without Armin, those four years of conversation would have been meaningless. The complexity and mutual understanding between them moved Annie’s heart precisely because it was Armin—no one else.

"I'm glad, Annie... should just keep on being Annie."

Armin is a character who places great importance on “beauty” in a world that is both beautiful and cruel. He saw kindness in Annie, and even after she became a “monster,” she never lost that kindness toward him. Believing in that beauty and investing his ideals in it, Armin began to see Annie in a new light. As long as he could believe that beauty was real, he was fully capable of loving her.

In the scene where Armin speaks to Annie’s crystal, he’s holding a conch shell in his hand. The conch shell symbolizes his ideals. It also serves as a clear narrative device affirming that his conversation with Annie stems from his own identity. This reflects Armin’s understanding of, and hope for, the unknown that is “Annie Leonhart”—a hope that ultimately encompasses love. The human inner world is like another ocean.

Armin was the reward for the humanity Annie never let go of, and Annie was the realization of the conch shell Armin used to hold—his ideals, hope, beauty, and love—even if they once seemed like empty idealism.

A boy who once longed for the world beyond the Walls falls in love with a girl from beyond them. This is that kind of story. To find love on the side of hatred, to be with someone who came from beyond the Walls—could there be any ending more fitting for Armin?

Eren and Mikasa’s relationship holds significance in the progression of the story, while Armin and Annie’s relationship carries meaning in its resolution. Their love resembles the process of rebuilding what has been reduced to ruins—whether it be the heart, or the world.

​

Thanks for taking the time to read my long post. I hope it was helpful to you.

[lostcauses-noregrets]

Hello! Sorry for any mistakes, English is not my first language-...

Soo... I'm kinda new in fandom (I watched full AoT in April 2024) but I wanna know more abt Eruri. I read all page in shipping wiki about Eruri and some of smartpass au (but... Not much). But I'm Still unsure. Is there anything you would recommend to read from official/canonical things? Idk-... I JUST WANNA KNOW EVERYTHING ABT ERURI😭😭😭

I'd like ANY recommendations, it would really help me 👉🏼👈🏼

Thanks!!!

Hello and a very warm, if belated, welcome to the Eruri fandom!  Your English is perfect, no need to apologise at all.  The good news is that there is a HUGE archive of Eruri meta and information here on tumblr that fans have created over the years.  A lot of it is old now, because it was written at the time the manga was being published, but that doesn’t make it any less relevant, quite the opposite in fact! There is a treasure trove of canon information and analysis here that some newer fans may not be aware of.  I have an old Eruri Starter Pack post and also a Meta Rec post, some of the blogs recommended here are no longer active but it’s well worth browsing through their archives.  

My own meta is tagged Eruri Relationship,  Erwin Meta,  Levi Meta. Other people’s meta that I’ve reblogged is tagged Amazing Meta.   @tsuki-no-ura is the most active meta blogger on tumblr these days.  They are incredibly generous, patient and insightful with their translation skills. Diving into their blog is endlessly fascinating and educational. @momtaku’s blog is still one of the most comprehensive in the fandom and all her posts are tagged and organised.  @yusekni translated a lot of the supplementary material such as the Smartpass stories, guidebooks and fan Q&A’s.  Don’t miss the Smartpass Erwin and Levi Up Close interviews (part 1 / part 2). @ningen-suki also shared a lot of great information from the Japanese side of the fandom. @erbeansandravioli’s Eruri Receipts post is very old now, but it’s still a great source. 

If you haven’t already read the SnK and ACWNR mangas, read them now! Erwin and Levi’s relationship has so much more depth and nuance than in the anime.  I can also highly recommend reading the official Answers book and Character Encyclopaedia which include key information from Isayama himself about Erwin and Levi’s characters, motivations and relationship.

Hopefully that will keep you occupied for a while! If you're looking for anything in particular, or you've got any questions, please don't hesitate to ask ♡

[leviismybby]

However, I don't know how to feel about Levi because of the real source material (Isayama interviews, smartpass story and side material like that…) and the 'professional' Japanese translators on this blog. I think he really is, according to the correct Japanese translations and Isayama interviews, he is really dragging humanity through the mud for his personal feelings… and he is someone who is floating and aimless because of Erwin's death… So much so that Isayama even thought of killing him many times because he didn't know what to do about him and threw him aside… also I guess he has no interest in women… oh and Ackerbond is probably real… I know it's not a canon ship and I know he's not in love, but that doesn't mean it's not written too reductively to Erwin. And it disgusts me…

Because of the source material, side material, canon discourse and Japanese translator blogs, my opinion of him is changing more and more and I think I will throw my LevixOc project in the trash… Levi is really someone who (because of Isayama's writing) has been hypnotized by Erwin's own goals and has taken control of Levi's entire character and actions. I don't think I could take him (or s/o) out of this hypnosis.

I know you can say "Isayama's opinions can change" or "only what is in the manga is canon" and I used to hide behind that for consolation, but I realized that once Isayama said it, it was true and it stayed there. And I think the interviews are necessary to understand the content of the scenes etc. in the manga.

Even analysis is no longer a comfort for me… after all, why need complicated writing when interviews and manga are the source of what really happened there…

I guess he's not the character I thought I wanted… I wish he was his own man… I wish he wasn't a character to be discarded just because he died because of another character… or someone who is too picky and only accepts high standards… (this is just my own opinion based on the manga and the material/opinions I think Canon!Levi would be like that)

I'm deeply disappointed… As delulu as the Eruri fandom is, most of what they say is unfortunately true… after all, they take real sources and cite them as evidence… I don't think they are mistranslating because there are professional cold-blooded translators in this fandom and most of them quote what that blog says…

I wish I had never encountered this fandom and this character, so I wouldn't have to be so upset all these years…

Except that half of the interviews are either fake, completely twisted or don't exist. Especially that flaoting ballon bullshit, which a lot of Japanese fans say wasn't even said.

I will this again, please read the manga on your own and base your opinions on Levi on your own.

Since you already mention Eruri and i might ruin your day here but Eruri is as canon and Levihan is, it isn't. No Levi never prirotized Erwin over humanity and you'll understand that if you read the manga for yourself and analyse it for yourself without letting the fandom get to you.

Levi is his own man, he has his brain to think with and the only people who think he doesn't are shippers. Not once did Levi put his own selfish desires before humanity for anyone, he was as sad about Erwin's death as he was for the rest of his comrads. Not a single instance in the manga/anime or any actual official interviews given by Isayama was Levi reduced to Erwin, only a shipper would think that way. Oh and Ackerbond thing too, not only is that damaging to Levi's character, it is just creppy and definitely not a thing.

I am sorry anon but it seems like you don't understand Levi and his character at all. Isayama always said that Erwin and Levi were equal and sworn friends, he didn't say that because he hid some sort of hidden romance between the two, he said it because that's how it is, its a strong bond of trust and commandership and reducing it only to "Oh Levi is a love sick puppy who only cares about Erwin." is a mischaractertion at max.

My advice to you is to take a break from the fandom is they are making you not like your oc x Levi anymore, that's the best way to get them out of your head and please, base your own opinions, not what people online say.

[hanszoe]

i knowww exactly what you mean. we only see an unrestrained side of hansi when it's related to their research, at least in earlier arcs. they don't bother to mask their excitement and struggles with boundaries around shifters like eren (and pieck in 132) due to that. they come off as shameless because of that when in fact it's just unmasked autism :P

on a side-ish note, i feel like hansi is more on the introvert side. not like l*vi, but in the sense that being social tires them out and interpersonal relationships aren't a priority. they're definitely a yapper but being a yapper doesn't = extrovert.

sorry for rambling in your inbox >_< it just saddens me how hard it is to find meaningful discussions about hansi that don't completely erase their character in a decade-old fandom.

whoa... please ramble in my inbox as much as you want...

i think isayama himself validated your feeling about them being an introvert when he said "[they're] usually untalkative ... if an insignificant thing about daily life is brought up, [they] won't really take interest" haha

and though it's not really canon, in their smartpass up close interview the answer was given their "ideal type" is someone who they aren't obligated to be around. i don't have the original text, but this translation says "Ahh… everyone sure likes that kind of topic. I don’t think about it much, but let’s see, someone who is fine even if I can’t pay attention to them, I guess ... even if I had someone like that, I probably can’t spend much time together with them."

i'm not sure if i'm in the position to be making judgements about whether i'm "like" hansi, but i was a very "extraverted" child in that i was very loud and had no social inhibitions to talk to anyone. but simultaneously i was "introverted" in that i mostly liked playing on my own. then when you grow up you begin to experience repercussions for not behaving as expected, so you learn to mask, and the "extraversion" becomes "introversion".

based on isayama's comment, it seems like masking would be tiring for hansi. i think it's part of why being commander was so difficult for them. but i also feel like what they tried to get over and over again was connection, in every time they brought their struggling up. despite this i think having such a "connection" would be uncomfortable for them at first because they got so used to not being seen. so i imagine hansi with an anxious-avoidant attachment style.

it makes me really sad there isn't much good discussion of hansi too. they have complex characterization definitely deserving of it.

[cosmicjoke]

Hello, cosmic. How are you? Have you ever read smartpass stories? And have you written analyses about these stories? I was recently reading a smartpass interview for Levi and for me, compared to other stories I've read, Levi's answers to the reporter were both close to canon and some of the Q&As he gave were a bit interesting and questioning.

The interview was conducted during the Uprising Arc and was related to it. To mention a few of the questions and answers given, the Reporter mentions that during the Uprising arc, because of some political changes, others saw many different sides of Levi. And Levi says that they want to know if someone who is on the same side as the monarchy, who 'behaves quite arrogantly', can be trusted. And then he says something about killing the military policemen who were pointing guns at him and that it was an act of self-defense.

Then the reporter tries to get him to talk about Kenny, a close relative, and Levi says, "I won't talk about that guy." He says. When the reporter tries to convince him to talk about it, Levi says "Do you no longer want this hand of yours to hold that pen? I’m fine with breaking it. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure it recovers some time after I leave for another battle." He threatens in a way.

I don't know why he so adamantly refuses to mention Kenny here. He said that someone had said that he didn't talk about Kenny because he debunked the 'slave/master' nonsense with one savage word. I don't get that either, but whatever. When the reporter apologizes for this, Levi says something about the way the reporter disturbs others and the philosophy of "If you aren't passionate about something, then you can't go on" and when the reporter says he doesn't understand, Levi says something about what 'you reporters' are passionate about and when the reporter again says he doesn't understand, Levi asks him to ignore what he said.

Actually in the same way as the reporter I don't know exactly what Levi is trying to say here.

The reporter says that Levi helped Historia set up the orphanage and is there a parallel with the fact that the ackermans once served the king and is there something to do with that and Levi says that he was just following the queen's orders and Historia used her relatives to make it happen.

Frankly, one of the things I have noticed is that in this and some smartpass interviews, whenever the reporter mentions Levi's actions, Levi just says "I just follow orders and what I am told". This makes me sometimes question whether Levi is not questioning the orders he is following and whether he himself wants to do that. I mean, somehow we don't see his own thoughts on the subject.

Now we come to one of the most interesting topics for me. It's about getting Wall Maria back and who to sacrifice and Levi's answers are very interesting. That's why I wanted to copy paste this instead of writing it in my head.

Interviewer: We’re getting closer to the mission to retake Wall Maria. With you at the helm, does the new elite squads have any unusual responsibilities?

Levi: I still need to figure out what I can and cannot say. All this is confidential - nothing for you to write articles about.

Interviewer: Then let’s switch topics. Even though the goal of retaking Wall Maria is to “Seal the Wall,” is it impossible to avoid a battle?

Levi: The bastards who created the wall and want Humanity’s extinction…if we don’t get rid of them, people will never gain freedom. That is my reason for any choices I make.

Interviewer: And by “choices” you mean…

Levi: Everything. Who should live…or who should die…

Interviewer: So you don’t necessarily mean anything concerning the enemy?

Levi: On the battlefield, you don’t think about sacrifice first and foremost. But in this rotten world, who knows what will happen the next second…whether you’re in the military or not, I’m sure this is obvious.

Interviewer: So what you’re saying is, if you have to exchange the life of a comrade or subordinate, you would still make that choice without hesitation?

Levi: You people…who do you think I am? Am I a monster who will do anything to reach a goal? Or am I a God who wanders among the masses?

Interviewer: Neither. The one we’re interviewing is Captain Levi - as a human being.

Levi: What a straightforward answer…forget it. No matter what, there is no such thing as an “impossible choice.” Just write that as of right now, I plan on choosing Humanity.

Interviewer: Many thanks.

Levi: Mmhmm……oy, don’t leave behind any papers that you already wrote on.

One of the things that is interesting and confusing for me is that Levi is generally not against making sacrifices both for humanity and for the 'value of some lives over others' and for the 'greater good'. Here he seems to be against it and says to the reporter, 'Am I a monster who will do anything to achieve a goal?

I hope what I have written is not wrong and meaningless. I only wrote it because I wanted to hear your views and analysis on this subject. I didn't actually touch on most of the questions and answers because I didn't want to prolong it and create complexity. In fact, I'm leaving the link here in case you want to read this smartpass interview and write an analysis if you want.

https://www.tumblr.com/fuku-shuu/156820300272/translation-levis-smartpass-au-inside

I've talked about this very topic fairly recently, and I think the posts I made on that can maybe give you a better answer than me simply trying to repeat myself in a more condensed form. So here's some of those posts. They touch specifically I think on the question you're trying to ask, about Levi's feelings regarding the goal of saving humanity vs. the worth of individual lives, and the seeming contradiction between what he says about putting the goal of humanity's victory first, and some of his actions putting individual lives above that goal. There's a conflict in Levi, I think, between his belief in the Survey Corps' goal, his dedication to that goal and whether he perceives it to be worth the lives of his comrades, and the fact he deeply values each, individual life and is primarily motivated by simply wanting to help people. It causes an at times obvious contradiction between his words and actions, because I don't think Levi, in fact, believes that the goal of the SC is worth those lives, but he supports it anyway, because it's what his comrades have chosen to die for. But it puts Levi in a position of often having to go against his very nature and instinct, which is always to save lives. He's part of a military unit in which a group of volunteer soldiers agree and willingly sacrifice their lives for the goal of humanity's freedom. It's what they choose, and Levi is going to support them in their ability to choose, he's going to support their free will and agency. I think it causes Levi a massive amount of grief and trauma to have to do this, because he values their lives so much and wants desperately to protect them, and it's part of what he sacrifices for others, to ignore his natural instinct and inclination to always save lives, in order to support their dream. He feels that, if he can't save their lives, he can at least make sure they don't die in vain, by making their sacrifices mean something:

Anyway, hopefully these posts answer some of your questions. Thanks for the ask!

[rinamars]

hehe just fyi the song is just a lighthearted song written solely for an SNL skit so it's not in any music streaming app, but yeah szas part is sooo catchy. And i keep going back to that smartpass interview when he was asked what he would do if he wasn't commander and how he said "retire somewhere quiet and maybe start a family" 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 but that still he'd rather play his role in making a world where other people get to chase their own dreams instead 🥺🥺🥺 this man is so soft help 🥺🥺😭😭

ohhh alright thank you for the clarification 👀

and yes i know!!! i think about that quite often, and it gets me everytime sjdjdjd he deserved to have his little family and his quiet life!!

and to think that theres still people who insist he was selfish

[hanszoe]

a decent amount has been mentioned or depicted by various sources

per my math they were born in 818, according to isayama hearsay the possible range is 818-820

smartpass close up interview mentions they took a shovel and tried digging the wall when they were a kid. MPs stopped them but they were let go after a while

there's a licensed illustration for a game that depicts them around 10 years old sitting outside with some books when a frog jumped on them

isayama also recently said that they're estranged from their family. i hc this happened when they joined the training corps

there are two unsourced mentions i can find in different languages that they graduated training corps at 15, meaning they joined at 12 or 13. isayama said that they weren't near the top 10 and were disliked even more then than they were in the sc

so if we take all of this as canon: they were born or at least spent some part of their early childhood near a wall. considering "estranged" answer seems to imply their family is alive, it seems unlikely to have been wall maria. statistically a border city of wall rose is more likely, in combination with their depiction with some middle class indicators (early corrected vision, expensive-looking books that they're handling with little care) and apparent desire to join the sc for reasons unrelated to poverty or loss.

if i can be painfully honest, i can't think of a single other reason why hansi would be the only character of the main cast without textual depiction or reference to their past aside from that doing so would mean making them explicitly queer. people come up with all kinds of reasons for this: their past "wasn't important", "was boring", "wasn't necessary to depict". and when it comes to the question of queerness, it wasn't depicted "so the reader can decide", despite this being completely antithetical to the concept of character. hansi isn't a self-insert the same way none of the other characters are. people just say things like this to justify queerphobia, and they won considering hansi's past indeed was never depicted nor was their gender identity explicitly mentioned in the original language canon text, and whether english counts is debatable.

I dont know if I missed out something or we actually never learned anything about hange's past?

[snk-smartpass-traduction]

CLOSE-UP INTERVIEW - Erwin et Livaï - Partie 2

[ Texte en anglais : ici ( @yusenki) ]

[ Traduction de @fallenrazziel. Merci beaucoup pour cette traduction déjà existante ! J'ai apporté quelques modifications personnelles, mais sinon la traduction était déjà très fidèle au texte de base ! ]

____________________________________________________________

Au cours du précédent entretien, nous avons pu en apprendre davantage sur les responsabilités du major et du caporal-chef du Bataillon d'exploration, ainsi que sur leurs vies privées.

Dans cette seconde partie, ils seront placés dans deux salles différentes et interviewés séparément. Nous essaierons d'obtenir des informations sur ce qu’ils pensent l’un de l’autre et de les faire parler de leurs sentiments profonds dans un cadre plus intime...

Journaliste (J): Alors, caporal-chef Livaï, je vous invite à faire cet entretien individuel en premier.

Livaï (L): ... Pensez-vous, en faisant cela, que je vais donner des informations sur les activités du Bataillon qui serviront à promouvoir notre image ?

J: En tant que "soldat le plus fort de l'humanité", vous donnez déjà par vous-même assez d'espoir à l'humanité .

L: Vous voulez donc savoir comment tuer un titan ? Beaucoup de gens disent qu'il ne sert à rien de savoir ça.

J: Quel type de formation avez-vous reçue pour devenir aussi fort ? Y a-t-il des choses à savoir quand on est sur le champ de bataille ? Ce type d'information pourrait être utile pour les futures recrues.

L: Même si les jeunes suivent le même entraînement que moi, cela ne signifie pas qu'ils pourront se déplacer de la même façon que moi. Les capacités physiques de chacun sont différentes. En outre, si vous êtes tenté de dire que je suis différent des autres... Peut-être que c'est juste en raison de la perception que j’ai du monde.

J: Comment voyez-vous le monde ?

L: J'ai connu trop de situations anormales... Non seulement les titans, mais aussi les conflits dans les bas-fonds. Pour cette raison, je suis déjà habitué aux faits aberrants. Par exemple, si la main d'un titan traversait soudainement le toit à cet instant-même, je serais en mesure de taillader sa nuque.

J: Donc, vous êtes constamment en état d’alerte.

L: Je suis toujours préparé mentalement. Si je ne l’étais pas, je pourrais mourir et tout perdre le jour suivant. En fait, je ne peux jamais être sûr que le type à côté de moi ne sera pas celui qui me tuera. Tous ces scénarios surgissent continuellement dans mon esprit, et peut-être qu’en réalité... ils me sont utiles sur le champ de bataille.

J: C’est un état d’esprit très intense que vous avez là.

L: C'est pourquoi les gens ordinaires n'ont pas besoin de penser de cette façon. Nous seuls, les individus singuliers qui devenons des soldats du Bataillon, devons avoir cette mentalité-là.

J: Peut-être, peut-être. Passons à la prochaine question. Pouvez-vous nous dire ce que vous pensez du major Erwin, qui participe à cette interview avec vous ?

L: Nous nous connaissons depuis longtemps... mais si vous me posez la question de but en banc, je ne sais pas trop quoi répondre. Qu'est-ce que les autres ont dit sur lui ?

J: En ce qui concerne le Major... Tout le monde, en particulier les nouvelles recrues, semblent le trouver "effrayant".

L: Erwin est effrayant ?... Alors ces nouvelles recrues voient clair elles aussi.

J: En tant que caporal-chef qui êtes proche de lui, que pensez-vous ?

L: Eh bien, ouais... Ses idées peuvent parfois faire penser qu’il est insensible, au point que même moi, ça me fout les jetons. Comme lorsqu'il sacrifie délibérément ses subordonnés. Cependant, il a des objectifs bien précis, et il fait ce qu'il faut pour les atteindre, avec succès.

J: En effet, malgré les sacrifices, le taux de survie du Bataillon a augmenté depuis que le major Erwin a été promu à sa tête. En outre, des missions spéciales comme la capture du titan féminin ont pu être possibles.

L: C'est vrai. Si Erwin était trop sensible pour garantir le succès des plans mis en place, je ne le suivrais pas.

J: A présent, nous aimerions demander au major Erwin de venir pour son entretien.

Erwin (E): Ha ha... Je suis sûr que Livaï se plaint de moi en ce moment-même.

J: Vous croyez ? Commençons maintenant, alors. Voulez-vous bien nous donner votre point de vue en tant que Major ? Que pensez-vous du caporal-chef Livaï et des autres membres du Bataillon ?

E: Vous ne voulez pas que je réponde en tant que leur supérieur, n'est-ce pas?

J: Si vous le pouvez, donnez votre avis personnel.

E: ... D'accord. Commençons par Livaï... Je pense qu'il est excellent en tant que second pour remplir des missions importantes. Grâce à son titre de "soldat le plus fort de l'humanité " se trouvant dans le Bataillon d'exploration, notre image s'est améliorée. Sur le champ de bataille, il accomplit également fidèlement les missions que je lui assigne. Malgré sa nature profondément humaine, je lui ai déjà demandé de mener à bien quelques missions cruelles...

J: Le caporal-chef Livaï est très... "humain" ?

E: Vous avez déjà interviewé ses subordonnés, n'est-ce pas ? Alors, vous devez avoir compris à quel point ils ont confiance en leur chef.

J: En effet. J'ai même entendu ces choses-là de la part des nouvelles recrues qui ne sont pas dans son escouade.

E: Il a juste une attitude grossière... mais il chérit la vie de ses camarades plus que quiconque. Sa réputation ne serait pas justifiée si elle se fondait uniquement sur sa force. Un être humain peut détecter inconsciemment à quel point un de ses semblables se soucie de lui... et quand il remarque cette gentillesse, cela donne du pouvoir à la personne qui en est à l’origine... C'est quelque chose que je ne peux pas connaître.

J: Cependant, je suis sûr, major Erwin, que vos subordonnés vous font confiance.

E: En tant que major du Bataillon... en tant que personne qui se tient en première ligne dans le combat pour l'humanité, je dois prendre d'innombrables décisions qui font courir des risques majeurs à mes soldats. Bien sûr, cela m'est possible parce qu'ils me font confiance... Cependant, je n'hésiterais pas à faire des sacrifices si nous nous retrouvions dans des circonstances désastreuses.

J: Tout ceci pour le bien de l'humanité ?

E: Oui. Cependant, si j'étais le seul à être dans cette position d’autorité, je ne serais pas en mesure de tenir le Bataillon. Parce que Livaï est à mes côtés, les soldats du Bataillon peuvent se battre héroïquement. Le rôle de Livaï et le mien ne peuvent pas être échangé.

J: Que pensez-vous des autres membres du Bataillon d’exploration ? Etant donné leur nombre, parlons seulement de votre opinion sur les chefs d'escouade Hange et Mike.

E: Hange est un soldat qui nous est très précieux. Elle est la plus à même de découvrir le mystère des titans. Mais ce n'est pas seulement une chercheuse ordinaire... Hange offre son cœur pour la liberté et elle est fière d'appartenir au Bataillon. Si Hange n'était qu'une scientifique enthousiaste, elle ne serait pas chef d'escouade.

J: Malgré cela, le capitaine Hange semble très appréciée par ses subordonnés.

E: Mike est très apprécié lui aussi. Bien qu'il ne parle pas beaucoup et que personne ne sache jamais ce qu'il pense, le jugement dont il fait preuve dans des situations d'urgence et sa volonté extrêmement forte sont des qualités de leadership très utiles. Sans chefs d'escouade qualifiés comme eux, je ne serais pas en mesure d'accomplir mon devoir en tant que major. Je leur suis très reconnaissant.

Nous demandons à Livaï de nous rejoindre.

J: Maintenant, nous vous invitons tous les deux à répondre ensemble. Pouvez-vous partager avec nous vos objectifs du moment ?

E: Je ne fais que ce que les circonstances présentes exigent de moi. À l'heure actuelle, nous nous concentrons sur le pouvoir d'Eren Yaeger et sur les informations que nous pouvons obtenir grâce à lui pour aider à libérer l'humanité. Nous serons tous confrontés à nos ennemis jusqu'à la fin, qu'ils s'agisse de titans ou autres.

L: Je ne fais que suivre ce mec. Même si Erwin est prêt à tout pour atteindre son but, il est capable d'accomplir quelque chose de concret. Avec son intelligence et notre force, peut-être qu'un jour nous pourrons goûter le vent de la liberté en dehors du mur.

J: Je vois. Si un jour l'humanité était complètement libérée de la terreur des titans, et qu'il n'y avait plus aucun combat à livrer, que feriez-vous alors ?

E: Ha... même après avoir exterminé les titans, il faudrait s’occuper de régler les affaires humaines, n'est-ce pas ?

L: Cela pourrait s’avérer encore plus pénible que de tuer les titans.

J: Alors ne parlons pas de cela pour l'instant. Racontez-nous plutôt quels sont vos rêves pour l’avenir.

L: Parler de nos rêves à notre âge... comme c'est intéressant. Qu'en penses-tu, Erwin ?

E: Pour moi... Très bien : me retirer dans un coin tranquille, ou peut-être avoir une famille.

J: Je suis surpris de voir le major répondre à cette question avec autant de légèreté.

E: Mon esprit est actuellement rempli de questionnements sur le monde, donc je ne suis pas en mesure de rêver. Mais, quoi qu’il en soit, vous pouvez dire que j'ai des rêves tout à fait communs.

L: Comme c'est intéressant. Tes enfants ne seront pas mignons, c'est sûr.

E: Et vous, Livaï ? Voulez-vous passer de héros à politicien ?

L: C'est impossible. Comment pouvez-vous me demander quelque chose d'aussi évident ?

J: Parlez-nous de vos rêves, caporal-chef.

L: Tout comme ce mec, mon esprit n'a pas de place pour les rêves en ce moment. Cependant, si vous voulez que je vous donne une réponse comme ça, pour parler, alors ... pourquoi ne pas ouvrir une boutique de thé noir ?

E: C'est très intéressant également ! Passer de héros qui voltige partout en abattant des titans en masse, à propriétaire d'un délicieux tea shop dans l’enceinte des murs...

J: Vos deux réponses sont tellement inattendues. Cela peut-il s’expliquer par le fait que vous êtes confrontés à de dures réalités en ce moment ?

E: Oui. La poursuite de nos propres rêves est moins importante que la construction d'un nouveau monde pour l’humanité, un endroit où les hommes pourraient accomplir leurs propres rêves.

L: Je ne me soucie pas beaucoup de ma propre personne, mais y penser est assez amusant.

J: Eh bien, c’est le moment de conclure cette interview. Veuillez, s’il vous plaît, adressez quelques mots de conclusion aux lecteurs.

L: ... Ce serait à Erwin de s’en charger, vous ne croyez pas ? Que ce soit dans le passé, dans le présent ou dans le futur, je ne m’occupe que du combat physique.

E: En effet, il te suffit de te laisser porter par l’interview. Tant que cela véhicule auprès de tout le monde l’idée que les soldats... que nous sommes tous des humains ordinaires, c'est plus que suffisant. J'aimerais solliciter de votre part un soutien inconditionnel quant aux décisions remplies de détermination que nous prenons. Continuez à croire en nous et à me confier l'avenir de l'humanité.

J: Merci beaucoup.

Bien qu'Erwin et Livaï se montrent prudents avec les mots qu’ils emploient, ils ont tous deux exprimé beaucoup de choses. A travers leurs réponses, nous pouvons sentir qu’ils sont totalement dévoués à leur devoir et qu’ils ont confiance en leurs subordonnés, ainsi que l'un envers l'autre.

A la fin, les deux héros du Bataillon d'exploration se lèvent en silence et saluent. C'est un geste qui montre non seulement qu’ils ont juré d’offrir leur cœur à l'humanité, mais qui reflète également leur forte détermination.

En tant que dirigeants du Bataillon d'exploration, ils pourraient nous apporter un jour les ailes de la liberté.

C’est remplis de confiance dans l'avenir que nous mettons un point final à cette interview.

[lostcauses-noregrets]

Why is the answer always "Levi said this Levi did this" whenever one asks about the signs of Eruri in canon? Levi's side is pretty clear, but every time I talk to an Eruri and I ask "but why do you think Erwin loved Levi" the answer is very long but it's mostly empty and just "I am sure he did" or "but Levi loved him so Eruri is canon". Sorry this isn't a "hehehe your ship is one sided it's not canon" type of question. It's more of a writing-wise question, since you are a writer yourself I thought you'd give the best answer to this.

I am wondering, is this because of lack of Erwin's pov in aot manga or anime? I know Erwin is important and plays an important role and story revolves around him in s3 p2 and all that but when you look at the bigger picture he's mostly just there. He's in the story but you don't see his pov. We don't get to see the inside of his head until the end. Is this why "does Erwin love Levi" question is a hot topic in aot fandom always? Or are there any side stories like smartpass aus that suggest Erwin had feelings for Levi? I'm sorry I don't know those very well I only know the manga and the anime.

Lastly, I am sure you answered this before but my question is very specific, do you actually believe it was mutual? After all it's fiction and you don't need their love to be mutual to ship them. People ship characters who barely interact. It's what fandom is and that's totally normal and valid. I guess I am wondering if you ever doubted, th ship or even yourself which I do a lot (in a "oh I love this so much and I read so much fics I made myself believe" way) Thanks I hope this doesn't sound rude or offensive, my English isn't very good so if I sound rude that must be it it's not my intention :)

Ooof there’s  a lot of different questions here but I think they boil down to the following: 

Are Erwin and Levi’s feelings for each other mutual? / Does Erwin reciprocate Levi’s feelings?

Why do people question Erwin’s relationship to Levi? 

Do I personally believe their relationship was mutual, and have ever “doubted the ship”?

I’ve answered the first question many, many times over the years. You can read all my various answers here.  In short I do think that Erwin reciprocated Levi’s feelings and I think the evidence is there in the manga, the official guidebooks, the Smartpass stories, and the side content for anyone who cares to see it. I’m not going to list all the side content here, but there’s a very old post by @erbeansandravioli that links to a lot of it: Eruri receipts.

As to why people question Erwin’s relationship to Levi, well that’s an interesting one.  Some people clearly just don’t get Erwin’s character (see the previous ask I just answered), they don’t understand his role in the plot or the significance of his relationship to Levi.  For example I’ve seen people arguing passionately that Levi’s vow had nothing to do with Erwin, which is just mind boggling to me. It’s certainly true that Erwin is a much harder character to read than Levi who very much wears his heart on his sleeve.  Erwin is more reserved, and holds his cards closer to his chest.  However the fact that Levi is the only one who he reveals his true self to is significant. Daisuke Ono put it beautifully when he said in an interview that the amplitude of Erwin’s feelings is so great that it can be hard to see.  

It could also be that some, perhaps younger, readers just don’t recognise their relationship for what it is. It’s certainly not a typical shounen romance, but it is a deeply believable adult relationship; one that is based on mutual trust, respect and understanding. This is from a previous ask I answered on the subject:

It frustrates me enormously when people deny their canon relationship, despite Yams being at paints to explain it repeatedly in the guidebooks. I want to shake them and ask what the hell they think a relationship looks like when you’re an exhausted 30 + year old war veteran who has spent their entire life fighting for survival.  It looks like this; finding someone who you can trust with your life. If you were to ask me what characterizes a successful adult relationship I would say it’s exactly this; mutual trust, respect and understanding, and when push comes to shove, the willingness to do everything in your power to help the person you hold most dear, even if that means letting them go. 

And as to whether I’ve ever doubted the ship, the answer to that would be no, never.  Sure we’ve never seen them swear undying love in canon (though some would argue with that and point to Erwin’s "Arigatō Levi".) I wrote this in response to an ask about Eruri canonicity: 

Do you mean that you don’t believe they’re canon because we never see them kiss? Because they never marry?  Because the main focus of the story isn’t romance?  All those things are true, but in my opinion, they’re also not the only things that make a relationship canon.  Particularly when that relationship is between two war-weary 30 year old men who have been fighting for survival almost their entire lives. The irony is that, in some ways, Erwin and Levi’s relationship is actually quite conventional. They really do behave a bit like an old married couple.  They have a long standing relationship that has matured over many years, they have their own weird sense of humour, they’re not afraid to challenge each other, but they care about one another deeply, and they also trust each other unconditionally.  That’s all the canon evidence I need tbh.

Having said that, you are absolutely right that you don’t need any canon evidence to ship a couple.  Hell, I’ve had great fun written Hanji and Petra as a side ship and I don’t think they ever even interacted in canon.  In Erwin and Levi’s case though there is more than enough evidence in canon to attest to the significance of their relationship. 

Hope this answers your questions.

[levihantrash]

I love how Hange's voice sounds in the interview.. like it just sounds like them? Kinda chill, finds good humour in everything, treats everyone around her fondly, ESP levi and moblit <3

Au Smartpass Interview: Hange Zoë

Note: Since the existing Tumblr link is no longer available, I searched from other platforms and found this. Some parts seem to be missing, but the whole text itself is long enough!

Translation from Anon 4Chan user

source: here

J: So, is this not like they’ve already given up on you?

Hange: Probably! Mike and Erwin say nothing about it. Ah, but Levi…

J: Did he say anything about it?

Hange: Uhh… from time to time I black out from getting hit, then when I become conscious again I would get splashed at and somehow… it’s like having a bath.

J: It is… done by force, isn’t it?

Hange: That, perhaps, is more like cleaning than having a bath! I think he planned it all out with my subordinates, but because I lost consciousness I can’t be sure.

J: Everybody’s names have been mentioned, so we would like to hear about your interpersonal relationships. We’ve got a question that asks, “What impression do you have” of firstly Commander Erwin, then Captain Levi, Squad Leader Mike and Deputy Leader Moblit.

Hange: Right… I’ve known Erwin and Levi for a long time. Erwin actively supports my research, so he’s helped me a lot. According to what he has said, I think he also holds some kind of doubt towards the structure of this world.

J: What about Captain Levi and Squad Leader Mike?

Hange: Levi you see, is bad at talking and a clean freak so everyone gets disillusioned, but he’s a good guy who thinks about his comrades. He has a rough attitude, but he listens to my research results and has the composure to only think about it.

J: Isn’t he a good superior officer?

Hange: (cut off) …Yeah, it’s a strange attitude to people he meets for the first time, but the position of Squad Leader is justified.

J: What impression do you have of Deputy Leader Moblit, who is also an adjutant?

Hange: Moblit? He’s an outstanding adjutant! His sketches used for research are good too. But, the fly in the ointment is that he always comes to stop me when I’m getting to the good part.

J: Doesn’t he do that because he is worried for you? Among the questions we got, some of them such as, “Aren’t you worrying him too much?” and “Please let him rest once in a while” showed concern for him.

Keep reading

[hanszoe]

Hii I'm not really in the aot fandom but I'm a long time hansi fan and decided to watch the anime to cry for them (i never got around to finishing it back then). Their gender nonconformity means so much to me and I'm glad i found a blog that appreciates them as passionately as i do (i also prefer them with women)

Anyway, what are your thoughts on pkhn?

oh, i did a similar thing, so i'm a bit late too :') thank you for your kind comment, even if most people dont pay attention to what i post about hansi it matters even if's important to just one person, so really thank you ❤️

i think it is/was really popular because they have a fun dynamic, their author's take on lesbian pairings is "yuri is life" so i definitely think he knows what he was doing writing them. hansi going to greet her and magath, i can only imagine the lesbian thoughts that filled their mind at that moment 😭 i really like shifter x hansi scenarios since it seems hansi would like it a lot also (seriously, what were they talking about "body heat" haha). unfortunately i'm a loser and personally i need a strong canon compatibility to feel inclined to ship some characters, and exclusively healthy ones, power imbalance makes me uncomfortable. though i'm pieck's age i still feel like her position as marleyan subject of ymir and as a warrior put her lifelong in a position of very little power whereas hansi is in their 30s and has had much greater power their whole life.

pieck also seems uncomfortable around hansi, but i feel like it's that hansi needs people around them who understand and will accommodate their neurotype, it should absolutely not be hansi's responsibility to change themself to fit ableist neurotypical standards. hansi is also a bit ace coded, the most so of any character in the narrative with their smartpass up close interview answers, so i'm a bit uncertain about shipping them as they are in canon. also only butchfemme supportive lesbians may read the next part of this sentence, but i read hansi as mostly femme and sexually as a bottom. i really dislike material that masculinizes them beyond their canon nonconformity up to transmisogynistic and interphobic tropes. almost all i see makes hansi very masculine and "the man" in the relationship which though yes is appealing i think hansi deserves to be looked after and taken care of and to have the burden of being the provider and responsible for everything taken off their shoulders.

sorry if the answer isn't really what you were looking for, but those are my thoughts! i will of course enjoy a little unserious pikuhan anyway haha

[darth-eagle]

AU Smartpass: Hange Zöe Interview

Journalist: So, is this not like they’ve already given up on you?

Hanji: Probably! Mike and Erwin say nothing about it. Ah, but Levi…

J: Did he say anything about it?

Hanji: Uhh… from time to time I black out from getting hit, then when I become conscious again I would get splashed at and somehow… it’s like having a bath.

J: It is… done by force, isn’t it?

Hanji: That, perhaps, is more like cleaning than having a bath! I think he planned it all out with my subordinates, but because I lost consciousness I can’t be sure.

J: Everybody’s names have been mentioned, so we would like to hear about your interpersonal relationships. We’ve got a question that asks, "What impression do you have” of firstly Commander Erwin, then Captain Levi, Squad Leader Mike and Deputy Leader Moblit.

Hanji: Right… I’ve known Erwin and Levi for a long time. Erwin actively supports my research, so he’s helped me a lot. According to what he has said, I think he also holds some kind of doubt towards the structure of this world.

J: What about Captain Levi and Squad Leader Mike?

Hanji: Levi you see, is bad at talking and a clean freak so everyone gets disillusioned, but he’s a good guy who thinks about his comrades. He has a rough attitude, but he listens to my research results and has the composure to only think about it.

J: Isn’t he’s a good superior officer?

Hanji: (cut off) …Yeah, it’s a strange attitude to people he meets for the first time, but the position of Squad Leader is justified.

J: What impression do you have of Deputy Leader Moblit, who is also an adjutant?

Hanji: Moblit? He’s an outstanding adjutant! His sketches used for research are good too. But, the fly in the ointment is that he always comes to stop me when I’m getting to the good part.

J: Doesn’t he do that because he is worried for you? Among the questions we got, some of them such as, “Aren’t you worrying him too much?” and “Please let him rest once in a while” showed concern for him.

----------

J: We have received many questions about your interpersonal relationships, such as, “Do you have any friends and acquaintances?” and “Who do you get along with?”

Hanji: Friends and acquaintances huh… Like I’ve said before, I adjust my daily life cycle to the Corps’ movements.

J: Your schedule is filled with research and duties, I see. In between all that, is there anyone you often talk to?

Hanji: Ah, it depends on the plan or formation but… I’m often stationed close to Levi’s squad, so I think we do talk a lot.

J: You have mentioned that you’ve known each other for a long time.

Hanji: Levi’s rough with his words, so it sounds like he’s angry, right? But he doesn’t truly feel that way, so there are times I help to explain that to everyone in his squad. Interpretation, people have called it.

J: Other than Levi, who else do you get along with?

Hanji: When I see the veteran soldiers who enlisted around the same time as me… if they’re still alive, that is… I would talk to them a lot. Also my subordinates.

J: I see. There are also many questions like, “Can you see with goggles?” and “How good is your eyesight without glasses?” about your glasses or goggles.

Hanji: Without glasses I can still see the face of the person in front of me, but it’s inconvenient during battles or research, I guess. Glasses can easily fall off, so I don’t use them on missions. There are skillful soldiers who can operate 3DMG with glasses, you know, but I’m not very good at it.

J: We also have a question about your glasses and goggles that goes, “They seem expensive, how many spares do you have?”

Hanji: I keep one or two pairs on hand, if they’re both broken I claim them with the Survey Corps’ expenses.

J: You put them down to expenses!

Hanji: But they’re necessities, so it’s a required expense! I don’t do things like Levi who claims expenses for the black tea he favors, you know?

J: That black tea… is paid for with expenses.

Hanji: Yes, glasses and black tea, they’re all supplies for the whole Survey Corps. It’s because our lifestyle is guaranteed like this that there’s no shortage of youngsters who aspire to be soldiers.

J: You’re certainly right about that. Another question we have is, “Do you do housework?”

Hanji: Like cooking, or cleaning? Hmm, I’ve done it before, on duty.

J: Trainee soldiers cook their own meals, and on expeditions cooking for yourself is also a must.

Hanji: Well, for me right now, as a Squad Leader, I leave most of it to my subordinates I guess.

J: We also have the question “What’s your type?” Excluding titans, that is.

Hanji: Ahh… everyone sure likes that kind of topic. I don’t think about it much, but let’s see, someone who is fine even if I can’t pay attention to them, I guess.

J: You respect freedom.

Hanji: Mm-hmm, for me right now, I’m interested in… mainly titans, and also the structure of the world and so on… way too many things. So, even if I had someone like that, I probably can’t spend much time together with them.

J: So someone who can accept your behavior and let you be free is ideal, isn’t it.

Hanji: That’s how it turns out. I don’t think such a convenient person exists though.

J: Do you chat with people like Deputy Leader Moblit?

Hanji: Moblit says things a mother would say. Like, did you eat properly? Or, did you sleep well? And his every word is really funny.

J: For example?

Hanji: Once, during an experiment I think, he said to me, Do you really want to live!? Pretty much the only one who says such interesting things to me is Moblit!

J: I see. Then, I’m going to change the topic a bit and introduce an unconventional question. “Please tell us about the time you recently got angry.”

Hanji: Angry? Me? What a strange question.

J: I’ve been told you’re the scariest when you get angry.

Hanji: That’s not true! Erwin and Levi have way scarier faces! Well… now that I think about it…

J: Did something come to mind?

Hanji: It’s not recent, but. Long ago, I got into an argument with a Military Police officer who made fun of the Survey Corps… He said such terrible things, I couldn’t take it anymore, and grabbed the scruff of his neck and threw him on the floor… almost.

J: That’s scary!

Hanji: Haha… It’s the folly of youth. Since Erwin and the others quickly intervened, it didn’t become an issue. Other than that… when I get mad, I kick and wreck tables and chairs… but doesn’t everyone do that?

J: Uh, I wonder about that… You give a calm impression, but there is something on fire hidden inside you.

Hanji: I’m always on fire! It’s for the sake of unraveling the mysteries of this world!

J: If mankind were finally liberated from the titans, what would they do?

Hanji: Mankind would rule. But I would like to research vegetation outside the walls, or study about humanity’s past.

TRANSLATION: Anon 4Chan user

[ SOURCE | AU SMARTPASS SITE ]

[lady-purpleblue]

Facts and Curiosities about RivaMika - Part 1

All credits go to Mundo RivaMika (Facebook) page. I just translated and am reposting with permission

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) It is called Rivamika due to confusion with Levi's name years ago (Rivaille).

It can also be called Levimika but Rivamika is the name that the fandom "baptized" first.

2) Although in this part of the world it is not very well regarded, in many parts of Asia the opposite is true. Countries such as China, Indonesia and Iraq have a large ship fan base.

3) The first doujinshi of Ship on pixiv (Japanese site where artists publish their art) was published in May 2011. It is just this one you see.

Link to doujinshi:

4) Her Wattpad tag has more than 1,000 stories.

5) Many people believe that the hatred between these two was/is mutual which is false. In this magazine published in 2013 it is clarified. Mikasa's arrow to Levi:

Resentment for hitting Eren (because of the trial thing) Levi's arrow to Mikasa: Appreciation for his abilities.

Levi never hated Mikasa, he has always been struck by his abilities.

6) Mikasa is one of his main concerns and it is Canon. This image is part of one of the Databooks made by Isayama himself.

7) This is the official translation of crunchyroll. In this one it says "I'm with you but back off for now". In the fan translation from years ago that most of us read it said "Friends, back off for now".

8) This dialogue was omitted in the anime.

9) While the scenes where Levi grabs Mikasa by the waist and saves her from the female titan were what largely originated the ship, it was in the insurrection arc (manga) where their fans grew.

Sadly, due to the confusion of whether they were family or not, many left the fandom.

10) In this tree made by isayama it is made clear that they are not related (or at least not close at all). Levi is from the main branch while Mikasa is from the secondary branch which forked before the birth of grandfather Ackerman. The only thing these two share is a common ancestor.

11) In a Smartpass where Mikasa is interviewed, the interviewer asks him about the captain and that they share blood, but always emphasizing the fact that they have no close ties.

12) Both have saved each other in the official videogames and even have more interactions in them.

13) Levi has never treated Mikasa badly. The most he's ever said to him was "You creepy little brat" for disobeying him and well.... The fandom likes that nickname.

14) They are the only ones to appear twice as a duo in the magazine where the monthly manga is published.

End ♡. I hope you enjoyed it. I will bring part 2

[kleinezoe]

1. Levihan in SNK manga and ACNWR

https://tinyurl.com/mangalevihan

manga panels collage

2. Levihan in SNK merch

https://tinyurl.com/levihanmerch

(the link above contains levihan merch without any description. please use 'official', 'merch', 'collaboration', 'aotcollab' or 'aotmerch' tag in the filter bar above to see some descriptions or sources links)

3. Fanart, Doujinshi translations

(please use 'fanart' tag to see some reblogged fanarts in this blog)

Syrant

Abnormal-lovers

Cmdrhn

ms-freakenstein

akaritakutranslations

dhltranslations

4. Crumbs? random info? yeah

SNK manga, isayama, documented interviews

(this might be included fan interpretation. however the topic being discussed is snk original manga)

Levihan chapter 132 commentaries from Taki-san

SNK Hita museum commemorative art for 50k visitors

Bessatsu magazine Isym QnA (Levi & Hanji related)

About Levi's line in chapter 132 ; Masta video

Levihan in chapter 139 draft

Levi's expression w/o bandage in ch 132 + "the pain we feel"

Levihan sketches by isayama

Hanji's lines in ch 126 : IFKK

Chapter 126, 132, 138 parallels (fan theory)

Levihan in chapter 126 and 132 (a fan analysis)

Let's live together

Hange had a crush admired Shadis

Chapter 139 : "the pain that we feel"

Chapter 115 preview : about levi's scar

The person Hange get along best with

Smartpass, anime adaptation, Kodansha

Levihan in SNK final exhibition art

Mike and Hanji potentially supposed to be siblings

Chapter 132 & 126 ranked 1st and 2nd for most wanted chapters to be colored (poll)

Levihan first meeting from No Regret visual novel

About hair-grab scene in S01E09

Hair grab scene - "this was added to show their relationship" ; from artbook

Levihan on character guidebook

Levi and Hanji's omikuji

Hange Zoe the smart beauty ; 美形

CD drama of smartpass Levi&Hanji shelter from the rain (translation)

Levi & Moblit smartpass Shelter from the rain ; additional explanation ; fan commentaries

Hange Zoe closed-up report ; Levi's lines on Hanji's kindness ; additional explanation

Levi refers to Hanji and 104th kids as family

Hange's au interview + her lines on Levi's kindness

Hange's au interview + about bathing

Bessatsu caption on chapter 132 colorized ver : Don't go

Ep 84 End Card Illustration

--------------

Mappa, WIT and Anique merchs

Mappa 10th anniv (Levihan, Eremika, Aruani)

"Put your devoted feeling into heart-shaped ring"

Hanji on Levi's birthday in Braveorder and Anique collab/merch ; anique vid

Anique White Day merch

Spin Off Comic

SNK Junior High

Levihan moments in SNK Junior High manga (1) + add

Levihan moment in SNK Junior High manga (2)

Levihan moment in SNK Junior High manga (3)

Levihan moment in SNK Junior High manga (4)

Levihan moment in SNK Junior High manga (5)

Levihan sketch from Saki Nakagawa-san (mangaka aotjh)

Spoof Titan

Levihan in Spoof Titan Spin off

Collaborations and merches

Game

If Hanji is in the team, Levi's attack increase 3.7 times

S3 beach scene (game version)

"... with Levi it's different, somehow I know it's his presence"

"I don't mind making you some tea" Part 1 ; Part 2

Does that mean Hanji is in trouble? + If you go too deep, you can't get out

"... he was trying to cheer you up, in his own clumsy way"

Hangeki no tsubasa "relentless, matchless duos"

Levi made chocolate for Hans on Valentine day

Brave Order Captain Levi quiz

Brave Order 'Corps gathering'

3 most important men to Hanji, Levi is the closest

Others

(below I listed collaboration and merch which have 'Levihan' vibes, as for other 'Levi & Hanji' merchs I collect them in attached link in point 2 (refer to 2. Levihan in SNK merch))

Levi mentioned Hanji in his roomba collab ; (audio)

Levi ordered shampoo from Reeves company for Hanji

Hanji organized party for Levi's birthday

LINE Clova Levi plans to spend pastime with Hanji

LINE Clova Levi's audio for Hanji's birthday ; translation

Levihan & EMA Kocha Kaden collaboration ; Levi ; Hanji

Sagamiko collab - Levi gifted Hanji titans for their birthday

Kuroneko team behind story on cat merch design ; merch

Oita Hita Travel Sticker (IFKK bg and plane)

Levihan calendar illustration

More crumbles .....

Some levihan panel vibes in Call Your Name official mv

Levihan popularity in jp fandom by fanworks

SNK Ep 83 featured article 'are Levi and Hanji Hiyaku no Tori'? ; Hiyaku no Tori aka Jian Bird ; also ...

How do I name this,... crumbs? 🤔

"He doesn't shine if he's alone" art

Levihan illustration by SNK S4P1 Mushiyo-san

🤫 for fun : Ep 83 sus description synopsis

So, this is what happened when chapter 126 came out ...

Part 1 | Part 2 (collecting)

[snk-smartpass-traduction]

CLOSE-UP INTERVIEW - Erwin et Livaï - Partie 1

[ Texte en anglais : ici ( @yusenki ) ]

[ Traduction de @fallenrazziel . Merci beaucoup pour cette traduction déjà existante ! J'ai apporté quelques modifications personnelles, mais sinon la traduction était déjà très fidèle au texte de base ! ]

____________________________________________________________

Les deux héros du Bataillon d'exploration se sont finalement décidés à parler. Le major du Bataillon, Erwin Smith, détend son impressionnante carrure dans le canapé, ses habituels yeux bleus dans l'attente de l'entretien. La couleur de ses yeux est semblable à celle des vastes cieux, symbolisant le désir de liberté de l'humanité.

Le caporal-chef Livaï est assis, les deux jambes appuyées sur une autre chaise. À première vue, il semble nonchalant. Cependant, la lueur dans ses yeux acérés lui donne une aura d'inaccessibilité.

Le moment d'interroger les deux membres les plus importants du Bataillon est finalement arrivé.

Journaliste (J): Merci à vous deux d’avoir pris de votre temps pour cette interview, malgré votre emploi du temps chargé.

Livaï (L): Abrégez et posez-nous directement vos questions.

Erwin (E): C'est une façon d’améliorer notre image. Tant que cela est bénéfique pour le Bataillon, je répondrai à n’importe quelle question.

J: Merci beaucoup, Major.

L: Vous êtes au courant ? Cette interview ennuyeuse est l’idée Erwin à la base !

E: C'est vrai. Après tout, même les Brigades spéciales souhaiteraient une meilleure entente entre les civils et les soldats ordinaires. Je suis vraiment content que tout le monde ait mis du sien pour que cela arrive. Cela a augmenté le soutien aux militaires.

J: Belle réalisation, en effet ! Eh bien, passons à l'entretien. Vous êtes tous deux membres du Bataillon d'exploration, et vous avez choisi de le rejoindre même si l'humanité vit actuellement paisiblement au sein des murs. Puis-je savoir quelles sont vos raisons ?

E: Mes raisons... Je les ai déjà exposées à d’autres, alors je vais être honnête avec vous. Comment dire ... Je suis très intéressé par la vraie nature du monde en dehors des murs, et aussi par l'histoire de l'humanité avant son installation derrière les murs.

J: Depuis que vous êtes enfant ?

E: Exact... Je n'en dirai pas beaucoup plus ici. J'étais juste un enfant curieux et j'ai toujours posé beaucoup de questions, puis je suis devenu soldat dans le Bataillon d'exploration. C’était une évidence pour moi.

J: Et vous caporal-chef Livaï ? Selon les rapports, vous n'avez pas suivi la formation habituelle.

L: Hmph, même les ragots non fondés se répandent partout. Écrivez ce que vous voulez.

J: Toutefois, nous souhaiterions vérifier cette information.

E: L'enrôlement de Livaï ... s’est faite des circonstances très particulières. Elles comportent beaucoup d'informations confidentielles... alors nous ne pouvons pas trop en révéler.

L: En gros... je suis différent des autres recrues car je n'ai pas suivi de formation militaire. Cette information est correcte. En ce qui concerne l'équipement 3D et mes autres compétences en combat ... disons simplement que je suis autodidacte.

E: Je l'ai croisé par hasard dans les bas-fonds, j'ai parlé à des officiers haut placés et je l'ai enrôlé dans le Bataillon. C'est tout ce que je peux dire officiellement.

J: Caporal-chef, pourquoi n'avez-vous pas refusé ? Il est tout à fait possible pour quelqu'un ayant des capacités physiques comme les vôtres d'échapper aux soldats du Bataillon.

L: Eh bien ... Je ne veux pas être bouffé par les titans. Après être allé de l’autre-côté des murs une fois... mon point de vue a commencé à changer.

J: C'est-à-dire...

L: C'est l'air. L'air à l'extérieur des murs ... est beaucoup plus pur que tout l'air pourri que j'ai pu respirer avant. J'ai finalement compris qu'il y avait des endroits où l'air était pur.

J: Donc, cela signifie-t-il que vous êtes prêt à risquer jusqu'à votre propre vie afin de reprendre ces terres pour l'humanité ? Est-ce votre manière de penser ?

L: Comment je peux dire ça… Ces titans à l’extérieur des murs, ils m’emmerdent.

E: Je crois que c'est bien ce qu'il veut dire. Livaï n'est pas vraiment doué avec les mots.

L: Désolé ... Je suis pas comme toi, naturellement à l'aise avec les mots et capable d’emberlificoter les types importants.

J: Donc, en tant que membres les plus importants du Bataillon, quelles sont vos responsabilités quotidiennes ?

E: Avec les hauts responsables, je rends compte des expéditions extérieures et je fais en sorte que les plans stratégiques soient approuvés par le gouvernement. Avec mes subordonnés, je lis tous les rapports détaillés des chefs d’escouade et j'analyse le potentiel de chaque unité de combat du Bataillon. Je discute également avec des nobles et des marchands pour assurer un financement et un soutien au Bataillon... Et ce qu'ils demandent en retour... peut être disproportionné et vraiment excessif.

L: Puisque le grand Major a tellement à faire, d'excellents lieutenants lui sont nécessaires. Malgré ça, ce gars invente des stratégies qui ne sont connues que d’un petit nombre d’individus, donc personne ne sait vraiment ce que représente sa charge de travail.

J: Et vous, caporal-chef Livaï ?

L: Ce qui est sûr, c’est que j'ai moins de paperasse à faire par rapport à Erwin. Il est plus important pour moi d'entretenir ma condition physique.

J: Vous voulez dire que vous participez également aux entraînements de manœuvre 3D, d’équitation et de combat, comme les autres soldats ?

L: Bien sûr. Si un titan apparaissait ici demain et que j’ai été négligeant et manqué d'entraînement, je le payerais de ma vie.

J: Je vois. Et vous, Major ?

E: Même si je n'ai pas autant de temps que Livaï, je ne loupe pas les sessions d’entraînement. En raison de la nature du Bataillon, en tant que major, je ne peux pas rester inactif ou devenir un poids sur le champ de bataille. Si je laissais mes subordonnés aller seuls sur le terrain, je ne pourrais pas connaître les situations réelles auxquelles ils sont confrontés en dehors des murs, même avec un entraînement intensif. Nous ne pouvons pas prévoir quand un Déviant va surgir et attaquer.

J: Je vois. Donc, même si votre grade est élevé, cela ne change rien au fait que vous participiez encore aux expéditions. C'est une caractéristique propre au Bataillon.

L: Il n'y a vraiment aucune différence entre un major et une nouvelle recrue lorsque nous engageons le combat face aux titans.

E: Exactement.

J: De plus, la promotion en grade dans le Bataillon dépend bien du nombre de titans tués ?

E: Bien que les aptitudes au combat soient prises en compte à ce niveau-là, être promu implique également que le gradé aura la charge d’un nombre plus importants de vies humaines, celles de ses subordonnés. Cela a une grande influence dans la décision finale que nous prenons.

L: Je ne sais pas comment le major précédent fonctionnait, mais tout ce qu’on peut dire à propos d'Erwin qui "sacrifie ses subordonnés" s’explique par la prise décisions qui sont tout à fait légitimes et qui valent la peine d’être soutenues.

E: Ne me rabaisse pas comme ça, Livaï. C'est toujours un crève-cœur, tu sais.

L: Ha ! Qui sait…

J: Alors, qu'en est-il de vos vies privées ? À en juger par vos réponses précédentes, il semblerait que vous n'ayez pas beaucoup de temps libre pour vous.

E: Si mon état physique est mauvais même à l’intérieur des murs, alors il est évident que je ne pourrais rien faire de bien à l'extérieur. Je délègue le travail à des subordonnés afin d’avoir un peu de temps pour me reposer.

L: Je pense aussi que c'est notre droit. Nous devons nous reposer quand on en a le temps, en dehors de l’entraînement quotidien dont nous avons parlé plus tôt.

J: Alors, que faites-vous ?

L: Tout d'abord, un nettoyage général, qu’il n'est généralement pas possible de faire tous les jours. En temps normal, je peux enlever toute la poussière visible à l'œil nu. Mais lorsque les fenêtres et les bureaux doivent être briqués, et que les meubles doivent être déplacés pour atteindre tous les recoins... cela ne peut être fait que sur mes jours de congé.

J: Nous avons entendu les rumeurs selon lesquelles vous étiez un maniaque de la propreté.

L: ... N'est-ce pas évident ? Je demande à tous mes subordonnés de nettoyer à fond leur chambre.

E: Il existe de nombreuses perspectives différentes dans ce monde. Regarde Hange : c’est ton exact opposé.

J: Au cours de l'entretien avec le chef d'escouade Hange, elle a mentionné qu'elle avait été attaquée par le caporal-chef Livaï. Et après s'être réveillée, elle semblait avoir pris une douche.

L: Ah... cette Quatre-yeux répugnante. Nous n’abordons pas le sujet de la saleté au travail, mais vous ne voudriez certainement pas vous trouver près d'Hange durant vos jours de repos. J'ai donc rassemblé des subordonnés qui foutaient rien et j'ai fait un "nettoyage".

J: Et en ce qui vous concerne, major Erwin ? Avez-vous des hobbys ?

E: Mes hobbys ...? Je les ai oubliés depuis longtemps. Durant mon temps libre, je m’efforce de remettre en condition mon corps et mon esprit. En faisant cela, je peux optimiser mon efficacité au travail.

L: Il est inutile d'interroger Erwin à propos de quoi que ce soit en dehors du travail. Tout va revenir à son devoir en tant que major. C'est chiant comme la mort.

J: Il consacre son cœur à son devoir. Eh bien, avez-vous des centres d'intérêts, caporal-chef Livaï ?

L: ... Si vous considérez le fait de collectionner des trucs comme un centre d'intérêt, alors on peut dire que le mien, c’est le thé noir.

E: Soit dit en passant, Livaï, tu as récemment utilisé notre budget pour acheter du thé, n'est-ce pas ? Les comptables se sont plaints à moi.

L: Je l'ai acheté à un marchand qui parraine le Bataillon, donc ça ne devrait pas poser de problème. Ce mec a déclaré que c'était "le thé préféré du soldat le plus fort de l'humanité" et il s’est fait beaucoup d'argent. Il a également partagé les bénéfices avec le Bataillon.

J: Même s'il semble penser à lui en premier, le caporal-chef se préoccupe en réalité du Bataillon.

E: ... Très bien, alors.

[fallenrazziel]

If Erwin was someone soft-hearted enough to compromise battle strategy, I wouldn’t follow him.

Levi Ackerman, AU Smartpass - Erwin & Levi Close Up Interview Part 2

Erwin's ability to carry out his missions, even if it means sacrificing soldiers, is a quality to Levi, he admires him for that.