Attack on Titan Episode 21: Crushing Blow: 57th Expedition Beyond the Walls (5)

The episode follows the Scout Regiment's desperate attempt to capture the Female Titan after she escapes Commander Erwin's trap and retakes human form in the forest.

Levi's squad—Eld, Petra, and Oruo—convince Eren to trust them and retreat while they engage the Female Titan, arguing that his Titan abilities are too valuable to risk. Eren reluctantly complies, putting down his blades and moving forward as the three soldiers surround their enemy.

Initially, the squad gains the upper hand through coordinated attacks, blinding the Female Titan and severing both her arms, leaving her seemingly defenseless while she regenerates. However, the tide turns when the Female Titan focuses her regenerative energy into one eye, allowing her to see again. Eld is caught off-guard and bitten in half. Petra, panicked by Eld's death, is struck down and crushed against a tree by the Titan's foot. Oruo attempts to retaliate by attacking the Titan's nape, but his blades shatter against a hardened defense, and he is killed.

Witnessing his entire squad's death, Eren is consumed by rage and guilt, realizing his decision not to transform may have cost them their lives. He transforms into his Titan form and roars, drawing the attention of Levi and Mikasa, who begin moving toward him.

Eren engages the Female Titan in brutal combat, initially seeming to overpower her weakened state. However, his rage makes him uncoordinated and reckless—his fists break as he fails to land decisive blows, and he struggles to capitalize on his advantages. During their melee, the Female Titan manages to escape his grip, and in a decisive moment, she decapitates Eren and swallows him whole.

Witnessing this, Mikasa springs into action to save Eren, though her efforts prove insufficient. Levi arrives and joins her in pursuit, telling her to wait as the Female Titan appears to be tiring.