Attack on Titan Episode 4: Night of the Graduation Ceremony: Humanity Rises Again (2)

Two years after joining the military, the 104th Cadet Corps undergoes a grueling fitness assessment in the rain, carrying weighted backpacks through the woods. Armin struggles during the run and is scolded by Commandant Keith Sadies, but Reiner helps by carrying his bag. The cadets then practice titan elimination techniques on dummy titans, with Sadies evaluating each cadet's strengths and weaknesses. Armin is noted as physically weak but intellectually sharp, Eren shows determination despite initial slowness, and Mikasa demonstrates exceptional proficiency across all skills.

The cadets transition to hand-to-hand combat training in pairs. Eren initially questions the relevance of anti-human combat against giant titans, but Reiner explains soldiers must be prepared for various situations. Annie appears distant and different from before, and when Reiner points out she's slacking off, Eren is ordered to spar with her. She defeats him easily with kicks and throws. When Reiner faces her next, he's also thrown to the ground. Eren then spars with Jean, and after composing himself, uses Annie's own technique against him to throw Jean down.

The episode shifts to the graduation ceremony, where 218 cadets have survived to this point. The top ten graduates are announced, including Mikasa and Eren. The cadets learn they have three options: join the Garrison Regiment (guards the walls), the Scout Regiment (ventures outside), or the Military Police (serves the king). When Eren announces his choice to join the Scout Regiment despite ranking in the top ten, others question this decision, saying humanity cannot defeat titans. Eren responds that humanity is losing only because they lack information, and he swears to drive all titans from the walls.

The celebration is interrupted when a **Colossal Titan** suddenly appears behind Eren at the wall. The graduates are knocked over the walls by the titan's presence. Sasha saves Samuel, who was knocked unconscious by falling debris. Eren rallies the graduates to prepare for battle and leaps onto the wall to confront the Colossal Titan for the first time in five years.