Attack on Titan Episode 49: Night of the Battle to Retake the Wall

Dhalis Zachary, Dot Pyxis, Erwin Smith, and two Scouts discuss a syringe left by Kenny. Hange Zoë explains that its contents appear to be human bodily fluid, but it evaporates quickly in open air, making it difficult to study. She suspects its creator had access to more advanced technology. Since they cannot tamper with it without ruining it, Pyxis suggests using it for their current objective. The syringe is entrusted to Levi Ackermann, who Erwin notes has the best chance of survival. Erwin tells Levi that they cannot predict the best time to use it, so he will rely on Levi's judgment. Levi accepts.

Later, Erwin meets with his officers to outline the operation to retake Wall Maria. He states that Grisha Jaeger likely came from outside the Walls. Hange points out that Grisha, like Annie, Reiner, and Bertholdt, possessed the Power of the Titans, but unlike them, he supported humanity. Grisha's last words to his son Eren were that the truth lay in their basement. Erwin suspects the basement holds information Grisha could not reveal, things the First King erased from humanity's memory. He announces the operation will begin in two days, stating they will go to the basement themselves to find the truth, as it is what Scouts do. This news lifts his officers' spirits, and they plan to share their enthusiasm with younger soldiers, even suggesting serving meat.

Dirk asks if they should address Keith Sadies keeping secrets, but Hange tells him to forget about it. As they leave, Marlene teases them, mentioning Hange used to adore Keith. Once almost everyone is out, Levi shoves the door closed, pushing Hange outside.

Alone, Levi asks Erwin about his plans after retaking Wall Maria, beyond defense. Erwin replies there is someone outside the Walls who wants to see them all eaten by Titans, and he intends to eliminate them. Their identity is likely in the basement, and he will make further plans after reaching it. Levi expresses concern about Erwin's survival, reminding him of his lost arm. Levi suggests Hange lead the mission, but Erwin, recalling childhood memories of his father, refuses. He believes this operation is critical for humanity, and his leadership is essential for success.

Levi argues that if Erwin dies, they will be doomed, suggesting he stay at his desk. He threatens to break Erwin's legs to keep him home. Erwin reluctantly agrees with Levi's logic but insists on being present to learn the truth about their world, stating it is more important than his legs or humanity's victory. Levi relents, deciding to trust Erwin's judgment.

The night before the operation, Harold gives a speech in the mess hall. Conny Springer and Sasha Braus are amazed by the meat for dinner. As Harold's speech ends, the mess erupts as soldiers scramble for meat. Sasha shoves a large roast into her mouth, while Jean Kirschtein yells at her and Conny tries to restrain her. Marlo Freudenberg, shocked, asks if Scouts never get meat and is punched by Sasha, whom Conny is still struggling to control. Mikasa tells Conny to knock Sasha out, but she is too strong. Officers watch the chaos, wondering if giving everyone meat was a good idea. Harold apologizes, noting they now know the consequences of spending two months' food budget in one night.

Eren and Conny eventually restrain an unconscious Sasha. Conny reflects on Sasha's current behavior compared to four months ago when she offered to share meat while servicing cannons. Eren remembers that was just before the Colossal Titan appeared at Trost District and can hardly believe only four months have passed.

In the mess hall, Jean explains to Marlo why he is in the rear guard: new recruits would die in the vanguard before learning anything. In the back, they can learn and survive. Jean takes a jab at Eren, calling him a "suicidal maniac," and Eren retaliates. The two begin a fistfight, amusing other soldiers and disappointing the officers. They exchange insults about Eren needing Mikasa's help and Jean's relationship with his mother. Armin Arlelt asks if they should stop them, but Mikasa says no. As Eren and Jean tire, Levi interrupts, knocking them both to the floor for being too rowdy.

As the group disperses, Armin and Mikasa help Eren. Eren asks why they did not intervene, and Armin replies he knew Eren would heal and is glad he is feeling better. Sitting outside, Eren confesses he is glad they met Keith. He used to wonder why he wasn't strong like Mikasa or Levi, but now he understands that no one achieves anything alone; their collective strength makes them powerful.

The three see a Garrison soldier who reminds them of Hannes. Mikasa asks if reclaiming the Wall and defeating their enemies will bring back the happier days they lost. Eren says it will, though some things are changed forever, and they will make their enemies pay. Armin adds there is more beyond the Wall than just Titans. He wants to see the ocean, a lake so vast a merchant could never obtain all its salt. As Armin enthusiastically describes the outside world, Levi listens from a nearby building.

The next day, just before sunset, the Scout Regiment prepares to leave Trost. Led by Flegel Reeves, the town's citizens cheer and wish them well. Hange is disappointed everyone found out but attributes it to the previous night's ruckus. Harold admits they bought all the meat from the Reeves Company. While officers are embarrassed, Jean, Conny, and Sasha cheer back at the crowd.

Erwin smiles, realizing this is the first time the Scouts have received such a send-off. He roars at the crowd, basking in their returned cheer. Turning, he draws his blade and announces the start of the operation to retake Wall Maria. The Scouts depart down the other side of Wall Rose, heading for Shiganshina District.

In an indeterminate future, Levi, Eren, and Mikasa stand on a ruined town's rooftop. Levi asks a visibly distressed Eren and Mikasa if they know what they are doing. He punches Eren, knocking him over, prompting Mikasa to attack Levi with her blade drawn.