Attack on Titan Episode 4: The Night of the Closing Ceremony: Humanity's Comeback, Part 2

The episode opens with the stark reminder of humanity's catastrophic defeat five years prior, the fall of Wall Maria, and the personal devastation it wrought on young Eren Yeager. This trauma forms the bedrock of their training. We then transition to the rigorous, rain-soaked regimen of the 104th Training Corps, where Instructor Shadis meticulously assesses each cadet, noting Armin's intellect over his physical weakness and Reiner's exemplary physique. The training shifts to ODM gear maneuvers, showcasing Annie's efficient combat and Jean's natural skill, though Shadis observes their distinct flaws. He sees Mikasa's unparalleled genius and Eren's sheer, singular drive, understanding that Eren's rage against the Titans is both his greatest strength and his most dangerous trait.

During hand-to-hand combat practice, Eren expresses frustration, believing fighting humans is irrelevant when Titans are the true enemy. Reiner argues that a soldier must be prepared for everything, a point he tries to make by goading Eren into challenging Annie Leonhart, who appears utterly indifferent to the training. Annie effortlessly disarms and pins Eren, demonstrating a unique and precise fighting style. When Reiner intervenes, he too is quickly subdued, prompting Eren to ask about her techniques. Annie then articulates a cynical view of the military, suggesting its structure rewards cowardice by placing the most skilled fighters safely in the interior, far from the front lines. "It's all a farce," Annie remarks with cold indifference.

Eren reflects on Annie's words, absorbing her critique of the military's inherent corruption. He looks out at the landscape, a new understanding dawning on him: the system prioritizes personal safety over the existential threat of the Titans. This revelation does not deter him; instead, it strengthens his resolve to join the Survey Corps, to fight directly against the monsters, rather than perpetuate a broken system. The vast sky above seems to mock the confinement within the walls, fueling his desire for true freedom.

In the dining hall, Jean Kirschtein openly declares his intention to join the Military Police for a comfortable life, earning a naive agreement from Marco Bott. Eren becomes agitated by Jean's self-serving ambition, leading to a heated confrontation. "You're just a coward hiding in a cage!" Eren shouts, provoking Jean to lunge at him. Mikasa attempts to intervene, but Eren signals her to stay back, intending to handle the situation himself. Remembering Annie's earlier lesson, Eren expertly uses a grappling technique to subdue Jean, forcing him into a submission hold without throwing a punch. Just then, Instructor Shadis enters, demanding to know the source of the commotion. Mikasa quickly interjects, blaming Sasha Braus's flatulence, causing general hilarity and Shadis's disgusted departure. Shadis demands, "What was that noise?" and Mikasa replies, "It was Sasha's gas, sir."

A brief montage signifies the conclusion of the rigorous training, with the cadets completing their final drills under the setting sun. The graduation ceremony takes place under torchlight, where Instructor Shadis outlines the three military branches: the Garrison, the Survey Corps, and the privileged Military Police. Only the top ten graduates qualify for the Military Police, serving the King in the inner districts. The names of the top ten are announced, with Mikasa Ackerman ranking first, followed by Reiner Braun, Bertholdt Hoover, Annie Leonhart, and Eren Yeager in the top five. "Dedicate your hearts!" Shadis bellows.

At the post-graduation celebration in Trost, Jean and others revel in their high rankings and the promise of a safe life, but Eren remains resolute in his commitment to the Survey Corps. His passionate speech about humanity reclaiming its land and dignity inspires Thomas Wagner and others, shifting the mood from self-interest to a collective hope. Later, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin sit on a stairway, sharing a quiet moment. Eren apologizes for potentially leading them into danger, but Armin asserts his own desire to see the outside world. Mikasa, ever protective, declares she will follow Eren to ensure his safety. "I'm coming with you, Eren," Mikasa says with soft resolve.

The newly graduated soldiers participate in a parade through Trost District, greeted by an unexpected outpouring of cheers and gratitude from the citizens. Eren notes the marked shift in public sentiment towards the military, a rare moment of unity and optimism. They encounter Hannes, now a Garrison captain, looking healthier and more responsible than the man who failed to save Carla. Hannes expresses pride in their growth and promises support from the walls. "I'm sorry I couldn't save your mother," Hannes says tearfully, to which Eren replies, "It's okay, Hannes-san. We're soldiers now."

While on cannon maintenance atop the Trost wall, Sasha Braus shocks her comrades by revealing she has stolen a large, expensive cut of meat. Her audacious act provides a moment of unexpected levity and camaraderie, despite the risk. The recruits gather, enticed by the rare luxury of fresh meat, and make a pact to share it after their shift. They speak of a future where retaking their lands means they can freely raise livestock and eat meat whenever they wish, a simple, human dream that unifies them. "Once we take back our land, we'll have all the meat we want," Connie says hopefully.

Eren stands alone at the edge of the wall, gazing out at the verdant fields beyond. He reflects on five years of peace, a fragile truce that has allowed humanity to regain its footing. He clenches his fist, a symbol of his unwavering resolve. A quiet determination settles over him, believing that humanity is finally ready to strike back against their oppressors. "We're not the prey anymore," Eren thinks to himself.

Without warning, a massive bolt of golden lightning strikes outside the wall, followed by a violent shockwave that throws the cadets off their feet. A gargantuan, skinless hand grips the rampart, and the Colossal Titan slowly emerges, its enormous head peering over the 50-meter wall. The hope and optimism of the preceding moments are instantly vaporized, replaced by sheer terror as the nightmare of five years past returns with horrifying force. The Colossal Titan then brutally kicks through the gate of Trost District, unleashing an explosion of debris and steam that kills many instantly. Cadets on the wall are blown backward, and Samuel is knocked unconscious, falling towards the city below. Sasha Braus reacts with incredible speed, using her ODM gear to hook Samuel's leg, saving him just before impact. "Sasha! Catch him!" Connie screams as Samuel falls.

Amidst the chaos, smoke, and screams of the breaching, Eren Yeager is the first to recover his senses. His initial horror transmutes into a burning, focused rage, the trauma of his past reigniting his singular purpose. Drawing his blades, he propels himself with his ODM gear directly at the Colossal Titan, shouting for his comrades to prepare for battle. He lands on the monster's colossal arm and scales its immense form, making a direct, desperate ascent towards the nape of its neck. As he prepares to strike, he locks eyes with the Titan, a guttural growl escaping him. "Yo. It's been five years," Eren says with grim determination, swinging his blades.