A flashback occurs at this moment, detailing Hange reading the report concerning Annie Leonhart's background. Hange reveals that Annie’s place of origin is similar to that of Reiner Braun’s and Bertolt Hoover’s; both Reiner and Bertolt were close to Eren during their trainee days in the 104th, but Annie was comparatively reclusive. Armin, Eren, and Mikasa; all three state that Annie was never close to Reiner and Bertolt. But then Armin recalls his experience during Annie’s attack (as the Female Type Titan) on the Survey Corps's expedition; to respond to Hange’s inquiry about their possible interest in Eren’s location, Armin admitted that he gave Reiner an estimated guess as to his whereabouts. Not only that, but he recalled that Reiner had cut letters into Annie’s palm when he cut free, which would explain why Annie changed course while continuing pursuit.

……Eren just tells Reiner that he’s simply tired from all these recent events, to which Bertolt concurs. Reiner then appears to lose it, believing that he was “surrounded by brats” all these years within the walls, feeling as though he had become feeble, having forgotten about his original mission; he removes the cast from his right arm and it suddenly regenerates. Bertolt freaks at Reiner’s decision to act at this point in time. Just as Reiner is about to make his move, Mikasa jumps in and lops off Reiner’s right hand and strikes at Bertolt’s neck. Mikasa screams at Eren to flee the area before being tackled off the wall by Reiner. Armin and Hange’s team run to the scene. For one brief moment, Reiner and Bertolt stand before Eren, until they transform into Titans, their forms exactly as Reiner said.

Reiner takes hold of Eren, whilst Bertolt, in a half-formed state of his Titan form, snatches the still-unconscious Ymir. As Reiner slides off the wall to escape, Eren’s memories erupt, of his trainee years having been acquainted with them. Now seeing them as traitors, he manages to free his left arm and bite into his thumb, transforming him and thus setting the stage for battle.