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"Section Chief Naruto, what are you doing—?"
Familiar subordinates immediately approached Section Chief Naruto, curiosity written on their faces as they saw him return carrying two unconscious individuals.
In the eyes of these veterans, Section Chief Naruto had always been an approachable officer. Even when his subordinates made mistakes, he rarely imposed harsh punishments—let alone on new recruits like Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman, who hadn't even officially enlisted yet.
Although Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman had acted impulsively just now, it was out of anger toward the Titans. Under normal circumstances, Section Chief Naruto shouldn't have reacted harshly.
But now, he had actually knocked them unconscious—something they had never seen before.
Even so, none of them questioned his judgment. They were simply puzzled by his actions this time.
"Nothing. I just found this recruit a bit annoying."
Section Chief Naruto casually explained, tossing the unconscious Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman to his subordinates. Then, he looked toward the gathered recruits, his gaze locking directly onto the two who carried the power of Titans.
"Bertholdt, quick—"
The recruit named Reiner felt Section Chief Naruto's gaze and instantly realized something was wrong. He shouted to Bertholdt beside him while simultaneously raising his left hand to his mouth, preparing to bite down.
Bang!~
Section Chief Naruto moved in an instant. Before Reiner's teeth could pierce his palm, Naruto struck the back of his neck with a powerful kick, knocking him straight to the ground before stomping him unconscious.
At the same time, the long blade in Naruto's hand was already pressed against Bertholdt's throat.
"Don't move," he said coldly. "Or I'll cut you down."
"W-Why?!"
Bertholdt's pupils trembled. Then he suddenly shouted, his voice filled with agitation, "Why are you attacking me and Reiner? What did we do wrong?!"
"Yeah! Why are you attacking Reiner and Bertholdt?!"
Another recruit, close to the two, stepped forward and demanded an explanation. "Eren and Mikasa are one thing, but why them? What did they do wrong?"
"That's right! Release them!"
Several hot-blooded recruits quickly became agitated, raising their voices in protest.
"All of you, shut up!"
Section Chief Naruto let out a low roar. An invisible pressure surged outward, instantly silencing everyone present.
Then, his gaze turned icy as he stared at Bertholdt.
"You are the Colossal Titan who destroyed the wall, aren't you?"
"Y-You're talking nonsense!"
A flicker of panic crossed Bertholdt's eyes, though he quickly tried to suppress it. "I'm human! How could I possibly be a Titan?! You—"
"Enough!"
Section Chief Naruto cut him off sharply.
"Whether you are or not, I'll confirm it soon enough. Now release your hand, or I'll cut off your head before that ring pierces your skin. You can try—if you think you're faster than me."
From Reiner's earlier attempt to bite his own hand, and Bertholdt's subtle movement with the spiked ring, Naruto had already deduced the condition for their transformation.
Self-inflicted injury.
Even the slightest wound—just enough to break the skin—was enough.
"Damn it…"
Bertholdt's hand trembled slightly as he glanced at Reiner, who lay unconscious beneath Naruto's foot.
In the end, he gave up.
The Colossal Titan's transformation would cause a massive explosion. If not for Reiner being pinned down, he might have gambled.
But transforming now would kill his companion.
So he chose to surrender.
Slowly, he removed the ring from his finger.
"Ilse!"
Seeing this, Section Chief Naruto immediately called out. "Tie them up. Make sure they have no chance to harm themselves—not even biting their lips. Understood?"
"Oh—and that one too."
He pointed at Eren Yeager, who had been knocked out earlier.
"Bind him as well."
"Yes!"
Ilse quickly gathered several soldiers. They wrapped Bertholdt and the unconscious Reiner tightly, almost like mummies, stuffing their mouths with specialized restraints to prevent any possibility of self-injury.
Eren received the same treatment.
Watching the three restrained recruits, Section Chief Naruto finally let out a quiet breath.
Only now did he feel a trace of lingering fear.
If Bertholdt had chosen to transform, even if Naruto managed to strike first, there was no guarantee it would have stopped him. And if the transformation succeeded, the explosion alone would have devastated everyone nearby.
Fortunately, Bertholdt had hesitated.
And not out of fear—but concern.
He had chosen not to transform because he didn't want to kill Reiner.
Regardless, the situation had been resolved without major casualties.
Soon after, Erwin Smith arrived with the main force of the Survey Corps. Without even glancing at the restrained recruits, he went straight to Section Chief Naruto.
"How did you confirm they were Titans?"
Erwin's tone carried no doubt—only curiosity.
"Intuition."
Naruto gestured toward Reiner and Bertholdt.
"These two are likely the ones who attacked Maria Wall twice. The black-haired one should be the Colossal Titan. His transformation trigger is injury—even a slight one. Be careful not to let him harm himself."
He paused briefly.
"The other one should be the Armored Titan. I knocked him out too quickly to gather more information."
Then his gaze shifted to Eren.
"As for him… he probably doesn't even know he has Titan power."
"I see."
Erwin nodded, his expression serious.
"That's enough. We'll handle the rest."
He immediately ordered the Survey Corps to set up camp on the spot. Then, together with Levi and Hange Zoe, he began interrogating the three captives.
In truth, it was less an interrogation and more a one-sided questioning.
They didn't even dare remove the gags.
Naturally, they gained nothing.
Because they weren't truly expecting answers.
They were waiting.
Waiting for the captives' allies to come rescue them.
Neither Naruto nor Erwin believed these were the only Intelligent Titans. Reiner and Bertholdt undoubtedly had accomplices.
However, before any rescue attempt came…
An unexpected visitor arrived first.
"Naruto, I found it!"
Kenny Ackerman appeared suddenly, excitement evident in his voice.
"I've uncovered the truth about the Titans!"
Naruto's expression sharpened.
"What truth?"
"Everything."
Kenny grabbed Naruto's shoulder, his voice brimming with intensity.
"The Titans… the walls… the world itself. I've found the answers to it all."
Then he leaned closer and lowered his voice.
"If you want to know the truth… tonight, take Eren Yeager to the Reiss family. I'll tell you everything there."
Naruto frowned.
"Why do I need to bring Eren?"
"Eren Yeager… is the key."
Kenny's tone turned serious.
"Bring him. Come tonight. And don't tell anyone else."
Without giving Naruto a chance to ask more, Kenny turned and left.
"Eren… is the key?"
Naruto stood still, deep in thought.
If someone else had said this, he would have suspected a trap—a diversion to lure him away while the captives were rescued.
But this was Kenny.
The "father" of this body.
And Naruto had sensed no malice from him.
After a moment, Naruto made his decision.
He would go.
He would see this so-called "truth" for himself.
Later, Naruto found Erwin and informed him that he would be taking Eren Yeager out that night.
He gave no explanation.
Erwin didn't ask for one.
He simply told him to be careful.
Naruto nodded, but warned that if the enemy chose that moment to attack, the Survey Corps could be in danger.
Erwin, however, remained calm.
"I've already made preparations."
Naruto said nothing more.
That evening, he left the camp, carrying the still-unconscious Eren.
"Wait!"
Mikasa Ackerman suddenly caught up to him.
Her expression was firm.
"I don't know where you're taking Eren, but… please take me with you."
By now, it was all but confirmed that Reiner and Bertholdt were Titans.
And under those circumstances, no one could deny that Eren likely possessed the same power.
But Mikasa didn't care.
To her, Eren was irreplaceable.
Even if he was a Titan… she would still believe in him.
She also knew she couldn't defeat Naruto.
So instead of trying to forcefully take Eren back, she chose to follow.
Naruto studied her for a moment.
"Mikasa Ackerman… you're supposed to be detained. How did you get out?"
"You said I wasn't a Titan. They didn't guard me strictly."
She met his gaze.
"So I escaped."
Then, more firmly:
"Please. Let me come with you."
Naruto considered for a moment.
If he refused, she would follow anyway.
Relentlessly.
But tonight's matter… wasn't suitable for her.
"I refuse."
He paused, then added:
"However… something may happen here tonight. With your strength, staying behind will be more useful."
"Go to Erwin. Tell him I sent you to assist."
Then, more quietly:
"In return… I guarantee I'll bring Eren back safely."
Mikasa bit her lip, hesitating.
Then, after a moment, she nodded.
"...Alright."
"I'll stay."
"But you must bring him back safely."
"Please."