Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"Mikasa, did you bring anything special with you this time?"

After parting ways with the Survey Corps, Ryo and Mikasa made their way back to the training corps camp. The journey was long, and to pass the time, they chatted about random things.

"Special things? Hmm... not really. I just bought some books, some clothes for Eren, and a Bible for Armin. He should like it," Mikasa said, opening her bag and rummaging through it. She found the Bible and handed it to Ryo. "Here, this is it."

"Huh? Oh, you don't have to show it to me. Isn't this for Eren and Armin? If you show it to me now, won't that spoil the surprise?" Ryo scratched his head, feeling a little amused at her reaction.

Mikasa blinked, then quickly lowered her gaze. "Oh... I see." A faint blush crept onto her cheeks before she turned the question back on him. "What about you, Ryo? You must have brought a lot of good things for Krista, right?"

Everyone in the training corps knew about Ryo and Krista. Their closeness had long been the subject of admiration—and jealousy. They were notorious for being inseparable, making the single recruits grumble about their "merciless" displays of affection. The entire training grounds carried traces of their time together, and people often joked that their presence alone made life difficult for the unattached.

"Not much," Ryo admitted with a thoughtful look. "I did buy her some things earlier, but I sent them back already. I'm actually curious... I wonder how she looks in those clothes!" He leaned on his horse, deep in thought.

Krista was small—much smaller than Mikasa. It wasn't just her height; her frame was more delicate, contrasting sharply with Mikasa's well-defined muscles. Mikasa had abs, after all. If Krista had abs too... now that would be a sight.

"So you sent it back earlier? I didn't think of that..." Mikasa mused. She had carried everything herself, never considering that she could have just arranged for a delivery. But then again, she hadn't bought much, and shipping cost money. After joining the Survey Corps, she had just enough to cover her expenses. The only reason she had money to buy gifts now was because of the reward they received earlier.

"Well, you learn from experience," Ryo chuckled. "This was my first time with the Survey Corps, so I didn't know much about these things either. Next time, I'll be more prepared. By the way, Mikasa, have you ever traveled far from home before?"

The two had been riding all morning, and the training corps camp was just over half an hour away.

Mikasa thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Not really..."

Her mind drifted back to her childhood. If it weren't for the Colossal Titan destroying Wall Maria, she would have never left her hometown. Did that count as traveling? It wasn't a choice—it was an escape.

"So, this trip is a good memory then," Ryo said, nodding. But when he noticed the slight change in Mikasa's expression, he decided not to press further.

They continued their journey in silence until they finally reached the training corps. Just as they were about to head straight to their friends, a group of instructors intercepted them.

"Instructor Keith? What's going on? Were you waiting for us?" Ryo asked, puzzled. The way they stood there, almost expectantly, made him feel like something was up.

"Well, we were waiting for you," Keith confirmed. "But we're not the only ones."

He stepped aside, and Ryo and Mikasa exchanged glances. What was this about?

As they walked forward, they saw that the entire training corps had come out to welcome them.

"It's Ryo and Mikasa! You're finally back!"

"I thought you guys wouldn't make it!"

"Hah! As if anything could happen to Ryo. He's too strong!"

A chorus of excited voices erupted around them. The recruits swarmed them, eager to welcome them back. But Ryo and Mikasa barely paid attention to the commotion. Their eyes searched the crowd for the people who mattered most to them.

Krista was easy to find.

Standing at the end of a red carpet, she wore the beautiful dress Ryo had sent her. A bouquet of flowers rested in her arms, her small hands clutching the stems tightly. Instructor Keith must have arranged this...

Ryo had imagined many scenarios for their reunion, but this—this wasn't one of them.

Still, he had to admit—it was pretty romantic.

Dismounting from his horse, he strode toward her without hesitation. Krista didn't move, but her reddened eyes told him everything. She was struggling to hold back tears. The closer he got, the more her emotions welled up. And the moment he pulled her into his arms, she couldn't hold back anymore.

"Hehe, little fool, I'm back safe and sound," Ryo whispered, brushing a hand through her soft hair. "So why are you crying? There are so many people watching... don't embarrass me like this."

But Krista didn't care.

The dam broke.

Tears spilled from her eyes as she buried her face in his chest. All the worry, the fear, the sleepless nights—everything she had held in for so long—rushed out at once.

Because when you care so much about someone, the thought of losing them is unbearable.

And when they finally return to you, safe and sound, the relief is overwhelming.

Krista wept uncontrollably, holding onto him as if she would never let go.