Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"Is that Commander Pixis?"

As they approached their lodging, a few horses stood tethered outside, drawing everyone's attention. Among them, a bald older man caught Ryo's eye. Recognizing him immediately, he realized this was Commander Pixis—the charismatic leader of the Garrison Corps, whom they had encountered earlier during the meeting.

Pixis seemed to be waiting for them.

Standing beside his horse, his gaze pierced through the crowd, landing on Ryo. This directness unsettled him, though he tried not to let it show.

Captain Erwin dismounted gracefully, walking over to Pixis with his usual composure. "Commander, are you here waiting for me?"

Pixis offered a genial smile. "Yes, but not entirely."

His focus shifted back to Ryo, studying him with an appraising look. "Young man, I've heard much about your performance. I know others may have tried to recruit you, but I'll ask anyway: would you be interested in joining the Garrison Corps?"

The straightforwardness of the question caught Ryo off guard. Being asked directly by someone of Pixis' rank left little room to maneuver.

"Well... I'm sorry, Commander Pixis," Ryo replied, scratching his head and attempting to appear as unassuming as possible. "I'm still a recruit and haven't graduated from the Training Corps yet. I think it's too early to make any decisions. I'll consider my options once I've completed my training!"

Pixis chuckled warmly. "Fair enough. We'll wait until you graduate, then."

His attention returned to Erwin. With a playful tilt of his head, he gestured towards his horse. "Captain Erwin, how about a little competition? Let's see which one of us is the better rider."

Erwin caught the implication immediately. Pixis wanted a private conversation, and this wasn't the place for it, considering they were still within Military Police jurisdiction.

"An honor, Commander Pixis," Erwin said with a courteous smile. "Your reputation as an exceptional rider precedes you. I'd love to learn from the best."

"Let's go!" Pixis said, effortlessly mounting his horse and galloping off.

Erwin followed suit, his cloak billowing behind him as he took off after Pixis.

With their departure, the remaining soldiers stood awkwardly, unsure of their next move.

Hange, however, wasted no time. Throwing an arm around Petra and Mikasa, she grinned mischievously. "I've heard there are some amazing shops around here. Petra, Mikasa, care to join me for a bit of shopping?"

Petra hesitated, clearly caught off guard. "Uh... sure, Captain Hange."

Mikasa, on the other hand, looked slightly embarrassed. "I... I don't have much money to spend," she admitted quietly.

Hange grinned wider, her attention immediately snapping to Ryo. With a sly glint in her eyes, she teased, "Well, isn't that convenient? Ryo, aren't you and Mikasa practically inseparable? Living together, training together... you're basically a couple, right? As her 'boyfriend,' it's only fair you cover her shopping expenses!"

Ryo froze, utterly blindsided. "W-What? That's not—"

But Hange didn't give him a chance to protest. She snatched his wallet with lightning speed, laughing triumphantly. "Thanks, Ryo! We'll bring you back something nice!"

Mikasa, meanwhile, blushed furiously but said nothing, her silence only adding fuel to the fire.

"Why didn't she deny it?" Ryo muttered to himself, still dumbfounded. The others around him, noticing his plight, gave him a mix of teasing and sympathetic looks.

"Come on," one of the soldiers said, clapping a hand on Ryo's shoulder. "Let's leave them to it and grab some drinks. I hear the malt liquor here is pretty decent!"

With a resigned sigh, Ryo followed the group toward a nearby tavern. His wallet may have been taken hostage, but there was no undoing it now.

---

Meanwhile, Hange, Petra, and Mikasa wandered through the bustling marketplace. Hange, as always, led the way with boundless energy.

"Mikasa, you're still blushing," Hange teased, glancing at her out of the corner of her eye. "You're not seriously into him, are you?"

Mikasa shook her head furiously, her blush deepening. "N-No, it's not like that..."

Hange chuckled, clearly unconvinced but deciding to drop the subject. She shifted her attention to the stalls lining the street. "What should we buy? I've heard the moisturizing cream here is excellent, and these anti-crack lotions smell amazing. Don't they smell good?"

Though often carefree, Hange seemed remarkably knowledgeable about such items, much to Petra's surprise.