A Sound Argument

Two years ago on Zeke's advice, a special envoy of Hizuru, Kiyomi Azumabito, landed on the newly-completed docks of Paradis Island for negotiations. A tattoo on Mikasa's arm revealed that she is the descendant of Hizuru's ruling shogun. Lady Azumabito believed that Hizuru could help Paradis achieve Zeke's plan to use the Rumbling to protect the island, in return for the valuable Iceburst Stone - the mysterious Paradis substance and resource that powers ODM gear. She listed Zeke's propositions: to enact a test of the Rumbling, to strengthen and modernize the Paradis military, and for the Beast Titan to be passed down to someone of royal blood who would bear children, so it could be passed on every 13 years. Historia agreed to inherit the Beast Titan, though Eren vehemently rejected. However, Hizuru's help was rooted in greed, and a year later, they would not help Paradis negotiate trade with other nations, wanting to monopolize Paradis' resources. At that time, while working on the island's new railway, the Scouts were struggling with deciding on a strategy against Marley and the successor of Eren's Titan when his 13-year term ran out. In the present, Hange interrogates Eren for acting on his own but Eren reacts violently to her. Historia is shown to be pregnant and living with a farmer she knew from childhood. Jean and Connie believe Eren has gone rogue; Armin and Mikasa want to speak to Eren together to figure out his goals, and Armin proposes that the military could have Eren eaten by someone more trustworthy, especially since they have the Titan serum.