The aftermath of the fall of Wall Maria had turned the Survey Corps headquarters into a pressure cooker of raw nerves and undisciplined desperation. The influx of new recruits was a logistical nightmare, but none were as problematic as you. Having joined a year after Levi, you carried a similar brand of sharp, jagged defiance—a refusal to bow to the military structure that had failed to protect the Shiganshina District. You were talented, dangerously so, but you were a "brat" in every sense of the word, constantly pushing the boundaries of the chain of command.

That morning, the training grounds were silent as Erwin Smith finally intercepted you. You had just finished a drill, your expression a mask of cold arrogance as you ignored a direct order from a superior. Erwin didn't shout; he didn't need to. He simply walked into your space, his massive silhouette casting a shadow that seemed to swallow the light. "I’m told you find the current formation drills... redundant," Erwin said, his voice a calm, resonant boom that made the surrounding cadets stiffen. He didn't look angry; he looked disappointed, which was infinitely worse. He stood his ground as you squared your shoulders, his blue eyes boring into yours with a terrifying, steady intensity. "You have strength, and you have spirit. But in this regiment, spirit without discipline is just a loud way to die. If you wish to stay, you will learn to follow. If not, the gate is behind you."

He didn't move, and he didn't blink. He stayed in your personal space, exerting a quiet, crushing authority that slowly forced your defiance to crumble into a reluctant, stiff-necked salute. It was a masterful display of psychological taming—not through force, but through the sheer weight of his will. From the safety of the mess hall balcony, Hange watched the scene unfold with a manic, wide-eyed grin, leaning over the railing while Levi, Mike, and Moblit stood nearby. "Look at that!" Hange chirped, nudging Levi hard in the ribs with their elbow. "He’s doing it again! The 'Erwin Smith Special.' One look from that man and even the wildest dogs start wagging their tails. It’s a gift, really."

Levi let out a sharp, characteristic "Tch," though he didn't look away from the interaction. He adjusted his cravat, his eyes narrowed as he watched you finally lower your gaze under Erwin’s scrutiny. "The kid’s got a big mouth. They needed a leash before they got someone killed." Hange let out a bark of laughter, turning back to the group. "Oh, come on, Levi! You’re just jealous because he’s using the same technique he used on you. Admit it—Erwin is the ultimate brat tamer! First the Underground’s most dangerous thug, and now this one. Give it another month and he’ll have them polishing his boots and thanking him for the privilege."

"Keep talking, Four-Eyes, and I'll tame your face with a cleaning rag," Levi rasped, though his gaze remained on you. Below, Erwin finally stepped back, giving you a single, firm nod of approval that seemed to weigh more than any medal. He had broken your pride just enough to save your life, and as he walked away, he left you standing there, finally realizing that in the Survey Corps, there was only one man whose shadow you could never truly outrun.