Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

Although Mikasa's relentless assault had Annie on the defensive, did it guarantee her victory?

Not necessarily. At least, Ryo Akira wasn't convinced.

And he wasn't alone in his doubts.

"Eren, this doesn't look good for Mikasa," Armin muttered, his voice laced with concern.

Eren frowned, perplexed. "How? Mikasa's dominating. She's been on the offensive this entire time!"

Armin shook his head, his brows furrowed. He had a good relationship with both Eren and Mikasa, so naturally, he wanted Mikasa to win. But as someone who prided himself on strategy and analysis, he couldn't ignore the warning signs.

"No, Eren. This is Annie's strategy."

Eren's confusion deepened as he turned his focus back to the fight. Mikasa's attacks were fast and brutal, forcing Annie to retreat repeatedly. Annie had even taken a few direct hits and looked like she was about to falter.

But Armin's sharp eyes caught something most would miss. "Look closely. Annie's breathing is steady. She's still in control."

Eren scrutinized Annie's movements, and it hit him. Despite being cornered, Annie wasn't panicking. Her steps were measured, her breathing rhythmic, and her gaze—sharp and calculating.

"She's waiting," Armin explained. "Mikasa's attack strategy is consuming a lot of energy. Her movements are slowing, her punches aren't as powerful, and her breathing is uneven. Annie is just biding her time. When Mikasa's stamina hits its limit, Annie will counterattack—and that's when Mikasa will be in the most danger."

Eren's fists clenched. He hated this. He hated feeling helpless while Mikasa fought on the edge of collapse.

Meanwhile, Ryo Akira stood silently nearby, observing the duel with a faint smirk. *So, this is Mikasa's plan... clever.*

Unlike the others, Ryo had noticed something intriguing about Mikasa's attacks. On the surface, it seemed like she was exhausting herself, but there was more to her strategy.

While most believed Mikasa was faltering, Ryo saw through her act. Her punches had slowed slightly, and her attacks seemed less powerful—but it wasn't because she was losing energy. She was deliberately pacing herself, creating the illusion of vulnerability.

*She's baiting Annie,* Ryo thought. *And Annie, who thrives on exploiting openings, won't be able to resist.*

Sure enough, Annie shifted. Her defensive stance gave way to an aggressive counter. Blocking one of Mikasa's strikes with her forearm, she swiftly grabbed Mikasa's arm and twisted it to the side, disrupting her balance.

It was an elegant maneuver, one that reminded Ryo of Tai Chi's fluid redirection of force. For a moment, even Ryo was impressed.

Annie whispered coldly into Mikasa's ear as she swept her off balance, "It's over, Mikasa Ackerman."

But before Annie could fully capitalize on the move, Mikasa's lips curled into a smirk.

"Really? I think it's just beginning."

"What?!" Annie gasped, her eyes wide.

In a flash, Mikasa shifted her weight, using the momentum from Annie's throw to pivot her body. Annie's grip on her arm was reversed, and Mikasa's free hand lashed out, grabbing hold of Annie's wrist.

Time seemed to freeze.

The spectators held their breath as Annie's feet left the ground. Mikasa, with perfect control and timing, twisted her body and threw Annie over her shoulder.

Annie hit the ground with a loud *thud*. For the first time in the fight, her composure cracked. The world spun around her, disorienting her senses, and the triumphant roar of the crowd faded into a blur.