XXVIII. New Captain

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Roku strode through the corridor of the Survey Corps headquarters, his mind occupied with the recent turn of events.

Summoned by Commander Keith Shadis, he entered the office to find Erwin standing alongside the commander. Greeting them both, he awaited the crucial announcement.

"The higher-ups aren't going to let what happened go easily; soon enough, they will cancel the Survey Corps," Commander Shadis revealed, his tone heavy with the weight of impending decisions.

Concerned about the traitor within their ranks, Roku inquired about their pursuit. "I assigned Erwin to find him," the commander responded but then shifted the focus to a more immediate concern.

"More importantly, we will need a new captain for the Special Squad."

Roku's confusion deepened, and he couldn't help but ask, "So who will it be?"

Erwin turned his gaze towards Roku, prompting the commander to declare, "Erwin suggested you."

"Me? But why?" Roku questioned, his gaze shifting between Erwin and the commander. There was a mix of irritation and bewilderment in his expression.

"We don't have to discuss this right now, Roku Ackerman. I announce you as the new captain of the Special Squad," Commander Shadis declared, assigning Roku a role that seemed to catch him off guard.

The commander outlined their missions: to convince the higher-ups to give them another chance and to find the traitor as soon as possible.

Both tasks were now under Roku's command.

As they left the office and walked through the hallway, Roku couldn't contain his frustration.

"Are you an idiot or something? Why did you suggest me? It should have been you. You are a better leader."

"I am sorry I was a little selfish," Erwin said

"Selfish?" he exclaimed, stopping abruptly.

"I am a coward. I am afraid to lead people, unlike you. You rush to the battlefield without hesitation. People will respect those who are courageous and stronger than them."

Roku placed a fist on Erwin's chest, expressing his frustration. "You think I am not a coward? You are better at words than me. You can convince people to go to hell. And you think I am a better leader"

"I will only accept this position because a coward like you, but when you build up the courage, I would like you to lead the way."

As they paused in their heated exchange, Roku continued, "And how could you throw responsibility to someone younger than you?"

A slight pause followed before Erwin spoke, "Aren't we like the same age?"

"I am not an old man like you; I am 20," Roku retorted.

"The age gap is not that big. I am 23," Erwin revealed.

"You are lying. You look like you are in your mid-30s," Roku shot back.

"Well, I just mature better than you," Erwin replied, attempting to inject a touch of humor.

"Is that supposed to be an insult?" Roku questioned, a hint of a smirk breaking his stern expression.

"We first need to head to the higher-ups of the Garrison. We have to talk to them, and then the Military Police," Erwin said, steering the conversation back to their pressing tasks.

"Hope it goes well," Roku muttered, the weight of his new responsibilities settling on his shoulders. The journey ahead was fraught with challenges.

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End of the Chapter