In the evening, Takashi was training with too much energy. There was no time to be soft with his training, especially when a big battle was about to happen.
As sweat ran down his body, Takashi noticed something approaching and stopped. Picking up the sword lying on the ground, Takashi simulated some basic training moves.
"That's a very good sword, its edge looks like it can cut titans with ease." A voice came out of the darkness and Levi walked to Takashi's side.
"Uncle Levi, this sword belonged to a very brilliant soldier, a blacksmith prepared it and made sure to make it perfect." Takashi said with a flat expression.
"How did you do in the corps? I haven't had time to come talk to you, I have to keep an eye on Eren after all." Levi pointed out in a calm voice.
"It's all good, it's not about a place I'm comfortable in, but I'm glad to be one of the ones fighting the titans." Takashi sheathed his sword.
"Well, Commander Erwin wants to talk to you."
Takashi knew the conversations with his uncle were still awkward, no one seemed at ease with their relationship.
...
In a room where only three people were present, Takashi looked at Erwin in silence before sighing helplessly. Apparently, his uncle Levi shared with the Survey Corps commander the existence of his power without considering it a bit.
Takashi was a little nervous, but knowing a little about Commander Erwin and Levi, Takashi felt he could trust them and share with them what he knew about his power.
Just as Takashi was about to start the conversation, Erwin suddenly spoke up, "You should know that there is a hidden enemy in our ranks, not only did they kill the experimental titans that Hange Zoe was working with, but they also attacked you just when the reconquest operation was over."
"In that case there would be two enemies on our side, which we consider to be an obstacle to overcome in the next expedition." Levi interjected as he looked at Takashi.
"Do you think those two enemies are humans with the ability to become titans?" Takashi touched his chin uncertainty.
"We don't think so, we are sure of it."
After saying that, Erwin Smith pointed out, "If the enemies made use of three-dimensional maneuvering equipment, it's probably inside the Survey Corps."
Takashi was surprised how far Commander Erwin's research had gone, no wonder how he was able to find out that the enemy would be found in the Allied ranks on the next expedition.
The female titan is a problem, Takashi knew she would attack again once the expedition started. Therefore, being aware of that, Takashi planned to intervene and eliminate the female titan.
But first he had to listen to what Erwin had to say and consider the consequences of being exposed, he could not afford to act recklessly without considering others.
"So the real significance of this expedition outside the walls is to secure the theory that there are enemy titans in our ranks? A curious thing, I'm sure with Eren's power and mine we can eliminate them." Takashi understood Erwin's words without much trouble.
"We are not considering making use of your power, Takashi, with my strength is enough." Levi suddenly interjected.
"Uncle, you know better than anyone what my power can do, there is no doubt in my mind that I will make use of my power later." Takashi said, "What I mean is that I will be the last threshold of our force, I am ready to give it my all."
Takashi pointed out, "But don't be confused, I am the one who wants to live the most. I will take care of my life until the end, but if I can eliminate one or two special titans, a few lost years means we can find a more certain victory."
"That won't be necessary, if our operation succeeds we can successfully capture the enemy." Erwin was sure they would succeed.
Takashi hesitated for a moment and asked, "I have a question.... About my power, if I ever reveal it, will it be a problem just like Eren?"
Levi and Erwin were silent for a moment, Erwin was quicker said, "I heard the graphic description of the power hidden in your body, since it's nothing like a titan, there won't be that much of a problem since you have absolute control of that power."
"In short, there won't be that much of a commotion if you think you will be treated the same as Eren, the power you have was created by your father, don't worry." Levi said in a serious voice.
"The flare suggestion was a smart thing to do, at least it was good that you mentioned it only to Hange Zoe and the others in that meeting, I have to say I didn't think of that at first." Ewin looked at Takashi and asked, "How strong is the power hidden in your body?"
Takashi looked at Erwin and said, "I couldn't tell on a normal scale, but considering the titans that have appeared throughout human history, there is no titan that can beat me if I go serious with my power."
Levi looked at his nephew and said, "What is the cost you would have to pay if you make use of your ultimate power?"
"I'm guessing over thirty years? I can't say exactly but that would be the figure." Takashi hesitated for a moment and said, "I already lost more than ten years in the recapture of Trost, the female titan possibly knows I have something hidden but she couldn't have seen my true power."
"Thirty years... I understand that it is a very complicated thing to make use of that power, you will not be forced into anything within the Survey Corps, you have my word." Erwin said in a dignified voice.
"However, you must give notice if you plan to make use of that power, we are still calculating the consequences and the problems there will be later on."
"I understand commander, you have my word." Takashi said seriously.
"By the way, there is something I want to say. When the female titan appeared, she quickly and decisively attacked a lot of soldiers, you should be on guard with me if you know I survived a direct attack."
Erwin was silent for a moment and nodded. "Good, that information will be useful.
After a few more, Takashi left Commander Erwin's office, he thought everything would be much more complicated, but he thought too much.
Two days later, Hange Zoe, who was busy making flares, suddenly called Takashi.