What if Reiner Was Captured by Eldians During the Battle of Shiganshina in Attack on Titan?

Essential Insights

Reiner’s potential arrest might have altered alliances and impacted Eren’s Rumbling initiative.
Eldians could have leveraged Reiner’s connection with Zeke to unveil Marley’s true motives.
Regardless of Reiner’s situation, Eren’s unwavering resolve might have still led to the Rumbling as planned.

Anime often explores alternate scenarios, where a pivotal event diverges from its original path. These unexpected developments spark discussions among fans about how drastically different a series’ outcome could be, resulting in a plethora of theories about ‘what could have been.’ Just as Demon Slayer raises questions about character motivations and their consequences throughout its narrative, Attack on Titan similarly highlights moments that could have unfolded in various ways.

During the Battle of Shiganshina, Reiner Braun—the Armored Titan— narrowly evaded capture by the Eldians. But what if the tables had turned? What if Reiner had been apprehended alongside Bertolt? This scenario offers diverse perspectives, each carrying significant implications for Eren’s ambitions surrounding the Rumbling.

The Capture of the Fallen Hero

The Fallout from Reiner’s Capture

Reiner determines he must confront his former allies

Had the Eldians managed to seize Reiner in that confrontation, their immediate priority would likely have been to interrogate him. With his extensive knowledge of Marley’s military operations and titans, Reiner represents a valuable asset for intelligence gathering. However, given his dedication to Marley, he might steadfastly resist any attempts to betray his origins.

Conversely, Reiner’s profound psychological distress from betraying his former comrades in Paradis could have influenced his cooperation. His internal conflict between his identity as a Marleyan soldier and his sympathy for Eldians might have led him to divulge crucial details about Marley’s strategies, which could significantly alter Paradis’s tactics in impending battles.

Obstacle to Zeke’s Strategy

Potential Impact on Zeke’s Role

The implications of Reiner’s capture could have been transformative regarding Zeke’s plans. His alliance with Paradis was crucial for setting in motion Eren’s activation of the Rumbling. Capturing Reiner could have altered the trust dynamics between Zeke and the Eldians. Given that Zeke’s Beast Titan played an essential role in the Rumbling, with his royal lineage being critical to unleashing the Founding Titan’s capabilities, any suspicion could hinder Eldian cooperation and delay their efforts significantly.

If the Eldians had chosen to exploit Reiner’s bond with Zeke, they might have compelled Zeke to reveal his true motivations sooner, possibly disrupting the timeline of the Rumbling or guiding the Eldians towards a more cautious approach regarding Marley.

Could Reiner’s Capture Prevent the Rumbling?

Eren and Reiner Parallels in Attack on Titan

Reiner’s captivity might have triggered a crucial reaction within Eren’s grand strategy aimed at hindering the Rumbling. The Eldians might have used their ransom of Reiner to gain insights into Marley’s vulnerabilities or devise strategies to avoid an all-out war, possibly advocating for more diplomatic negotiations. If Reiner had succumbed to interrogation and disclosed Marley’s true agenda, Paradis could have shifted its focus from aggression to defensive maneuvers.

Nevertheless, it’s vital to remember that Eren had meticulously orchestrated events preceding the Rumbling. Just capturing Reiner may not have sufficed to halt the course of Eren’s grand design, which encompassed broader objectives than mere individuals. Despite Reiner’s detention, Eren’s relentless pursuit of Eldian liberation likely would have allowed the Rumbling to proceed, albeit under different circumstances.

Marley’s Response

Marley’s Potential Reaction

Marleyan leaders planning the downfall of the Restorationists

If Reiner had been captured, Marley would likely react with urgency and aggression. The loss of such a critical player in their military efforts would significantly undermine their position. Marley might have swiftly organized a rescue operation involving additional warriors targeting Paradis Island, resulting in conflicts arising sooner than they did in the original timeline. Their desperation to reclaim the Armored Titan could lead to even more brutal tactics, escalating hostilities significantly.

This increased hostility from Marley could have compelled Paradis to employ extreme defensive measures, accelerating the timeline for Eren’s Rumbling to be realized. If Marley successfully rescued Reiner, insights gained from his capture would expedite their offensive preparations against Paradis.

A Shared Destiny: Reiner

Could Reiner Have Influenced the Final Showdown?

Had Reiner been taken captive, his role as the conflict escalated between Marley and Paradis would have drastically changed. Reiner is portrayed as a tragic figure torn between loyalties to Marley and his former comrades in Paradis. His period of reflection in captivity might lead him to reassess his allegiances, potentially even aligning with the Jaegerists and Eren.

If Reiner chose not to cooperate, the Eldians could utilize his knowledge of Marley’s strategies to form a robust plan for a coup. Discovering Titan serum technology from Reiner might enable them to transition control of the Armored Titan to a Paradis loyalist. This action would bolster their military capacity and serve as a deterrent against future conflicts, substantially altering the power dynamics at play.

Was Humanity’s Fate Unchangeable?

Inevitability of the Rumbling

The Wall Titans in the Rumbling of Attack on Titan

Despite the possible ramifications of Reiner’s capture on the storyline, the Rumbling may still have been an inevitable event due to Eren’s comprehensive strategies. Eren had envisioned the necessity of the Rumbling for Eldia’s freedom, irrespective of the obstacles he faced. Even if Reiner effectively captured him, the Rumbling might have proceeded eventually—albeit delayed—because of Eren’s manipulation of Zeke and the powers of the Founding Titan.

Ultimately, capturing Reiner during the Battle of Shiganshina could have sparked a multitude of changes, from shifting alliances to altering critical timelines. However, given Eren’s meticulous planning for the Rumbling, the outcome of the narrative likely would have remained consistent. Though Reiner’s capture might have introduced some delays and new strategies, the fundamental motivations underlying the characters would still lead the story toward its tragic, foreordained conclusion.

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