AOT Levi Ackerman : Everyone is leaving me behind

   "Shinzo wo Sasageyo!" Attack on Titan 

What's the sense of being the humanities strongest soldier when in exchange to that are the death of your beloved comrades ? 

It seems like no one ever discusses the fact that being the strongest soldier in humanity. Levi must watched everyone around him die while he continue to survive. Even though, Levi Ackerman is only a supporting role. It's undeniable that Isayama did a fantastic job portraying him. In addition, is the reality that Levi has one of the saddest life stories. 

He is by far one of the most sensitive and emotional characters in the series despite his demeanor. He is deeply attached to his comrades and keep on witnessing numerous deaths. He is unable to bear the resentment that those around him continue to faced death. Unlike others, he’s the kind of captain who sends his subordinates into battle with the command to not die. 

" I'm not having any losses here !! Not a single one of you is allowed to die !! " 

" Don't die on me, You have to survive " 

During the Season 4, To stop the Rumbling when they're trying to stop Eren. Even though he's injured he keep on helping them because he doesn't want to lose any more of his allies. Levi risk his already worn-out and damaged body to save Jean. He also prevented a titan from eating Connie who was hanging in midair. The painful thing is that as soon as he saved them, he began to cough up blood. Despite being fully aware of his condition, he leapt to save them and then said. "We should bring Armin back too."  He doesn't even think of himself most of the time and he just wanted them to be safe, to finish the mission without anymore deaths. 

But yes, It can be extremely upsetting to witness someone you love passed away in front of you and not be able to save them. His character growth was demonstrated throughout the series and his past was gradually revealed. It makes sense that he rose to prominence in the series as one of the most liked characters. His life experiences make it more relatable to the viewers, In addition to the fact that they are falling in love with him. Who wouldn't like Levi, right ? 

In the realm of Paradis Island, he is regarded as one of the strongest people from his strength and mentality the series prove that. In spite of his stature which makes him appear small, Levi is a highly skilled member of the elite Squad Survey Corps. He has the lightning-fast reflexes to dispatch all opponents specially titans. Even though, the first few seasons of the show presented him as emotionally cold and unapproachable. However, when it comes to his friends he really means it. In the end he is a good guy. He strives to defend humanity from the Titans threat and from anyone who could do something evil.

I rewatch Attack on  There are things in the show that I was unable to comprehend as a child but now it becomes more clear to me. Levi is the one character in this series that I find the most interesting. I was quite curious about learning his character changes and the fact that Isayama wrote a special chapters titled " A Choice with No Regrets " and the recent one " Bad Boys " about him makes me feel sentimental. I feel beyond sympathy for a fictional character. Y'all know a story was well written when the viewers can feel the characters to the core.

This piece of writing may come across as biased. 

Levi with his mother Kuchel 

" She won’t listen to me and says she’s gonna have it " - Kenny 

Levi's mother, Kuchel Ackerman work as a prostitute in a brothel located beneath the island of Paradis after the Ackerman Clan's persecution. She eventually became pregnant by one of her clients. After learning about it, her brother Kenny Ackerman convinced her to have an abortion. Kuchel did not listen to her brother and chose to keep the child. Later on, she gave birth to Levi and strive all by herself. She works hard to provide food and shelter for her son despite the poverty and violence that exist underground. Even though others view her mother as a worthless prostitute, he finds her to be elegant particularly with her posture. As a family they enjoy tea together which subsequently becomes Levi's comfort. 

A number of years following Levi's birth. Kuchel passed away from an unidentified illness. Levi is watching her mother decays while she is rotting in bed. He gradually starved to death and got extremely thin in the absence of any caregiver. His exact age at the time of his mother's death is unknown. Even so, he was perceptive enough to realize that his mother had passed away. It must be very difficult for Kuchel to leave her son alone like that. I couldn't help but wonder how many days Levi had been sitting there in the dark, starving and watching her mother's body gradually decompose into a corpse. Long after she passed away, Levi continued to wear her mother clothes as a sign of his love for her. A little piece of her that he held on to. Levi is the greatest proof that Kuchel strive hard to be a great mother. Even though reality speaking, it was a selfish act to birth a child unprepared. Kuchel knows it really well how hard and dangerous to live in that kind of environment. Still, I have no idea how much pain those moments must have caused him. He's just a child.

Levi with his Uncle Kenny 

In order to save Kuchel, Kenny Ackerman descended into the Underground. With his connection to Uri Reiss, he had put an end to their family's persecution so he went to that brothel with the intention of rescuing his sister and bringing her back to the surface. However, Kuchel had already passed away and had left her only child. When Kenny discovered Levi, he was starving to death so he decided to take him. Ofcourse, his rescue for Levi can be seen as an incredibly brave and selfless deed. It opposite to his nature of killing people because he did not let him die and without a doubt he saved Levi's life, he gave him another chance to live.

However, Kenny had the ability to bring Levi to the surface with him just as he had been planning to do with her sister. He had the opportunity to spare him the agony of Underground City life. Nevertheless, he decided to teach Levi how to endure a hostile work environment. Kenny made the decision to keep Levi in the Underground, teach him how to kill and be violent. It's also important to recognize that Levi suffered as a result of Kenny's treatment of him. Before establishing himself as the Underground's Strongest, Levi was undoubtedly unwelcome in some places because I don't think anyone in the Underground was all that happy about having a new little assassin being trained by none other than Kenny the Ripper.

" He might have inherited her talent, We should make him do the same job as her mother " - Merchant 

With his life Underground, Levi had previously attempted to break into a mercantile carriage in order to recover a tea set that had belonged to his mother but had been pawned off by the owner of the brothel following her mother's death in order to be sold on the outside world. The merchants considered selling him as well after they discovered that he is the son of Kuchel and captured him. I can't fathom the realization of how horrible and harsh Levi's Underground life is. The idea that they would sell a child to become a prostitute is absolutely disgusting. He was beaten to within an inch of his life when he reacted angrily which set off his awakening to his Ackerman power. Once he slaughtered every other merchant, the final merchant grudgingly returned what Levi had come for which is the tea set of his mother. You've seen firsthand how much Levi treasures every memory of his mother and its heartbreaking that a child live a life with utter violence around. 

Levi was raised in poverty in the Underground City. When he finally had some money he used it to buy black tea and returned to his mother's room. His mother's teacup broke just as he was ready to take his first sip, it was smashed to the floor. He developed a new method of holding cups as a result of the extreme trauma he experienced. His mother's influence gave him the idea to dream about opening a tea shop someday. I get emotional just thinking about Levi is making tea the way her mother used to. A small child clinging to his mother's memory. This panel is from the most recent manga "Bad Boys," in which Levi explains to Gabi and Falco why he is holding the cup in a particular way. 

The viewers was aware that Kenny left Levi as soon as his Ackerman Power became active. But because Kenny had just vanished like a bubble, Levi felt like he was being abandoned again though he couldn't quite figure out the reason.

Initially, I believed Kenny did not care enough for Levi because despite having the ability to bring him outside, he chose to let Levi live underground. So on abandoned him without providing an explanation but I've realized that Kenny was the one who understood the best, that Levi would take care of himself no matter what. Levi became the greatest soldier known to humanity thanks to Kenny. He then acknowledged that Levi was his pride and joy. He may not have ever confessed it to anyone or even to himself because it wasn't his style, but he did so to the person he was going to kill.

We witness Kenny literally passing away in front of Levi during his final moments in season 4. In Levi's face, Kenny coughs up blood. Levi seems worried, aware that this is his one and only chance to ask that crucial question. Out of all the questions he could have asked, he chose to focus on the one that meant the most to him. 

" who are you to my mother ? " - Levi 

" hah, idiot, just her big brother " - Kenny 

" then why you leave me back then? " - Levi 

" I was unfit to be a parent " - Kenny

Kenny confessed that he is Levi's uncle and says that he left him because he didn't think he was a suitable father. The problem is that despite his confidence, Kenny has extremely low self-worth. He has previously referred to himself as trash and he didn't think he was a good role model or that he had what it took to be a father. He thus departed leaving a confused child alone. Levi had both gained and lost a father figure at that very moment. 

Levi with his friends from Underground Isabel and Farlan 

As Levi grew up by himself in the dark space beneath. He encountered Farlan Church while exploring the Underground District of the capital. Farlan had heard tales of Levi's strength and had originally planned to put him to the test by having him battle a bunch of guys. His intention had been to determine whether or not Levi was worth enlisting into his gang of thugs. He was shocked to see that Levi defeated them all by himself. He hoped he could persuade Levi to join his gang because he was astounded by his skill. However, Levi refused so he joined up with him instead. The two became good friends.

Later, they met Isabel who was holding a bird when it enters their house. They fight the other thugs who wanted to hurt the child. Previously, Levi had saved Isabel from certain death when she was a young child and since then raised her, she had called him brother after that. He loved Isabel so much that he killed some guys who had cut her hair and made her cry. Pat her head and fed her. Following that, the three became extremely close. It was funny that Levi asked Isabel to clean up before allowing her to join their group with Farlan. Together, the three used to live, train and engage in various illegal activities.

As the story goes by a nobleman urge Levi, Farlan and Isabel to kill Survey Corps Squad Leader Erwin Smith and retrieve some documents he may be holding in exchange to let them live above the ground and the three agreed so that they can leave their slump area. So on, Erwin kidnaps Levi, Farlan and Isabel and makes a deal with them that if they join the Survey Corps their crimes will go unpunished. Erwin is clearly impressed by their proficiency with 3DM gear during their first meeting. With the intention of killing Erwin as soon as possible and obtaining the documents. Levi agreed to join the squad because he cares about his friends and did not want them to be in danger being punished for their crimes. 

" Aren't your subordinates with you ? What are you up to here alone " - Erwin

" They're not my subordinates" - Levi 

" I see " - Erwin 

They're not his subordinates because he treats them as his family. He values them greatly. When he was with them, he used to show his emotions more freely. He shows affection to Farlan and Isabel which Levi wouldn't easily do with others.

Before planning to kill Erwin and get the document they needed to give on the nobleman. Levi did not want Farlan and Isabel to joined him with the plan. 

" but I'll be going alone "  - Levi

" what ? "  - Farlan

" just think about any excuse and stay behind " - Levi 

" but bro why ? "  - Isabel 

" so you're saying that we can't handle it right ? "  - Farlan 

" that's right "  - Levi 

" Levi, Believe in us "  - Farlan 

" I'll believe in you "  - Levi 

" Yay " - Isabel 

Even though he knew they were capable to complete the mission he didn’t want them to go cause he just wanted them to be safe. He thinks of them a lot and did not want them to be put on danger. So on, after Isabel and Farlan persuade Levi to let them join the plan. Levi then agreed just look at his smile which is a very rare vision to see for everyone. 

Soon after, A rain is pouring while they're in mission and Levi chooses to kill Erwin by taking advantage of the cover the rain gives him. Farlan and Isabel decide to stay behind, to not attract the attention of the other members of their squad. An Abnormal Titan ambushes Isabel and Farlan right after Levi leaves, instantly killing both of them. Levi abandoned his plan and returned to save them only to find their heads chopped off. Levi was devastated to lose his only friends and blame himself for their passing. He killed Titan there after going on the rampage.

Imagine how hurt he was. This was his first mission ever and first time to face titans, his sole purpose for this was to get the document and let his friend live outside the underground and not to be a scout. But he had witnessed his only friends and family being devoured like that, his knees literally weakened as he kneeled down seeing Isabel's head. He let them stay behind not to get killed but they still died. The way he scream and cried shows how much pain he felt. After their deaths, Levi develop an insomnia and keep on having nightmares that he cannot save them. 

Levi with Special Operations Squad 

Comprising elite soldiers from the Survey Corps, the Special Operations Squad is a highly skilled and trained unit. Because Levi Ackermann, the captain of the Special Operations Squad personally selects each member. The group is sometimes referred to as "Squad Levi." They're Petra Ral, Oluo Bossard, EldGin, Gunther Schultz including Eren Yeager . 

The true strength of the Special Operation Squad lies in their flawless teamwork when they work together, despite the fact that each member is a fantastic fighter by themselves. When in battle, the members ability to cooperate so effectively makes it seem as though they could communicate without exchanging words, signals or gestures. In the days preceding the 57th Expedition, they keep an eye on Eren Yeager while he conducts his Titan transformation experiments.

Due to the Squad's skills and prior accomplishments they are frequently assigned to missions with greater risks and demands. For example, during the 57th Expedition they were tasked with both defending Eren and trying to lure the Female Titan into a trap so that it could be captured. With the exception of Eren and Levi, every original member of the Special Operations Squad was killed when the mission failed.

He is deeply concerned about the well-being of his subordinates due to their dangerous line of work and his own moral principles. This is seen on multiple occasions. Levi was clearly upset that so many of his men had perished on a pointless mission. Levi witnessed his comrades deaths once more. When they came back from the expedition Petra's father talk about her daughter to Levi devoting herself to the mission without knowing he already passed away but he couldn't look at Petra's father because he don't know how to face him. 

Levi with the death of his comrades 

During the course of the series. He can't avoid losing everyone. During his time in the Survey Corps, he has had to witness an astounding number of deaths. From the death of his mother at a young age and to continuously witnessed the death of his friends and comrades. It hasn't gotten any easier for him over time. He was really shocked to hear that Sasha got shot and that she couldn't make it alive anymore. Also on the death of Nifa, he keeps on looking back to see if she's still alive so he can save him but she's already dead. 

During this time, the rest of the soldiers drank their fill of Marleyan wine. Levi was spared because he chose to only drink tea. As for the rest of his men, Zeke's shout turned them all into Titans. Levi understands that the wine his soldiers had been too glad to consume must have contained Zeke's spinal fluid.

"Did you think I wouldn't kill my comrades if they turned into Titans? You don't have a damn clue how many comrades we've killed!" - Levi

Sadly, he ended up killing all of his comrades. They don't initially have a strong bond with Levi but as their captain, he looks out for them and it was heartbreaking to watch his allies keep dying at his hands. 

Levi with Survey Corps Commander Erwin 

Erwin Smith was on the Underground City when he met Levi. Erwin was so impressed by Levi's abilities, he struck a deal with him and his friends Farlan and Isabel to allow Levi to join the Survey Corps. He was a model leader for the Survey Corps because of his skills and his fight for justice and peace. Levi follows Erwin after Isabel and Farlan passed away and the two grow close. After a while, during another Titans War. Erwin tells Levi that he has a plan to defeat Zeke but in order to carry it out. He must sacrifice himself and order the other soldiers to follow him to their deaths by charging directly into Zeke. Then Levi would use this as a chance to kill the Beast Titan by ambushing him from behind.

“Give up on your dreams and die”. - Levi

He also admitted that he had a dream of entering the basement and to discover the titans mystery. Before attacking Zeke, Levi gave Erwin his assurance that the Beast Titan would fall and that their death would not be in vain. It breaks my heart to see their friendship and their last conversation together. A mutually equal and loving relationship characterized by trust, concern and devotion exists between Erwin and Levi. Erwin was also one of Levi's most significant person in his life. Erwin served as both a mentor and one of Levi's closest friends. Together, they've been through a lot. He went from being someone he wanted to kill to one of his closest allies.

Pursuing the beast titan in combat. Floch brought Erwin, who was miraculously half dead but Levi had to decide who would receive the titan serum injection. Levi chose Armin over Erwin which led to his death. When Levi made the difficult choice to lose his friend and give Armin another chance of life, he was influenced by a variety of factors. Letting his friend die must be extremely painful for him but it was the right decision. Sadder still is the fact that Erwin was standing there, near the Yeager house in Shiganshina to see the basement but he is unable to fulfill his dream. This scene literally shows how broken Levi is. He was deeply sad after the death and Erwin and appear very gloomy on the next episodes. 

Levi with 'Four Eyes' Hange Zoe 

Not long after Levi joined the Scouts. Hange and Levi got to know one another. She was instantly impressed with Levi's fighting skills. Hange was the first Survey Corps member to approach him with such enthusiasm and friendliness. Even though Levi is encouraged to socialize by Farlan, he seems uneasy and doesn't really respond to Hange. Instead, he puts on a fake tiredness. However, Hange doesn't seem to be believe him. He treats Levi and his two friends, Farlan and Isabel, with great kindness, stating that they were an inspiration to everyone. He even offers to take them out to lunch. 

Hange is fearless, self-assured and unfazed by Levi's tough guy persona. Even though Levi presents a cold and uncaring aura, he secretly admires Hange. They have a relationship built on mutual respect, trust and great communication. Only Hange has the audacity to make fun of Levi's height and develop a close relationship with him without making Levi upset. He gets teased back by Levi as well.

“ I wonder what kind of titans I'll see this time! I'd really love to see some abnormal ones! ” - Hange 

“ I can see an abnormal already. ” - Levi

“ Huh? Where? ” - Hange

(Grabs their hair and brings them close) " Right here. ” - Levi 

During the course of Levi watching Zeke escape, A thunderspear explosion critically wounds Levi, Hange discovers him unconscious beside a riverbank. Hange quickly tells lies to save Levi's life when one of the soldiers suggests shooting him in the head to guarantee his death. She says the explosion killed him right away. When something else caught Yeagerist's attention. Hange seizes the chance to dive into the river alongside Levi in order to escape them and their gunfire. Hange and Levi set up camp in the forest following their escape. 

Hange stitch and wrap up Levi's wounds, all while talking about the situation, despite his apparent state of unconsciousness. While Levi sleeps, Hange sit next to him and begin talking because she thought Levi couldn't hear her. 

" I'd rather have the two of us just live here. Right, Levi? " -Hange

“ (Awoken after some time) If we keep, running and hiding...what will that get us? ” - Levi 

" Oh. So you heard me talking to myself ” - Hange

" I know you...you won't be able to stay out of the action " - Levi

" Yeah...that's right. I can't. " - Hange 

They spend days and nights together in the forest while Hange is in watch to the wounded Levi and waiting for him to heal. She even created a raft so she can carry Levi when they travel. This scene literally show how much they care for each other. Hange literally kills other soldiers who might attacked them with the tears in her eyes. 

Hange bids Levi farewell expressing her time has come. Levi's eyes get sad and hollow when he hears this. He wanted to stop her but he know he couldn't do it. 

" Hey, four eyes. ” - Levi

" You understand. It's finally here, you know...? It's my turn. I want to look as cool as I possibly can right now. So just let me go, will you? " - Hange 

" Dedicate... your heart. ” - Levi

“Ha ha! That's the first time I've heard you say that. " - Hange 

Hange chuckles and makes fun of him for never having said anything like that before. After taking down multiple enormous titans, Hange falls and dies, leaving Levi and the others safe aboard the flying boat. Levi sees a deep sadness in the wake of Hange's sacrifice. She's precious to him and seeing another death was just too much. 

He asks them to watch him and the others while he quietly sits unlike the others who watch Hange die and cried. This scene literally shows how sad he was. 

At the conclusion of the season, when the Rumbling had been stop by mikasa by killing off Eren and the curse was also ended by Ymir. Levi is thinking with tears on his past experiences with his senior comrades. To bid a final farewell to the last Survey Corps veteran, Hange, Erwin and the other deceased soldiers make an appearance in front of Levi, It highlights their sorrowful expression. After holding it for too long. Levi finally breaks down in tears and puts his hand to his heart in solidarity with his fellow soldiers.

Levi at the Ending Scene

During the course of Season 1–3, Levi lost everyone from his original team. As time passed, Levi grew more and more fond of the new scouts. Levi and the new scouts went through a lot together throughout the season. He is truly one of the most emotional and empathetic characters from the series. Levi is a hero figure as he is self-sacrificing and uses his power to do as much possible for humanity even when he doesn’t necessarily have to. His selflessness and compassionate nature really show under his tough, aloof, blunt, clean freak self. He really puts others desires into his heart as he fulfils his promise to his dying comrade that their deaths will not be put in vain.

At the end he's in a wheelchair, lost one eye and two fingers. Yet instead of resting after fulfilling his duty. He choose to help children. This scene where Levi is giving away candy to kids makes me feel like he has actually found something to make him carry on. Even though he was left all alone, he wakes up and looks forward to treating all these children to candy.