everyone will continue to say what they will about EM, but having their relationship highlighted at the end really shouldn’t have been a big surprise because their moments have directly preceded/are within many of snk’s key events +

mikasa appearing in eren’s “dream” in the first chapter, while initially vague, had already implied that she’d play a major role in solving the mystery of what he saw in that “dream.” the two of them literally start the story.

directly before eren’s titan is introduced, we see mikasa remembering eren and how he had encouraged her to fight (eren’s words to mikasa continue to echo throughout the story as well). this scene also showed mikasa’s capability of moving on with life after he dies

when eren is revealed to be alive, mikasa is the one who immediately runs to him. she listens to his heart, embraces him tightly, and cries. such an important and game-changing revelation quickly became an emotional and touching moment

as eren’s fate is being decided in court, him attacking mikasa is brought up and he is evidently shocked/disturbed upon learning this. he had remained collected until it was suggested that mikasa be dissected. he is vehemently defensive on her behalf, which leads to his speech +

and levi playing his part in ensuring that eren would be entrusted with the survey corps

when eren cannot transform and fight annie because of his confliction, mikasa’s words about the world being cruel helps him become determined/focused on what needs to be done, and he is able to transform. this is not the only instance where she strengthens his resolve

in ch50, eren has a huge breakdown and begins to criticize/loathe himself. mikasa’s words snap him out of that state, and he punches dina’s hand to protect mikasa. it’s in that moment that we learn of eren’s hidden power and that he is the coordinate. this moment also plays +

a major role in eren figuring out that him coming into contact with a titan that has royal blood is what triggers the founder’s power

as eren is about to finally reseal the wall in shiganshina, we see him think about his home, how he was forced to leave behind the life he had with his parents and mikasa. he looks back at mikasa directly after and he tightens his grip on the blade, determined to get it back

just as they are about to enter the basement to uncover one of snk’s biggest mysteries at that point, mikasa provides eren with emotional support. his hand shakes as he prepares to open the book, but she places her hand over his and they both unveil the mystery together

as eren starts the rumbling, we see mikasa reflect on the day that was pivotal in terms of eren and the path he chose. eren directly asks mikasa about the nature of their relationship, and as eren’s titan manifests, she wonders if her answer could’ve changed something. this +

chapter is also where eren’s intent to rumble the world is confirmed. and ofc, that moment between EM in 123 is directly referenced in 138, the climax of the series, where eren shows mikasa a vision of what could’ve happened if she told him her true feelings. in this vision, +

eren learns that his desire to be with mikasa is mutual, so he decides not to go through with the rumbling and they live his last years together. simply put, this shows just how much influence mikasa’s answer carried

this is where the story begins to come to a full circle, as we finally learn the context of eren’s dream from the first chapter. the vision eren shows mikasa causes a shift in her, and leads her to make the choice that breaks ymir’s curse and sets eldians free

the story ends just as it began, with mikasa and eren beneath the tree. it’s a moment that is deeply heart wrenching, and we are left with the scenery of mikasa’s tearful smile as she thanks eren once more, which directly alludes to the promise he made in ch50

this thread isn’t meant to sway other criticisms of the final chapter. things were undoubtedly messy and i cannot say i am completely or truly satisfied. this thread is simply meant to show that EM was not pulled out of no where.

eren and mikasa’s relationship, story, and love, is very obviously woven within the plot. the profound effect they have on one another has never been a secret, and their decision to give up being together brought resolution whether you like it or not

isayama established this pattern of bringing their relationship to the forefront right before/within major moments since the beginning. the very end of the story is the result of the dream eren saw of mikasa in the very first chapter and the choice mikasa made because of it

the ending isayama planned may have undergone many changes and tweaks over the years, but i think he always intended for eren and mikasa to be the final key, both individually and together

thank you for reading!