For many fans, actions speak louder than words. In adulthood, Eren may say that he hates Mikasa, but the entirety of the series contradicts that. u/Mikasahisu listed the ways Eren proves his affection for his adopted sister over the years. After their first meeting, where Eren saves her from a gang of sex traffickers, the two are inseparable. When she joins the Survey Corps, he seems visibly concerned, wanting her to join the Military Police where it will be safe. u/TheLuiz argued that it was true that Eren despises the Ackermans' subservience, but that doesn't mean he hates Mikasa. Other Redditors like u/TitanChad attributed this conflict to separate feelings. Many believed that Eren harbored resentments since they first joined up to protect the world from Titans.
"After rewatching season 1 there is a lot of time where Eren seems to be jealous because Mikasa is too strong," the post read. "There is also [a] moment where Eren is bored because Mikasa is too protective." The poster admitted that they weren't sure either way if Eren truly hates Mikasa or not. But what became conjecture for such a long time was eventually explained at the tail-end of the series. At that point, Eren had already become resigned to his fate as an antagonist. There is no doubt what a long way the main character has fallen since the beginning of the show. But the manga later gives context for Eren's harsh words.
