It was the same dream.
The same damn dream he had almost every night up into the age of 13.
He'd been spared of it for 6 years after, but tonight it came back with a vengeance.
The one about his childhood, about the last time he spent with his two younger sisters.
The last time he ever smiled for years to come.
He, along with his 5 and 3 year old sisters where playing out in one of the many open grassy fields surrounding the area around their home when his mother sent for him.
Moki was only 7 years old when his mother disowned him, claiming how "he shamed the family name" and "how his behavior would negatively effect his sisters".
This argument would lead to his parents divorce. His father leaving with him while his mother stayed with his sisters.
For the next 12 years, he never saw any of them outside the single photo his father gave him before passing away two years after the divorce.
Fortunately, this bitter-sweet dream ended with the usual happy ending.
Stuck in an orphanage for a few months that felt like an eternity, an individual recognizing his family name approached Moki. This individual turned out to be a rather rich elderly foreign man whose curiosity often got the better of him in his old age, or so he said.
The 9 year old answered all the questions the elderly, nice man asked (mostly about his past and how he ended up here), receiving a warm hug once they finished.
This man wasted no time adopting Moki on the spot, taking him to a rather elegant vacation home before packing up to return to his main house in Italy.
It was the first time Moki flew on an airplane, and it wouldn't be the last.
Once in Italy, he was introduced to his new older brothers, each vastly different from one another, and once he was settled began learning not only the Italian language, but also continued with education according to the Japanese standard.
His new father wasted no expense in assuring his foster son had a proper education along with the pleasure of sticking with a system he was familiar with rather than adapting to a new standard.
In time, Moki learned many other languages at the wish of his foster father.
You see, his foster father ran multiple businesses under a single corporation with its influence spread around the world in virtually every market on a global scale. As such, he and his other sons are already bilingual.
He wanted Moki to be fully prepared should he decided to help run this massive business as his eldest son desires, enjoy art and music from around the world as his second son does, travel around the world as his third and youngest biological son dreams of, or whatever he decides to do with his life.
Such an in dept care for someone not of his blood often moved Moki to tears during what remained of his childhood.
To this day, Moki still remembers the exact words his foster father said to him on that day in the orphanage. The day that marked the drastic change of his life and the beginning of his eternal gratitude to the elderly gentleman.
"My name is Don Dunnavanty, I promise you that I will do everything I can to save you from your suffering."
"Will you take my hand, Moki Nishizumi?"
Moki woke with a growl. He rubbed the back of his head as he slowly rose up, shifting around his spiky, short, light brown hair. The empty alcohol bottle he finished last night rolled off his chest and bounced unto the floor.
Now 19 years old, the young adult mostly wasted his time between vacation homes or lazing around his owned home during his free time.
Officially, Moki attended a relatively new, elite military college founded by his eldest brother known as All-National Military Academy or A.N.M.A.
Unofficially, being the genius he is, Moki only shows up for practical exams, upon invitation from some of his friends, and for when the college's Tankery class conducts mock battles or important meetings.
A.N.M.A., as suggested by its name, takes applicants from all-over the globe, from superpower nations to countries no one ever heard of: Only the best wishing to pursue a military career attend the academy, aiming to join global military units such as the UN or other newly rising organizations.
Many nations invested into the school aircraft carriers which also doubled as mobile communities. A.N.M.A. was built with the same idea in mind as it travels the world to make acquiring new students more convenient, however it was much, much more massive than any aircraft carrier in history.
In fact, it wasn't designed like an aircraft carrier at all but more like a square-like movable island.
Tankery or rather Sensha-do as the Japanese call it, normally seen as a more female sports club in middle and highschool levels, provides excellent training on tank operations -however outdated- along with an excellent opportunity to develop tactics, strategies, and overall experience in tank warfare.
As such, in A.N.M.A. Tankery is a course available to both genders looking to join any armored forces.
Moki, like the rest of his family, had an interest in tanks along with an appreciation for history.
The Art of War, 36 Strategies, A Book of Five Rings, The 33 Strategies of War, On War, Strategy, and a few other war strategy books Moki already committed to memory, along with a number of historical entries on past wars and significant battles.
He knew many things relating to history and military, so he hasn't felt the need to show up to classes since he already knew what they teachers were already teaching.
After all, he did help his eldest brother organize the curriculum in the first place.
"Haven't had that dream in awhile." Moki said sleepily under his breath. He let out a sigh, swinging his feet around to the side of his bed.
He took a quick glance around his room, focusing on the window. The sun was already up. Given the position, probably 10 or 11 am.
He overslept. Again.
Letting out another sigh, Moki rose from his bed and proceeded to get dressed. He put on his usual attire; a white tank top and gray-blue cargo pants, then headed out of his room.
He walked down the far too long wooden floor halls into the kitchen, there he was greeted by a few servants the helped run the place along with his older brother Charles.
Charles has short, flat brown hair and black eyes. He currently wore a yellow sleeveless shirt, jeans, and fingerless black gloves. This was one of his dirt biking outfits.
Charles was the youngest before Moki came around.
The forward was ecstatic to have a younger brother and the two formed a close bond almost Charles reckless nature and Moki's carefree attitude, the two often found themselves in trouble more times than either could count back in their childhood.
Their father however, mostly laughed at the "creative" problems the two would cause rather than punishing them. That duty fell to their eldest brother Earl, know for his serious, no-nonsense demeanor and their other older brother Princeton, whom always found expressive ways to voice his criticisms.
Moki sat down in front of chicken omelet with a side of rice, one of his favorite late breakfast/early lunch meals.
After eating his meal, Charles glided over to his brother's side, practically shoving a tablet in Moki's face.
"Yo brother, check this out."
"What is it?" He replied, slightly pushing the tablet back a tad before taking it in his hands.
"I've been doing a little research into the Sensha-do thing you've been into, and I got to say it's peeked my interest. Hell I may try it out myself."
Moki let out a laugh. "In between all those extreme sports contests you have?"
"Bah, I only do those for fun." Charles replied with the wave of his hand. "Won't bother me if I miss a few to try something new. Anyway take a look at this."
He played the video pulled up on his tablet. It showed the final few minutes of a Tankery Match; the finals of the 63rd National High School Sensha-do Tournament between Kuromorimine Girls High School and Ooarai Girls High School to be specific.
Moki already knew the result: Ooarai taking the championship despite many thinking Kuromorimine would win once more.
It was politicized for awhile due to the unexpected turn of events, however Moki rarely watch any news channels so he heard of it through his friends at school.
What he didn't know where the specifics as he never bothered to watch the match, at least in full. He knew Maho commanded the Kuromorimine team, just like mother always wanted.
He wondered if Miho was apart of her team. They all had an interest in tanks, that and given the expectations of their mother, it would be little wonder if she partook in Sensha-do.
Now that he thought about it, Moki never learned of the name of the girl whom lead the Ooarai team.
Moki watch the video, curious on how the Panzer IV Ausf. H managed to defeat a Tiger I. After a few moments pasted into the video, Moki noticed the two tank commanders were partly out of their tanks.
While dangerous, it showed their confidence in themselves and their crews. The move also had the advantage of a less obscure view, which in a semi-open field the two fought in could make all the difference in their one-on-one battle.
"Pretty bold." Moki muttered, admiring the two girls.
The camera zoomed in from time to time, confirming that Maho was commanding the Tiger tank. Moki saw flashes of light brown hair from the Ooarai Panzer IV commander until he finally saw a decent look at said commander's face.
"Miho!" Moki nearly yelled, instantly recognizing the girl while being washed over by surprise.
Two sisters, equally determined by the looks on their faces, fighting each other in the finals of the championship.
Moki didn't know what event transpired to cause Miho to transfer schools, but he bet it had something to do with their mother. Hell, maybe she disowned her too.
Either way, as Moki continued to watch the video to its conclusion, he couldn't help but smile as Miho won against all odds.
He could only imagine the look on Shiho Nishizumi's face when Maho lost to her younger sister. (Not that the latter would mind, the two of them were always close. Least as far as Moki remembered).
"Thanks for showing me this brother." Moki said, handing the tablet back to Charles. "That's the first time I've seen Maho and Miho in 12 years."
"No prob, but that's only the start of it." Charles replied once he took the tablet back in his hands. He swiped and pressed a few keys, pulling up another web page.
"I know you care for the Nishizumi family, which is why you kept your last name to honor your late father and all, so when I stumbled upon your sisters when I was looking into Tankery I though you should know."
He showed the web page to his foster brother: it was an news article titled Ooarai Girls High School vs Selection University!
"High schoolers against university students?" Moki said, taking the tablet into his hands once more as he quickly studied the article.
"Yeah, I had Earl do some digging. Turns out your sis's team is fighting to keep their school open, again." Charles said, rubbing the back of his head. "Turns out the guy in charge of MEXT School Carriers Department -some guy named Renta Tsuji- wants to turn their carrier into scrap or something."
"There was a huge argument by several influential members of the JSF, including Shiho, to allow the girls a chance to save it."
Moki let out a low laugh. "Bet she only wants the school to stay open until Kuromorimine defeats them."
Charles shrugged in response.
Moki took one more glance at the article. He already familiarized himself with the University Strength Team; mostly using late-war era American tanks. lead by a child genius whom is the current heir to the Shimada family which also happened to be a rival of the Nishizumi.
This agreement is too perfect a chance for the two families to settle their rivalry.
"Know any details on the match?" He asked his brother, whom nodded in response.
"30 vs 30 annihilation style, set to go three days from now."
Moki let out a sigh. Annihilation. Victory to the team that takes out the last tank on the enemy team.
Last time he checked, Ooarai only has 8 mostly early era tanks.
That against a force of late era, mostly M26 Pershings, Panthers, or other such tanks in an annihilation styled match was much more than unbalanced.
It would be a slaughter.
"I want to help them brother." Moki said, handing the tablet back to his foster brother. "I want to help my younger sister."
"I figured you'd say that." Charles replied with a wide smile. "Which is why I already called dad. He's making all the necessary arrangements now."
"Awesome, you're the best Charles."
The man replied with a laugh. "Tell me something I don't know."
"Right." Moki said with a smile. "Now then, I best get my team ready." He sat up, turning to the door. Moki looked over his head to his brother. "Thanks again Chalres."
"Buona fortuna mio fratello." Chalres said with a wave of his hand.
"Grazie." Moki replied, then fast walked down the halls.
'Don't worry Miho,' He mentally spoke. 'Big brother Moki's coming to bail you out.'
The night before the match...
Moki breathed in the nighttime air, the cool air sent a refreshing chill down his throat.
He stood overlooking the field were Ooarai and Selection would do battle in the morning.
That is, until his foster family intervened. It wasn't publicized yet, especially since only a few select individuals within the JSF (Director Shichiro Kodama included) know that A.N.M.A.'s Sensha-do team -known as the All Star Corps- will be replacing Ooarai's team.
Agreements were forged, partnerships made, and everything set in place for the ASC to fight on the behalf of Ooarai for the fate of their school.
After stretching his arms out, Moki threw down a small, black rectangular device. In a moment, a three dimensional map of the surrounding area popped up before him.
This is one of the newest A.N.M.A.'s military grade projection devices, produced by the Dunnavi Organization.
Moki flagged points of interest on the map; a massive hill that actually stood before him, an amusement park, a layered cliff base that could make a good stronghold, and dense enough forests for ambush tactics.
He knew the tactics of the Selection University team; they try to flexible and unpredictability, yet they have a few strategies they can't help but repeat.
The university operates primarily through the use of separate units that complete independent objectives as part of an integrated, cohesive overall strategy.
These individual companies are assigned to frontline sub-commanders who direct their units on a tactical level, while the upper levels of command coordinate the various operational objectives towards accomplishing strategic goals.
This is not only sound, but very military like.
However, a large part of the university's doctrine hinges upon interpretation of the enemy's strategy and adapting to counter it, hence the Sensha-dō force prefers not to fully engage until thorough reconnaissance of the opposition's deployment and movements has been conducted, and then they attack in a single, swift, coordinated strike.
Similarly, the university also takes the extra effort to conceal its own strategies by hiding them behind feints or misleading behavior.
They also have a tendency to try and out-position their opponents to force them into a single decisive battle, such as a major breakthrough or encirclement tactic.
These "habits" -as Moki calls them- will be the foundation to his counter strategies.
"Uhm..." He heard a voice behind him.
Moki turned around, coming within a few feet of a cute, medium-sized high school student with a short, light brown hair and a pair of light brown eyes dressed in a white serafuku with a green trim, a big black ribbon tied below it and matching green skirt holding a paper map of the area.
Moki almost laugh as he stood in front of Miho for the first time since they were little kids.
"Who are you?" She asked, tilting her head slightly to her right. "And what are you doing here?"
"Ah," Moki pulled his hand up, scratching his cheek with his index finger. "Well Miho, I'm here cause I wanted to get a good look at the battlefield. Take in the sights and run some simulations in my head you know?"
"Simulations?" Miho asked, not surprised in the slightest this man knew her name. "What do you mean?"
She peaked past Moki, taking in the 3 dimensional map active behind him.
"Oh, well I heard that you Ooarai girls will be fighting the Selection University team." Moki answered. "I'm a bit of an expert in military tactics and a bit of a fan of Sensha-do, so I figured I try to come up with some possible tactics and strategies if I was in your position."
"I see, so you're a fan of Ooarai?"
"Yeah, you could say I am." Moki said with a smile. "It was impressive how you girls managed to fight against all odds before in the last championship." He turned halfway around, glancing back at the map.
"This time however, it will be a tough fight."
"True. 30 against 8 isn't the best odds." Miho said, taking a step forward. "However, I'm sure that we can pull through like before!"
"I have no doubt you won't give it your all, but do you know they plan on it being an annihilation match?"
Miho paused, her eyes shacking in shock for a moment before returning to normal. "Yes, we were just informed earlier today."
Moki closed his eyes, letting out a sigh before scratching the back of his head.
"I'm guessing Renta withheld that information to the last minute on purpose." He turned back to his little sister. "It's like the man has some personal vendetta against Ooarai or something."
"Huh...Looks like I'm not the only one who's visiting Miho tonight." A new, mellow sounding voice said.
The voice belonged to an approaching short girl with a long twin ponytail, reddish-brown hair and a pair of red-brown eyes wearing the Ooarai Girls High School uniform.
Anzu Kadotani, student council president and commander of "Turtle Team", stopped a few steps off to Miho's right side. She gave Moki a curious smile as she placed her hands on her hips.
"So Miho, you gonna tell me your friend's name or what?"
"Oh we just meet so I don't know his name yet." Miho replied. "He said he's a fan of ours though and came here to help think up some strategies for us."
"Is that right?" Anzu smirked. "Well seeing as Miho seems to trust you, and due to that fancy 3D map you got there, I don't see why we shouldn't take you up on that offer."
Moki let out a short chuckle. "Thanks for your trust, Anzu."
"Oh so you know my name huh?" Anzu said with honest, pleasant surprise. "Then again, if you are a fan of ours, I shouldn't be surprised. I guess you know a lot about us."
"Yes well-"
"-Miporin!" A new voice cried out. All three turned their heads towards it.
Waving at them as she approached is an orange haired girl wearing an Ooarai uniform with black thigh highs.
Next to her are three other girls wearing Ooarai uniforms; a tall girl with long black hair and a long strand on her front left side, a girl with short and curly dark brown hair with a miner's helmet with a light build in it, and a short girl with long, thick black hair with bangs and a white headband.
"Friends of yours?" Moki asked despite already knowing the answer.
"Yeah, they're the rest of the Anglerfish team." Miho answered with a smile, waiting till her four friends drew near before introducing them to Moki.
"Miporin, who is this guy?" Saori asked, gasping once a particular yet predictable though crossed her mind. "Don't tell me he's your boyfriend! He's too old for you Miporin!"
Miho blushed. "No, no Saori! I just met the guy!"
"Yeah, and 19 isn't that old." Moki added, crossing his arms. "I'm just a fan here to lend a helping hand."
"Oh, well sorry then." Saori said, moving her hand along the back of her head as she stuck her tongue out in a playful manner.
"No problem." Moki replied with a chuckle. He turned his gaze back to his little sister. "Now then," He started, gesturing to the map behind him. "Shall we?"
For the next few minutes, Miho, Moki and the rest of the girls formulated several ideas and possible strategies over the match that would never be.
It's mostly a waste of time, yet Moki enjoyed spending time with his youngest sister after all this time.
Even if Miho had no idea who he was. After all, she was only 3 years old last time they meet.
As time passed by, Moki heard a car approaching. He turned, as did the other Ooarai school girls, focusing on the glowing headlights growing bigger and bigger each passing moment.
As it neared, the car turned so the driver's side would be the closest side to them. The car was a black Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Two women exited the car moments after it came to a controlled halt; one with dark purple hair, dull blue eyes and held a rather large tablet close to her small chest (B cup), the other had long, golden blond hair, cyan colored eyes, and a rather big, but not too big chest (D cup).
They both wore the same outfit: a dark blue decorated military dress uniform decorated with black and golden shoulder guards, a puffy golden medallion like object linked to one of the shoulder guards and has a small cape, black boots and matching gloves.
"Commander." The blond woman said before saluting, the other woman did the same.
"Emily, Rachie." Moki replied, returning the salute. "Report."
"Sir, all active members have finished preparations. We are fully prepared for tomorrow's match." The blond woman, Emily, replied. "Additionally, the announcement has been made official as of 4 minutes ago."
Moki nodded in reply, turning his attention to Rachie.
With a smile, Rachie took three steps forward before holding her tablet out to Moki.
"I have received intel on the enemy's line up." She said as Moki grabbed the tablet. "I'm afraid to report that your suspicions are correct."
Moki frowned, lowering the tablet to his side. "Well then, we can cross off using the hill as a strong point then." He said with a sigh. "Damn Renta or whatever his name is. Must have push the issue through for this match."
"Uh, excuse me but what are you talking about?" Miho asked. Moki turned to face her, patting her on the head.
"Sorry Miho, looks like something came up." He said with a smile. "Everything will make sense tomorrow, I promise. Until then, I'll see you later."
With that, he turned toward the car. Rachie already entering as Emily maneuvered around to the other side, waiting for Moki to draw closer before opening the door for him.
Once he was settled, Emily half jogged back to the driver's side, entered, and after a few moments drove off in the direction she came.
While the majority of the Ooarai Girls High School students gathered there wondered what that was all about, Miho couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity with the 19 year old man.
In her mind, she swore she knew him from somewhere. From where or when Miho couldn't say.
All she could do now was wait for tomorrow.
The next day...
On the open field chosen for the Sensha-do match stood 6 individuals standing in the middle of the two respected forces.
Ami Chono and three other JSF certified judges (Konon Sasagawa, Remi Takashima, and Hibiki Inatomi for those of you whom don't know their names.) lined up almost shoulder to shoulder in a straight line facing the two commanders of the opposing teams that would be fighting today.
Or they would have if one didn't oversleep.
In Moki's stead, his second-in-command Emily Fairchild stood facing the young genius Alice Shimada, doing her best to hide her disappointment in her commander by closing her eyes.
"Apologies, the commander should be along shortly." She said in a polite tone. "Assuming you don't wish to wait, I can take the commander's place in this situation."
"This entire match is a surprise to begin with." Ami Chono replied. "I expected Ooarai's commander to be standing her. Instead I've been told a last minute change has taken place and now one of the commanders is missing."
Emily opened her eyes, glaring at the Japanese Defense Force captain. "Yes well, we felt it rather unfair that a high school with only 8 tanks fight against a university easily capable of fielding 30 in an annihilation style match."
"Oh I agree with you." Ami said with a smile. "Not only am I grateful to you all, I am honored to witness how the All National Military Academy who recruits students around the world conducts Sensha-do."
"In a way, one could say this is a sample of the different styles we could see in the upcoming International Tournament."
At that moment, an aircraft came into view. Its engines casting a low echo across the field.
"Are these our special guests?" Ami asked.
Emily replied with a smile, tilting her head down as she closed her eyes.
Thousands of feet in the air, the cargo door to the aircraft slowly opened. Three individuals dressed in different styled business tuxedos geared up with helmets, googles, and parachutists.
"You guys ready for this!" Charles, now dressed in a black suit with matching tie, undershirt, pants, and dress shoes, yelled back to his brothers.
Princeton, dressed in an older, frilly-styled red jacket (something like what Miles Edgeworth wears), nervously stroked his cravat. He has silver hair brushed over in a curl on his left side, light gray eyes, and a mole below the right side his lip.
"I can't believe you talked me into this Charles." He said, masking the slight fear in his voice.
"No backing out of it now Princeton!" Charles replied with a laugh.
"Are you done?" Earl, dressed in a rust tux with thin black stripes, a rust colored tie, black undershirt, and black dress shoes, asked clearly annoyed by his younger brothers. "We're going to miss the drop zone."
Earl has short reddish brown clicked back hair, a goatee, and black intimidating eyes. He looked the most like their father and stood as tall him (6 feet).
"Don't worry Earl! I know when we need to jump before it gets to that." Charles replied, taking a few steps backward to the edge of the ramp. "And just to demonstrate how much of an expert I am-"
He stepped back, vanishing from sight as he headed into free fall.
Princeton flinched at his younger brother's audacity as his older brother casually walked to the edge of the plane. Earl only hesitated for a moment to look down at the ground he was about to jump towards before carrying out the deed.
Princeton shook his head a few times before working up the nerve to angrily walk to the end of the plan.
"I hate how you two can act so casual about this!" He yelled before mentally counting to three before jumping himself.
The three Dunnavanty brothers felled to the earth, Charles laughing at the thrill, Princeton screaming every curse word he knew in several different languages and Earl silently watching the ground with the same demeanor he gives with just about everything he deals with.
When the timing was right, the three brothers activated their parachutists, gliding peacefully down to the mostly open field below.
Once on the ground, Charles and Earl soundly took off their equipment while Princeton took a moment to state his love for the earth beneath his feet before shedding off his equipment.
The three brothers walked towards the temporary metal bleachers set up for those whom wanted to watch the match in person along with the attached special boxed setting where Renta Tsuji (Head of MEXT School Carriers Department), Shichiro Kodama(Director of the JSF) and their father Don Dunnavanty sat.
Renta Tsuji is a tall, thin man with dark hair and large, rectangular spectacles dressed in his usual business attire (a formal, grayish brown business suit and blue tie.)
Shichiro Kodama is a tall and well-built man with a thin moustache, bald and has brown eyes dressed in his usual dark grey and black academic robes, a cream-colored boater hat with a black ribbon, and holding a small white fan with the Sensha-dō Federation logo printed on it in blue.
Don Dunnavanty is a tall man with stylish gray hair, a full short cut beard and black eyes currently wearing golden kimono with brown stripes and saddles. He has a warm, yet somewhat intimidating face and held a fan of his own with the logo of his company printed on it in gold.
Additionally, Chiyo Shimada (a beautiful woman with long light brown hair tied with a black ribbon and a pair of hazel eyes dressed in dull red jacket, a matching long skirt, black gloves, black boats, a black beret, and holding a black umbrella to shield herself from the sun.) and Shiho Nishizumi (a severe-looking woman with long dark brown hair and dark brown eyes wearing black jodhpurs with a white undershirt, which for some reason is seemingly the only thing she wears.) sat near each other at another reserved spot.
The other observers included various citizens living on the aircraft carrier Ooarai Girls High School calls home or other fans/relatives of the girls from said school, a few business men with ties to the Dunnavi Organization, and the Ooarai Sensha-do team whom only recently learned of the switch.
Many were disappointed as they prepared themselves for this day, and while she would never admit it, Miho was a bit relieved as she knew that with their current numbers they had little chance at best to win.
Or so she thought, until the other surprise guests arrived.
Apparently, Darjeeling from St. Gloriana Girls High School put out a call to every school Ooarai had been affiliated with to bring a collective number of 22 tanks to even the odds.
Members of Saunders, Anzio, Pravda, Jatkosota, Kuromorimine and Chi-Ha-Tan arrived with additional forces to aid their friends in their time of need (though Chi-Ha-Tan misunderstood the message and brought 22 tanks themselves).
Miho thanked each one one of them, apologizing that their selfless act proved to be wasteful.
None of them seemed to mind, well most of them anyway. (*cough**cough* Katyusha *cough*)
Now, each of these girls sat gathered around the Ooarai team still dressed in Ooarai's uniform (which they dressed in to sell the story of them all being temporary transfer students, and cause most honestly wanted to try them on).
Regardless, most if not all of those in attendance today now drew their attention to the three Dunnavanty brothers.
Charles waved all cheery like as he approached. He pulled out a potable, wireless microphone once the three stood within a few dozen feet from the audience. He checked it quickly, tapping the top of the mic a few times.
"Hey, hey, hey everyone! I hope you all are enjoying this bright, sunshiny day!" Charles's voice rang out, amplified by several speakers positioned at the ends of the bleachers.
"My name's Charles Dunnavanty, 2nd youngest son to my wonderful father and founder of the Dunnavi Organization, Don Dunnavanty!"
The crowd clapped for a few moments as Don raised his hand in acknowledgement, smiling at his youngest born.
"Oh and before I forget, today's Sensha-do match is sponsored by the Dunnavi Organization, with our hands in markets around the world there's not much you can't find while looking up our products!"
Charles said, spinning around to face his brothers for the second half.
"Now without further adieu, I'll be handing off the mic to my big brother, founder of the All-National Military Academy, and current CEO of our family's business, give it up for Earl Dunnavanty everyone!"
Once more, the crowd clapped as Charles handed the mic to his eldest brother. Earl waited patiently for the crowd to settle before speaking into the microphone.
"Thank you everyone for coming out to support the match hosted here today." Earl started, gazing at the crowd before him. "I, like many of you, look forward to the spectacular show that my students and the handed picked University Strengthened Team will surely give us starting in a few short moments."
He waited a few moments before continuing, as if pondering on what to say next.
"There is an old saying our father used to say to us, words that I live by to this very day. I would like to share this wise life lesson with you."
"Humans both fear and hate the unknown, both on an individual level and as a whole. You can see this in the way people treat others based on their race, religion, life style, origin, and even the color of their skin. As such, it is up to us to show people, to explain to them that others aren't that much different. That we fellow humans are different, yet the same. That we are not unknown. That we are people."
"I founded the All-National Military Academy upon these principles. For I wanted to show the world that men and women from all different races, religions, life styles and origins can come together under one roof."
"That people can truly get along with one another, if only they take the time to understand one another."
Earl waited for a moment, giving some individual among the crowd a chance to start a standing ovation.
Charles smirked at the sight. Princeton could help but give a cool smile at the sight.
After the crowd settled down, the eldest Dunnavanty brother spoke once more.
"I suppose I've spoken enough for one day." Earl said with a half smile. "To finish this up, I'll give my brother Princeton a chance to speak."
He handed the mic to his brother, the latter gracefully grabbing the handheld device. Slowly, Princeton moved the microphone up to his face.
"Thank you my dear brother," Princeton started, glancing at Earl. "I will strive to make this short, as I'm sure everyone is waiting in anticipation for today's match."
"I am an artist, a musician, and a poet along with a major patron of all various establishments relating to these three subjects. As such, I am often credited as a detailed critic."
He glanced up, looking directly at Renta Tsuji before extending is hand outward towards the man.
"As a critic, I must portray my utmost disappointment at a certain member of MEXT and their bias decisions regarding Ooarai. After these brave girls fought to keep their school open, blowing away all expectations by winning last year's National High School Sesha-do Tournament, only for this one individual to say that their efforts haven't bore any fruit."
"That despite them winning a championship, which this one individual verbally promised if they won he wouldn't close down the school, decides to not only break his word but also the hopes of those wonderful, talented girls due to his past grudges with the school."
"This injustice cannot and will not stand ladies and gentlemen! For this reason, is why we of the Dunnavanty family have intervened in this nefarious series of events!"
"For this reason, our All-Stars shall fight against the University Selection Team for the fate of Ooarai Girls High School!"
A loud applause irrupted from the crowd along with the occasional whistle and cheering. Princeton smiled proudly, thankful that such a crowd appreciated his speech.
In the long run however, it would only feed his already massive ego.
In this moment, Charles stepped over to Earl. He leaned over, whispering in his older brother's ear. "Princeton's always been a fan of the dramatics huh?"
"Listen up, knights of Ooarai!" Princeton shouted with the turn of his heel and a determined look on his face. He now faced in the direction of his brother's team. "The fate of the school, along with her students, rest upon your shoulders! Defeat is not an option! I trust you all understand this?"
"SIR YES SIR!" The members of the All-Stars team responded in perfect unison, loud enough to drown out all other noise for a few moments.
"V-very well then!" Princeton replied, unprepared by the volume of his brother's students. "Fight like you have never fought before! The entire country is watching you!"
Princeton handed the microphone off to Charles once he finished speaking. The latter turned to face the crowd, opening his mouth to pass it off to Ami Chono to the start the match when he heard a distance noise.
He turned his head, taking in the view of an approaching a black Alfa Romeo Giulia. Shaking his head in silent amusement, Charles held the mic up to his face.
"Looks like our last guest has finally arrived." He said, lowering so no one would hear this last part. "And he's late as always. Typical Moki."
Dirt, rocks and grass spewed from the back of the vehicle as it sped through the open field, slowing only once it drew a few dozen feet from where the four officials, Alice and Emily stood.
The car nearly flipped over as it suddenly drifted to a stop, spewing up even more dirt and grass in a short tidal wave. It bounced on all four wheels before becoming completely still.
One moment after, Moki and Rachie exited the car, the latter taking a moment to rest on her knees as she breathed a huge sigh of relief as the forward made a dash to Emily's side.
"I am terribly sorry ma'am!" Moki half-yelled as he neared to group. "I just can't get myself to wake up in the morning."
"It's fine, I suppose." Ami replied. "We did have a drawn out opening ceremony after all."
Moki let out a short laugh, then was soundly hit by Emily's shoulder. "You said you would be on time." She said with her eyes firmly shut.
"Emily-"
"Don't 'Emily' me."
Moki let out a sigh. "You know how I am with mornings."
"Yet you gave me your word."
"Which I would have kept if someone wasn't texting me all throughout the night making sure I had finalized every contingency plan."
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"Of course you don't."
"Ahem. If you two are finished," Ami Chono chimed in. "We have a match to start."
"Sorry, no more interruptions." Moki said with a teasing smile.
He gazed at the enemy commander :a pale-skinned girl with light brown eyes and blonde, shoulder-length twin ponytails tied with black ribbons partly hidden underneath her school uniform's barrette.
Such a small, cute girl and already a university student. No wonder why she's credited as a genius.
"So you are Alice Shimada..." Moki said with honest curiosity.
He had seen her in pictures, but the real thing made it all the more unbelievable. "I head the stories, but it still amazes me such a young girl is leading the Universal Selection Team."
"...and you are the commander of the A.N.M.A." Alice soundly replied.
"Oh right, you were expecting a fight with Ooarai's Miho Nishizumi huh?" Moki said, scratching the top of his head. "I doubt they even told you my name."
He waited a moment for her reply, but once he knew she would remain silent, Moki continued.
"I guess everyone expected to have a fight between the Shimada style of Sensha-do and the Nishizumi syle right? Well you still have that with me."
He took a few steps forward, which surprise the timed Alice, until he stood at arms length from the girl. Moki extended his right hand out with a smile.
"My name is Moki Nishizumi, disowned son of Shiho Nishizumi and adopted son of Don Dunnavanty. It's a pleasure to meet you, Alice Shimada."
Alice stared at Moki's open hand for a few moments, fighting back her shy nature. Slowly, she started to raise her hand, hesitating once with a sudden flinch before grasping the 19 year old's hand.
"I-its nice to meet you too."
Moki let out a slight chuckle, slowly wrapping his fingers around hers before shacking it.
"Let's have a good match, and no hard feelings at the end ok?"
"You do know the proper greeting is bowing, correct?" Emily chimed in from behind. She somehow snuck up on Moki during the last bit when he wasn't paying attention.
"Oh, uh right." Moki replied, releasing Alice's hand before taking three steps back.
"Let's have a good match." He said, bowing at a 45 degree angle.
Alice bowed in response, otherwise saying nothing.
"Very well," Ami Chono chimed in at that moment. "then let the match between the Universal Selection Team and the All-Star Corps begin!"
As Moki rushed to join the others in the field, Renta Tsuji began to state several complains he had about today's match, including the sudden team change, how said team should be disqualified due to their team captain arriving late, and of course the speak all but declaring himself a villain.
"-I mean it's rather absurd!" The man yelled, carelessly waving his hand in the air. "How can we allow such an irresponsible person play without any repercussions!"
"Are you quite done Signore Tsuji?" Don Dunnavanty said, yawning. "I must say, your bickering is quite an effective method to put anyone to sleep."
Renta Tsuji narrowed his eyes, looking at the Italian with clear distaste hidden behind his glasses. "Mister Dunnavanty, your presence here is also a cause of alarm. That, and the sudden change in regulations changing the tanks underdevelopment up to August 24, 1945 has been bumped up to the year 1956. "
"That is only a temporary change in the rules for this match only." Shichiro Kodama cut in.
"It was a valid suggestion by Mister Dunnavanty which works for the board as many of our members have been considering allowing tanks under development up to the year 1950 to be allowed for the upcoming World Championship. Rest assured that each tank has been checked and modified to meet Sensha-do regulations."
"In other words, this match serves as a test for the rule change." Renta concluded, adjusting his glasses with one finger. "How utterly convenient, and yet a grave concern that the influence of an outsider can effect so great an issue."
Don let out a laugh. "Like you haven't used your own authority for your own personal gain."
"What was that?"
"Now, now. Why don't we just try to get along?" Shichiro cut in, raising both his hands to each gentleman at his side. "You are both valuable members of the JSF after all."
"Since when did this man become a member of the Japanese Sensha-do Federation?!" Renta spouted in pure anger.
"Best calm yourself Singore Tsuji." Don replied with a smirk. "You maybe young, but that's no excuse to risk raising your blood pressure."
Renta rose from his set. "Listen you arrogant-"
"-Renta!" Shichiro half yelled, raising from his own set. "Calm down this instant! Picking a fight with the founder of the Dunnavi Organization is a fight you can't win!"
He took a step closer, nearly face to face with the Head of MEXT School Carriers Department.
"Besides, we received a rather generous donation overnight. One that will sustain the Federation for the next 7 years at least."
Shichiro to out his smart phone, quickly pulling up the transaction history to the JSF's bank accounts. Renta glanced at the screen, his glasses party slid down his face.
He never seen so many zeros in his life.
"I doubt that a man of your intelligence can't figure out where all this money came from." Shichiro said in a low tone before glancing over his shoulder to the smiling Italian behind him.
"That man is the richest and perhaps the most powerful man in the world. We cannot afford to make an enemy out of him."
While Renta hated to admit it, the director had a point. He moved to sit down, but not before taking another look at the list of tanks each team registered for the match.
The University Strengthened Team included; 1 T28 Super Heavy Tank (formally known as a T95), 1 Centurion Mk.1, 3 M24 Chaffees, 24 M26 Pershing Heavy Tanks, and (arguably considered a tank and potentially the most dangerous piece on the field) 1 Karl-Gerät Heavy Mortar.
The All-Star's team included; 1 M48A1 Patton, 1 T32, 1 M46 Patton, 1 Tortoise, 2 Black Princes, 1 ARL 44, 1 Comet, 1 AMX 13 90, 1 AMX ELC bis, 1 King Tiger/Tiger II, 2 Tiger Is, 1 Panther II, 3 O. Is, 1 T95, 1 Maus, 1 Jackson, 2 Hellcats, 1 T26E4 Super Pershing, 3 T-34-85s, 1 Konstrukta T-34/100, 1 TVP T 50/51, 1 IS-3 and 1 IS-4.
Renta and many other members of both the JSF and MEXT had at least some idea of what Selection University and in turn the Shimada style are capable of.
What concerned him is the unknown strength of the so called All-Star Corps with their military training, variety of talented individuals from around the world, and now the unexpected news of the Nishizumi known as Moki leading the team.
Renta Tsuji expected the Ooarai Sensha-do team with their eight tanks to easily be defeated by this university team, championship victory not withstanding as that obviously was a fluke.
While it was unexpected for all the other girls' high schools that Ooarai had relationships with to come to their aid, Renta was so sure that he would finally be rid of that accursed school carrier once and for all!
Yet somehow, things spiraled beyond his control. Now all he could do is hope that the University Strengthened Team will crush the A.N.M.A All-Stars and soundly settle the matter.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, even Renta admitted that no matter how much he hoped it wouldn't be that simple.
A few minutes passed by as Alice and Moki returned to their respected sides. Now, each team will be heading to their designated camps to finish any final preparations and adjusting anything in their battle plans or coming up with them if they haven't already.
As Emily gave orders to the various members of the All-Stars, Moki's foster brothers briefly came up to wish their brother good luck in the match before joining their father in the box seats.
What happened afterward was something Moki didn't expect until much, much later.
As Moki mounted his tank; a M48A1 Patton, he spotted something in the corner of his eye. He turned his head, meeting the gaze of his two sisters Miho and Maho.
"Oh hey, come to wish me luck?" Moki said with a laugh, hiding the surprise in his voice.
"Not exactly," Maho soundly replied, maintaining her usual calm, professional face. "...Moki."
"I see..." Moki let out a sigh. He slapped his tank once, hoped down with two jumps, and turned to face his younger sisters.
"So you girls know huh?"
Maho nodded. "Mom said you died."
"Of course she did." Moki replied, scratching the back of his head. "She always saw me as a disappointment. A mistake even."
"I never seen mom give the look of disgust when she heard your name." Maho added. "It looked like she was ready to kill someone."
"Ha, that's pretty scary." Moki said with a smirk before placing a hand on his waist. "Guess hearing my name brought a whole bunch of unpleasantness memories back up for her."
Miho took a step forward, bowing without a word. "I want to thank you for doing this. For stepping in to help us defend our school."
Moki let out a chuckle. He walked up to his youngest sister, patting her on her light brown head with a smile. "Of course Miho. What kind of older brother would I be if I don't defend my precious sisters?"
"That said, if I knew that you had so many friends willing to support you too I might have let things play out. After all, I trust you two to get the job done."
He withdrew his hand, allowing Miho to raise her head.
Without warning, she wrapped her arms around her older brother in a tight hug. Her face looked so focused as she closed her eyes, reminding Moki of when she did the same thing so many years ago at the age of 3.
Moki's eyes watered from the feeling of nostalgia, quickly rubbing any forming tears before wrapping his right arm around the back of his sister.
With the other hand and the turn of his head, he gestured Maho to join them. Maho, always the calm one, casually walked to them after a few hesitant moments. She too closed her eyes as she joined her siblings in their group hug.
Moki soundly wrapped his free arm around her, once more feeling tears pooling in his eyes.
"You don't know how much I missed this." He said in a whisper. They stayed like this for the next minute or two, feeling that the entire world stopped in awe of this moment.
Realizing he didn't have much time, regardless of how he felt, Moki pulled away from his sisters.
"Now then, let big bro go fight the bad guys for you." He said, patting the two on the head. "After that, we have a lot to catch up on."
Maho nodded in response. Miho opened her mouth, wanting to say something. Wishing her long lost brother perhaps? Stating that she meet Alice Shimada before? Some other third thing?
Whatever it was, Miho kept it to herself. She simply smiled instead, waving to Moki as he started to return to his tank.
As the 19 year old climbed up his tank, he glanced back to his sisters. Moki gave an innocent smile as he watched the two move back to the stands.
Without anything left to distract him, Moki climbed the rest of the tank. Briefly standing atop the turret, he took in a deep breath before slipping into his M48A1 Patton.
"Sorry for the delay," Moki said as he slid into his tank. He smiled as he glanced at each of his crew: Aharon as the driver, Calida as the gunner, Daila as the loader, and Rachie as the radio operator.
"Don't worry about that Moki!" Daila cheerfully replied, patting the man on his shoe. Daila is an African American 19 year old woman with a D cup size, long, messy brown hair, black eyes, and freckles.
"You finally got to see your sisters after all."
"Nothin' wrong with spending some time with family, sir." The usually quiet, yet secretly a berserker type Aharon added.
Aharon is a Egyptian male, 21 years old, with short, brown hair, black eyes, and currently wearing his white keffiyeh tied with a light brown agal.
"It was too cute how the three of you suddenly hugged one another." Said Calida as she maneuvered herself closer to the commander.
Calida is a Greek, currently 24 years old, and has a C cup size. Shehas long, brown hair tied up in various breads, gray eyes and a mole directly below her left eye.
"Hell it looked like you were gonna cry, not that I wouldn't in that situation. But hey, if you really just wanted a hug I would've been more that happy to oblige."
"I've already informed the rest that we are falling a little behind." Rachie added with a smile, quickly drawing Moki's attention for Calida's attempt at joking, or flirting. One could rarely tell with her sometimes.
Rachie from England, 22 years old, and currently wore her thin framed glasses.
"Best we move now before we call down the wrath of Lieutenant Emily."
"Eh, you're right." Moki soundly replied with a hit of worry. He sealed the hatch above his head, giving commands to his crew to move to the rally point.
As their tank turned and moved to the forest beyond, the All-Star's commander smiled.
Today will be a good day.
Hello everyone! First off, thanks for reading!
This is the start of a short(ish) story based on an alternative spin of the Girls und Panzer movie that I thought up back when I first saw it.
Originally, I was going to right this sometime after I finished one of my main stories but I found a source of inspiration so why not right?
Anyway, when I first saw this anime I though "How the hell are men NOT into this sport?" and so on. Eventually after learning this universe's reason (that an up until the movie it seemed like 90% of the guys in their world were old men) I thought up a passable roundabout way for guys to practice Sensha-do and not be made fun of for the somehow femininity that this sport obviously does not have yet everyone believes it has.
Who knows, depending on how popular this story gets I might make a continuation series. First things first, covering the events of the movie with the All-Stars instead of Ooarai.
Hope you enjoy the rest of the story when it comes out, eventuallllyyyy!