In front of one of the collossal doors to Oarai Girl's Academy's tank garage, twenty students stood in a row, waiting. They were the members of the newly formed Oarai Senshado club, who just the day before had worked to exhaustion cleaning their vehicles, most of which were not inside the garage to begin with and all of which were in awful states of disuse. There was hardly a cloud in the sky as the afternoon sun beat down on them.
"The instructor is late!" Takebe Saori whined. "Keeping you in suspense is just how the adults do it, huh?"
Just then, a Kawasaki transport aircraft emerged into view, its arrival portended by the thunderous roar of its jet engines. Its cargo hatch opened and out from it dropped a Japanese Type 10 MBT in a LAPES pallet. The modern armour landed with a massive thud and skidded across its makeshift drop zone, the school's parking lot.
It bumped hard against a stationary red Ferrari as it came to a stop, upending the luxury sports vehicle.
"The principal's car!" Exclaimed Yuzu.
"Ooh, waste it!" Anzu cooed.
Sure enough, as the tank reversed out of the pallet it crushed the car beneath its treads. Anzu whistled.
"Squashed," Momo deadpanned.
The Type 10 rumbled over and halted right in front the girls. Springing up from the commander's hatch was Ami. She removed her helmet and smiled at them. Everybody was rooted to the spot, shocked and awed.
"Good afternoon!" the captain called out to them. Towards the turret's interior she then whispered, "Come on, quit bumbling about! Let's go greet the students!"
She dismounted and began to make her way to the garage compound. Behind her, Kyle clambered out unsteadily, nauseated by their violent entrance. The falling sensation was a nasty surprise that shook him up.
This kind of Blitzkrieg is insane! He silently groused. I had just been dropped out of a perfectly good airplane, inside a hunk of steel no less! I'll be forgiven if I need a moment to catch my breath!
He shook his head to clear the disorientation. Right from the very beginning with Ami it had been a string of unusual methods and circumstances, but he knew this was something he had to get used to and he was not about to complain. He threw down his helmet, leaped off the tank and ran to catch up with his boss.
Ami and Kyle stood facing the girls, who were assembled on the yard. The three girls of the student council team positioned themselves abreast. There was a stark contrast in appearance between the two officers. Ami looked smart and proper in her uniform while Kyle was more informal, wearing a brown bomber jacket stenciled with his alma mater's crest, a dark green shirt, wrinkled jeans and scuffed army boots. He had however managed to take some time to freshen up prior to the enlistment proceedings at the JGSDF Headquarters, so he at least kept a modicum of grooming.
Having recovered from his prior daze, Kyle was trying his utmost not to reveal his exuberance at the fact that standing before him right then were cute schoolgirls in cute sailor uniforms that had cute short skirts.
Actual Japanese schoolgirls, right before my very eyes! It's just like on the Internet!
Saori could hardly contain her elation as well.
"He's really here!" She tittered. "He looks so cool!"
Not all the others shared the same sentiment. They stared at him with curious, uncertain eyes.
"The lady looks like a wonderful person too." Isuzu Hana commented.
One of the student council members standing beside the officers, Kawashima Momo, spoke up. "This is our special instructor, Captain Chono Ami of the Tank Training Group. And this is, uh..."
"He's my assistant, and the stay-in instructor attached to this school," Ami declared. She motioned for Kyle to take over.
"Pleased to meet you, my name is Kyle, surname Lin. You may call me Kai. I come from America. From today onwards I will be stationed here to help hone your skills in Senshado. I look forward to working hand-in-hand with you all as we strive together for success. Please treat me favourably."
He concluded by bowing politely. This elicited a chatter of fascination and astonishment from the girls, who made an assortment of remarks to each other, like how they initially thought he was Japanese, or how fluently he spoke for a foreigner, but mainly how their instructor was actually a guy.
"I've heard that all of you are new to Senshado, so let's work extra hard, okay?" Ami said. "Does anybody have any questions before we proceed with today's session?"
Utsugi Yuki raised her hand. "Does that mean that men do practice Senshado after all, in other places like America?"
Kyle pondered for a brief moment. Here was the golden question. What he had learnt from his superior, he now had to teach his auxiliaries.
"Well.. I think it's played in many places around the world, but back home it's called gunnery, not Senshado," he answered. "And from what I understand, gunnery is different mainly in rules, plus the fact that it's played by both sexes, with more men than women. Don't worry though, many of the things I can teach are skills that are fundamental to Senshado. Despite the differences, both of them are essentially just tank combat."
There was a collective "Oh..." from the students.
Another hand sprung up from the back of the group. It belonged to the ever-eager Akiyama Yukari.
"Instructor, what are we practicising today?"
"Good question! Let's simulate an actual battle right away," Ami declared.
Everybody gasped in surprise, Kyle as well.
"Um, so soon?" Yuzu asked.
"It'll be fine! It's all about the real thing!" Ami beamed confidently. "Just roll out like 'BANG!', drive around like 'WHOOSH!', and shoot at your enemies like 'BOOM!'"
She unfurled a map of a forested region with a river running across it. Overlaid were red lines indicating pathways and grey dots representing tanks. "Alright now, please head over to your starting points."
As the girls split up and went to their vehicles, Kyle stared at his superior and imagined German Panzer divisions storming down the rolling grasslands of Poland in 1939. Here was a lady whose every action and direction aligned with her principles, and the poor students had just been chucked into the deep end in the wake of her lightning tactics.
Isn't this all a little too hasty? I thought were we going to at the very least teach them how to even take on their roles.
"Come, everyone mount up!" Ami called out at the girls. "Decide on your roles for each team. Teams with three people have a commander, a gunner and a driver. The fourth person is a loader, and with five there's a radio operator."
She felt Kyle's gaze behind her and returned it. "Will they be all right?" He asked.
"They're smart girls, they'll figure out a way somehow," she replied easily.
Kyle glanced over, and sure enough, the confused and disconcerted faces he expected to find were nowhere to be seen. Everybody seemed calm and collected, studying primers briskly and having discussions among one another.
He could not help but be impressed.
"I will be observing them from that watchtower over there," Ami said. "What will you do?"
"Huh? Shouldn't I be there with you too?"
"You don't have to shadow me all the time. You're going to be seeing them a lot more than I will so you need to employ your own teaching style. There's no point having an instructor with a foreign background if he's just going to follow the same path. I leave it up to you."
Kyle looked at the students once more. Some of them were already beginning to mount up.
It struck him right then that he was looking upon the tanks that this Oarai school fielded for the very first time. He immediately became aware of their small number and peculiar assortment. There were only five in total: An early version PzKpfw IV medium tank carrying a short-barreled anti-infantry howitzer, a StuG III assault gun, probably ausf. F or G, an M3 Lee medium tank of the rivet-construction variant, bearing the stubby M2 cannon on its right sponson, a Pz. 38(t) ausf. B/C light tank armed with a 3.7cm gun, and... One more tank which he had never seen in his life. Its stocky appearance reminded him of the famous Renault FT, meaning this was likely a considerably ancient model. It made sense that he would have never encountered this one before as it was unlikely that any gunnery team back home would deploy such a relic. He wanted to say it was a Japanese make but he could not be too sure.
He frowned. The picture he initially had in his mind was one of grandness and uniformity, much like the cohorts of Tigers and Pershings in Hanley University. The reality appeared to be that this was a rather destitute school who decided to relaunch their Senshado programme on hand-me-downs. With the exception of the FT lookalike, these tanks were typically the kind fielded by junior league teams in high schools, and while the StuG and Pz. IV might see scarce collegiate gunnery action here and there, the latter would normally be fitted with a gun more suited to armour defeating.
In other words, the quintet assembled here were all second-rate.
Nevertheless, a job is a job, and I need to give my all no matter what, Kyle thought. These girls are probably only doing Senshado out of interest and recreation. This isn't like Hanley where it's all about gunning for gold, right? I suppose I can let my hair down and help make the experience fun.
Presently he noticed that over at the Pz. IV there stood only three girls, talking among themselves.
He frowned. That tank needs a 5-man crew. Having only three people would be pushing the envelope a little.
Just then he lit up with a brilliant idea. Being a hands-on learner, he figured that he could do well as a hands-on teacher. This battle simulation class would give him a good chance to teach using live demonstration. He would get down and dirty with them, and show them how things were done at the same time.
The cherry on top, of course, is the opportunity to cosy up with a bunch of young and pretty girls in the cramped interior of a tank.
"Chono-san, the Pz. IV over there appears to be understaffed. I'm going to join them and help them out," he said.
"A fantastic idea!" Ami replied. "If your style is to give guidance in close supervision then go for it, you have my permission."
At that instant her eyes narrowed slyly at him once more. "The added kinship from being in the same team would be very good for forging student-teacher relationships too, wouldn't you think?"
That statement was either a warning or an encouragement. Kyle could not tell which.
"Just doing my job, ma'am."
Ami simpered and waved him off. Kyle ran out to collect his helmet, then strode over towards the Pz. IV and upped the charm as best he could.
"Hey there!"
The trio of girls turned to look at him. The one with orange hair instantly became flustered.
"Ohmygoshohmygosh he's headed this way what should I doooo?!" Saori yelped. Hana tried to calm her best friend down.
"Good day, Instructor Rin!" Yukari came to attention and threw up a salute. "It is an honour to be under your charge!"
Kyle was surprised at the solemnity but quickly remembered that as a supposed commissioned officer he was obliged to return the gesture.
"At ease," he said, saluting back. "No need to get ceremonial with me. Let's all be friends. And drop the 'instructor' bit, please just call me Kai. Is everything all right here?"
Hana spoke up. "Thank you for your concern. At the moment we are consulting the operation manual, so we expect to be all right." She was holding a textbook entitled 'PzIV fibel' in her hands. "However, any teaching you should care to bestow will be deeply appreciated."
Kyle noted that this girl spoke with great politeness. He quickly surmised from the way she composed herself that it was likely a habit borne from upbringing.
"Of course, I'd be happy to. Actually, I saw that you girls seem to be a little shorthanded, so I thought I'd show you girls the ropes while at the same time help crew the tank, just for today. That okay?"
"Ehhh, really?!" The three of them exclaimed.
"Y-yeah, if it's okay with you..."
"We are indebted to you!" Yukari cheered jubilantly.
"It would be a great help," Hana agreed, smiling.
"P-p-please treat us well!" Saori stammered, bowing deeply and trying to compose herself.
Kyle grinned. All right, this is going well! "By the way, your names..."
"Ah, that's right! Akiyama Yukari, at your command!"
"My name is Isuzu Hana. It is a pleasure to make your acquiantance."
"I'm Ta-Takebe Saori. Nice to meet you!"
"Nice to meet you all too."
Kyle shifted his gaze to the German medium tank beside them. "Well then, first things first, we need to sort out your positions."
"You'll be the tank commander, won't you, Rin-dono?" Asked Yukari expectantly.
This gave Kyle some pause. In all his years of gunnery he had rarely taken on the TC role, though he knew enough about the responsibilities it entailed. It was not his first choice, but he reasoned that being the commander would put him in a better position to supervise everybody else at once.
"Yeah, I suppose I will." He said finally. "All right, who would like to be the driver?"
The three girls looked at each other, unsure. Eventually Saori spoke up. "Yukarin, you really like tanks, don't you? Why don't you give it a try?"
"I-is it really okay if I do?" Yukari said bashfully in an attempt to act modest, when she clearly seemed like she was dying to volunteer.
"Yes, I too believe Yukari-san will do well at it," Hana encouraged.
"If you guys put it that way... Then I humbly accept the position of driver!" Yukari proclaimed eagerly.
"Excellent. Now we need someone who's good with their hands to be the loader."
Hana and Saori exchanged glances. "I suppose that would refer to me," Hana said. "I will do it."
Kyle took out a pair of leather gloves from his jacket pocket and passed them to Hana, telling her to put them on. They were well-used during his time though several sizes too large for her, but they would have to do for the time being to protect her hands.
"Great! That leaves the gunner position to you then, Saori-san," He stated. Saori cast her eyes downward and nodded shyly, startled at the fact that she was already on a first-name basis with him.
The four of them climbed into the Pz. IV and took their positions. Kyle eased himself down the cupola hatch as the girls went through their respective doors.
"It smells so much of metal," Hana remarked.
"It's kind of cramped and stifling too," Saori began, but then she remembered the instructor sitting to her right. "Ahh, I mean, it feels pretty sturdy!" She corrected hastily.
Kyle recognized the odour of iron oxide. He surmised that this was a tank that had only very recently been dusted off for use after an extended period of negligence. At least the floors and walls looked clean, and the ammunition had been stowed away neatly. He was more worried that the engine might not be in similar shape.
"It's fine, Saori-san. I know how you feel. Since it's like this, while we're not in combat let's open up the hatches to clear out the smell and get some cool air in. You can even stick your head out if you need to escape from the claustrophobic feeling."
"Now then, all units: Panzer vor!" Ami's voice interjected from the radio.
Yukari got fired up. "Eheheh, we're finally going to move the tank!"
"I suppose so," Kyle concurred. He crouched beneath the main gun breech and put his head through to have a better look over Yukari's shoulder. "Go ahead and push on the ignition button there."
Yukari did as told and the engine grunted to life. Thick smoke spewed from the exhaust and the entire vehicle shivered.
Kyle sighed with relief. It's alive!
Yukari's delight, however, was more heavily pronounced. "YA-HO! THIS IS AWESOME!" She yelled, throwing her fists in the air.
Behind her in the turret the other girls looked on, stunned.
"Her character just changed," muttered Saori.
Kyle was amused. She's a real tank nut, this one. But at least she's enjoying herself.
Yukari quickly felt the embarrassment. "Ahh, excuse me," she whimpered.
"No worries. Now look before you. There are two steering tillers in front for both tracks, the stick shift to your right, as well as the handbrake. Further down, three pedals, gas, brake and clutch, from right to left. Step on the clutch and shift into first gear... Well done. Okay, grab hold of the tillers, step gently on the accelerator then push both of them forward."
The tank moved forward and cleared the garage doors, trundling across the yard.
"The sound is clamorous," Hana commented.
"I can feel it shaking my backsi-," Saori moaned, but quickly silenced herself.
"That's what makes it so great!" protested Yukari, giddy with excitement. Kyle could not help but agree. It had been quite some time since his last tank ride. He was flooded with feelings of nostalgia.
Slowly but surely, the Pz. IV made its way through a forested trail to its designated starting point. Kyle provided navigation by tapping his foot lightly against Yukari's shoulders.
The Pz. IV had halted at their destination, its engine idling. Yukari, spritely and full of energy, was looking everywhere around the crew compartment ooh-ing and ahh-ing at everything. Hana and Saori meanwhile were listening intently to Kyle as he dispensed instruction.
"... And that's about it regarding the loader. Now for the gunner, the first thing you need to know is-"
"Looks like you're all at your designated starting points," Ami spoke through the comms at that instant, interrupting Kyle's discourse. "The rules are simple: immobilize all other tanks. Basically, advance with gusto, fire with aplomb, and take them out!
"... Is what I want to say, but it would seem that one team in particular has a somewhat unfair advantage."
A hint of guile oozed from her inflection. Kyle felt uneasy.
"Therefore, things are going to change a little. You will now be divided into two opposing groups. Group One: Team A. Group Two: everybody else."
The girls in the Pz. IV blanched in unison. Kyle looked around at their pale faces.
"Team A... Is us, right?"
"... Yes..." Hana uttered.
"The team that manages to deal the incapacitating blow on the Pz. IV will get treated by the assistant instructor to delicious dessert of any kind desired," Ami continued. Her cool voice betrayed a sliver of savage humour. Kyle could tell she was grinning as she spoke. "So, Kai-kun, you'll do your best too, okay?"
He inhaled deeply. So that's how it's gonna be, huh?
Some turn of events this is. Kyle was intending to take it slow and easy, to supervise his crewmates carefully and deliberately, and at the same time get to know each of them better through idle conversation. There was no chance to do that now.
"Roger that. I'll take it where I stand!" He called back.
Ah, well. I've got all the time in the world ahead of me to get to know to these girls anyway. It can wait.
"That's the spirit! Very good. Now, Senshado always begins and ends with a respectful bow. Everyone, bow!"
"Let's have a good match!" Inside every tank, the crews paid their regards.
"With that, let the battle begin!"
Saori looked at Kyle, clearly distressed. "This is kinda unfair, will we be okay?"
He smiled reassuringly. "We'll be okay, don't worry. With me on your side, this is actually a fair fight. The rest of them are beginners, after all. Just follow my instructions and everything will turn out fine."
"O-okay..."
"Yukari-san, sorry to have to do this all of a sudden, but I need you to swap places with me."
"Eh? Uh, right." Yukari was slightly disappointed that she was not going to drive the tank anymore, but nonetheless she moved to the commander's post obediently while Kyle hustled forwards into the driver's compartment. Settling down in the driver's seat, he instantly felt at home and in his element. There was no way he could lose like this. Driving, after all, was his forte.
There was no animosity towards his superior whatsoever. Instead he imagined legions of Nazi tanks rushing through the hills and headlands of Smolensk, crossing the Dnieper River. He knew the captain was testing him, putting him through his paces. He had to prove not just to her, but to all the students as well, that he was the right person for the job.
Being the one thorn among the roses also called his male pride to the line. He let a surge of calm bravado wash over him.
This shall be my Russian Winter, then.
"We're going to take all the others down together, and then I'm going to buy as many ice creams or cream puffs or whatever as you all want," he vowed, putting his helmet on. "Close the hatches and button up. Let's do this!"
"Alright!" The girls whooped.
"Yukari-san, you're the commander now," Kyle said. "Give the order!"
Yukari radiated sheer ecstasy. She had yearned to do this for the longest time.
"Yes!" She cried. "Forward advance! Panzer vor!"
A/N: Hello again. Thank you for reading chapter two of GuP:A.
The thing about dialogue, especially when it comes to lines lifted directly from the anime, is that I like to render them in exactly the same nuance that they were delivered in Japanese. I soon realized that while this system worked very well with subtitles, the same could not be said with proper prose form. I had to work hard to find a balance that retained readability while adding immersion. I hope it turned out all right.
Kyle is a bit of a pervert, but then again I imagine most guys are to some extent. Like a normal person, he does know where to draw the line though. I currently don't have any plans to advance a serious romantic plot, but if enough opinions encouraging the opposite pour in I shall reconsider.
See you in the next chapter.