EPISODE 4.2: FROM TANKS TO SAMOURAI
Next morning, at Kurogane's house.
At the front of the house, everyone in the crew gathered around. Knocking the door, Ken yells:
-Oi, Kuro! It's time for shipping! Do you want to be overslept?
Behind that lousy big boy are Soujirou, Nihou and Hajime. They're all packed everything they needed for the trip to Kyushu. Seeing Ken had wasted his time for nothing, the team's radioman asked his gunner:
-Does Kurogane-san always wake up late like this?
Shook his head, Soujirou replies:
-No! He's always be backward! Before the school, he always spent time meditating at the living room!
So if Kurogane's in the living room, he must be heard Ken yelling outside. But recently, nothing changes. Feeling impatient, Ken turns into Soujirou, says:
-Oi, Soujirou! Why don't you call for Kurogane?
-I'm here. Calling for what?
Then suddenly, Kurogane's voice interrupted. The door opens, with the Tiger commander from behind, his hands carrying something like a long stick covered in a silk blanket. Seeing the one he needed, Ken annoyingly says:
-What the fuck wrong with you inside? You'd just killed my voice!
Kurogane smirks:
-Just meditating in the living room, I need some respect with this before bringing it to Kagoshima!
Feeling curious, Nihou asks:
-Kurogane-san! What is the thing inside the blanket?
-A treasure!-Kurogane replies-By the way, don't we must get into the ship?
Reminding the schedule, the whole Tiger crew shocked. Then, they stormed into the port before everything was too late...
...
Kagoshima Port,
Leaving the ship, everyone feels exhausted with this trip, they're not so familiar with the ship travels. But no ones are the same, and Ken is an example. Feeling refreshed with the new air at the new land, the loader, along with Nihou could feel the new scent of the new port city. Seeing from afar are the tanks being towed off the ships, including the "Minotaur" Tiger. Seeing only his small friend besides, Ken asked:
-Where's everybody?
Nihou feels a bit reluctant, then answers:
-You should go below to see!
...
At the cabin, Soujirou and Hajime are trying to pull Kurogane off his bed since both of his arms and legs locked up, his face pale. Looking to the scene, Ken surprised:
-What the hell you guys are playing?
-Kuro-kun got seasick!-Soujirou replied-Could you give us a hand? Since his arms and legs were all stitched into the bed!
Then that wasn't so hard. Rolling up his sleeves, Ken gets inside to help while Nihou stays outside since he doesn't fit with these muscle situations.
...
Finally got Kurogane off the bed, but he instead occupied Ken's back as the replacement. This made the team's loader has to say:
-He's just like a Koala bear!
Soujirou says:
-One more time, he will get up soon!
Seeing a coffee vending machine at the warehouses, Date got an idea. Buying one can of coffee, he opens it and brings it near to Kurogane's nose. It sniffs...Few more seconds, the crimson eyes opened, one hand grabbed the can and their owner started drinking like he never had before. Finally, Kurogane's back, he says:
-Who'd bought me this coffee, so please take my thanks! One cup then I'd up!
So, Ken released his arms, making his commander fall into the ground with his back kisses the ground. Then, the loader grins with Kurogane:
-Now you must "up" for yourself!
Cleaning the dust, Kurogane checks his belongings once again. His backpack and the blanket are still in one piece. Seeing their friend spending his attention to the blanket, Hajime feels curious:
-Sorry if I became too curious! But if this is a treasure, why don't you let itself home? You're not scared of thieves?
-No one dares to steal this thing!-Kurogane smiles-Besides, I'm bringing it here for necessary. Two days more for the battle, you guys want to know why?
If two more days and not too far away from the rendezvous, then ok. The group agreed, then everyone started leaving Kagoshima Port, leaving the tanks or the engineers...
...
Kagoshima, rural areas...
After few hours grinding the butts on the buses, everyone get off the final stop. A place, where seeing only mountains, forests and greenly rice paddies. Following Kurogane, the crew heading to a small cottage hiding under the forest at the foothill. In the yard, everyone only sees a few chickens running around, no one else. Heading to the front, Kurogane rings the wooden furin, it sounds really comfortable. Putting the silk blanket to the ground, the commander steps backward and kneels before it, respectively. That's strange. With such an extravagant guy like Kurogane, he's also knows to kneel before someone? After a while, inside the house, an old man with a long white beard, still in the good shape though his ages. Seeing before is a group of teenagers, especially the ash-haired one kneeling before a stick-like blanket. Like he had recognized something familiar, the old man raises Kurogane up. Looking into the crimson eyes, he comments:
-You're just like your Sensei when he was young!
Stepping back with a bow of respect, Kurogane raises the blanket with his two hands, saying:
-Please help, Kensei!
The old man grabs the silk blanket and pulls gently. It's a Katana inside, that shocked everyone behind except Soujirou. The Kensei draws the sword out, its black blade could fools anyone dare to oppose it without the sharply eyes or the sunlight. On the black blade, four words being carved by cinnabar: "Black Steel Moon Cutter". Looking through the sword's Sori, the master says:
-You must bring it here sooner! It'd gone blunt!
Of course only Soujirou stays calm, while the rest of the team being led from surprises to surprises. Isn't that blade looked so sharp? Sheathing back to Saya, the Kensei steps into his house. But, he's also left some words:
-If your friends don't mind, they could stay here for a night! Tomorrow you could catch the bus early!
Saluted, Kurogane then turns back to his crew:
-Kitagawa will kill us if we're going back now! Why don't you guys stay here for a night? I will write the report, you guys will be ok!
The crew worried. It's the first time they live in a stranger home. But, the Kensei permitted, so they must paying back the respect of his kind. Everyone nodded.
...
At the night, the crew is now having a rest in a cottage which they had never been lived before. The sound of the crickets in the bamboos, the frogs in the ponds,...A peaceful harmony of the countryside, that never happen in the urban places. After the hot bath, Ken feels so refreshed. Sitting at the steps to the yard, along with Hajime and Nihou while Kurogane is talking with the phone inside. Maybe with Kitagawa, of course! A moment later, the line is dead, Kurogane sighs with a facepalm. Going outside and sitting near his friends, Ken'd started the conversation first:
-Kitagawa had just scolded you?
Shrugged, the commander replies:
-He said we're only have one day! The next morning must back soon to report!
So Vice President had agreed. Sitting outside with the small light bulb and fireflies had pushed away the darkness. Seeing Soujirou missing, Nihou asked:
-Kurogane-san! I don't see Soujirou-san!
Kurogane answered:
-He's at the backyard to practice Kyujutsu! There's a place for us to practice!
Now everyone could guess both Kurogane and Soujirou are following Bushido. At the backyard, the gunner is drawing the bow and giving deadly accurate shots even though only a few small dimly lights from the torches as his support. Hearing the arrows piercing the target, Ken asks Kurogane:
-You two used to be here? Aren't you guys the Samurai?
Kurogane smiled after hearing this. He calmly answers:
-The pop-culture always calls "Samurai", but not as what we said! With us, the names have their own powers, also carrying our lives. Must call it precisely, "Samourai"! That's the true meaning!
The team surprised with this. They'd never thought how could be a name "Samourai" was too complicated like that. It'd made a calm guy like Hajime has to ask:
-I don't know much about Samourai! Could you please explain it?
At the same time, Soujirou had got another bulseye. The wind outside blows gently like the waves of the sea. Looking into the moon, Kurogane explains:
-"Samourai" means "to watch", "to serve", "to protect"! Base on the time and each person, that name mutates into different forms. In the time of chaos, it states the one who have Katana! In the time of peace, Samourai is the one who protects the essences of Bushido! Through time, the Western culture and mass media had rotten the true spirit of Samourai! Even though that name was changed by the Westerners, to Samurai as we're always know today!
And Soujirou had scored another bulseye. The furin rings before the winds, its sound expelled the darkness. Tiger's driver has more questions:
-So, what is Bushido? And the aspects needed for a Samourai?
-It's the codes and tenets of Samourai! A life and an honor of a Bushi. How they think and how they do relies upon it! But, Bushido prioritizes the morality and virtues. Since someone could use Katana but knows nothing about Bushido is just a barbarian! To be a Samourai, you must practice "Yuki", "Jin", "Ko", "Chi", "Rei", "Makoto", "Chugi", "Meiyo",.etc. Too many others, but I can only tell you here! If I expand the rules, you guys could be crazy with that!
-So, to know Bushido, we must practice Budo first, or later?
-Every life differs!-Kurogane shrugged-Someone practices Bushido from the childhood! But someone doesn't have any instruction, so they practices through the Way of Life by searching through the Internet! After all, every roads lead to Rome, you will enlighten yourself from time! For example, I and Soujirou are following Kobudo. Kenjutsu for me, and Kyujutsu for Soujirou!
-So...-Ken asks-How long will you master Bushido?
-Your whole life!
Everyone surprised with Kurogane's answer. They'd never expect that kind of answer. Thinking about the Kensei, Nihou asks:
-I don't see Kensei, Kurogane-san!
-He's now staying inside his retreat to focus the essences needed for smithing the Katana! Deep inside the forest and the way was never be the easy. So don't think about it!
At the backyard, Soujirou had scored the third deadly accurate shot. A bit silence, but enough to turn the atmosphere like in a temple. Wanting to shoo this boredom, Ken asks:
-How could we smith a Katana?
The furin rings. Kurogane calmly solves this question:
-Katana is the life of a Samourai! To forge a Katana, the Kensei must concentrate all of his life essences into it. The distinction between a treasure Katana and a dull old blade is the way forging it. With the people smithing Katana for money, they're just rusty swords while a treasure one could withstand under the water for many years without a single rust on its blade! Because, it bears the living soul, the one which Kensei had transferred into it during smithing!
At the backyard, Soujirou scored again, the fourth arrow. And now, he's pulling the fifth one. Hajime thinking about a question, he asks:
-Kurogane-san! If a Katana is the whole life of a Samourai! So we can figure that every Samourai to be a sword, right?
-Hai!-Kurogane nods.
-So,-The driver concludes his questions-What sword you will be?
-A treasure one!
Whoosh!
Then, Soujirou had given his final arrow to the bulseye. Hearing what his brother said, the gunner smiles...
...
The next morning, the crew of Tiger says goodbye to Kensei to return to the rendezvous point. As what he said last night, Kitagawa had taught the whole crew a lesson, which all blames into Ryukou, since he's abandoning his position of Tactical commander. When the anger gone, two commanders were now back to their work, preparing the tactics for the match. Through the glass of the door, everyone outside only see they're both discussing around the map on the table, but not the details. Inside the room, Kurogane decides:
-The next match is certain! I'm betting myself to it.
Kitagawa lowers his eyebrows. The Vice President doesn't allow any overconfident promises which will cause troubles in the future. If digging in, the result of the whole team. But, if the thing goes down, Ryukou will kiss his ass goodbye with Senshado, with no evidences against his clear incompetence.
At the field chosen for the battle, the tanks from Okinawa are now making themselves like at home, where they will simulate the "Kagoshima Landing" battle. On the top of the hill, Kurogane, couple with some vice commanders with he's appointed recently, are now overseeing the whole battlefield. Looking through by the binoculars, Ryukou then opens his map and discusses about the plan for the match. When the thing is done, he'd given each other another maps, including Kitagawa, to help keeping in mind about the battlefield? Discussing about the momentum, tactics,.etc. After they'd reached the agreement, by Kurogane's conclusion:
-Fifteen tanks under Kitagawa. Making the waves defense at the designated position! Your job is to lure the Satsuma's advance into our defense. Two ambushing lines, wait for the Vice President, your mission is to intercept the rear and the flanks of the enemies! Twenties remains on my mark, we'll drill into their line, pushing toward their HQ. Everyone clear?
"HAI!" The crowd of vice commanders answered, their morale is now at the hi-end.
...
The day after, at that battlefield...
On every feet of this place, smokes are everywhere, but mostly focused on the East of Kagoshima Bay. Such a massacre! The wrecks of Satsuma at every feet closely to the survivors, but doesn't make sure how long they will stand. What about Okinawa? The ambush, led by Kitagawa, suffered heavy casualties, with nine tanks lost during battle. At the West of Kagoshima Bay, Kurogane's wing with only ten tanks left while half of his team was dispatched to reinforce Kitagawa's wing. But, the result is, they'd captured Satsuma's HQ, with their flag flying on the post. Then, the radio announces:
"SATSUMA ACADEMY'S HQ CAPTURED! OKINAWA ACADEMY WINS!"
Kurogane's Tiger crew and the other tanks broken into joy. This is the first time they'd won in a real match. At the cupola, Kurogane himself feels relieved, his eyes following to the flying flag bearing his school's symbol on the top of the post.
While the wrecked tanks of both teams being towed back to the garages, the commander from Satsuma Academy going to Kitagawa. After a handshake, he comments:
-You're doing great, Kitagawa-san!
Shrugged, the Vice President answers:
-Sorry, but I'm only the 2nd-in-command!
Surprised, the Satsuma commander had never thought about this. Isn't Kitagawa? Then who had led this battle at the side of Okinawa Academy? This question was gave to the Vice President of that school, he answered:
-It's him!
Following the finger that pointed, the Satsuma commander spotted Kurogane, who he didn't even met before. That's strange! Since Kitagawa is a strict one, he will never let an incompetent face in such position. But, if looking closely, that guy saw Kurogane's eyes. Big, crimson and with the curvy eyebrow just like the crescent moon. Then, Satsuma commander likes Ryukou, he introduces himself:
-My name is Shimazu Jotaro, Commander of Satsuma Senshado! Nice to meet the Commander of Okinawa Senshado!
Saluted, Kurogane replies:
-Name is Ryukou Kurogane, newly promoted Commander of Okinawa Academy! Nice to meet you!
Kitagawa feels ill with those words. It's like Ryukou promoting himself. Back to the talk between two commanders, Shimazu says:
-Sorry if being too rude! But after looking to you, I'd seen something. You have the appearance of a talent!
Shrugged, Kurogane jokes:
-I don't know what made you think I'm talent! But, I'm just doing my job! As a commander, leading the whole team to victory is the essential! I'm not the talent you are looking for!
Shimazu sees this is the act of humble. Every talent needs to be humble. While handshaking, Satsuma commander spotted a small scar between Kurogane's left thumb and index finger. Isn't he?
...
Back to the Kensei's hut, Kurogane bows before the door while his friends are waiting outside. Holding the katana, covered in the silk blanket with both of his hands, the Kensei puts it before the door and going back inside. When Kurogane had heard the sliding door closed, he's standing up, also taking his sword. To the front gate, the commander is still giving back a respectful bow. This is the second time the Tiger crew could see their commander to be so polite, except Soujirou, maybe. On the bus, remembered something, Kurogane asks his gunner:
-Who will we face in the next match?
Looking to the schedule, Soujirou answers:
-Kyoto Academy...
Suddenly, he paled like he had just realized something that wasn't good at all. Back to Kurogane, he's paled, too. His teeth grinds to his lips. Everyone around doesn't get what's going on. But around Ryukou, there's something...feels scary, like their spines being iced.
...
Kyoto, three days later...
At a cafe decorated as a tank barrack, the crews from Okinawa are stopping here before the big battle, also including Kurogane's crew. The maid is waiting, Nihou orders:
-We want two orange juices, one Pepsi, one Sakura tea and one Robusta coffee!
The maid finishes the list, then says to everyone waiting a minute. Everyone is talking at the good mood, but not Kurogane. His face was still the same from the time at the bus till recently: Cold and deadly with his eyes sticking to the outside. The drinks was being towed on the RC wagon, but doesn't attract the commander, either. Seeing this situation, Nihou whispers to Soujirou:
-Soujirou-san! You call Kurogane-san for his drink!
The gunner replies:
-He's not in the mood, recently! Don't bother him!
-Ano! What'd brought him to be furious like this?
Date doesn't want to expose what hurting his friend. Instead, he's giving an idea:
-Hey, guys! I'd heard Kitagawa said that after this match, we'll be paid!
Hearing the word "paid", it'd got the attention of the whole Tiger crew, even Kurogane though he intended not to turn his face back to the talk. Whatever the thing is, Soujirou was the one who lured Ryukou into Senshado, by scholarship as his bait.
-So, how much the scholarship is?-Ken firstly asked.
-Ten millions!-Soujirou replied.
Ten millions...only to the freshman of the college. But, in each mind of the crew, they think they deserved more than the rest. Sensed these feelings, Kurogane kicked into Soujirou's leg, forcing him changing the topic:
-I'm also hear that the exceptional commanders would be nominated to be "Sensha Tai-Shogun", as their name and their crew will be honored in the Shogunate as the ultimate honor of we Senshadoka!
Ken got pumped with enthusiasm after hearing this award:
-So, what'd taken us worried? Aren't we dedicated for that title, right boys?
And now, Kurogane got himself back to the talk:
-It's not only us! There are many aspects for them to judge! But mostly, base on the battle performance and the win/lose rate! The longer of the winning streaks, the better chance to win that title!
Remembered something, Nihou joined:
-I'd heard that many advertising companies support the candidate for championship! Mostly on the mass media, by taking the chance of broadcasting the lives, it's their billions-worth juicy profit!
-So, will they support us?-Kurogane asked.
-Indeed!-Nihou nodded-But, the school is the main hand receiving the cash, then we're the next one!
If the school receives the cash first, then no hope about it anymore. As the teachers could defend themselves with various evidences supporting them such as "school support", "scholarship", "student's council fund",.etc. Kurogane feels disgusting with the things called "moral", "for the sake of the mass",...words can be used by politicians promoting for votes. But, forget it! It's just a moment Kurogane thinking for himself. The rest of the others, including Ken, who appeared to be very optimistic. He assures:
-So we will win at any cost. Agree?
Everyone nodded. Tasting a sip of Pepsi, Ken had got his attention toward Kurogane, who'd not even have a taste to his coffee while it had been out-cold for too long. So, he suggests:
-Hey Kuro, drink some!
"Uhm!" Kurogane nodded. But, before the coffee touches his mouth, a voice sounded:
-Onii-chan!
...
(To be continued)