Epilogue

Anything that needs to be said has already been said. The things that were required to be done, the opportunity to finish them are now over.Therefore, leave without any burdens, without any regrets. And smile in recognition that all that you have wrought has been good.

Only then can you honestly say…that life is wonderful indeed.


Oarai Girls' Academy – Counsellor's Office – Early Morning

A lone female figure opens the door to the counselor's office. Opening it slowly, the office accepts its visitor with darkness; save for the night lights that were still on. Switching the light on, she walked through all the furniture, all set up for its next occupant. Making way over to the desk; she spied a white envelope marked 'counsellor's eyes only.'

Opening it, she took out the contents and starts reading, but not before grabbing a seat.


To the incoming counsellor of Oarai Girls' Academy,

Welcome to Oarai! No doubt that you are settling into your new role with either great ease or difficulty. Regardless of circumstances, you can count on both the administration and staff to provide support should you need it. They have been introduced to a variety of Western ideals so they may not be strangers to some concepts. The reasoning for this introduction is for the faculty to deviate from traditional teaching techniques that may prove beneficial to the students.

While here in Oarai, as you have been briefed, your responsibilities will include the social morale and mental well-being of the student body. However, your duties may expand to casework as well. This would consist of walk-ins, planning of social events, working in tandem with the Student Council; and any questions or concerns raised by staff; administration; parents or other school parties. The prominent case that I foresee you will have to contend with is with the Sensha-do team.

The student body takes precedence when dispensing your responsibility as a counsellor. As of late; however, the Sensha-do team has become the pride and joy for Oarai. If problems arise from the team, then it will start to affect performance thus increasing the risk of failure in a match, which would, in turn, cause widespread unrest in the student body. They are united in the Sensha-do team's accomplishments. If that is affected, then you can bet that morale in the school will take a blow.

There has been a case I've been working on, and I hope you'll be able to follow up on it. If you are so inclined. The Sensha-do team, especially the first years, have a host of conflicting personalities. They have all been working on addressing these differences, but they will have more challenges ahead. Especially, with the Sensha-do Nationals coming up. Cohesion is vital, every leader knows that.

But the case I've been working on involves the Sensha-do Team Commander, Miho Nishizumi. Her progress to address her social issues, as well as taking an active role in her own recovery has been nothing but extraordinary. There are a few things of note I'd like for you to consider.

Miho has been identified as having anxiety attacks and adolescent depression. If you met her for the first time, you wouldn't even notice. Underneath the smiles and typical high schooler behaviour, lies the wounded heart that has been affected by years of conditioning and expectations. However, she is making great strides in getting past this. She has a functional support group, and attentive faculty should the need arises. That's where you come in.

She also affected by low self-esteem issues and will often make depreciating comments about herself. While this hasn't been prevalent during the last while, it remains a possibility. Positive reinforcement is a necessity to counter this. But, I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, right?

Finally, at this time, she would have begun family counselling with her mother and sister. This was proven as the primary catalyst for her distress. But she is moving past this, as well. Getting through past grievances with her family and former classmates will prove to be her challenge this year.

The reason why I am writing all this down is not an attempt to belittle you. Nor it is me looking down on your abilities as a mental health work. Miho's case requires a great deal of knowledge to work through her issues without losing the progress she made. It is my hope that with your help, she will continue with the momentum she has gained this last year.

Contact information for her support team at Oarai Hospital has been attached for your reference. Should you need to speak to me about this case, just fill out an information disclosure form and have the appropriate parties sign.

I wish you well on your term in Oarai.

Sincerely,

Rirko Nagasawa


As the figure read the letter, she noticed at the corner of her eye a shadow in the window. Freezing for just a moment, she got up from her seat and walked towards the door. As soon as this happens, the shadow moved quickly away. The door opened…no one seemed to be in the hallway. However, the shadow had travelled past the lockers and peered around them from the side; towards the counsellor's door.

A pair of brown eyes in an Oarai uniform stared back. She was shaking.

The figure smiled gently at her. "Hello, you must be Miho."


Kuromorimine Carrier Ship – Headmistress Office – Early Afternoon

"Headmistress, Miss Kiyuko has arrived."

"Send her in." Shiho's disposition had changed considerably since she decided to tell the truth of the circumstances surrounding her husband's death to her house staff. The message was also relayed to the primary residence.

Surprisingly, there were no leaks, and the information stayed within the household. Mostly because of the loyalty that the staff shared with their mistress. The housekeeping staff, servants and maids, were not only employed by the family but also were provided room and lodging. To act against them would make their entire life forfeit and no one wanted that.

Kiyuko walked through the office doors and closed them shut before continuing her approach to her mistress. She gave a solemn bow, "my lady."

"Please, have a seat." Shiho got off from her chair and paced around the room. Her moving like this unnerved Kiyuko. The news she was about to present undoubtedly made her nervous. "Did they find anything."

"Yes, my lady," Kiyuko took out a big brown envelope, with a red tie. "It did take a bit longer for them to gather intel to make absolutely certain that their cover wasn't compromised."

"And…what are the results?" Kiyuko noticed Shiho closing her eyes and crossing her arms tightly.

"It is as you said, my lady. There was more to him than what he was letting on." Kiyuko took the envelope and left it on the desk. Shiho went over, opened the tie and started to read the many documents inside. As she scanned the papers, she recalled the meeting she had with Kiyuko during the match with Kuromorimine and Oarai. While thankful for Rirko's help, she couldn't fully trust him. Therefore, she wanted to learn more about the counsellor that butted into her personal life.

It was only fair. He learnt everything about her and the Nishizumi. This, in her mind, was retribution.

Kiyuko started off. "According to reports gathered, he was the former strategist for the Canadian Tankery Team, the Death Wings. Alliance rules, as you know, are very different from ours. In this particular instance, the wide use of off-field strategists. His specialty revolved around psyche ops."

"Psyche ops?" Shiho piqued at the word.

"Psychological warfare. Using terrain to suit the team's needs. Gathering intel on who the opposing team is, analyzing tactics and countering them. For us, a commander of a team is usually in charge of making the appropriate tactics. However, the Alliance allows people who have been approved by the team and their coach, to offer an impartial view of the situation. Even the use of subterfuge and interrogation have been used… although thankfully there wasn't any evidence connecting him to such activities."

"I would never associate myself with such a person. So, that's a relief. How long had he been the team strategist?"

"He had been the team's strategist for three years until he simply... vanished."

"Vanished?"

"His dismissal is shrouded in conjecture. Our sources varied in testimonies about this."

"I wonder why?" Shiho wondered about the dismissal. Something made him leave, and it was due to his own hand. Or, the most likely reason: he had gotten in someone's way. "I would imagine he would be proud of working with such a renowned team. I never heard the Death Wings having announced their use of a strategist."

"True. The Alliance rules state that any new member of the team is to be publicly announced. This was one of the Death Wings' hidden secrets."

"So, they're not above playing dirty. Anything else?"

"He liked to work behind the scenes. According to eyewitness testimonies, those who worked with him noted said he was a humble, down-to-earth worker. But, he was also overly emotional and quick to temper when provoked."

"I can attest to that," Shiho recalled her meeting with Rirko, during which he snapped at her accusation for him not understanding despair. "How was his relationship with the team?"

Kiyuko straightened herself. "Like us, he worked in tandem with the team commander. Not afraid to state an opinion, he encouraged every member to speak up. During strategy meetings, he presented facts. If the commander and he weren't thinking the same way, he would respect the decision nonetheless."

"So, he washes his hands over the entire affair."

"Mind you that this happened only on a few occasions. During his time as the team's strategist, they respected his tactics. No matter how morally wrong it might be."

"Morally wrong?" Shiho asked, surprisingly. "What do you mean by this?"

Kiyuko got up and pointed to a document in the package. It was a copy of a write up from the Alliance to Rirko. "One popular theory for his dismissal. There was a manoeuvre that the team utilized once and only once. During that match, the Death Wings held a field advantage during the entire time. Interesting enough, it was an annihilation match. Near the end, it was 10 to 1, Death Wings' favour."

"10-1?" Wide-eyed, Shiho listened attentively and was intrigued. Where did she see this scenario?

"Suddenly, the tanks mobilized themselves at high speeds, circling around, completely sealing them off. Pointing their turrets at the remaining tank in a circle, the Death Wings tanks surrounded the remaining enemy tank. And then…"

It didn't take a genius to know what happened next. "You don't mean…"

"Every tank fired multiple times at that lone tank." Shiho looked at Kiyuko for a moment before she sat in her chair, awestruck. "By the end of it, the tank's exterior was completely eroded from all of the shell fire. If it wasn't for the tank's carbon plating, they would have sustained serious injuries."

"What happened because of that match."

"It was televised locally as there were many matches happening at the same time. The Alliance got involved and reprimanded the Death Wings for using such a tactic. They were fined and suspended for two matches."

"And those in the opposing tank."

She gave a deep sigh. "They never participated in any match, ever again."

As Kiyuko finished her explanation, she shook her head. Was it any wonder Rirko went off on Maho and Erika after Oarai and Kuromorimine had their match? It must have brought back bad memories. She was disappointed, but she had to know. "What was the reason why the Death Wings did this?"

"According to Intel, it was an order by one of the Alliance's executive members. A very prominent member that provided for more than half of the team's expenses. The order was: to completely and utterly destroy them."

"And, where does Nagasawa fit into all of this?"

"When the team received the order, the commander wanted to follow through. However, Nagasawa was vehemently opposed to it. Some people claimed to have heard a huge argument between the two. Ultimately, that executive member strong-armed him to come up with a strategy or risk the team being disbanded. A few days after the match, that's when he disappeared."

"Hmm." Shiho thought about Rirko and what she was hearing. "He said he didn't know anything about Tankery before arriving in Oarai. A deception?"

"Perhaps, it was not knowing anything about Sensha-do. There is often confusion between the two. Sometimes, people believe that the terms are interchangeable."

"I would be inclined to agree." While in Okinoshima, he did say to Shiho that he wasn't interested in Tankery or Sensha-do in the past. Was it an attempt to throw her off? Or did he honestly thought Sensha-do and Tankery were one and the same?

"Prior to his stint as a strategist, he was enrolled in a course in Child and Youth Care at a local community college. After two years in the program, he took a year off due to burnout. That's when he started to volunteer his time at a local tank yard near the college grounds."

"Why was a tank yard there?"

"The college was working in conjunction with the public school board. When Tankery became a popular sport again, the public board scrambled to involve Tankery in their curriculum. Since there wasn't any time to build an arena, the college grounds were the only stopgap solution. At least until they were able to build a proper facility."

"Humph." Shiho scoffed the idea of having a school board use Tankery as a money-making opportunity. With high schools offering Tankery programs, parents would have wanted to enroll their child in that particular high school. That would create revenue through the number of students enrolled and would mean more money from the government.

"Continuing on. It was here he met with an Alliance talent scout that saw him participate in helping to organize high school students and teaching them advanced strategies. He broke down the stratagems into a simplistic form for them to understand and had a strong command presence. Impressed with this, he then had him volunteer at a summer Tankery program run by the Alliance. A year later, here he was."

"Why did he wanted to work with children and youth?"

"We spoke to his professors, and they said he was always interested in how a child's mind worked. How they reacted to certain situations. More importantly, understanding them as individuals and helping them through their goals."

"I…see…" Shiho didn't get Rirko's love for children, but she was glad that he had such a passion. It was due to this that her family was in recovery. Her previous interactions with Rirko wasn't far off from when he was still a strategist.

Kiyuko continued her explanation. "After leaving the team, he returned to the educational system and spent five years in his present board. The rest, as you would say, is history." Finishing up, Kiyuko returned to her seat, waiting for her mistress' appraisal.

Shiho didn't know what to think. Rirko had previous experiences in Tankery. A hardened strategist, he may have left because of the incident between him and the Alliance turned sour. Returning to his original passion as a Youth Worker, he became employed by a school board that sent him out to Japan for an international teacher exchange program. "He knew about Tankery. But, he didn't know anything about our Sensha-do. It sounds like; however, he has a noble heart. One that wouldn't sully his hands on something deplorable."

"He may have chosen to intentionally omit his previous experiences with the Alliance because of that past incident. He may have felt guilty about having a hand in that match." This made Shiho stare at Kiyuko. "M-My lady. My apologies. I have overstepped my bounds."

But Shiho was thinking about Rirko's situation and her own. "Nagasawa left Tankery because of what happened. But, it was out of guilt. Miho left because she felt ashamed for what she did. You did nothing of the sort, Kiyuko. I appreciate you doing this."

"I am willing to serve," Kiyuko said, with a bow.

"Nagasawa had every right to keep his previous interactions with the Alliance a secret. It may have proved beneficial for him because he could relate to my daughters through experience. Kiyuko..."

"My lady."

"Have our intelligence gather information on the Alliance's executive board and any prominent affiliations belonging to their group. If the Federation has any intention of working with them, I want us to know everything. Especially, their underhand dealings."

"Understood, my lady."

Suddenly, Shiho smiled warmly at her. The matriarch's smile caught Kiyuko off-guard and made her nervous. "You've been a great comfort to me, Kiyuko. I want you to know that your dedication to the Nishizumi is nothing but exemplary. I'm glad my trust in you wisely placed."

"I…thank…you, my lady." Bowing, Kiyuko swiftly excused herself. Walking out and closing the door, she held a hand on her heart. For her mistress to praise her like that was something she never heard in a long while. Wiping off a single tear, she resolved to continue to be of use to Shiho.

Now alone, Shiho sat in her chair and folded her fingers in front of her face. She knew that Rirko was holding something back. His knowledge of tactics and leadership, as well as his ability to speak. Making a small chuckle, she could only laugh how this one, lone counsellor had fooled them all.

But, not her.


Kuromorimine Carrier Ship – East Mall – Late Afternoon

Socializing. The ability to speak with people. Relate to them and be able to grow closer. Sometimes it blooms into a friendship that lasts a lifetime. Other times, it becomes so much more…intimate.

It would be easy for some, just to go up and talk a person. For others, it's a challenge. Saying the wrong thing, being awkward in a conversation and worse all: the possibility of rejection. Unfortunately, Maho was the latter. Her training and matches were a breeze in comparison to social interaction.

It was no wonder when her tank mates asked to go out for a sushi dinner that she stammered in her response. Caught completely off-guard, her mind couldn't come up with an answer right there. Erika, who was right next to her, answered for the both. "Of course, we'll be delighted to go."

Everyone had to go home to get a change of clothes. A Kuromorimine uniform was no place for a social gathering. Especially, when one of the rules of the group was to keep your boots and rank at the door. It would be Koume, Erika, and the other tank commanders. The meet-up time would be 6:30 PM, downstairs atrium. The weather was fair, cloudy skies darkening to greet the night. For a weekday, there was an abnormal increase of people. Men, women and children alike were bustling to wherever they were going.

The meet-up was at 6:30 PM. Maho arrived an hour and a half early.

There she was, all by her lonesome. She spent an hour trying to decide what to wear. Bright clothes, dark clothes, pants, a skirt, semi-formal wear, casual wear and on and on and on. Finally, she settled on a pink cardigan with a matching dress. The dress itself was dull, only having a rough texture when felt. She also wore a cheap necklace and wore black slip-on shoes. The outfit was completed with a big rose coloured purse.

As people rushed by, Maho sat silently on a bench, watching the crowds come and go. Though she kept the same stoic look, her mind was a different story. Running 100 mph, it was filled with questions. "Do I look alright? Is this enough? Is this the right place? What time is it? Am I late? No, I'm early. Will they be late? How will this turn out..." Soon, she was unconsciously making random eye movements and jerking her head a little. Some people took notice of the peculiar behaviour but paid no mind.

Realizing that she was panicking, she closed her eyes and started to breathe slowly. After a minute, she was able to calm herself down. "I played many Sensha-do matches that put me in plenty of stressful situations. I always able to keep a level head. So why? Why, when I'm doing this, I get all nervous and flustered?"

Questioning this, she didn't notice Koume and Erika standing right there. Looking at each other, Erika tapped on Maho's shoulder gently and called her name. "Maho? Maho?"

"Huh?!" Suddenly, Maho jerked from her seat and for a moment looked at Erika surprisingly. "Oh. Sorry, Erika. I didn't see you."

"We were standing there for a minute. Are you okay?"

Maho nodded her head. "Yes. Yes…I was…thinking of something." Both Erika and Koume joined Maho on the bench. "Why are you girls so early?" she asked Erika. Her response was a shrug.

"I expected you to come early. You always seem to do."

"Force of habit?" Koume asked, leaning in a little and smiling gently.

"I guess you can say that." Maho twiddled her thumbs, seemingly embarrassed by her behaviour.

"You seemed distracted. What's up?" Erika caught on that something was going on with Maho. She wanted to know. Truthfully, this has been on Maho's mind for a while now. She had never told Erika about what happened during the meeting with her family in Oarai.

Now, she had an opportunity to fill Erika and Koume in. A part of her was hesitant at telling them about this but if her experience with Rirko taught her anything, that holding back the truth is dangerous to someone's well-being. Erika and Koume became nervous when she said, "I need to tell you something."

For the entire forty-five minutes they were there, Erika and Koume listened to everything that Maho had to say. About the confrontation, she had with her mother, the real reason why her mother changed and the circumstances surrounding Tsuneo's death. The expression of the two, young high-schoolers changed at various times from shock to sadness to being dumbfounded with the amount that was being dumped on them right now.

At the end of her story, Maho sat there; a look of dejection filling her entire face. Closing her eyes, she wept silently. She was embarrassed that she was crying in public. To her, this was unacceptable behaviour. The heiress to the Nishizumi style should be the picture of serene grace.

Koume and Erika moved close on both sides, and each held her hand. "I see it now. You were suffering as much as Miho was."

"But, I was part of the problem! I didn't do anything that would solve the situation everyone was in because of my own fears and apprehensions." She felt and looked guilty. "While I feel there's hope for my family, I can't see myself having all these great things happen to me. I don't deserve them."

It seemed her guilt about what happened was still with her. But, there was one crucial difference that she had now: she was not alone.

Erika looked at Maho intently. "Look, you have a lot of regrets. I can see it in your face. The past will always be a part of you. But now's the time to change who you are for the better! The lessons learnt during the last year. Remember them and what they taught you. You're more than a Commander now, Maho. You're a person. You're a friend."

"Friend." Maho pondered on that word. Before, she was only known for her abilities as a Sensha-do Commander. Her mother and other people would tell her what to do. Her future was not her own. Now, she had a future. Decisions she could call her own and learn new things. In her mind's eye, it looked like all things in the world were new again.

"Hey!" The three turned to see the tank commanders in the distance, grinning and waving. Koume went to greet them, and Erika was about to go when…she saw Maho sitting there with an uneasy expression. Thinking for only a moment, Erika smiled and took Maho's hands and pulled her up from her seat.

As she did this, Maho's confused look washed away; replaced by a gentle smile. It was like being pulled from the pit of despair.


Toronto – Education Center – Morning – ONE WEEK LATER

Rirko was in one of the many rooms of his board's educational centre. It was where the central office for the entirety of the board, as well as the location of the liaison offices for NATA.

He was compiling a list of tasks that needed to be done. He had to visit six schools in the span of two months. Each of them had social and academic barriers that are necessary to be overcome for their Tankery teams to be academically and socially viable. It seems he would be doing more work than when he was an occasional worker. But, he liked it. Knowing when and where he would be. An opportunity to grow in a new field and working for a big name like the Alliance.

But in him, was a sense of longing. During the day, his chest tightened, and he looked at the clock. He compared the time to whatever Oarai was doing. Shaking his head, he continued to work on the documents before him. The jetlag still present, even after a week.

"Excuse me." His head directed towards the door, he spotted a board courier. His eyes told him he didn't like his job.

Resolving to be one of the few happy instances of his day, he greeted him. "Hello, may I help you?"

"I have a delivery to Rirko Nagasawa. The secretary told me he was here?"

"A package? I wasn't expecting anything…That would be me."

"Sign here," the courier said, whipping out his electronic signing device. Afterwards, he went out of the room and grabbed an extended, slender package from his cart. It reached up to his waist. Giving a curt nod, he continued to do his rounds.

Setting the package on the desk, Rirko looked at it with great apprehension. "What's in this thing?" Finding the taped fold, he carefully opened the box. Inside was some form packaging but what the actual contents were just as surprising.

Inside was a beautiful sword. Red and gold in colour, with dragon-like features all over the scabbard. The blade itself had a black hilt with a straight black handle. It had a Japanese symbol for 'selflessness' on guard. In addition, there was a black leather belt strap to hold the sword on the waist. The black case gleamed with red velvet bedding.

Looking at the blade, he held it up and looked it over a couple of times. He started to smile like a kid in a candy store. "This is awesome!" He then noticed inside the box a small note. Picking it up, it was in Japanese. It read:

Strictly for Sensha-do functions.

"Sensha-do only? Is this part of a uniform?" He wanted to gush out on the sword more, but there were more arrangements to be made. He put the sword in a case that it came in. Continuing with his work, he made a guess on who may have sent him the sword.

After his lunch, he received an e-mail from HR:


Subject: Sensha-do Ceremony

Dear Rirko,

The Sensha-do House of Tendo is holding a Sensha-do ceremony known as the 'Ringing of the shells.' It's to commemorate the start of the Sensha-do movement 20 years back and a pledge to help support the Alliance.

You are to attend this ceremony as an official liaison from the board to convey best wishes for the House of Tendo. Details are attached.

Maggie


Silently cursing in his head, he was less than pleased that he had to attend a function on top of all that was happening. On the other hand, there would be an assortment of goodies to be there. His happy thought faded with the idea of whether 'he' would be there.

Other than to make a reply confirming his attendance, there was nothing else he could have done. So, he went back to work.


Toronto - The Estates of Sunnybrook – Early Evening

It wasn't any Graydon Hall, but it came near close.

The House of Tendo spared expenses on extravagance. Had they wanted to go that route, they would have booked Graydon. However, Sunnybrook boasted a vast yard. A very, very huge yard. Big enough to accommodate several tanks.

There were several people on hand, but the most peculiar was the Kimono/ Yukata fitting room. Since it was a Sensha-do function, all people were encouraged to wear one. Lest someone stick out like a sore thumb with the usual western formal styling.

A section of the venue was dedicated to renting out kimonos and yukatas and fitting them. Both men and women had their own change room. So, Rirko arrived with this information. Rather than buy a yukata outright, he would just wear one for the evening. But, he did bring something personal. The sword in its case. As per its instruction: 'to be strictly used in Sensha-do functions.'

Not many people were renting out kimonos and yukatas. Some people brought their personal ones. Changing out of civilian clothing, he went through his choices. In the end, he chose a blue yukata, with a dark blue bottom. Fixing the leather strap belt with the sword, he looked in a mirror. Making a small smile, he was satisfied with his look.

When he got out of the change booth, the attendants looked at him, eyes budging. Rirko could help but notice. "What?"

The attendants looked at each other, and one of them shook his head vigorously. "N-Nothing, my lord. Nothing at all."

"Oooookay?" He wondered about the title but held our tongue. He didn't want to go through an explanation. As the attendants kept open the doors for him, Rirko noticed that he was now getting stares from everyone. Some people were whispering, others huddled together to talk. The peering eyes did little to abate his curiosity. Just what was going on?

As he located the main venue hall, there was a line reaching at least to half of the wall. "Maybe I should have gotten here earlier." Standing at the back, he imagined it being a line for a ride at the amusement park. There was a nice moment of silence before everyone started looking and whispering again. This was beginning to annoy him. "Okay, what the hell?"

Just then, an attendant from the front of the line came forward and bowed. "Excuse me, my lord?"

Rirko thought that she was talking to a person behind or in front of him, so he kept on ignoring her. However, the person behind him gave a gentle tap then pointed.

The attendant bowed again. "My apologies. May I have my lord's name?"

"Lord? U-Uh?" The looks were making him nervous. There were now people from the front looking at him. "Uh…Rirko. Rirko Nagasawa."

The attendant looked through some pages and ran down her finger on the paper. Then, she flipped to the last page, again running her finger down. This time, she tapped on the clipboard a couple of times. "Our deepest apologies, my lord. You were just recently added to our system. No doubt that you didn't receive an e-mail about where the proper entrance was. It was our error, and we deeply apologize."

"Wait, wait, wait!" He held his hand up, still confused. "Lord? E-mail? What are you talking…"

"If your lordship would follow me, I would be honoured to accompany you to the main hall."

"Fine, ignore my questions why don't cha." He didn't know why the attendant was speaking to him in such a way. Nor why people were looking at him. However, someone was offering him to skip the line. So, he did what any sensible person would do. "Um, look. I've already invested myself in this line, and I don't mind waiting. It's not a problem at all, really."

"M-My lord?" The attendant stammered a bit. "Someone of your status shouldn't be –"

"I'm good," Rirko insisted. The crowd was still looking on, eyes glued and interested in what was going to happen next."

"This…This is unacceptable! You shouldn't be in this line in the-"

His patience running thin, he sighed and punctuated, "I'm. Good." He stared at the attendant who looked at him blankly. Finally, she bowed and returned herself to the front of the line, whispering to her co-workers. The crowd was still looking. He turned himself to face the front, "eyes forward, please."


It was fifteen minutes before Rirko reached the front of the line. Now he could see that the attendant who spoke with him, and her co-workers looked nervous. Nodding, they escorted him into the hall. There, a security guard and a woman in a bright red kimono was waiting for him. Long oriental hair, brown eyes, soft features but was wearing a look of anxiety.

The security stopped him. "I'm sorry, sir. Do you have any ID with you?"

For a moment, Rirko gave him an inquisitive look. Then, he whipped out of his pocket his wallet, rummaged through until he found his driver's licence. Giving it to the guard, he then gave it to the girl in the red kimono. Both went over to the left side of the hall. The woman took out her phone, flipped it a few times with the guard holding the licence for her. Five minutes later, they returned.

The guard returned his ID. "Thank you, sir. I'm sorry for the trouble." He and the rest of the attendants took their leave.

The lady gave a slight nod. "Please, follow me. I understand you're a bit confused, but I promise you'll be getting an explanation in a moment." There was no debate. Resigned, he followed the woman through the hall. As he passed through, he saw the extravagance of Sunnybrook. The tables and chairs dressed in traditional Japanese style. Hanging lanterns and other iconic Japanese decorations. The guests, themselves, were all dressed in fancy kimonos and yukatas.

As he looked closer, he noticed that only a few of them were wearing the same style of the sword he had. Maybe ten out of the possible 400 people that were there. As they both made their way to the terrace, the woman turned a sharp right and to a stairwell. When they arrived, Rirko saw a spectacular sight. It was a secluded spot, with no one around save for an elderly man. He appeared to be in his fifties, wearing a black yukata, brown bottom. He had a purple scabbard attached to his side held by a leather strap. He was fanning himself when both appeared to them.

The woman bowed, "Sir, here is the man."

The man smiled gently. "Thank you, my dear. Please, relax. I'll take it from here."

"Of course. Thank you." She returned his smile with one of her own. Giving both a bow, she retreated towards the stairwell.

"Please have a seat, Mr. Nagasawa, we have much to discuss." Unsure about what was happening, Rirko quietly complied and took a seat next to him.

The man leaned closer. "Do you know who I am?"

Rirko shook his head. "Sorry, sir. I don't-" The man then laughed.

"There's no need for deception, Mr. Nagasawa. I'm already aware of your sorted history with the Alliance."

Giving him a glare for a moment, Rirko knew he couldn't deceive the old man. "Akumi Tendo. One of the former Board of Directors for the Alliance."

Akumi gave the nod. "Very good. I'm glad we're able to speak honestly now. My boy, you've been quite busy."

"I guess you can say that." Rirko shrugged, "with work. With Tankery. As a liaison."

"Yes. You should feel proud of your accomplishments. I congratulate you."

Rirko crossed his arms and frowned, "I doubt that was the only reason you wanted to see me."

"Indeed." Akumi got up, put his hands on his hips and stretched a little. He gave a deep sigh, then relaxed. "The reason why I wanted to see you were…about that." Akumi pointed at Rirko's sword.

"What? This?"

"Where did you get that?"

"Received in the mail."

Akumi put his finger on his chin. "No return addresses?"

"Nope." The elderly man started to pace a little. He returned to his seat and stared at him. No doubt he was trying to read Rirko.

"Do you have any idea where this sword might have come from? Or, it's significance?"

Rirko took a listening pose. "It's significance, I'm not too sure. Where it came from…I might have an idea."

"Who then?"

"Before you start asking questions, I want you to answer some of my own." Rirko crossed his arms, intent on getting to the truth. "You can say this is disrespectful or I have no right, but I think I've been more than accommodating being kept in the dark and I want to know what's going on."

Akumi continues to look at him, with a look of understanding. "You're not disrespectful. You're right. You are entitled to know what's going on." He folded his hands together. "I'm not only a former member of the executive board of NATA. I'm also…head of the House of Tendo."

Suddenly, Rirko groaned, upon remembering why he was there in the first place. "House of Tendo…" Akumi gave a knowing smile. "You're a style school, aren't you?"

Akumi laughed heartily. "I'm glad you've learnt a lot in your travels in Japan! Yes, we are a style school. A bit different from our Eastern counterparts, mind you, but a style school nonetheless."

"Then what's your style?"

"Togetherness, honour, respect and passion. Tendo has been very flexible with its affiliates, practitioners and discipleship. We've embraced the Western culture, to a point but not so far as to abandon our Eastern traditions."

"I see." Rirko thought about the style schools in Japan and the House of Tendo here. It seemed that Tendo was lax in the traditions but not so much that there would be anarchy in their own house. "I may want to know the specifics about your style, but let's backtrack a little. You wanted to know where this sword might have originated from?"

"Oh, I can probably tell you that. If you could present your sword for a moment." Rirko unhooked the sword from the leather strap. Giving him the sword in its scabbard, Akumi ran through it from top to bottom with his eyes. It was quiet on the terrace. The party in the hall was muffled. However, there were sounds of tanks moving into position in preparation for the Firing of the Shells events. Akumi took the sword by its handle and revealed it slightly. Studying the blade, he then closed it. "Just as I thought. The Nishizumi clan."

Rirko nodded, confirming it.

"You've been bestowed a great honour, Mr. Nagasawa. What did you do?"

"I…. rather not say. It's a bit of a personal matter." Akuni raised an eyebrow. "…. NOT remotely what I meant!"

Handing the blade back to Rirko, Akumi nodded and chuckled. "I understand. I wouldn't sully myself with such…impure thoughts. Well, whatever you did, you've impressed them so much that they would make you part of their family."

"HUH!?" Rirko stood up, surprised. He was shocked by the revelation, eyes budging. "You can't be serious!"

Akumi laughed again. "You didn't know? When a Sensha-do family presents a sword to a person, it signifies trust and friendship. They acknowledge that person will defend them with their life. In return, they would do the same. Affording all the privileges befitting a member of that family. There are hierarchies built in some families, and this is especially true with the Nishizumi. Its members and disciples wear coloured swords during certain functions to signify where they are in the family. For you… the colour is red. The colour of a Lord, a trusted aide. That's under the immediate family."

Rirko was still reeling in from the shock. He sat back down, shaking his head. "So…this means…I've been appointed as an aide…by the Nishizumi?"

"In all intent purposes, yes." Akumi looked at Rirko some more, admiring his youthful enthusiasm. He also wanted to know what he would do next.

"I hate that woman. I absolutely hate that woman." Rirko muttered this, somewhat audibly. "I didn't ask for this…"

"Only immediate members, with the matriarch's blessing may bestow this honour. So…do you know who?"

"Yes," Rirko said, dejectedly. He slumped in his chair for a moment, before wiping his hand over his face. He returned sitting. "It was…was…Shiho…"

"What? I couldn't hear that. Say that again?"

Giving a grunt of frustration, he said it, "Shiho Nishizumi. She's probably the one who gave me this sword."

Rirko could have sworn when he spoke Shiho's name, Akumi's jaw dropped on the floor. "The matriarch of the family…gave you this sword?"

"W-Well, it's conjecture. I'm, like 90% sure that it was her. Who else would it be…" Shiho would be the only one in that position of power to do such a thing. Apart from Maho or Miho, they weren't with the traditions of Sensha-do that much. Not knowing of any other immediate family members, Shiho was the most viable option.

"Hmm…you must have done something so impressive. Like, saving her life. The Nishizumi don't give this honour to anyone."

"That's…not far off." Rirko realized that his off-handed remark was like a hook. Akumi took it.

"I have a relative in Oarai. I believe you would know her."

Rirko thought back, then he realized and reeled from the name. "Shinzuka."

"My niece," Akumi sighed, smiling faintly. "Though I wanted for her to continue our Sensha-do legacy, she decided that the human mind was more interesting in tanks. Regardless, I'm still proud of her and her accomplishments."

"You keep in touch?"

"Yes. We keep in close contact with one another. Especially, the last couple of months."

"Really?" Rirko suddenly became fearful. Did Shinzuka tell Akumi about Miho and the Nishizumi? "Any specifics?"

"No. But I have a good idea based on where she's positioned." Akumi looked at him, intently. He already knew.

Rirko was silent for a moment. "I hope you have no intention of telling this to anyone."

Scoffing, Akumi tried to relieve Rirko's fears. "I am a man of honour, Mr. Nagasawa. I would rather fight the Alliance again than to face Lady Nishizumi."

"Not good enough." Rirko shot an angry glare. Picking this up, Akumi sighed.

"I swear, upon my honour as the head of the House of Tendo, that I will never reveal the personal life of the Nishizumi family…other than those who are already privy to it. Happy?"

"I'll take it…I guess." He wasn't happy that someone else knew, but with him holding such cards, what other choice did he have?

"Now that I've given my oath, may we speak plainly?" Akumi wanted to know specifics for he was waiting for Rirko's answer with visible anticipation. After thinking a few moments, he answered the old patriarch.

"This conversation never happened."