Eleven days. That was the number of days the cadets had spent in intense training before docking in Hawaii. What for, was to be discovered as when the word was passed through the chain of command, the only information given was "Mandatory training for three out of seven days docked" That and of course the fine print. Anyone who did not attend was longer a part of the Senshado team. This notice ensured apt attendance.

Only Virtanen had been informed of the schedule's purpose prior to docking while Sokolov, O'Diveley, and Knight were briefed as the first few to go ashore. Training had been steadily ramping up aboard the ship and increasing in intensity but the focus, that Kaiser had briefed them of, was to create well-rounded cadets, capable of withstanding any situation. Not just within the relative safety of a vehicle.

Kaiser then briefed the group over the plan of team-building exercises, marksmanship training with a multitude of small arms till each cadet was proficient with at least a single weapon. Physical training was naturally added spontaneously throughout the days to encourage quick action, discipline, and strength. Finally, all were tested on communication equipment, driving knowledge, and observing enemy vehicles and their weaknesses on the day the Transcendence came to port.

There had been gripes over the lack of time spent in actual vehicles but the dissent was quickly stamped out after being assured there would be time allotted for R and R 'soon'. How soon was left to question. Unfortunately, to most, it seemed that it would be during their time in Hawaii, which was supposed to be off time anyway. It seemed Kaiser, through his multitude of calls and contacts, had been able to convince Transcendence's staff to bargain with the military bases to rent a few ranges and barracks to them for a short period of time.

Upon docking, the Transcendence lay still, and streams of students filed out to explore the island. Next to the rows of offloading students in their casual attire and beachwear eager to explore the island, was the Senshado team standing in stark contrast. Dressed in brown American M42 uniforms and green helmets they fell into columns, busy loading ammunition and supplies for the next few days onto a row of American GMC two and a half tons trucks.

As both sets of Transcendent students went about their own paths, both murmured amongst their peers. The regular students whispered of the Senshado cadets misfortune while the other end of the spectrum spoke in agreement of how lucky everyone else besides themselves were.

Soon the loading of supplies finished and the team of cadets stood in formation taking accountability while the automotive club checked the vehicles before departure. The automotive students not in the Senshado team, however, were busy consoling their peers, now stuck training rather than checking the machinery.

Soon a convoy was organized with vehicles from Transcendence's hangar. An SDKFZ 251 with a 75mm Pak cannon took the lead of the formation, followed by the deuce and half trucks, and the rear covered by an SDKFZ 251 Wurfrahmen, an armored car with a rocket artillery mount.

All cadets stood awaiting orders, ignoring their heights and personalized weapon load-outs, they all appeared identical in the baggy clothing and supplies. The higher-ranking cadets, Virtanen and Kaiser included, would also participate and allow the usage of sidearms in this field exercise if they met prior requirements.

The majority of faces however showed eagerness to end training as quickly as possible. Almost mockingly Virtanen had called out to them from afar shouting "No matter the weather, combat stops for no one!" His attempt at encouragement earned muffled groans in the blazing Hawaiin sun and humidity. He was only forgiven in their minds because he was wearing the same equipment as them, if not even more, and showed no signs of bother due to his familiarity with the situation.

After his comment, came the order to mount up and the cadets began to load into the vehicles, cramming themselves in, attempting to fit into the limited space. Some complained the number of vehicles were purposely limited to further inconvenience them. A fact that Virtanen's smile told no truth to, as he watched the process. Virtanen saw the cadets finish clambering in and wait to depart as a KubelWagen pulled up next to him.

Knight quickly emerged from the driver's door and held the passenger side open for his commander to enter. Tossing his garrison cap inside the vehicle, Virtanen took a seat as Knight closed the door behind him and returned to the driver's side before checking his phone.

The vehicle idled as Virtanen struck a conversation while they waited. "Who are you messaging?" He asked with a spark of curiosity.

Knight seemed surprised to be spoken to and jumped slightly at the realization. "Oh, um well sir. It was my understanding I would be transporting the upper echelon of our staff during this event in order to learn from you and the Vice commander, to understand how you operate. But Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser isn't here" he explained.

Knight gestured to the rearview mirror between them. Virtanen looked to see two familiar shapes. Sokolov looked deflated at the expectation of physical labor along with the heat and O'Diveley leaning forward to pat Knight on the shoulder, chipper as ever. "That would include us," O'Divrley said to Virtanen before addressing Knight. "Don't worry lad, us two ain't got much experience in the job either" he commented, gesturing at Sokolov.

Virtanen pondered aloud. "I wonder where Kaiser is then, after all, we are waiting on him here". On cue, Virtanen's phone rang. Picking it up Knight watched on as a short conversation was carried before abruptly ending with Virtanen rolling his eyes.

"He's already there awaiting our arrival, so lead the convoy and I'll wave them along as we pass by," instructed Virtanen.

Knight put the vehicle in drive and attempted to renew their conversation feeling anxious the moment silence began to set in. "Um, sir, Colonel Kaiser seems rather, how do I say, motivated? About this doesn't he?"

"Ha," snarked Virtanen, waving his arm out the window for the convoy to follow. "This isn't him excited, you should see him in an InfanterieKampf field, now that, that was something to see. Although it's not like you or the other students need to know too much about all that besides you don't have anything to worry about here" Virtanen grinned, leaning his head against an arm and resigning himself to looking out the window rather than carry the conversation.

Realizing Virtanen wasn't going to follow up the ominous remarks, Knight glanced into the rearview to see O"Diveley busy trying to cheer up Sokolov. Seeing no opportunity to speak nor have the confidence to force conversation, Knight's mind did the one thing it did best. wander into a field of paranoia.

A short drive found the convoy approaching a vast expanse of open field that was surrounded by lush tropical forest. The range seemingly 'borrowed' by Kaiser, happened to be an artillery range spanning dozens of kilometers.

At the gate entrance, Kaiser could be seen leaning against a BMW R75 motorcycle without the standard sidecar attachment. He wore the same brown uniform as the rest of the cadets, to the surprise of many, and forewent his usual dress cap for a garrison cap as the rest of the cadet officers.

Seeing the convoys approach Kaiser gave a quick kick to the leg stand of his bike and revved the engine before turning one hundred eighty degrees and joining in front of the lead vehicle, guiding them to their first designated area for training. Soon Kaiser strayed to the side of the road and parked, leaving the student convoy to pass him and circle around as the Kubelwagon, which had broken off from the convoy as well, approached him.

The cadets quickly dismounted and began to unload all of their gear. Shouting in a seemingly disorganized manner, a quick effort was made to be quick in their movements and form up. Rather than a mass formation, Five separate squads were made. One for each squad of tanks and to easily see each face.

As accountability and gear checks went underway with the cadet NCOs, Kaiser went to rendezvous with his fellow staff. O"Diveley was the first to jump out of the vehicle eager to stretch his legs. Virtanen gestured towards the formations, speaking to the junior cadets with him, while Kaiser was still out of earshot. Quickly Knight, Sokolov, and O'Diveley picked up their gear and ran towards their respective platoons. As he approached Virtanen, O"Diveley, Sokolov, and Knight gave their greetings as they ran past.

Kaiser gave a salute as he approached, to which Virtanen returned as normal with a snarky greeting. "If it isn't the school phantom." he joked.

Kaiser hummed at the remark. "Phantom? That's a new one. How did I earn that one?"

Virtanen chuckled at the casual response. "You've been disappearing a lot lately, especially after practice. Hardly anyone could get a hold of you. Hell, even that gossip page online barely had any updates on you over the past week." he informed.

Kaiser hummed again, showing small interest. "My absence was necessary to finalize our 'appropriation' of certain gear" he cautiously phrased, staring out at the cadets along with Virtanen.

This raised a brow from Virtanen. "And that would be?" Virtanen asked.

"Oh, the usual" Kaiser reassured. "Canteens, Mapping equipment, maintenance equipment for rifles and vehicles, Howitzers, ammunition for said howitzers, extra ammo for rifles to be delivered, Individual-first-aid-kits, and a book for personal reading." He answered, pulling an itinerary out of his chest pocket and handing it over to Virtanen.

Virtanen received the itinerary quietly before swinging his head so fast Kaiser could hear it pop. "What was that middle part again?" asked Virtanen for clarification.

"Maintenance gear and IFAK's?" Kaiser responded aloof.

"No, no, the live howitzers and ammunition bit." Virtanen deadpanned.

"Oh. Those" Kaiser realized mockingly. Raising his hands in an 'I don't know' gesture he answered. "Well, you wouldn't believe what people leave just lying around." He answered as calmly as he breathed.

Despite the calm reply, Virtanen could not hold his surprise. "I-What-How?" he stuttered in an effort to demand an answer.

Kaiser gave a small shrug. "it's amazing what you can tactically acquire when you ask the right people and no one's looking. Besides they would have just gone to waste sitting there unused."

Virtanen shook his head dumbfounded. "How can you be so slothful and yet, somehow you can, and do things like this?" he gestured swinging an arm before them, referring to their very presence on a currently unused artillery field.

With the shrug of a shoulder, Kaiser indifferently spoke. "That's a question you'll answer yourself when you're competent enough, but for now you're a fresh commander and ought to focus on the here and now," he answered, slapping Virtanen's back.

With a wince and a step forward from the surprisingly strong blow, Virtanen broke eye contact to see his cadets, finally formed up and awaiting their orders. "Shall we begin?" Kaiser asked, stepping next to Virtanen. The two walked before the formation awaiting the attendance report.

"At ease" Ordered O"Diveley to the formation as the senior NCO. "Report" was the next order given. Each Squad's personnel report was all present and accounted for. The scare tactic of being booted from the team worked. O'Diveley then reported in turn to Virtanen with a salute Before Virtanen stepped forward and O"Diveley to the side of the formation. Slowly Virtanen lowered his head taking in a deep breath before slowly exhaling.

Lifting his head Virtanen shouted. "This is the beginning! Where it will all begin, for you, your teams, your unit, and most importantly our school! This training is to evaluate how much information you have retained in this short amount of time. To further sharpen, train, and hone your skills. You will become exhausted physically and mentally. We will push you to your limits for you to realize one truth! On the field, you can rely only on those next to you! Therefore, for those who place their trust in you and those you place your trust in, do not fail each other! This is your first step to our victory!"

The boisterous speech from Virtanen was unexpected but well-received. The end of his words leaving the cadets squirming with excitement before erupting in a chorus of cheers and elation. Amidst the noise, Kaiser leaned in towards Virtanen''s ear quietly speaking. "Nice performance, aren't you glad you took my advice and rehearsed?"

Virtanen spoke slowly, his voice slightly cracking, his facade of confidence faded away as he turned his back to the crowd and confide in Kaiser. "Erm, yeah thanks for that, I think I'm starting to get used to this slowly, though I won't be doing any shows anytime soon."

While the commanders chatted together O'Diveley dismissed the formation which promptly scattered for their gear and prepared for their next orders. Unbeknownst to the cadets, their fervor would quickly be snuffed out.

-Transition-

The sun was burning a path in the sky when they had arrived in Hawaii but as with any tropical paradise, it came in tandem with rain. Raining on and off every day they had been training was an incessant nuisance to those who were being put through the wringer.

Regardless, the days went as planned. Every Cadet from Virtanen and Kaiser, down to the newest freshman RO participating in the exercises. Whether it was through intense physical training, such as multi-kilometer runs with weight, to immediate high-intensity workouts or hikes consisting of hours worth of ascending and descending the same hills in circles. It became apparent some were more suited to certain aspects of the training than others. The contrast was made more apparent as the hours turned over to the next day and the next, especially in physical prowess.

Though Virtanen and Kaiser had kept up the front of such runs, Sokolov and Knight were 'ensuring' the rear of cadets falling out, caught up. Certainly not because it was the only pace they could keep with.

The days ran long with no breaks other than three meals a day and the odd class mixed in to further educate the cadets on nutrition, general knowledge, or even remedial homework for classes they required assistance in.

One day specifically, the majority of time was delegated for Kaiser to teach marksmanship and its necessity to all cadets. "You can run, hide, panic, even say it's inevitable and face death, but you can't call yourself a proud human, let alone my comrade unless you can fight back" were the words he opened the period instruction with.

They were taught the significance of each crew member's purpose and how all worked for the gunner to execute their shot in order to accomplish the ultimate goal of defeating their enemy. Once this was drilled into their minds they began to experience it for themselves with small arms.

A small range had been improvised and allowed for the cadets to fire at one hundred, two hundred, and three hundred meters incrementally. The cadets assigned as gunners, however, were given scopes to zero in and fire at one hundred, three hundred, and five hundred meters with stricter guidelines to pass.

Naturally, some performed better than others in certain events but all performed satisfactorily in the days training. However, some stood out exceptionally. Within the firing range, a pair of sisters had caught Kaiser's eyes as he was observing those under his command. They proved exceptional shots even though they were implemented as commanders of two separate vehicles, followed by the female Frost siblings and a few others of note.

Physical capabilities in terms of strength were proven superbly by the loaders and a few odd ends after the repetitious training. Drivers excelled in mechanical know-how and vehicle details down to the angling of armor thickness. Radio operators were made to understand their communication lines and handling as well as how to send coded messages to each other. Finally, the commanders needed to perform astoundingly overall in knowledge and quick reaction times for all events.

Needless to say depending on the job assigned and the task they performed well in their forte yet some went well above, even surpassing others in their specialties. The cadets were far from the best and further from perfect but they were on track to being something great.

The second day of the intensive training camp included more rain as it continued pouring down in torrents. The cadet's currently covered in layers of mud and slogging through an obstacle course, were being timed on their laps as well as being questioned at randomly designated checkpoints on knowledge by Knight and Sokolov who had already run their times prior.

O'Diveley, who had also participated as well under Kaiser's guidance, was now screaming at the cadets as they ran, to "Move faster!" and "Get up or I'll bury you there!" His enthusiastic motivation aside, Virtanen and Kaiser watched on from the side of the course as the final few cadets aimed to finish.

The two shared some small talk as usual, despite the rain soaking them to the bone, and waited for the end of the course.

"I still don't understand the need for rifle knowledge" Virtanen protested amid the rain's constant pattering.

"Of course you don't" Kaiser chided. "First Theirs practicality. We can't let everyone run hundreds of rounds through a tank barrel just to learn their teammate's value, it'll ruin the gun, first of all, hence needing a replacement and the costs will add up. Second I saw the forecast for rain and knew we'd waste time transporting the tanks in this thick mud. Hell, the cadets can barely walk in it. Third, it harbors a feeling of competition. Everyone wants to be the best, after all." he informed.

"I thought you would just say 'because it's fun,'" Virtanen replied surprised at the deep thinking behind it all.

"There's that too," Kaiser nodded. "But don't you remember when we'd train for days on end? Tactical reloads, accuracy, hitting a moving target, firing while moving? We're limited on time to train so we'll implement everything we can. We're just lucky the school's Marksmanship team had such a surplus of weaponry, ammunition, and goodwill."

Finally, the last cadet tripped his way through the finish line with O"Dively hoisting him up by an arm and slapping him on the back with a grin. Sokolov reported the events end to Virtanen who then gave the order for them to seek shelter and food in the nearby chow hall, which was no more than an empty shell of a building furnished with folding chairs and tables. It did however have some visiting students from the ship who kindly offered their time to provide hot meals for the team.

The sight of cleanly dressed females and males providing hot food did wonders for the cadet's morale, but nowhere near as much as the warmth of the meals provided to their exhausted bodies. Virtanen and Kaiser were the last to get their food and sat down at a separate table while the cadets returned to their temporary quarters to clean up and the foodservice volunteers began to prepare their return.

Shoveling the food into his mouth Virtanen began to sing praises over some cadets under his squad's command. "You should have seen it! I have to say I may have the best performing squad here, high marks across the board all of them! And Piper! it was astounding! Rain or shine, she was leading her team without falter and even nailed the marksmanship course!" Virtanen beamed, stopping his gloating over subordinates only to swallow more food.

Kaiser took to eating his food slower and calmly, adverse to Virtanen's actions, however, he was no less happy with the results. "It seems a pair of sisters that transferred from Kuromoromine have surpassed expectations. They are both Commanders of vehicles and naturally passed all subjects, as well as excelling on the range. The strange part is neither of them participated in Senshado prior to applying here." Kaiser replied staring at his food, pondering over just why that was, until realizing Virtanen wasn't as interested in the subject as he.

Uninterested in the cadets Kaiser had mentioned Virtanen sought to change topics. "By the way Kaiser, I know our results haven't been publicized to the team but how did I perform?" Virtanen whispered over the table.

Without holding back Kaiser delivered the results. "Naturally, you scored in the top ten percent here but you're still lacking in a few areas. Namely memorization of nomenclature, decision making, and marksmanship could improve" replied Kaiser.

Virtanen hung his head low at the declaration. "Should have expected as much huh" he muttered in disappointment.

"Well, there was a reason I had you assigned as fire support with a BAR back in InfanterieKampf" Kaiser responded.

Virtanen glanced up from his empty plate now dejected. "Should I even ask how you fared?"

"Kaiser took a drink before making a show of rolling his eyes. "Virtanen, don't compare yourself to others. Otherwise, you'll never find yourself good enough," he advised.

"Aren't you the one who also told me to never be satisfied with who I am and always seek the next Goal?" Virtanen retorted.

"There's a balance to it, as with all things" Kaiser answered simply.

Virtanen gave a lame look as if to ask 'really?' before Kaiser reluctantly answered. "I was most likely the best all-rounder. However, I wasn't at the top of every event. Of course, certain cadets beat me at their designated specialties". Despite the attempt to play down his results Virtanen still became deflated at the announcement.

"Enough wallowing in pity," Kaiser said, standing up. "Let's focus on tomorrow It's the last day after all."

Virtanen sat up, again interested in a new topic. "You still haven't told anyone of what we're doing though" he replied confused. Before he could seek more answers a female student approached them. "Um, excuse me but we are ready to head back" she informed the two.

Looking at and past her, they saw that the volunteer students had packed the leftover food and other gear aboard one of the GMC trucks used to transport the cadets.

"I'll be right there in a moment and thank you for your time" Kaiser replied with a small smile of courtesy. Though Virtanen knew it to be a facade, the girl gave a brief look of surprise at him, before nodding and running to the vehicle's rear where she was given a hand by her friends.

As the students excitedly chatted in the back of the truck of their fun little experience and whistling at their friend who had joined them, hiding a flustered face. Virtanen gave a begrudging compliment. "Better be careful. You're usually so stern and stoic that smile could be considered a weapon" he commented bitterly.

"I still don't get why you and the others back on land say such ridiculous things" Kaiser replied cocking his head at the strange remark. "Just look forward to tomorrow, it'll be interesting and I'll be bringing back a surprise." with that Kaiser departed to return the student volunteer's shipside.

-Chapter End-