Authors Thought:
Alright now this chapter I'm super excited to release, as I spent some long hours trying to get it all together and I think it came out pretty good, though I always want to keep adding more. Yet I had to stop somewhere, again a long chapter, but take your time with it.
Thank you for taking some time out of your day to read this, as were pressing forward with pieces of the story coming slowly together.
A soft light fill the luxurious office of St. Gloriana's Sensha-do headquarters. The fine silk drapes seem to glow with the soft light peeking through, as another beautiful day aboard HMS Ark Royal was in full bloom. Though this outdated carrier didn't belong to the Royal Navy any more, and was a simple school carrier for one of Sensha-do's premier teams, St. Gloriana Girls College, though it had the name college in it, it was a school that brought up girls from the elementary level to college, one of very few schools to do this.
Sitting in a lavish chair, was the leader for the high school level team, Darjeeling, name after tea made in West Bengal, India. This elegant beauty was enjoying such tea with grace that would make even Britain's Royal Family take notice of. Yet for all the grace that surround this young lady, her company at the moment would be probably the opposite, though she didn't mind that, since it added a different spice to her life.
"Feeling restless Miss Kay?" Darjeeling ask, her eyes close and a whisper of a smile on her face.
"Well, uh, I feel a bit under dress to be in here," Kay said rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment.
Darjeeling now open her eyes at her friend, her smile becoming wider, "it's quite alright, it's just you and me in here for now."
"Your right, where's your right hand girl little Miss Pekoe?" Kay ask, since she was escorted personally earlier by Darjeeling to her office, but not with her usual friend by her side.
"Ah, I told her I wanted some privacy with you. Also Miss Alisa wanted to enjoy her company," Darjeeling said back.
"They make for odd friends don't you think?" Kay said with a lopsided grin.
"Yes, though so do we, am I right?" Darjeeling shot back with a joking tone.
"True, so where's the soda?" Kay ask.
"All these years we've know each other, and you always ask that when you visit. Do happen to like testing me?" Darjeeling said.
Kay smirk now with a shrug, "I just thought you surprise me and have it for once, especially since my days of fighting our done."
"Have you heard of this proverb: A good run is better than a bad fight," Darjeeling said with a smile.
"You and your proverbs give me a headache," Kay said with a sarcastic bored look.
"If you read more than you party, you wouldn't feel that way," Darjeeling teased.
Kay let a look of surprise come across her face, "hey I study. I'm actually going to transfer to a college in America because my grades are so good."
"Mm, if you do that, you won't be doing Sensha-do anymore, since America doesn't practice the sport," Darjeeling said, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Kay understood the disappointment in her friend's voice. They had met because of Sensha-do as first years. St. Gloriana and Saunders had always been close since both school's founding, which meant friendly practice matches were always held with one another. The schools would always boast a huge number of participants, so to give everyone a chance and help their younger members gain experience they had 1st year teams participate in battles against one another, as well as 2nd and 3rd years in their own same class grade battles.
It was in this first year battle that Kay and Darjeeling had both tasted their first tangle with command, and fought one another. The match ended in a spectacular draw, as both girls took each other out at the same time, though Kay to this day claims her shell hit her first. Yet even after such a hard fought battle even for a practice match, Kay exited her tank and came to hug Darjeeling who was only just getting out of her commanders cupola, surprise by Kay's hug. It was to be the beginning of an odd, yet endearing friendship that both of them valued greatly.
The two kept in contact with one another, always seeking advice from the other. Though Kay could admit she ask more times for advice from Darjeeling, than Darjeeling asked of Kay. It was Darjeeling who brought Kay back up after the humiliation Saunders laid on Chi-Ha-Tan in the 62nd National tournament, where Kay felt no pleasure in taking part with it, she even wanted to quit the team afterwards. Yet it was Darjeeling who convince her to try again and take command to help rebuild the reputation of Saunders. That's what Kay try to do, but hadn't gone as far in this year's tournament as she like, worse next year her team would have to qualify to make it in, hopefully Rosie could take the torch to bring Saunders back up.
"Well yea, I like having fun in Sensha-do, but it isn't my passion you know. I'm a carefree gal, just like to live in the moment," Kay said with a smile.
Darjeeling let a soft chuckle slip through her lips, "yes that is very much like you, though I figure as much. I hope you find America to your liking."
Kay nodded at that, then became serious, "do you think I help Saunders reputation or did I just delay the inevitable?"
"What is earned with hard labor is eaten with pleasure," Darjeeling quoted another proverb.
"Is that American?" Kay ask.
"No Chinese," Darjeeling corrected.
"Wow, a women of many cultures you are, but what does that mean for me?" Kay ask.
Darjeeling place her tea cup down with grace and noiselessly, to stare into Kay's eyes as she spoke, "it means you have put in the hard work to make your team proud once more, so enjoy the pleasures of that success my dear Kay."
Kay absorb the words, then smile at her friend, "you really know how to bring me up. I'm really grateful for you, not just as a fellow Sensha-do member, but as a friend. You were the only one to help me build my team up, I couldn't do it without you."
"Miss Kay, I offer nothing but a hand to pull you to your feet. It was you and you alone who made your team respectable once more, like I always expected of you," Darjeeling said, giving her a heartwarming smile that glow with the sun shining through the room now.
"Well, I still owe you thanks," Kay said, then decided to change the subject a bit, "those Chi-Ha-Tan girls are no joke though. I believe they can make it to the final under Miss Tigress over there."
"Ah, the youngest Nishizumi, yes she seems to possess a rather unique Sensha-do style that is completely different from her family. And speaking of finals, you probably made it a bit easier for them, by giving them that Jumbo tank. Was the Federation alright with the gifting of a tank?" Darjeeling wonder.
Kay nodded at that, "yea, I mean gifting tanks isn't something uncommon. I mean this year we responded to a call from Bonpole High School who wanted to know if we had any tanks we were willing to part with. We gave them three of our M4 Shermans, though I guess it didn't help much since BC Freedom Academy knock them out, so gifting the Jumbo was no problem."
"Ah, I quite forgot that minor detail, yet many of us don't part with our tanks. Though we should be doing more to help minor schools be more competitive, but that's a different subject I rather not get into. Back to the youngest Nishizumi sister, she really surprise me by leaving her old school for Chi-Ha-Tan."
"Yea, no kidding. I still don't know how they got that Tiger 1, I'm pretty sure Kuromorimine didn't just gift it to them," Kay said, still not over seeing that legendary tank fighting with Chi-Ha-Tan, the memories of it bouncing her team's shells in the final attack like they were nothing still haunted her dreams.
"Well it was said that Germany did lease some tanks to Imperial Japan, the Tiger 1 along with some various other German tanks, but history said they never made it to Japan soil. Guess history didn't catch that part," Darjeeling said.
Kay shook her head, "well dam-."
"Kay, I understand you are an adventurous soul, but please remember no cursing, at least around me," Darjeeling warn, but in a friendly tone.
"Elegance in all things, forgot that annoying motto of yours. Kind of makes me wonder how you look when you let your hair down and be a wild child for once in your life," Kay tease.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Darjeeling teased back, "oh, by the way. What was the punishment the Federation handed down to you?"
"Oh, it wasn't as bad as I thought. All of us from Chi-Ha-Tan and my school will participate in a community service this Sunday in Chiba prefecture, for some elementary school spring camp, where will work as assistants for the teachers. They probably hope this will finally squash the bad blood between our schools, which I'm looking forward too," Kay explain.
"Hm, and what of Chi-Ha-Tan's punishment for withholding information about a injure teammate?" Darjeeling question.
"Don't know, not like the Federation was going to tell me. But I don't think it will be that severe, plus they got Ooarai next, they're going to mop the floor with them," Kay boasted.
Darjeeling took her tea in hand again, "I wouldn't be so sure. Ooarai beat a worthy team in Koala Forest High School."
"That had to be some fluke right?" Kay said.
An elegant shake of the head follow the question from Darjeeling, "no, they are a unique team. Like a tea that can transform to any flavor depending on the persons preference."
"Meaning?" Kay ask.
"They conform to whatever their opponent's style is like, then make their own strategy to counter them, I had the pleasure of witnessing this myself," Darjeeling said.
The memories of the practice match floated to Darjeeling's mind. She recall it to Kay to make her understand.
It was a shock to learn Ooarai had reform their team and wanted a practice match with Darjeeling's team, yet she accepted thinking this be a good practice match for her team, and she was bit curious to see what this academy team was like, that hadn't competed in Sensha-do in 20 years. Yet instead of the usual school with their preset tank roster and tankery uniforms. She was greeted to a odd bunch of girls just wearing their school uniforms along with their tanks that had all shapes and colors to them, even some kind of battle flags on the StuG 3. Only the Panzer 4 upgraded with a 75mm gun was left in its original state.
Darjeeling got a chuckle out of this odd team, but plan to fight them with chivalry in mind, like she always did. The match went as well as Darjeeling thought it would, she allow them to think they pull her into an ambush, yet she could tell these inexperience tankers were no match for her fully train crews. In quick succession she thwarted the ambush and destroy two tanks, though the crew of the M3 Lee just abandon their tank in fright, making Darjeeling glad her gunners were accurate or they might have been accidently hit.
The remaining Type 89, Panzer 4, and StuG 3 ran for the town of Ooarai. Darjeeling chase them down, but this is where things went astray for her, the StuG 3's low profile and flags allow them to blend into an alleyway fill with restaurant flags, then ambush one of her Matilda's taking it out, the first shock. The second shock came when the Type 89 fire at one of her Matilda's to annoy them into following them, which led them into an ambush with the Panzer 4, that work with its teammate to destroy it.
Even with this sudden shock, Darjeeling remain calm. She decided to play on Ooarai's patience, something the girls of St. Gloriana had much of. Playing to their strengths of defense, Darjeeling order her tanks to find cover between buildings and wait. For the next hour nothing happen, while Darjeeling and her crew would read books and drank tea.
As she hope Ooarai became fluster by the non-action and the fact that St. Gloriana wasn't chasing them anymore, came out of their ambush spots trying to find them. Darjeeling's Vice commander Rukuriri paid the StuG 3 back for their fallen teammate after spotting its flags overlooking a fence, which pretty much said here I am, so the tank commander put them down.
Ooarai's Type 89, ran into Darjeeling who had hunker down behind a wall that only expose its turret and Assam her ace gunner put them down while still holding her tea in the other hand. All the was left was the Panzer 4, which they made short work of by Darjeeling pretending to be in retreat of it when they cross paths on a street and led into her other two teammates who put them down with ease.
"Wow, you make it seem like they were no match," Kay said.
"They may have been no match for us then, but I saw a huge potential for growth. Their commander Miss Akiyama has a great love for tanks, making her understand their weaknesses, that's why she drew us into a city fight, knowing my tanks weren't effective fighting in tight spaces, while making use of ambush spots," Darjeeling explain.
"Did they earn that legendary tea basket of St. Gloriana that saw them as a worthy rival?"
Darjeeling nodded, "yes, they show me a grand time in that match. I wish to duel with them once more, but they must make it to the final for that to happen."
"My money is still on Chi-Ha-Tan," Kay said.
"You seem to have great deal of affection for them."
Kay nodded, "Miss Tigress isn't the most impressive part about that team, as they as a whole got a fighting spirit that I never seen before. I beat them time and time again during the first day of the battle, but they just kept fighting back. It was a real testament to their commanders training."
"They say a dog takes after its owner, guess that applies to their team," Kay said with a chuckle.
Kay follow her friend's chuckle, "I wouldn't say that to them openly, they're a defensive bunch when it comes to their commander and their team, especially that braided hair girl Tamada. She seems awfully protective of her commander, probably have a relationship that goes beyond just commander and vice commander."
Darjeeling raise an eyebrow at that, "Really? Quite interesting, I wouldn't have guess a Nishizumi heir would be allow to have such open taste."
"I think she probably isn't involve with them anymore, since she left their family home. So at least she is free to like who she wants," Kay said with a shrug.
"Well I hope she finds happiness in her freedom. Oh, speaking of open taste, could you talk to your vice commander Naomi for me?"
Kay gave her friend a perplex look, "what for?"
"She seems to openly like to flirt with Assam, the poor girl gets absolutely fluster every time you and she visit, as I'm sure she is doing right now to my gunner," Darjeeling said with a sigh.
The Saunders commander just laugh, "sorry, but can't take away my girls fun. She's into girls you know, and she finds that gunner of yours quite the fox to catch."
"Oh, are we speaking in terms of a hunt. If so please call your hunting dog off, I need Assam to be focus for the next match," Darjeeling said, in a quiet plea.
"Fine, fine, though something tells me Assam is on board with my gal. How do you feel about your chances against Yogurt Academy?" Kay ask.
Darjeeling place her tea cup down once again, "I fear they will make quite the tough foe, but I believe our style will win the day as I trust my team will show something new."
"And what's that?" Kay had to ask.
"That the future is already here," Darjeeling said.
The sentence was follow by a soft knock on the door, then a girl enter the room with pinkish reddish hair and amber eyes, wearing the St. Gloriana's school uniform, "Miss Darjeeling, I have a fresh pot for you."
"Thank you Rosehip, My dear Kay, would you kindly drink with me please," Darjeeling said with a smile.
"Certainly, my lady," Kay tease, as she was poured a fresh cup.
XxxxxX
Quiet voices fill the Chi-Ha-Tan Tank commanders room that had tiered seating. All three rows had girls talking quietly to one another numbering a total of 25 tank commanders of 1st and 2nd years, these voices were fill with apprehension at the moment, though there should have been 26, but Ikeda wasn't with them because of her injury and was still in the hospital at the moment. The reason for this feeling was because today their commander was going to read out the punishment to the team.
Miho had return at night the previous day, but hadn't said anything of the Federations punishment, instead decided till they were all gather in their tankery building for it. So far everyone had their thoughts about what it might be. Some thought it be light and they have to serve it after the tournament, while some felt dread that it might be quite severe and would cost their team. Which only raise their fears, since their next match was against Ooarai, a team nobody knew anything about, except they had just rebooted their tankery club this year, and as only rookies had beaten two tough teams already.
Chi-Ha-Tan as a team had respect for any school that was consider minor scale like them in the eyes of the public, so seeing this small team doing the impossible like them only made them gain a healthy respect of them, but also a silent fear, since this unpredictable bunch could very well give them another tough fight in the coming match that be held in a little over a week from now.
There was sudden knock on the door that cut the chattering, as then the door open and three figures came walking in the room. It was Principle Hidemichi, Miho, and then Nishi all coming into the room. Tamada quickly order everyone to stand, but instead of saluting they bow to the Principle of their academy, a man who was practically a father to most. It was his system of bringing in orphan girls from the mainland to his school to help them gain an education, while others were trouble with bullying at schools, or just wanted a place to feel like they belong. He took on these displace girls to help them find the home they belong too and friends who look after each other.
Hedimichi smile, as he was the one to take the commanders podium, while Miho and Nishi stood off to the side looking at their team.
The Principle then spoke to his students, "good afternoon ladies, first and foremost, allow me to extend congratulations to all of you for defeating Saunders. It was a tough fight that made this old man feel young again, as I cheered you on."
"Thank you for your support, Mister Hidemichi, our team is grateful for always believing in us when no else did," Hamada said from her seat.
"Thank you for your kind words, Miss Hamada. You girls have shown the world that Chi-Ha-Tan is not a punching bag for anyone anymore. You are a team that faces challenges fearlessly together, and now only together can your dream continue in this tournament."
The ominous words at the end left a tight feeling in all the tank commanders' stomachs.
"Now for some good news, Miss Ikeda is recovering at the hospital quite well, but a bruise rib will take some time to heal. You can guess that she will be out for the next match for sure, though she will return to class tomorrow," Hedimichi said.
That gave everyone a feeling of relief, since Ikeda had been transported to a mainland hospital to make sure her rib was nothing more fatal, so no one had been able to go see her since the Akagi was still out to sea. Yet hearing of her recovery going well made everyone happy, and plans for a party for their brave tank commander were already taking root.
"And now on to the bad news, as you know you broke a fundamental rule by keeping her injury from the referees. Though I understand the teams wanting to reach the top of the mountain of Sensha-do, the lives of you girls are more important, is that understood?" Hedimichi said, eyeing the girls with a quiet intensity.
"Understood sir!" the girls reply, they didn't want to let down their father figure or shame their academy like that again.
"So for the punishment, this coming Sunday, all of you and Saunders will participate in a community service for an elementary school spring camp being held in Chiba Prefecture, there is no exceptions," Hidemichi said.
Another feeling of relief took over the girls, as they thought this was mostly the extent of their punishment for the match with Saunders which would be trouble to have to coexist with them, but if its helping some kids spring camp, they accept working with them to help some kids out.
"However, that isn't the extent of the punishment so far, so I will leave it up to the commander to let you know. Thank you for your time ladies and good luck with the rest of the tournament," Hedimichi said.
"All rise," Nishi order, to which the team did so, "Bow and respect!"
As one the group bow to their principle and spoke as one, "Thank you for the visit!"
Hedimichi let out a pleasant smile with a nod, then left the room. Miho now took the podium, with Nishi now standing off to the side with her arms behind her back. The rest of the tank commanders now focus in on their Tigress Commander as they seated themselves again, ready to hear her speak.
Miho took a deep breath, "all right everyone, this is going to be hard to listen to, but bear with me. The Sensha-do Federation deem that the punishment for our team would be severe, since it was perceive that we put Ikeda's life in danger for continuing the match when she was injured, when the rib might have been broken and the outcome might have been life threatening."
The team collectively glance at the ground, their relief that the punishment might be light was taken from them now, replace with dread as their commander continue to speak.
"As such, I personally ask Director Kodama to suspend just me for the next ma-," Miho didn't get to finish.
Tamada shot out her chair, "no! You don't deserve that punishment. Have one of us take your place!"
"Tama-," Miho again unable to finish.
Hosomi follow after her friend, "no! Let me take the punishment!"
"That isn't how i-," Miho once more wasn't allow to finish.
"No commander I will take the punishment!"
"No I will!"
"I will!"
"They won't take our Tigress from us, let me take it!"
"No me!"
Suddenly voices all rang together trying to take the punishment off Miho. They weren't going to fight without her, the memories of leaving her behind to face off with the Jumbo Shermans, that was also seen by those tank commanders who weren't in the match, was burn into their skulls. They weren't ever going to leave her on her own, as long as they could protect her on and off the battlefield, they would do everything to make that happen, as that was just the kind of loyalty Miho had from them.
Miho for her part, just watch all this in shock, even after spending a couple of months with them now. It still surprise her that she had such loyalty from her team, who were willing to throw themselves in the line of fire for her. Yet it was also something she was getting used to, that warm her heart every time they did it.
"Attention!" Nishi yell, which instantly cut off anyone else trying to jump to Miho's defense.
Nishi waited till everyone sat down, then spoke, "the commander wasn't finish, so hear her out."
Miho nodded her thanks to Nishi, then turn back to her team, "I try to take the punishment alone, but Nishi stop me."
There was a collective sigh of relief from the team, many nodding to their sub commander for talking Miho out of taking everything on her own, which was just something she try to do for their team.
"Director Kodama and the Federation board though, were very adamant that the punishment was to be severe. So the compromise for the next coming match, is that we have to suspend 1 Vice commander from our next battle along with some other members, that will include your tank crews as well. This suspension will not allow you to come back to the Tankery club until the match is over, whether we win or lose. Kubota, you and your crew are automatically suspended for the next match, since you threw a piece of your tank at Saunders."
The operator tank commander Kubota wince in her seat, yet part of her knew this was coming as she spoke, "yes I understand, and know I am sor-."
"Please don't apologize," Miho said, giving her operator commander a smile, "I heard from your crew, that you did that because Saunders insulted me. You were defending my honor, so know I couldn't ask for a better teammate and more importantly a better tankery sister."
Kubota for her part, feeling shame for letting her commander down, but hearing the kind words that always touch her heart when she spoke, simply just nodded back. Then began to cry softly in her chair, but she was quickly comforted by the tank commanders sitting around her, who softly soothe this batter girl.
Steeling herself not to run over to comfort her, Miho press forward, "also Nishihara and Tada, you and your crews will also be suspended for the next match automatically, as the Federation deem you to be the first to know of Ikeda's injury, but fail to report it."
Both tank commanders stood from there seat with thier hands clasp behind their back, as Nishihara spoke, "we understand commander, know we accept this punishment with grace and humility. Know my last member of Iron Kraken platoon, Uenishi Chiyoko is up to the task for the next match."
Chiyoko, who didn't fight in the last match since Miho needed only two of the amphibious platoon, stood up now, "I won't let you down if you need me commander."
Miho nodded to them, while the trio sat back down, and comforted each other over being separated from one another.
"Now, the next part is just as hard, we must also designate five other tank commanders with their crews to join in this suspension for the next match since Ikeda is already out of the next match, that way we will still have a full 15 for the match against Ooarai, as the Federation instructed," Miho said.
A collective silence took over the room, then Tamada spoke up again, "that's practically the whole team, save 5 of us from the last match."
"Yes," Miho said sadly, "I try to get the number down, but they wouldn't relent unless Nishi and I both took the suspension for the next match."
"I can't believe they went that far," Hamada said, leaning back in her seat in frustration.
"Are they trying to take our dream from us?" Nagura said next to her platoon member.
"No use feeling sorry for ourselves," Tamada said, standing in her seat, "I will take the punishment as Vic-."
"Oh no you don't, I will take the punishment as vice commander," Hosomi said standing up to her friend
"Hey don't argue!" Tamada growl at her friend, "your our elite scout, we need you on the frontlines."
"We also need our fiery commander out there as well, you also command the Jumbo Sherman now, we don't have time to train a new crew for it," Hosomi said.
"Don't use that as an excuse, I've already said I do it, so stop arguing," Tamada said back with some fire in her voice.
"I will argue, Miho is going to need you to take our first year reserve group into battle. They need you there to inspire them with that fearlessness of yours," Hosomi said, not backing down.
Tamada saw her friends reason, but didn't back down. She then grip the shoulders of her friend to make her sit back down, but Hosomi slap her arms away then grip Tamada's shoulders trying to make her sit down, it divulge into both girls fighting to make the other sit, but soon the other tank commanders around them did their best to separate them before it turn ugly, as both of them weren't backing down.
As sometimes, even a loving family will have a fight once in a while.
Nishi came over now to stop the fighting, "Enough you two!"
Taking a chance that things were calm, Hosomi shove Tamada into her chair, then turn to Nishi, "you know as well as I do, that we need Tamada on the frontlines for this fight. Ooarai is a crafty bunch, we need shock to beat them, and that shock will come from Tamada."
Shaking her head, Nishi spoke, "the commander makes that decision, not you Hosomi."
Hosomi turn to Miho, "Commander, know I ask for this because I care for you and my team. You can't take Tamada out of the lineup, she inspires others like you and Nishi do. Nishi has already sat out a match because of what happen in that practice match with Koala Forest High school, so I won't ask her again to sit by and do nothing. Please Miho."
The Chi-Ha-Tan commander was torn with the request from her friend. Hosomi was a bright spot on the team, always making others laugh and bringing them up. She was always positive with not just her own platoon, but to the first year tank commanders of the reserve group. Taking her away from the club would hurt them, but having Nishi or Tamada take the punishment would equally hurt their leadership for their team.
Hesitation took over Miho, it was too cruel to send even one of her Vice commanders away, not to mention five others from her team as well as their crews. They had train so hard together, fought shoulder to shoulder, and now were a tankery family that had a self-belief that nothing can stop them, no matter the foes. That family now was going to be rip apart, and Miho had to decide who was rip from them.
"I…I…I…," Miho struggle for words, as she grip the edges of the podium with indecision.
Seeing the commander struggle, only endear her to the other tank commanders. She wasn't snapping off a set of names, because every name in the room matter to her.
"I won't make Miho suffer, I will take the punishment, no questions," Hosomi said, now working her way to the commander's podium.
Tamada, who wasn't about to let her friend make the choice without a fight got up to follow, but Nishi block her path. The sub commander could see Hosomi's heart was in this decision and she wasn't going to be stop. She also saw reason that Tamada was going to be needed, not just for the first years, but also for Miho. As she now had an inkling that something was happening between them, so she wasn't going to separate them as well.
With Hosomi's selflessness on display other tank commanders who participated in the match against Saunders came forward to make the choice themselves to be taken out of the match and not let their commander suffer making the cruel choice.
"I will take the suspension," Hamada said coming down.
"I will take the suspension," Nagura said.
"I will take the suspension," Arima, platoon member of Daredevil platoon said.
"I will take the suspension," Honami, also a member of Daredevil platoon said.
"I will take the suspension," Haruno said, a member of Voltigeur platoon.
Now all of them, including Kubota, Hosomi, Tada, and Nishihara all join the group standing below the commander's podium looking up at Miho. Only Maita and Fukada, who hadn't been fast enough were left from the original members that participated in the match, along with all the rest of the first year tank commanders in the rows above.
"Don't worry commander, know we take this punishment with grace, like Nishihara said," Hosomi said, staring up at her treasured friend with a grin.
Miho who couldn't stand it anymore, came down to hug Hosomi, "I'm sorry I couldn't do more," she said as she buried the side of her face into Hosomi's chest.
A smile remain on Hosomi's face, as she gently stroke her friend's hair, "don't you fret over that now. You did a lot and much more on our behalf, so don't feel sorry, you know why?"
Miho lean back to look at Hosomi's face, "why?"
"Because I believe in you, no matter the obstacle you see it through to the end. If we win or lose this match with Ooarai, know I still will be here, because were tankery sisters till the end, inside and outside this building. Our bond is for life," Hosomi encourage.
The words made Miho feel a bit better about the situation, "thank you Hosomi."
Hosomi touch her forehead to her friends, a gesture to show her commander how much she values her, "don't mention it," then turn back to what was left of her platoon, along with the first year tank commanders sitting in the seats still, all looking nervous that they were going to be call upon to fight now.
"Alright listen up my little tiger cubs," Hosomi said, using a pet name to describe her little tankery sisters, "the eyes of the club now look to you to make our teams dreams go forward. We don't look to you with worry, anxiety, or fear. We look to you with the belief you can win, don't think these words are empty, we know your skills and drive, the time to show it is now to the world."
Hosomi along with her suspended tank commanders now all turn to look at their remaining members, while Hosomi continue to speak, "the world of Sensha-do doesn't know you. You're just a bunch of faceless characters to them, but not me, and most definitely not to Commander Miho. Now's your chance to make them known against Ooarai, and when you go into battle roar your names to the skies! When you see the enemy roar the passion of Chi-Ha-Tan to them with your cannons, and if the battle ever goes ill, turn to our Tigress, for she is our rally flag that will win the day. Believe, my little Tiger cubs that you can win!"
The speech cause a surge of fervor with the first year tank commanders, who rose up in salute to their suspended vice commander, "ma'am!"
Nishi smile, as Hosomi deliver some inspiration for their team to get behind, then spoke loud to all of her team, "three cheers for Hosomi."
"Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!" the team roar in the room together for the twin bun tank commander.
Hosomi place her hands on her hip, proud she had built her team back up, "good, now also remember with us gone, you all have to give the commander her daily dose of teasing don't forget that."
"Eh! Please don't put that idea in their head Hosomi," Miho whine, which cause the room to break out in chuckles, as teasing Miho was something of a sport for everyone, since she had the best reactions.
"Don't worry vice commander. I Ichioka will make sure the world see how loud we roar, and make sure there is a tomorrow for our club," the first year, who had bright green eyes and long black hair tied back with a tan ribbon.
"I Fukuhara, will make sure that the commander gets her daily dose of teasing ma'am," this first year had blond hair braided into ponytail, which went along with her blue eyes.
"And I Miyata, will show the world my strength that will match Vice commander Tamada's, I won't let you down," the fierce looking first year, who had deep blue eyes and short brown hair that reach just to her neck.
More first years now rose to say their pledges as well, determine to match Hosomi's expectation of them, and not let their club down in their darkest hour. They would be at the front now, and would have to carry the spirit of their suspended members with them in a fight to make it the semi-final, yet thanks to Hosomi's speech, there was no nervousness in them now, only the want to be place into the thick of the fighting.
"That's what I like to hear girls, alright best be off now, don't want to keep you girls tied up now," Hosomi said, then turn to give Miho one last hug before she left.
Tamada stop Hosomi before she left the room, "you dummy, you don't get to make decisions on your own. Why you do that?"
Hosomi smile then pull Tamada into a hug, then whisper in her ear, "Miho needs you now more than ever. She's going to be pull in all directions to plan out this battle, you need to be her emotional support alright? Don't leave her to suffer alone."
The words stung Tamada, who couldn't argue anymore, as she wrap her arms around her friend, "fine, I will make sure to be by her side."
"Good," Hosomi said, now pulling back with a smirk, "don't forget we got to finish that gift for her too, that might be just the thing to help brighten her up."
Tamada nodded, "yea, let's do it."
Then Hosomi left the room, though she didn't get far before uncontrollable tears came out, while the rest of the suspended commanders all walk by Miho, each stop to give her a hug and share some words. Miho for her part, felt her heart being rip apart with each member she talk to. There was no use saying sorry anymore, because they all just smile with belief in their hearts that again their commander would make the impossible, possible for them.
Soon, the room was now half empty, with Miho staring at the door where all her suspended tankery sisters left through, yet she steel her heart to press forward, so she could unite her broken tankery family once more. A fierceness now replace her sadness to make sure that happen, and she do it with the first year reserve group who she knew had the makings of greatness in them.
Taking her place at the top of the Commanders podium once more, she look to the remaining members, "Alright, all of you move down to first and second rows now please."
The remaining members move down now as order, the only second year left of the tank commanders save Miho, Nishi, and Tamada, was Maita of Voltigeur platoon. The rest of the first years who had never seen action save for Fukada, would now get their taste of it in the coming match.
Once everyone was reseated, Miho spoke, "I concur with what Hosomi said, you all have the making of greatness in you, and this is also a golden opportunity for us."
Ichioka spoke up now, "a golden opportunity?"
Miho nodded, "yes, if we advance to the semi-final, we will need to field 23 tanks, so this will be a prime chance to get all of you experience in a real match, so the next one you will go into as harden veterans."
The first years who had only had mock battles in practice as their only experience, now salivated at the prospect of a real fight, to earn their veteran badges so they could stand at the same height as their upperclassmen. Even better all of them would be use, so they could now show off their skills to the world and to their Tigress commander.
"Don't worry mother tigress, we won't let you down," Fukuhara said, getting in the daily dose of teasing early.
"Eh! Please don't call me that," Miho said embarrassingly.
"Really? I heard your first year crew calls you that, why can't we?" Ichioka said, adding to the fun.
"The Tigresses Fighting Cubs sounds about right," Miyata said, her fierce eyes lighting up, that resemble Tamada in a way.
"Oh, I like that!" Fukada said excitedly.
"I don't think that applies to me though," Maita said with a smirk, being a 2nd year.
"I kind of like it to," Tamada said.
"Tamada!" Miho whine at her.
"What?! If it brings out their fighting spirit what's the harm," Tamada said with a bright smile at her embarrass commander.
Nishi spoke now, "Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea."
Miho knew resistance was futile, but smile at the first year's enthusiasm, "alright, will work out strategies and platoon assignments another day. Today I want you to go through drills so I can get a feel for your abilities. Maita you stay with me, I am making you are Operator tank for the next battle, you will take command of Kubota's Valentine Mk 4."
Maita had a surprise look cross her face at the announcement of her new assignment, but relish in her commander's belief in her, "ma'am, won't let you down."
"Can we still use suspended member's tanks?" Tamada ask.
Miho nodded, "yes, Director Kodama said nothing about taking the suspended member tanks out of the match, so we should be fine."
"Good, I'll need to reassign some girls to the Chi-He's then, I'll pick them out from training today," Tamada said.
"I will also need to find some new tank commanders and crews for the Type 97 Shinhoto's as well," Nishi said.
"Well we have no time to lose, let's go girls, Panzer Vor!" Miho said, saying the words her team love so much.
Everyone raise their fist in the air, to match their commander's call to roll out, "Yea!"
Chi-Ha-Tan's team had been decimated before a cannon had been fired, but their spirit was still ever high, as they look to a group of unknowns to keep the dream alive of the taking the top of the Sensha-do world by storm. They were now out to prove they were a team that could stick with the best of them, be it Tigers or the cubs, they all had sharp claws that wouldn't let their Tigress down.
"Alright everyone," Nishi said proudly, "the commander is going to need every one of you to give it your all today in practice, so go form up your crews for pre practice stretches."
"Ma'am," the proud reserve group said back, then began to trickle out of the room to gather up their crews for practice.
Tamada was following the last member of the team out of the tank commanders room, but was stop by Nishi as she spoke in a quiet tone that only the two of them could hear, "Tamada, stay and talk with Miho."
"Huh?" Tamada said quietly back.
Nishi nodded to Miho, to which Tamada turn to look at her. The youngest Nishizumi was standing at the podium still, looking over some papers, her face neutral as she went over the practice schedule and drills for the day. Yet Tamada could instantly tell that she was completely downtrodden by what had happen to her team, and who could blame her.
Tamada could understand now what Nishi had meant by what she said earlier, Miho needed someone to tell her it was alright. Even though the night before when Miho and Nishi had return, where Miho had hug her like no other, which surprise Tamada, she hadn't said anything about the punishment. Though now that everything was out, Miho was feeling worse about it.
Even with all her excitement earlier, Miho still had to carry the burden in her heart.
"Go on," Nishi said with a knowing smile, "just don't be too long."
I guess she knows too
Tamada thought, knowing there was no use hiding her feelings for Miho, even from her closes friend, "sure, we won't be long I promise."
Nishi nodded and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her. Even alone, Miho seem to be staring at the papers aimlessly, like she was just trying to distract herself. Steeling her beating heart Tamada walk forward to Miho, with careful steps as she felt nervous about what might happen and excited at the same time.
Even now standing next to Miho, Tamada could see that her mind was still on the papers, which annoy her a little, so Tamada touch Miho's shoulder gently to get her attention as she call to her, "Miho?"
The gentle touch and soft words made Miho turn to Tamada, her eyes were gloss over with tears, even with such a strong show of emotions earlier. She look nothing like some fearless Tigress that many in the team saw her as, for now she look a young girl whose heart was in shreds.
"Ta…Ta…Tam…Tamada," Miho stutter out between sniffles.
Without any further words needed, Tamada understood what Miho wanted as she pull the heartbroken girl into a hug. The two wrap their arms around one another, one desperate to be near the one who she care for deeply, while the other one needed to feel the strong arms that could make her feel that things will be alright, no matter how tough things were for her at the moment.
I need to make her feel better somehow, and there's only one way I know how to do that, while being bold
As the thought ran through Tamada's head, she spoke with a grin, with the side of Miho's head still buried into her chest, "jeez, you just wanted me to spoil you didn't you?"
Miho jerk in Tamada's arms, as she pull back to look up at those reddish brown eyes, "No…I…I…you just don't know when to leave the teasi-."
She was cut off as Tamada lean down to kiss her on the forehead, it was soft and mesmerizing. Such a simple act that drain away all Miho's worries in a flash. It was like the same one she given her the night during the Saunders match when Tamada did it when she thought Miho was asleep. Yet instead of feeling completely embarrass then, Miho felt at peace with it here, as this was what she wanted and needed in the moment.
With her heart beating fast, Miho stare at those reddish brown eyes holding hers, they were looking at her with a longing look that told her all she needed, "Tamada, I…I…"
"Miho, I know you want to say sorry or wish you could have done better," Tamada said with a soft smile.
For her part Miho said nothing, wanting Tamada to keep talking.
"Yet know I don't want to hear that. You've done more than we could ask for, the world isn't on your shoulders here with us. We carry the weight of our club together, shoulder to shoulder, step by step, and hand in hand," Tamada said, truth carrying in her words, which made Miho's heart become light, with all the stress seeming to disappear.
"Now how about you give me that heartwarming smile I like so much," Tamada said, her blush starting to come on, as even with her boldness, she was a bit embarrass by her own words and actions. Though she was doing this to bring Miho back up.
That heartwarming smile was given, as Miho spoke back to the very girl she held close to her heart, "you seem to always know what to say to remind me of the place I belong to and to the place that will always have my back."
"I do have a way with words you know, a gift really," Tamada said in a boast, hoping get Miho to chuckle.
Yet instead of a chuckle, Miho just let a smug look come across her face, "for me and only me Vice commander?"
Tamada was stun for a moment, hearing the words she usually use to tease Miho, now be use on her. Then she began to chuckle, which became infectious as Miho began to chuckle with her, the two girls glad for this lighthearted moment between them. Still holding one another close, while their foreheads were touching now.
Miho was the first to let her chuckles die down, now becoming resolute to know her friends intentions with her, as she lean back a little, "Tamada, are you ok with me? Are you ok with leaving that behind?" The Chi-Ha-Tan commander's eyes drifted to the ribbon that held Tamada's braid, a promise between the fiery commander and her long lost love.
"I won't lie to you, there is still a little unease in me about leaving it behind, but a certain friend of ours, talk me into letting go of the past for the future I want," Tamada said with determine tone.
"And what future is that?" Miho said, desperately wanting Tamada to say the words she wanted to hear.
Tamada seem to think the words over for a moment, then began to speak, "I wan…"
A sudden knock on the door to the tank commander's room made Tamada stop from saying the words. Yet a bit of relief came over her, since Tamada got a hold of herself, knowing that confessing in their tank commander's room wasn't how she really wanted this to go down. Plus she hadn't finish her present for Miho yet. She had been caught up in the moment.
"A moment please!" Tamada said back, then turn to Miho, "will talk about this later ok? I have a special present in mind and I want to talk about my past with you before anything."
Miho nodded eagerly, "yes, I can wait a little longer Tamada."
A pleasant smile cross Tamada's face, "thank you Miho, you mean the world to me."
"You too," Miho said happily, then regrettably unwrap herself from the hug, then spoke to the visitors outside the door, "come in!"
The door to the tank commanders room slid open and in walk Chi-Ha-Tan's air force captain Suzume Aozora, wearing her flight suit without her pilots helmet on, with her long rich brown hair down and waving as she walk in. Behind her follow a squad member of her squad in Isoko Kataoka, matching her captain's uniform with a short black hair reaching down just to her shoulders, with brown eyes.
Aozora came in with a smug look, taking in the sight of Miho and Tamada standing close to each other, which made the young women not want to miss out on a chance to tease them, "you two weren't doing anything naughty now were you?"
"Eh! Ah, no…we…we...," Miho stutter out with a blush. Tamada said nothing, blushing as hard as Miho.
"Captain! Don't tease them," Isoko scolded, shaking her head.
"Wah, come on, your no fun," Aozora whine to her friend, as she came up to the two Chi-Ha-Tan students, now becoming serious, "me and my fly girls said goodbye to the tank commanders that were suspended as well. Still a crummy situation, hate seeing my little tankery sisters have to go in this way."
Isoko echo her captain, "me either, but know Miss Nishizumi, us ladies of Chi-Ha-Tan's air force are going to fight harder than ever. We want to unite our broken tankery family as much as you do."
Miho nodded, "yes, will do it together. Know I'm grateful for you saving our team in both matches so far, if not for your excellent air support we might have been knocked out."
"Yea, you ladies are the true queens of the skies," Tamada said with a proud smile.
Both pilots smile widely at the praise, then Isoko spoke, "well I think we're going to save you once more right now."
"Huh?" Miho said with a sidelong glance.
Isoko let a knowing smile play across her face, "come on, I got a surprise for you."
Both Miho and Tamada look at each other with surprise, then follow after Aozora and Isoko out of the tank commander's room and then out of the Chi-Ha-Tan tankery building, heading for the Tiger garage that house their entire tank force.
XxxxxX
With the other tankery members doing stretches, it was only Miho and Tamada coming to the garage, where the familiar sound of mechanical work could be heard by the mechanics of the tankery team.
As the four approach the large garage, a familiar figure came to meet them, in the form of Chi-Ha-Tan's Chief Mechanic Kaida Himi, wearing her usual coveralls fitting snugly on her well-built body, a product of her long years of heavy lifting and mechanical work.
"Well took you long enough," Himi said with a smile and a hand on her hip.
"And your looking as beautiful as ever, it's any wonder how you don't have a man yet," Aozora said coming up to the Chief Mechanic with a cheeky smile.
"Ah, I had my time with that, my true love will always be a wrench and the girls of this club," Himi said confidently.
Aozora frown at the statement, then smile as she spoke, "well maybe a man isn't your thing then?"
That made Himi blush, causing Aozora to chuckle as she patted the older women on the shoulder, "make sure to come out to drink with us fly girls next time."
"Heh, sure Miss Aozora. Now let's get on track, Miss Nishizumi I heard about the punishment, I'm sorry the federation was so harsh on our team. I already miss my girls that have left," Himi said in a sad tone.
"I'm sorry I couldn't do more," Miho said dejectedly.
Himi nodded, but wouldn't let her team's commander feel down, "I know you di-."
Yet Miho spoke up once more, with an iron determination in her voice, "yet know I will do all in my power to reunite our tankery family."
The statement shock Himi a bit, as she could practically see the fire burning in her commanders eyes. It made Himi feel immense pride in her Sensha-do club that she once fought for, in her younger days. Yet now they fought with a new identity under this young Nishizumi who was more and more proving she was no longer the same girl she once was, she was strong and steadfast. Himi had no doubt she be the one to raise the club out of their darkest hour.
"Right Miss Nishizumi," Himi said with a smirk, "now follow me to the private hanger, we got a special surprise for you, in thanks to Miss Isoko's father."
Now the four, became five, traveling past the garage to the private hangar that was located behind the main tankery garage that once held the Tiger 1, that Miho commanded, but had been left empty since Miho took it out on the field with her first year crew. Which made Miho wonder why they wanted to go to it now.
As they arrive in front of the large private hanger, a man was standing in front of the large wooden double doors that were large enough for a tank to drive through once they were open. He was in his early 40's, wearing a simple business suit with his black hair neatly comb over, with smart looking glasses over his brown eyes.
The man seeing the five women approaching him bow once they were standing in front of him, then spoke when he rose to meet their eyes, "ladies, a pleasure to see you this fine afternoon, my name is Taro Kataoka. As you can guess, I'm Isoko's father, though thankfully she took after her mother's good looks than mine."
A soft round of chuckles follow the man's joke, then Miho bow back, follow by the other members of the group.
Miho spoke of first, "we are glad for your visit Mister Kataoka."
Taro eye Miho with a gentle smile, "so you're the famous Tigress commander, I've watch your matches with great interest, thank you for bringing back the Sensha-do team from despair and more importantly change the culture for the better."
"Yep, were grateful for her changing us as well, though to be honest she was pretty rough with us," Tamada joke.
"Tamada!" Miho whine at the girl, making her seem like a villainous.
"Yeah, should have seen how hard she work the girls for the match against Maple. I was for sure there were going to be no survivors," Himi said, adding to the teasing, as she was like everyone who like to see the Tigresses reaction's that were always a joy to see.
"Miss Himi! Please don't make me out to be some monster, especially to our guest," Miho now whine at her chief mechanic.
A round of chuckles came at the expense of the young girl.
Once they die down, Taro spoke up once more, "I can see why my daughter always has nothing but good things to say of her former school now. It really does have a familial touch to it."
"Were a tankery family like no other, Mister Kataoka," Himi said with a boast.
Taro nodded at that, then spoke, "well let's get to the point of why I am here shall we."
Miho and her group now listen in to the older gentlemen.
"Isoko, my beloved daughter once was part of the Sensha-do club here, but she left after she argue against the traditional clubs ideals of frontal charges. A reason why she went into the air force, rather than the armor force," Taro started.
"I never knew," Aozora said, now turning to look at her friend.
Isoko shrug, "I had to much modern ideals for them, I don't regret leaving."
Taro spoke up once more, "I myself served in the JSDF armor corps, as a tank commander, which was why Isoko try to follow her old man's footsteps. Though she makes a better pilot I believe. After my army days were over, I try my hands at stock trading and built a small fortune for myself, not that I'm here to brag about, but to what this small fortune has allow me to do."
"And what has that allow you to do, Mister Kataoka?" Tamada ask, her intuition telling her something big was coming out of this.
"To allow me to indulge in my love of tanks, and to see my daughter's former school's Sensha-do team rise higher than it is now," Taro said, then without a word he walk over the large wooden doors, and with some strong pulling, open the large doors one by one to the group.
Miho was the first to step forward follow by Tamada, and then the rest of the group to look into the small hanger at to what Taro wanted to show them. The lights inside the hanger were on, and the sight of what the surprise was shock the two Chi-Ha-Tan members.
While Himi, Aozora, and Isoko look on with glee, since they already had seen the surprise, and were just enjoying the show of their little tankery sister's reactions, which brought them no end of delight.
Tamada spoke first, "are those new tanks?"
"Yes, young miss," Taro said, "I spent the last five years searching all over Japan for them, and let me tell you, that was no easy task. Had to get a lot of buddies of mine to help, plus all the money to get them up and running again. Also we had to get approval from the Sensha-do Federation which took time, I try to get them to you for the Maple and Saunders match, but paper work took too long."
The new tanks were all color with the Chi-Ha-Tan color scheme, brown as the base, splash with yellow and green for excellent camouflage scheme, the schools emblem painted onto their turrets.
Miho instantly stop her gaping and look at the older gentlemen with gratefulness, "please don't feel bad about that, and were eternally grateful for you, for putting in so much work for these tanks."
"Please that won't be needed, you brought the club back up with smaller tanks against some tough teams, and found a way to come out on top. Now I just wanted to give you some that will even the odds for you," Taro said.
"Well how about we get to know your tanks, Mister Taro you have the honor," Himi said with nod to the older gentlemen.
"Certainly, let's do that," Taro gratefully said, then walk into the hanger with Miho and Tamada in tow, while Himi, Aozora, and Isoko waited just at the entrance to watch the show.
Starting from the left, Taro show off two tanks to his small audience, "now this here is the Type 3 Ho-Ni 3. Now first, even though the fully enclosed turret protrudes over the sides, it doesn't rotate, it's a mostly stationary gun like the Hetzer for example with limited traverse of the gun, but has no bow gun for it. Yet it's got the powerful Type 90 75 mm gun, with its velocity a match for most tanks armor, though for armor, as usual it isn't great, so deploy this one at long ranges or in ambush spots."
"Oh man Miho, can you believe it. A real Type 3 Ho-Ni 3, there were so few built," Tamada said coming over to touch the tank, "were really moving up in the world."
While touching Tamada's shoulder, Miho use her other arm to touch the new tank, "yes, this will help our club tremendously."
Taro smile at the two, then got their attention, "alright ladies, come on to meet these other new tanks."
Miho and Tamada came over to look over the next set of tanks.
"Now I know these look like halftracks, but they were approve by the Federation as tanks," Taro said with smile, "meet the super rare tank in the Type 5 Na-To, only two units were ever completed and were lucky to find both of them. Now these tanks were originally design to be open top tanks, but we given them a fully enclosed hatch around the open area, with two periscopes over the gunner's and commander's area to help with vision, along with a Type 97 heavy tank machine gun over the assistant driver cab area. Again this tanks armor is paper thin with one shot all the enemy team need to take it down, especially with its engine in the front."
"It uses the same gun as the Type 4 Chi-To right?" Miho ask.
Taro nodded, "yep, the Type 5 75mm gun on it will give you some much needed fire power and you already seen what it can do. Again this a mostly stationary gun with limited traverse left to right, yet if you can get the driver, gunner, and commander to work in synch, you'll give Ooarai a bad day."
"Oh man, I can't wait to get them on the practice field," Tamada said excitedly.
"Me too," Miho said matching her friends excitement.
"Now," Taro started, "these last three tanks I found by accident since history said none of these survive after the war, I found them in the port city of Sasebo, however I don't know how effective they will be. Yet I wanted them to have a home at least. Meet the Type 97 Chi-Ha Short Gun. Its arm with a 120mm anti-submarine gun, though don't let it fool you to think it's a tank killer. It only uses High explosive shells that will give an enemy crew a headache at most, though it could be a good suppression tank. It will also have a Type 97 heavy tank machine gun in the bow."
Miho rub her chin in thought, "yes this definitely is no tank killer, yet its gun can cause some havoc that I think will work for our strategy. Though the recoil after its fire will be hard on the crew."
"We've install anti recoil cylinders to help with that a bit, also as I'm assure you know Miss Nishizumi, this tanks long range capabilities aren't great, but again its high explosive rounds can be use like mobile artillery," Taro explain.
Miho nodded at that, then turn to the gentlemen with a bow, "Again, allow me to voice my gratitude for doing so much for us. These new tanks will be put to good use, to honor you for your hard work over these years, I promise."
Tamada came beside Miho and bow as well, "Yes, thank you Mister Kataoka."
Taro bow back, "thank you ladies for making Chi-Ha-Tan worthy of respect once more. Don't worry about ammunition as well, we were able to procure enough to cover you for the rest of the tournament."
Turning back to look at the new tanks after thanking Taro once more for the ammo, Miho felt her heart soar knowing that her team wasn't beaten by what happen earlier. They were resolute to go forward to meet Ooarai with all they had, as their dreams to not just win were in her mind, but to unite her tankery family once more burning brightly in her heart.
Now those dreams would be carry with new tanks to the family, with 2 Type 3 Ho-Ni 3's, 2 Type 5 Na-To's, and lastly 3 Type 97's Short Guns.
A sudden familiar and welcoming hand took hers, intertwining their fingers together, Miho turn with a smile to look up at Tamada, who was staring back at her with a confident smirk. There was no need for words, they knew what each were saying with just their eyes alone. That they would overcome this now together, with their hearts intertwine like their hands, and knowing nothing would stop them.
For Tigresses never gave in, never gave up, they fought till whatever end, roaring their defiance for all the world to see.