Authors Thought:

Alright, so I work hard to push this chapter out for you dear readers because, as I wanted to get an overview of how the tournament was going to so far, so were all on the same page of what has happen so far in entire tournament. I guess it's the infamous recap chapter, oh no!

However, like I did in the last Volume I wanted to have this in here, with an outside look into the tournament from a neutral party, as I believe it opens up the GUP world, which such reports would be written out over the intensity of the matches.

Thanks again for taking some time out of your day to read and hope you enjoy!

63rd National Sensha-do High School First Round Report

Hello Sensha-do enthusiast! This is leading correspondent Soseki Morita back again, for as you can see the title of this report says, we have finally, after a week and a half of intense battles, finally have seen the first round of the 63rd national tournament come to a close. It was ferocious, heart pounding, stupendous, nerve wracking, saddening, heartwarming, and whatever other words you can come up with. Even then that might not be enough, and all praise must go out to these girls who won or lost, for putting on a spectacular show for us that must be appreciated. A special applause must also go to the women of the 54th Wing Division for providing great aerial battles and the women of the 203rd Artillery battalion who are working tirelessly along with the teams.

Now on to the winners and losers. I will be first going over all the matches and who and how they won, as well as the tanks that were in use. Also will have a preview of other matches, that I will give my analysis over who I think has the edge.

Bracket A

1. Ooarai Girls Academy vs 2. Koala Forest High School

Ooarai Tank Force:

Panzer IV Ausf.F2(Flag Tank)

Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer

Type 89 I-Go

StuG 3

M3 Lee(Operator Tank)

Char B1 Bis

Type 3 Chi-Nu

Porsche Tiger

A43 Black Prince

Koala Forest Tank Force

3 AC 1 Sentinel

4 Matilda Mk 2(1 mark as Operator Tank)

4 M3 Stuart

4 M3 Grant(1 mark as Flag Tank)

Winner: Ooarai Girls Academy

Capture Reward: AC 1 Sentinel

Match Report

Well as I said before, I didn't want to discredit Ooarai coming into this tournament, even as they took on one of the tournaments dark horse teams and fought them tooth and nail for the entire match, till they finally won. This match saw Ooarai's small 5 tank force from the qualifier increase to a total of 9 in such a short time. As again they somehow got more tanks along with their capture reward from the qualifier in the A34 Black Prince, making me wonder if the rumors of them just laying around their school is actually true, but whatever may be the case, they gave Koala a fight from start to finish.

These teams fought over a desert battlefield, though the heat of that day had nothing on the fire burning in both teams' hearts for victory. Ooarai turtled up on the defense quickly taking position on some rolling sandy hills, which provided an excellent defensive position with large fields of fire. Koala though didn't just launch a direct assault, instead use their numbers to hold Ooarai in place launching a holding action, while using a flanking force under the leadership of Vice Commander Bluey to get around the enemies fortified position.

This flanking force though was stunted by Ooarai's Type 89 who entice Bluey's company to follow them into a small town that was to be an ambush site, as the A43 Black Prince and their accompany Hetzer look to deal with this troublesome flanking force. However Vice Commander Bluey dealt with this small Ooarai platoon in fierce urban combat, but cost the flanking force time, as Ooarai launch a counter attack down from their defensive positions on the rolling hills. Using their Porsche Tiger as a shield, the Ooarai force got into a up close slug fest that shocked and disoriented Koala's forces which lead to their flag tank becoming separated in the confusion, while being chase by the Panzer 4 and M3 Lee.

Ooarai's air force as well tied up Koala's in an aerial duel, so Koala's flag tank was left with no support. It was chase all the way to a town, but Miss Bluey caught up, yet had another tough urban duel, though this time with Ooarai's cunning commander Yukari Akiyama aboard her Panzer 4.

After Miss Akiyama took out Bluey's accompanying Stuarts, the two duel around a square in spectacular style, which had many on the edge of their seat, till finally Miss Akiyama got the upper hand after using an insane maneuver that resemble the Anzio Neapolitan maneuver and took Bluey out. Then the Panzer 4 and M3 Lee trap the Koala's M3 Grant flag, after using some artillery to knock over buildings to trap it and finish it off to win the match.

It's a shame for Koala to be knock out of the tournament, but they are a young and hungry team that will only get better for next year, with Vice Commander Bluey still being a 2nd year, who is also to be rumor to now be the commander of said school, as it seems their long time Commander Oz is retiring, may the Koala rest peacefully aboard his school carrier to the end of his days.

For Ooarai, again they have shown their mettle in this match, beating a worthy opponent with a smaller force, by being aggressive and unpredictable. Using a sub force to stunt a flanking force was brilliant while their counter attack was well time with their air force, again using the two in synch has shown to be a deadly paring. I believe this small team can go on to the semifinal but have a tougher match in the 2nd round as they face off with a team also with a underdog mentality that will be a match for them.

3. Saunders University High School vs 4. Chi-Ha-Tan Academy

Saunders Tank Force

4 M4 Shermans (1 mark as Flag Tank)

2 M4A1 Shermans

1 M4A1 76mm Sherman (Operator Tank)

3 M4A3E2 Jumbos

4 M5 Stuarts

1 Sherman VC Firefly

Chi-Ha-Tan Tank Force

1 Tiger 1

3 Type 97 Chi-Ha

1 Type 4 Ke-Nu

1 Type 4 Chi-To

3 Type 3 Chi-He

1 Type 3 Ka-Chi

1 Type 2 Ka-Mi

1 Mk 4 Valentine (Operator Tank)

3 Type 97 Shinhoto (1 mark as Flag Tank)

Winner: Chi-Ha-Tan Academy

Capture reward: M4A3E2 Jumbo (also gifted to Chi-Ha-Tan to keep, while upgraded to a 76mm gun, with Federation Approval)

Match Report

Well this was a roller coaster of a match that was on display for Japan and the world, as two teams with a past grudge to settle, met in a heavily wooded area that saw them tear into one another with unbridle fury. This match was plague with high emotions, because of Saunders humiliation of Chi-Ha-Tan in last year's tournament under command of then Linda Sickle, which left Chi-Ha-Tan's team on the edge of collapse because of infighting that follow the defeat.

Yet, now under the command of Miho Nishizumi, this new and improve Chi-Ha-Tan team look for the upset against one of Sensha-do's top four teams. Yet things didn't go all to plan for the Tigress Corps in the first parts of the match, seeing Saunders make use of their small and mobile M5 Stuarts that counter Chi-Ha-Tan's great scout force under the leadership of Vice Commander Hosomi, get stop in their tracks as both scout forces dueled. Another surprise for Chi-Ha-Tan also came in the form of the 3 M4A3E2 Jumbos that drove back the platoon of Type 3 Chi-He's that bounce their shells like they were throwing tennis balls at them.

Commander Kay must be given due credit for her precise movements on the first day of battle, as she drove back the Chi-Ha-Tan forces, then used a feint attack to draw the majority of the enemies forces in, while making use if their scout plane to find the enemy flag tank, then deployed their air force who drove Chi-Ha-Tan's flag tank towards Kay's secondary attack force, while Saunders used their artillery to suppress Miho's main force while Kay and her secondary force had victory in sight as Chi-Ha-Tan's flag tank and its escorts ran from them.

Yet Kay was stop by repeated efforts by Chi-Ha-Tan's team who fought desperately to keep their flag tank safe, all the while Commander Miho, whose Tiger 1 had lost a track in the artillery barrage, had to take on the Jumbo's alone. Yet she surprise the Sensha-do world when her gunner made an insane bounce shot that took out one of the heavy armor tanks, which has even till today been replay by viewers nonstop. Then took out another one, however the third Jumbo had found the angle for the kill shot on the Tiger 1, but was thwarted by the timely arrival of the Type 4 Ke-Nu under the command of First year Fukada, who has been in contention now for the National Rookie award for her heroics, as she distracted the Jumbo long enough for her commander's Tiger 1 to put it down for the count.

As they day drew to a close Chi-Ha-Tan's flag tank having survived the M5 Stuarts chase thankfully, was then to be ferry over the river by its Type 3 Ka-Chi and Type 2 Ka-Mi, and surviving a run in with Saunders was able to return to their team who had taken refuge in a village that was also their supply base, thanks to their earlier efforts to set it up, along with Commander Miho's Tiger 1 returning after her and her crew fix the track.

The next day, even with the heavy pounding of the day before, Chi-Ha-Tan chose to attack Saunders position located around a farmland with a river at their back, which had form a good defensive line. Yet the sudden appearance of the Tiger 1, Type 4 Chi-To, and platoon of Type 3 Chi-He's, while using the Tiger 1's heavy armor as a shield and the clever use of smoke, broke the Saunders line as they got in close, but also cost Chi-Ha-Tan many of its tanks. Yet this frontal attack was a feint, while Chi-Ha-Tan's flanking force broke through what was thought a impassable narrow woods that was supposed to cover Saunders right flank, attack Kay's Flag tank and escort and drove them back to the river and pin them there with the Type 3 Ka-Chi at their back, while the Tiger 1 finish the job.

This match was a roller coaster of action, that was nothing like these two teams match the year before, ended with a brilliant bang, as both teams gave it their all. Yet I be remiss the not mention the controversy surrounding the match, as the Chi-Ha-Tan flag tank commander was injure during an engagement, but fail to report it back to the referees, as well as the rest of the team also didn't report the injury, most likely knowing the rules stated that the tank would have to be mark as kill and the match would end in defeat for Chi-Ha-Tan.

Punishment from the Federation for this breaking of its rule has so far been kept quiet, and will only know the extent of it at the start of the match with Ooarai, so will be in the dark about it till then.

Yet again Chi-Ha-Tan has shown they deserve their new found nickname, as well as their respect. The qualifier match against Maple showed off their new identity, this match with Saunders showed their persistence and heart. I can only say I want to keep watching them rise, but their next foe is an underdog like them with a chip on their shoulder, so they will have their hands full for sure, however I believe they will give us a fight to remember.

5. Anzio High School vs 6. Maginot Girls Academy

Anzio High School Tank Force

1 Carro Armato P26/40(Flag tank)

5 Semovente da 75/18(1 mark as Operator tank)

10 Carro Veloce CV.33

Maginot Girls Academy Tank Force

1 Renault FT-17(Flag Tank)

8 Somua S35

4 Char B1 bis

3 Renault R39(1 mark as Operator tank)

Winner: Maginot Girls Academy

Capture Reward: Carro Armato P26/40

Match Report

Well I can finally say it, for the first time in years, Anzio was knock out of the first round of the tournament, by a team that isn't a top 4. As I mention before, I really thought Maginot girls were a team going through a transition from a mostly defensive team to an attacking one at the wrong time. Looking a bit awkward attacking in the qualifier match that I thought wouldn't do well against an experience team.

Yet I have to applaud their new commander Éclair, for a tremendous job against a tough opponent. Even if Anzio is a mostly tankettes force, they always show great inventive ways to win against teams that could outmuscle them. Yet for Duce, she met her match in the form of this newly rebuilt Maginot girls' team that practically beat them in all phases with the help of this new era of Sensha-do.

Fighting over a mostly open steppe landscape, seem to be a trouble for Anzio, as they couldn't deal with Maginot's Souma 35's who were used as a counter to Anzio's CV 33's, who met their match in these speedy French tanks that boosted 47mm guns that knock them down in quick succession. With her small tanks taken out, Duce was then subjected to a multi prong attack like Maginot had done in the qualifier, using planes and artillery in conjunction with their offensive to overwhelm Anzio.

Anzio's operator tank was taken out in the offensive leaving said team without any perks. Which spell the doom for Anzio who were promptly destroyed. It is sad to see the great speech maker in Duce, in her final year to leave the stage so early for this tournament. Yet as always, she was humble in defeat, making sure to give the girls of Maginot their respect, as is tradition for Anzio to hold a feast win or lose after the match.

For Maginot girls this is an extreme achievement for them, to advance means their automatically qualify for next year's tournament, with a 2nd year commander in Éclair looking to become one of our nations rising commanders. I can't wait to see how they fair in the second round, as this is a team gaining its form early on and will only get better with wins.

7. Jakostota High School vs 8. Pravda Girls High School

Jakostota High School Tank Force

1 BT-42

2 Panzer IV Ausf.D

1 Sturmgeschutz III Ausf.F/G

3 T-34/76

4 T-26

5 BT-7(1 mark as Flag Tank, 1 mark as Operator tank)

Pravda Girls High School Tank Force

4 T-34/85

5 T-34/76

1 IS-2(Operator tank)

2 KV-2

3 T-70(1 mark as Flag Tank)

Winner: Pravda Girls High School

Capture Reward: None

Match Report

Well this maybe for some is no surprise, as the champions took care of business, as Jakostota was handle by them with seeming ease. It really pains me to say that about this match, that I had myself marked as a possible upset, because of Jakostota's sharp driving they use to get in close to make up for their tanks low stopping power. Yet that prove to be their undoing against Pravda who employ a sneaky tactic against them.

The two teams fought over their favorite conditions: a snowy sparse forested area. However, a snowfall and strong winds made air support unavailable for both teams, as well as resupply. This was to be one of the factors that lead to Jakostota's defeat, as Katyusha place her flag tank in one of her teams T-70's, to use as bait to draw Jakostota in.

The plan work like a charm that saw Jakostota's commander Mika try to win the match quickly by chasing it down, but was drawn into an ambush by Pravda that use their artillery that was well time to cut off the rear of the Jakostota column, trapping them. While Katyusha order an offensive fighting in the way Jakostota wanted, which was up close and personal. Though Pravda outslug their opponent, who retreated, but their flag tank was taken out by ace gunner Vice commander Nonna.

This match saw Pravda lose no tanks, while wiping out the majority of Jakostota's forces. Leaving little doubt the champions aren't ready to hold on to their crown this year. Commander Mika and Commander Katyusha were seen to come together with the rest of the team, deciding to have a large after match dinner, with Beef Stroganoff being the main dish.

Jakostota had a tough draw in Pravda, and an even tougher time against a team that seems to be already in championship form for the tournament. Though there will be lots to look forward to in the future for the girls of Jakostota, as they always never disappoint. While Pravda look poise to retain their crown, if they keep this mix use of tactics that give their team maximum flexibility on the battlefield.

Bracket B

9. Kuromorimine Girls Academy vs 10. Bellwall Academy

Kuromorimine Girls Academy Tank Force

1 Tiger 1(Flag Tank)

1 Tiger 2(Operator Tank)

2 Jagdpanthers

1 Elefant

1 Jagdtiger

6 Panther Ausf.G

3 Panzer 4 Ausf.F2

Bewall Academy Tank Force

1 Tiger 1(Operator Tank)

3 Jagdpanthers

1 Elefant

1 T-44

3 T-34/85

1 KV-2

5 Panzer III Ausf.J(1 mark as Flag Tank)

Winner: Kuromorimine Girls Academy

Capture Reward: None

Match Report

Well the former champions are back and better than ever, again under the command of Maho Nishizumi. This match prove to look competitive early on, that was fought over a usual open country side setting, but soon turn into a demolition for Bellwall, who were given the Kuromorimine special treatment of precision fire, followed up by making use of their perks that sent a shiver down my spine, as seeing how much it improve their already devastating effectiveness with just their tanks, yet add artillery and air support, and you have your worst nightmare at hand.

Now credit goes to Bellwall who early on in the match, held off Kuromorimine's assaults by occupying a large forested hill to duel with their foe, while letting them be drawn in as Bellwall was working around Kuromorimine's flank, which would have proven disastrous if not for the great ambush by a Kuromorimine's platoon that thwarted this from happening.

Initially I thought this ambush was the product of Maho's brilliant strategy, yet instead, in an after match interview with Maho, she credited one of her platoon leaders, Koume Akaboshi, who guess that Bellwall had to be flanking. The unknown platoon leader, with permission from her commander, acted independently from her team, setting up the ambush that caught Bellwall's flanking column by complete surprise.

Though the real surprise had to be Bellwall using new Russian tanks in the KV-2 and T34/85's. There has already been accusations that Pravda gave them the tanks as a subtle way to try to beat Kuromorimine. Yet even if Pravda gave them the new tanks, there is nothing against the gifting of tanks to other schools as we already seen in this tournament done by other teams. Also with the ease of how these new tanks were handle by Miss Akaboshi's platoon, it really didn't make a difference in the match that Bellwall had them or more to the point, they weren't allow to show how effective they can be, because of the shocking ambush on them.

With the successful guarding of their flank, Maho launch a final offensive on the remaining Bellwall team that now, was without their commander Emi Nakasuga, being taken out in the ambush by Miss Akaboshi's platoon, which was also their Tiger 1 being the team's operator tank.

Without their commander, their perks, and running low on ammunition. Bellwall had only to try and delay the inevitable as Kuromorimine, working in combination with their air force made short work of the remaining Bellwall force on the hill, while a Panzer 3 marked as the flag tank try to keep the match alive by escaping, but was caught by another ambush by Miss Akaboshi, and with its destruction ended the match with a resounding win for Kuromorimine.

This match prove to the Sensha-do world that Kuromorimine is once again in deadly form. With these new perks only enhancing their lethal team, they look poise to climb their way back to gaining their champion's crown again. While Bellwall will once more have to go through a qualifier again next year to get back into the national tournament, but with Miss Nakasuga returning as their commander, I believe they will find their way back, of that I have no doubt.

11. Bonple High School vs 12. BC Freedom Academy

11. Bonple High School Tank Force

3 M4 Shermans(1 mark as Flag Tank, 1 mark as Operator Tank)

10 7TP

2 7TPdw

BC Freedom Academy Tank Force

1 FT-17(Flag Tank)

2 Mk 3 Crusaders

2 M4 Sherman

3 M10 Wolverines (with Federation approved modify roof hatches)

1 M4A1(76mm gun) (Operator Tank)

4 Somua S35

2 2 M5 Stuart

Winner: BC Freedom Academy

Capture Reward: None

Match Report

BC Freedom took care of business against Bonple, across an open countryside setting, while unveiling some new tanks that have been added to their arsenal, though the same can be said of Bonple, who came into this match with some M4 Shermans, which were gifted to them by Saunders some reports say. I guess Saunders is handing out presents early this year.

Though BC Freedom Academy was still the bigger surprise, since their team in the qualifier only used the FT-17 and Somua S35's. Which means they were most likely trying to hide their new tanks, till they got into the national tournament. However, I can't fathom why they wanted to use them against a minor team like Bonple, while there are bigger schools still to fight against. Though I guess it's because they wanted to get a feel for their new tanks in a live match, a dangerous game to play, as they could have been surprise by Bonple, while not knowing how to handle their new tanks in a live match.

The match was a quick one, as BC Freedom launch their air force at Bonple, after their scout plane spotted them, which cause Bonple to deploy their own air force to counter them, leading to a drawn out aerial duel. Then Lady Marie, as she wants to be known, commander aboard the flag tank FT-17, use herself as bait attacking Bonple with only her tank and two escort Mk 3 Crusaders.

This was follow by a chase by Bonple's entire force, wanting desperately to take out the flag tank. Though this was all a trap set up for them, as they were lead over a bridge by Lady Marie, where Bonple was greeted to BC Freedom's new tanks. Vice Commander Andou and her Souma 35's and M5 Stuarts charge right into the Bonple tank force coming over the bridge, resulting in a brutal in close slugfest between the two parties. Which left Bonple in a bind, since they couldn't call in their artillery for fear of hitting their own team, while BC Freedom use their own artillery to destroy the bridge behind Bonple leaving them no room to retreat.

With Bonple now caught with the river at their back, and the enemy to the front, they were subjected to Vice Commander Andou's company of M10's and M4 Shermans who had an elevated position to fire over the slugfest at the Bonple M4 Shermans, taking out their operator tank, then following it up by destroying their flag tank Sherman, ending the match.

I'm left to wonder where these new tanks for BC Freedom Academy came from or how they could afford them, since the founding of the school, they predominantly used French WW2 tanks, yet now are mixing in some American ones that are only helping their forces fighting effectiveness. While Bonple again will have to go through a qualifier to get back into nationals, but seem to be a team that can improve, especially if other Sensha-do teams like Saunders, are generous enough to gift some tanks to them to help their fighting effectiveness, a friendly gesture that has the spirit of Sensha-do in it.

Lady Marie has her team also fighting together effectively, the archaic class system that had been a staple of the school seems to be gone, replace by a single identity as a team, fighting shoulder to shoulder now. This new and improve BC Freedom Academy is looking to show the world their back and better than ever.

13. Viggen High School vs 14. Viking Fisheries High School

Viggen High School Tank Force

4 Strv m/40(1 mark as Flag Tank, 1 mark as Operator tank)

5 Strv m/42

Viking Fisheries High School

8 Panzer III Ausf.J

1 Neubaufahrzeug(Flag Tank)

1 M24 Chaffee(Operator Tank)

3 Somua S35

2 Hotchkiss H35

Winner: Viking Fisheries High School

Capture Reward: None

Match Report

Now, this match could have gone either way, as Viggen true to form stayed away from their opponent, believing they were letting their enemy get lulled into a sense of security as almost no action was to be had on the winter landscape that serve as their playing field, for almost two hours. Though this play right into Viking Fisheries hands, who like to play on their clockwork tactics, needing everything to be in place and in the right time to win. Which work to perfection, as their commander Anniken, seem to know just when Viggen was going to attack.

And when they did attack, Viggen called in everything, their air support and artillery working together to hopefully win the day for their team. That wasn't meant to be, as this was all happening in Viking Fisheries estimated time. They called in their air support in, just as Viggen attacked, surprising the Viggen air force that was taken out by Viking Fisheries in record fashion. While Viking Fisheries tanks pull back in time before the artillery could cause any significant damage.

With their important perks wasted and now with no air support, Viggen was subjected to a fierce and well time counter attack by Viking Fisheries force who time their artillery to cut off the retreating Viggen team trying to get away. Then destroy them one by one till only their flag tank was left standing, who surrender after being surrounded with nowhere to run. All part of the master plan for Viking Fisheries team.

This match prove to show if everything happens in an orderly time for Viking Fisheries team, they are scary deadly. Viggen for their part had a decent plan, but just were match by a team that's timing for a counter was just right, any other team going up against Viggen, might have been caught off guard. However, I still like Viggen to qualify next year, who weren't at all downtrodden by their lost, and already looking forward to the next fight.

Viking Fisheries team looks poise to take on its next opponent with another well time plan, with some confidence that they can win the day if everything goes to plan.

15. Yogurt Academy vs 16. St. Gloriana Girls College

Yogurt Academy Tank Force

8 Panther Ausf. D(1 mark as Flag Tank)

1 Jagdpanzer 4

1 Sturmgeschutz 3 Ausf.F/G

5 Panzer 4 Ausf.F2(1 mark as Operator Tank)

St. Gloriana Girls College Tank Force

1 Churchill Mk 7(Flag Tank)

5 Matilda Mk 3

4 Cromwell Mk 7(1 mark as Operator Tank)

5 Mk 3 Crusaders

Winner: St. St. Gloriana Girls College

Capture Reward: Jagdpanzer 4

Match Report

A very interesting match, since Yogurt Academy, a relatively unknown school, that somehow acquired some great German tanks that could be a match for any team in the tournament, and had a chance to prove their prowess, while going up against a top 4 team in St. Gloriana, who boasted their usual excellent British tank force, but were seen to use a different strategy then they normally use. As the teams fought over an open landscape with one large hill dominating the playing field.

St. Gloriana, who always attacked in formation with concentrated volley fire to win the day, instead relied on their speedy Crusaders to go out way ahead of their lines to meet the entire Yogurt force on their own. I was at first perplex by Miss Darjeeling's strategy that was nothing like their old ways, which former St. Gloriana commanders always used. Yet I quickly saw how effective her strategy was.

Energetic first year tank commander Rosehip, another contender for the National Rookie award, seems to have great confidence from Miss Darjeeling in her abilities as a company commander of the Mk 3 Crusaders. This First year on her own, took hold of the early stages of the match. Miss Rosehip, leading her Crusader company met the Yogurt team head on, deploying to skirmish with them, firing and retreating, then repeating the process. It became clear that they were performing a delaying action against the heavily armor foe, but cause Yogurt to constantly deploy and then reform to move off, again and again, these two sides playing a game of cat and mouse.

It was then I understood the strategy of Commander Darjeeling, which was to deny the desirable high ground to Yogurt Academy, who she knew were prone to rush for that first and then turtle up on the defense. Playing at taking away what they wanted, thanks in hand to Miss Rosehips skirmishing, Darjeeling brought up the rest of her forces to cut the road to the coveted hill Yogurt wanted so badly.

Now having to face the enemy on the open ground, Yogurt was subjected to the very accurate volleys of Darjeeling's gunners, while the St. Gloriana air force attack in synch, along with their artillery. Things were made worse for Yogurt as Rosehip reform to get in behind Yogurt's tanks to take their operator tank out. That spell the end for Yogurt as they were shellshock at this point and were promptly put down. Though St. Gloriana call for the surrender of their last three standing tanks, including the enemy flag tank, to which Yogurt gracefully did so.

This match show that St. Gloriana is definitely pushing hard to win the tournament this year, which can be seen by how they are experimenting with some unorthodox tactics that I haven't seen any St. Gloriana commander in school history use before in years pass. That makes them a more deadly team now, which will put their foes on alert for this team that looks to do more than be a top 4, under Darjeeling's command.

As for Yogurt academy, they unfortunately couldn't put in a good showing for their Sensha-do team, which was made worse they weren't even able to take even one enemy tank down. Yet this will be a good learning experience for them, as they will hopefully try to find different strategies that will help them make use of their heavy tank force next year to qualify.

Match Preview and Thoughts

Alright, now that we've gotten to know who are winners and losers are, we get to move on to the upcoming matches for the 2nd round of the 63rd National Tournament, that looks to have some more intense action for us to witness. I will do a preview of each match and my thoughts who the winner might be based on my own thoughts, so let's get to it.

Bracket A

1. Ooarai Girls Academy VS Chi-Ha-Tan Academy

Preview:

Well, this has already been dub by the Sensha-do Battle Network as the match of the week and for good reason. On one side we have little known Ooarai, who hasn't competed in Sensha-do in 20 years, yet in two matches has taken down two well armor and well train teams, using some unorthodox tactics that has given teams a tough time to deal with, with seemingly no one able to find the counter to it.

On the other side we have Chi-Ha-Tan Academy, who was once a running joke for most teams, saying just sit and shoot, because of Chi-Ha-Tan's reckless frontal charges. Now that isn't the case anymore, because they have been reform by Commander Miho Nishizumi that has seen them fight with a new Sensha-do style all of their own, that has taken down Maple and Saunders each, while looking poise to what many, including myself, once thought impossible.

Two teams who really have no business being at this stage, but are here because the word impossible isn't in their dictionary. A duel between Commander Yukari Akiyama and Commander Miho Nishizumi, two cunning strategist who could be each other's equal in this match, to which I'm excited to see who out foxes the other.

My Predicted Winner: Ooarai Girls Academy

No offense to the girls of Chi-Ha-Tan, who more than earn the name Tigress Corps, but when it comes to unpredictability, Ooarai has the edge I believe. Chi-Ha-Tan showed vulnerability in the last match when they were a bit overwhelm at the start. Where Saunders fielded M5 Stuarts that outduel Chi-Ha-Tan's Type 97, that seem to throw their whole plan out the door when they couldn't scout properly, to which might be the case here again, since Ooarai boast small nimble tanks as well, and effectively too.

While Ooarai's Commander Yukari Akiyama, who has shown to be the most unusual commander in Sensha-do history in my opinion, who has taken a team of rookies and created a fighting formula that's found a way to bring the best out of them, will give Chi-Ha-Tan a rough time. Also this rookie commander seems to have ice in her veins, always cool under pressure against her opponents, and I believe won't get fluster by any cunning strategy that Commander Miho comes up with.

There is also this punishment that is unknown to us, who knows maybe they had to use the same number of tanks as Ooarai, who still don't have enough to fill out the minimum 15 needed.

Yet whatever the case, Commander Miho has her work cut out for her against this wily foe, who aren't going to play to anyone's tune, and whose small profile tanks will match Chi-Ha-Tan's step for step, the only wild card factor for me here is the Tiger 1 of Chi-Ha-Tan with Miho and her elite crew who have been making mincemeat of their opponents, but yet again a Tiger 1 is to be feared, but can still be taken out, as we've seen in the last two matches of it being stress by its opponents, and in the Maple match was taken out. I wait for this match with great excitement no matter the result as I know both teams will put on a show for us.

6. Maginot Girls Academy VS 8. Pravda Girls High School

Preview:

A match many analyst are already writing off as a resounding Pravda win, yet I'll probably be the minority to say this match can go either way. Maginot has shown to be not the same defensive team they have been known for, in thanks to their new commander Éclair, whose strategy resembles something akin to Napoleon, attacking fast and hard, getting her opponent off balance, and relying on the offense to win the day.

While Miss Katyusha, well what else can be said that already hasn't been heard a thousand times from other analyst. She's deadly, cunning, and merciless. Her team follows her like a pack of wolves on the hunt, attacking at multiple angles to unsettle their foe, or playing a dangerous game by using their flag tank as bait to lure their foe into their fangs to devour.

Even though these two teams tank forces are a bit uneven, I believe the match will go the distance, as both teams have a good understanding of their own strategies, while also having a good grasp on how best to use the new perks of Sensha-do to great effect, that could be the difference between victory and defeat.

My Predicted Winner: Pravda Girls High School

Though I don't want to besmirch all the Maginot Girls Sensha-do team has done not just in this tournament, but also in the qualifier, I must side with the pundits about their chances to win the match overall, even if its close. Their tank force just doesn't have the fire power compare to Pravda, especially in the KV-2's, IS-2, and T34/85's. Worse is that Pravda excels on both offensive and defensive tactics, that make use of all of their tanks, while if they catch Maginot with a counter attack the match is all but over, as we know Pravda is the master class in that regard.

Not to mention Miss Katyusha has a good grasp of the new perks of Sensha-do that she uses to great effectiveness. While she also has a veteran force, who over half of them are returning members of the championship team, whose veteran experience outweighs Maginot's mostly newly formed up crews. Yet again time will tell how this match plays out, and I might just be eating these words at the end of the match.

Bracket B

9. Kuromorimine Girls Academy VS. 12. BC Freedom Academy

Preview:

An interesting match for sure, as we will see Kuromorimine Girls Academy take on a new and improve BC Freedom Academy. Yet Kuromorimine has shown a new side of their game as well, fighting with a seemingly new variation of the Nishizumi style that doesn't seem to have that ruthless touch as it did during its 9 year run of dominance. However don't let that fool you into thinking they taken their foot off the proverbial pedal when it comes to their deadly efficiency.

Maho Nishizumi, has only a much more improve grasp on her leadership skills from last year, her team seemingly having an unshakable faith in her, while she seems to value their input more, which was shown by allowing an independent action by her Platoon Leader Akaboshi, to what we know of earlier Kuromorimine teams, would have never allow such an action to take place. Which makes this team that was deadly with their marching firepower, also now have flexibility it didn't seem to have last year, which is a most welcome sight.

On the other side, BC Freedom Academy has new tanks and a new identity as well. Were their school was once a top 4 team for years under then Commander Azumi, that fell from grace quickly after she left. Now marches forward together, no longer divided by some archaic class system, but fighting as one. There is no doubt about Lady Marie's cunning mind, which she will need to take down this beast in Kuromorimine.

My Predicted winner: Kuromorimine Girls Academy

BC Freedom Academy may have new tanks and a new identity, yet how does that match up to a heavily armor force, that now boast excellent flexibility? Unless BC Freedom Academy can obtain some more heavily armored tanks for this match, I don't think they can match Kuromorimine. Maho Nishizumi, who seems to no longer resemble her former severe self from last year, is the main reason I make this prediction, since she fights with her own style that has already proven to inspire her teammates to fight above the high level performance that Kuromorimine is already known for, making them seem unstoppable at the this point.

Add in the air support and artillery, one can only shutter at the devastation Kuromorimine will lay down when the match commences. We have only to wait to see if this prediction turns out to be true, as a flag match only needs one miracle shot to change its fate.

14. Viking Fisheries High School VS 16. St. Gloriana Girls College

Preview:

This is an odd match for me, as the elegant ladies of St. Gloriana go up against the reserved girls of Viking Fisheries, two teams who couldn't be more opposite of one another. That trickles down to their tactics as well, since St. Gloriana's prefer tactic is strict formation to make use of their heavy armor, followed by accurate volley fire, however they are mixing in new tactics of speed as well.

While Viking Fisheries demands that the match work to their master plan, where every tank should be, where their shots are placed, and where they should be when their plan comes together. If this were the old St. Gloriana I might be mix on who could come out on top, as their slower advance might have just played into Viking Fisheries timing strategy, yet because of the St. Gloriana's added in speed attacks might just be the uncertainty to unravel their foe.

My Predicted Winner: St. Gloriana Girls College

As I mention above, if this were the old St. Gloriana I might have gone the other way, but Miss Rosehip and her Crusader company add a different spice to this already dangerous team. Speed and power working hand in hand, you'll find no better punching combination a team like this can ask for. With this more unpredictable bunch in St. Gloriana who I can see using both, sometimes switching which one comes first, might just be the undoing of the timing needed Viking Fisheries who might not get the match they want.

As Darjeeling said in my interview with her before the tournament, they would let their actions speak louder than their words. As these actions I believe will see them through to the semifinal and a possible match with Kuromorimine, if they beat BC Freedom, who they would look forward to immensely to duel with them.

Ending thoughts:

Well there we are, we know our winners and losers of the first round of the 63rd National Tournament, while I gave my thoughts to the next set of matches that will be coming up in just under 2 weeks from now and I can't wait. As I am sure you can't wait for either, as these girls will need to turn up the intensity as the coveted Victory Flag is one step closer for them. Yet they can't let their guard slip even for a bit in these flag battles, that take only one shot to turn our world upside down, however that's what makes it arguably the greatest sport in the world in my eyes.

That's all for me then, thanks for giving my report a read and will see you for the next one, when the fire and fury has died down, and the second round has come to a close and will see who will be left standing for the semifinals.

This is your leading correspondent Soseki Morita sighing off.

XxxxxxX

Sitting in a private room, two girls of Wolverton Academy were waiting patiently together at a table for the start of their mock battle against their instructor team that their Master Instructor Konomi had set up before leaving for Japan. In this room alone was just Ellie and Fukushu, both wearing their tankery uniforms, both of them were as well trying to calm their nerves for their first taste of an actual Sensha-do match, since they were using live rounds and white kill flags if they were taken out.

They were both wearing their academies Sensha-do uniforms wearing the gray tanker jacket with the schools logo of a wolf baring its fangs in defiance on the shoulders, along with the dark green shorts with long wool grey socks and matching dark green boots. They also had their 1938 US tankers helmet as well with their grey tanker goggles attach to them, that match the lower half of their uniforms in a dark green color, but also had a grey stripe camo scheme over it. On each ear flap there was a gray wolf's paw painted in. The academy made these girls always wear the helmets, to which they took immense pride in.

"Can you believe this report on the tournament so far," Fukushu ask her friend, waving a tablet she was using to read the first round report on the 63rd National Tournament, then put it down on the table.

Ellie gave her younger friend an amuse look, "ah no I can't believe it, because I can't read Japanese."

"Oh," Fukushu said, blushing in embarrassment about that forgotten detail, "sorry, forgot I am the only one here that can read it."

"Don't sweat it, you can read it to me later, also are you ready for today?" Ellie said with a smile.

Fukushu nodded at that, "yep ready to give Linda her due today."

"She won't get off easy either, my M36B2's 90mm gun is going to give her nightmares," Ellie said with a confident grin.

"It gives me nightmares already," Fukushu joke, causing both girls to chuckle.

As her chuckles die down, Ellie lean across the table to take one of Fukushu's hands, "I know you been having trouble with commanding your tank, but I believe in you all right. Show Linda she is wrong about you."

Gripping the hand back grateful for the support, Fukushu spoke, "I will, yet I know the pack is stronger together."

"The pack is stronger together," Ellie repeated, the team's motto, which always gave the girls of Wolverton Academy calming feeling when saying them.

The door to the private room open without a knock, the sudden sounds of the mechanical work being done outside could now be heard. As the mechanics outside in the tank garage were making the last minute checks on the M4 Sherman, M18 Hellcat, M36B2, and Fukushu's M4A3E8. Since these were the tanks going into action today.

Walking into the room was the leader of the platoon, in Jasmine Fitzgerald, follow up by Morena Garcia. Both were wearing the same uniforms as their friends, with their tanker helmets tucked under their arms, and their faces showing off fierce determination.

"It's time ladies, let's get mounted up," Jasmine said, smirking like crazy, ready for the fight this day, hoping to honor her grandfather and father.

"Hora de cazar," Morena said excitedly to her friends.

Ellie nodded at that, then turn to Fukushu once more, "yes, it's time to hunt."

"Right behind you," Fukushu said, then stood up with her helmet tuck under her arm, as she follow her friends outside to the garage, ready to prove their fighting spirit to Linda this day.

Fukushu was the last to step out of the room, yet stop for a moment to look back at the tablet with the First Round report still on the screen, written all in Japanese. She smirk, glad the correspondent had pick Ooarai to win the match against Chi-Ha-Tan, since she wanted to see at least one Nishizumi lose in the next round, so their families prestige could fall a little.

Though if she were honest, she wish somehow she could be in the tournament and fight one of the sisters. Yet Fukushu still needed time to improve her skills for that to happen. However, there was still the surprise Konomi promised her when she got back from Japan, which still made Fukushu wonder what it could be.

"Ah, need to keep my mind here and now," Fukushu said quietly to herself, then left the room, ready to prove that she belong to this academy and that her dream to do Sensha-do was no longer just a dream, but it was reality.