The Tigers of Chi-Ha-Tan ReRise Volume 4: The Scars of a Warriors Past

by Nazz11

With Miho leading the charge, the Tigress Corps have shown how deadly their fangs and claws are, as their roars of defiance echo across the land. Yet, while they rise, the Nishizumi family falls into disgrace, leaving Miho with a difficult choice. While a group of forgotten warriors returns to exact their revenge, and their target is the Tigress herself no matter what the cost.

22. Our Hope, Our Fight, Our Despair

Hello dear readers

Were back again with a long chapter and alot interactions going foward, so I'll keep this short.

Thanks for coming by and reading, its been a long journey for this volume for us, but were getting to end game that hoepfully I can get done by early next year.

Enjoy the rest of your weeked with loved ones, be safe and be well, till Next Authors Thought.

---

"Mmmmm," a soft voice cooed out as her body woke from her restful slumber.

Slowly her eyes opened, adjusting to the dimly lit room shrouded in darkness, save for the small light shining off her alarm clock's digital numbers. Then, blinking away her tiredness, she once more focused on the clock, trying to decipher what time it was, as she began to shift under the sheets, to stretch her arms and legs out that were ready to get started.

After blinking again, she focuses the on the clock and reads the time.

5:25 AM.

Even now, my body can't sleep past this time, probably because of all those years at Kuromorimine middle school and then onto the Academy itself...they always said a lady must rise early to be ready to work while others slept and must prepare to face the day as it dawns, for that is how you will meet your working life...

Miho thought, feeling her tiredness starting to fade from her mind, beginning to push the covers off and climb out of bed now. Yet she was stopped when she felt something holding onto her, with a firm grip that was not about to let go of Miho anywhere as much as she might struggle.

Looking down, Miho saw her half-sister, Fukushu, dressed in some spare pajamas that Miho had lent her. The youngest Nishizumi let off soft snores as she rested her head against Miho's chest and her arms around Miho's torso. Even with all the movement earlier from her bed companion, Miho had not woken her up.

Then, the previous night's memories flooded Miho's mind.

After examining all the practice reports Nishi had collected for her, Miho left Chi-Ha-Tan academy with Fukushu and Linda in tow, wanting to come to her apartment and treat them to a nice dinner. It was only fair after what happened with the Chi-Ha-Tan Sensha-do team, being subjected to a berating session from the newest member in 3rd year, Nonaka Mizuko, who wanted to get vengeance against Linda for orchestrating last year's humiliating defeat.

Only Miho's timely arrival had saved the situation from spinning out of control while stopping Tamada, who had already punched Linda, from doing the same to Fukushu.

Shaking her mind away from that horrible event that made things tense with her lover, Miho remembered that Fukushu and Linda had stayed well after dinner. First, they talked about their past and troubles, and then just general conversation.

Miho felt like she understood Fukushu better now, knowing she had gone through a lot in her life that had caused her to go down the road of revenge. Konomi was her main reason for wanting to avenge the tragic life the older woman had suffered after Shiho defeated her in Panzer Kettō so long ago. Though Fukushu was vague on what exactly happened to Konomi afterward, Miho knew a little from what her mother had told her during their heated argument when Miho returned home.

During the stay-over, Linda surprisingly open up a lot, talking at length with Miho about all things Sensha-do training. How to get the girls in shape, specific drills to help with movement, advanced scouting techniques, and so on. Miho could tell by how passionate Linda's tone was that she genuinely had come to love Sensha-do over time; it was just her overall view of it that had been distorted by the woes of her past in America.

Then, before they knew it, the trio had talked way past midnight. Meaning the Akagi would have closed off their carrier from visitors and would not let anyone leave. Which suited Miho fine, as she invited them to stay the night, giving them nightwear and then going to bed. Though sometime in the night, Fukushu had a nightmare about everyone leaving her because of what happened in the last match and punching Miho.

With Miho resolved to now enjoy her new job as a big sister and asked Fukushu to sleep in the same bed. Cuddling together allowed the young Nishizumi to go to sleep, with Miho following soon after, her heart feeling relaxed that she had indeed had Fukushu with her and they would be sisters from now on. Moreover, they would work together to achieve the goal of bringing the Nishizumi name back up together and maybe one day fight in Sensha-do together as well.

With her remembering over, Miho reached out to stroke Fukushu's brown hair, which was like hers save for the blonde fringes, as she whispered. "I'm glad you're here with me, little sister."

"D...do... don't...ca...call me that," Fukushu mumble out.

Miho blushed in embarrassment that she had been caught but noticed Fukushu was sleeping still, most likely mumbling her in sleep. Making Miho cover her mouth to stifle a small fit of chuckles so as not to wake Fukushu. Then regretfully, she uncovers herself from her sister, then climbs out of bed.

Two futons lay on the wood floor, one for Fukushu, which was empty, and the other for Linda, who was currently curled up under the blanket, sleeping soundly. With careful steps, Miho walked over to Linda and looked down at the sleeping girl.

It was strange to Miho, knowing this was the very girl who had sent Chi-Ha-Tan into its downward spiral and was sleeping in her very apartment. Everything that had transpired up to this point was only happening because of that match last year, causing the upperclassmen of Chi-Ha-Tan's Sensha-do team to leave, making their first years take on the challenge of keeping it all together.

If not for that happening, I would have come to Chi-Ha-Tan, but I would never have had the opportunity to join...Miss Nonaka would have never let me offer any advice, let alone join and lead... So I probably spend my days here going through classes like an ordinary girl...like I thought was what I always wanted when I left home all those months ago...life is strange...

Miho thought, as her mind began to wander over different realities had things played out differently. Knowing that even as horrible as it sounded, if not for Linda's actions that previous year, there would not be the clean slate offer to Miho to try to change Chi-Ha-Tan's Sensha-do culture for the better.

Allowing Miho the chance opportunity to find her love of Sensha-do once more, to gather back the person she wanted to be in the end. To make friends who would always be with her, always have her back, and always share laughter and joy together. However, Miho had received more than that; she had garnered a tankery family like no other, fighting under her style and believing in her without question.

All this had happened because of one humiliating match handed down to them, by the young lady who had done it to satisfy her own heartache from years past.

Focusing now on the present, Miho leans down to reach a hand to touch Linda's shoulder, giving it a few shakes to wake her.

"Aghhhh, what...what is it?" Linda croaked out as her eyelids opened slowly, revealing their deep blue color.

"Sorry to wake you so early," Miho started.

Adjusting her eyes, Linda gave Miho a slightly annoyed look with a slight yawn. "Ever heard of beauty sleep?"

"Sorry," Miho repeated with a nervous smile.

Though Linda just chuckled with a shake of the head. "Don't worry, I spouted off last night about early morning training, but I'm a late sleeper, go figure. Well, what you need, Miss Tigress?"

"I'm heading to my academy," Miho replied.

Making Linda tilt her head. "Why so early?"

"I have some things I need to do. Can you look after Fukushu? Thiers a spare key on the kitchen counter; come to school when you are both ready. Hidemichi has already spoken to security, and they will let you in," Miho explains.

Linda frowns a little. "Are we going round two with your team? I don't think I can take another punch."

"No, that will never happen again, I promise," Miho said after a shake of the head. "I'll get them to come around."

"Not that third year, though. Mizuko is going to fight you all the way. I can tell just by her eyes she's got that fire within them that says she will destroy whatever is in her path to get what she wants, including you," Linda stated, rising to sit up now.

Miho grimaced at that, knowing Linda was right. At length the previous night, they had talked about how there was no way Mizuko and her cohorts weren't going to do everything they could to make sure Chi-Ha-Tan's old way was instilled again. Yet to what end or how far they would go, was something Miho couldn't predict, and it scared her.

"I know," Miho started, taking a deep breath to compose herself. "However, I'm the commander and also an heiress. Sometimes I will have to resolve things, and I can't cower anymore, as much as I don't like confrontations."

"Hmph," Linda said in amusement. "You can face down armor-piercing shells roaring by your ear, but someone talking back to you is what scares you...heh, you're a weird girl, you know that?."

Miho blushes a little in embarrassment. "I don't mean to be...I think it's because of things in my past that make it hard for me to try and deal with confrontations."

"Like what?" Linda ask, then realized she was being rude. "Sorry, I didn't mean to ask you that like it's easy to spill. It's something personal."

"It's ok, though I don't like talking about it," Miho stated. "Whatever the case is, I'll overcome it."

Linda just nodded to her. "Alright, alright. You best get going. I and sleeping beauty will catch up."

"Thank you, and I'm glad my sister had you to look after her," Miho gratefully said.

A wave of the hand from Linda tries to dissuade the thanks. "Don't mention it. I'm just grateful you accepted my apology, and once more, know that I will do whatever I can to support you."

"I know you will. I'll see you later," Miho said, patting Linda on the shoulder in thanks, and left to get ready for the day.

While Linda watched her go, feeling a smile tug on her lips. She felt, for the first time since she had left America, that she was genuinely happy. There was no more hiding the pain in her chest. All that was left was the burning desire to do right by Fukushu, Miho, and, if possible, the girls of Chi-Ha-Tan academy's Sensha-do team. A goal that was burning away all the bad memories for the want to make new ones, happier ones, and leave a positive mark on the Sensha-do world.

"Hmph, but before we do all that, There is a little thing called sleep that is calling me, so best not miss it," Linda said quietly to herself as she laid back on the futon and let sleep overcome her, but her smile never left her face.

---

The streets of the Akagi were quiet, with only a few people up and about. Most of them were shop owners getting ready for a long day since their carrier was still in port, and the carrier's lockdown might be lifted so customers could come aboard. At the same time, others were getting ready for a day where they went out and about in the port town of Shichigahama as they were still resting in until they finally set out for sea again.

While the students of Chi-Ha-Tan Academy were still sleeping, as they had no school today as it was Sunday, many were going to enjoy sleeping in and most likely leave for another day in the port city, shopping, eating, and buying new clothes with their allowances afforded them by the school.

Yet while they were leaving, one student was staying at their academy grounds all day.

Walking along the quiet streets, Miho was now dressed in her Chi-Ha-Tan school uniform, a single-breasted light brown long-sleeve tunic with a high collar and a red skirt. Completing the uniform were black socks and shoes.

Miho's hair was still damp from the quick shower while making her way to the academy gates. Her school bag was slung over her shoulder, but all that was inside was her notebook filled with endless pages about how to meet Pravda's tanks in battle, which was a daunting task for her because she didn't have many tanks within their arsenal to meet them in a standup fight.

With the Tiger 1 also out of the fight only added to Miho's woes, knowing that it was the most capable tank to deal with the Pravda horde. Though there was a silver lining in all of this, as a Panther D and Panzer 3 had been discovered by the Sailor Girls of Chi-Ha-Tan in the lower hulls of the ship. Each tank was cable and a great addition to the team, though each had its own set of problems that would hamper them in the coming match.

The Panther D had a powerful gun that could knock out most tanks from advance long ranges, but a turret traverse speed that was extremely slow, which would put it in danger if the enemy tanks flank to its sides, knowing the gun couldn't track them fast enough.

The Panzer 3 was a very fast and mobile tank, armed with a 50mm gun with an outstanding fire rate. Still, penetration was underwhelming. Add on that its armor would not hold up against most of the Pravda tanks it would face, meaning it would have to be like their Japanese tanks and rely on movement and concealment to enjoy longevity in the match.

Miya has shown some promise with her crew using the Panther...even if the team might want me to use it, I think it's best to let her keep operating it...though that leaves me without a tank to use and not to mention a driver as well... I'll have to borrow someone from the crews who can't go into the next match with us...

Miho thought, having to ponder over so many problems with the upcoming match, not to mention who it was against.

Pravda.

The same school that had stopped Kuromorimine's win streak, all because Miho left her tank to go save Koume and her crew. Miho could still remember the feeling of the rain on her face that day, the misery that ruled her heart as she couldn't stand being in Sensha-do anymore at that moment and only wanted to leave everything behind, her mother, her sister, her home, and her last name. All she wanted was to find peace, be an ordinary girl with no more expectations, no more traditions to uphold, and be Miho, a girl who loves sweets and Boko bears.

Now here I am, several months removed from that event, now being the sole heiress of my name. I can't run from it or hide. It is my responsibility to see this through to the end...

Miho thought again, feeling herself relax a little with this fortitude now gripping her. Then focus on making it to her school and getting her work done.

Soon, Miho reaches the gate to Chi-Ha-Tan academies school ground. The metal security gate was deep brown, with the yellow metal words Chi-Ha-Tan Academy across the gate itself. A small security booth was outside the gate, with the lights on inside as Miho approached it.

The door to the booth opened, and the security guard stepped outside as Miho approached and waved a hand at her. "Good morning Miss Nishizumi."

Miho bow her head. "Good morning, Mister Goda. Sorry to have to bother you so early."

"Ah, don't you mind that. I'm just glad your home is all. Headmaster Hidemichi already informed me about what you need. I'll open the gate," Goda replied as he headed back inside to work the buttons for the gate.

A slight creak resounded through the air as the gate swung outward to open slowly. Miho said her thanks again to the security guard who sent her off with a boast about her and the team beating Pravda, to which Miho replied heartily that they give it their all to beat them, which made Goda that much more confident their Sensha-do team was back on track to do the impossible, while hopefully gaining respect from all other teams that once laugh at Chi-Ha-Tan in past years, as he always supported the club even as a kid.

Watching Miho go, as he closed the gate, Goda nodded his head. "Keep doing the impossible, Miss Nishizumi." Then proceeded back to his booth to enjoy the rest of his morning coffee.

Though the guard didn't know he was being watched at the moment.

Standing a distance away near a tree adorning the road to the academy entrance, Klara and her two companions, Nina and Alina, had watched the whole scene play out from their hiding spot near a tree. All wore casual clothes and sunglasses covering their eyes, trying to hide their identity while onboard. However, Klara had taken an extra step by tying her hair in a ponytail and putting the hood of her sweater over her head, trying to hide her identity entirely, as her blonde hair was going to stand out to the locals for sure.

"So, that is the famous Tigress," Nina said in awe.

"I wonder why she is going to school so early," Alina questioned, some trepidation in her tone knowing this complicated things.

Klara let out a breath of frustration. "I don't know, proklinat(damn), this will make things more difficult."

Nina turns her head to Klara. "Change of plans, maybe?"

"Nyet, we proceed onward," Klara said, taking a tablet out of her handbag, then began to work her hands over it till she found what she was looking for, then showed it to the girls. "Alright, the academy is surrounded by high walls for the most part, but around the back, there is a forested area with only a light metal fence, which will lead directly to their Sensha-do practice area. So that's where you will get in."

"Alright, then what?" Alina ask.

Klara nodded to her. "You two will enter and gather information as fast as possible. Then, send them directly to Nonna via your phones while I watch your escape route and keep it open."

"If were spotted?" Nina had to ask.

"Run to me, and I'll take care of the rest, but I think you will do fine. Remember what I taught you," Klara reaffirmed to them.

"Right!" Both girls replied, eagerness to make their upperclassmen proud radiating in their eyes.

"Good, let's go. We don't have much time before the whole carrier is up and about," Klara replied, walking down the street, with her two young companions right on her heels.

XxxxX

"This is it," Miho said quietly as she rounded her team's Sensha-do building and made her way into the Tiger Garage area.

No work was being done at the moment on the tanks, with the junior mechanics, who were also students resting in their dorm rooms. From Miho's perspective, it seemed like an endless line of Japanese tanks that were neatly parked under the open hangar areas, each type placed together for organization. Miho now walked between the rows, reaching out to touch the tanks within arm's reach with her hand, for these workhorses had been the reason they had won so many matches up to this point.

Even if they were armed with less-than-stellar guns and no armor to boot, it didn't stop them from giving the Tigress Corps a fighting chance against better-armored schools. It just needed a better form of tactics to get the most out of them, which Miho had done. They suited her style of Sensha-do, one that had been suppressed before, stifled by a rigid doctrine, and looked down upon by her old team.

Yet these outdated and forgotten tanks had given Miho the first victory in her entire time doing Sensha-do that brought her unbridled joy. All the years prior, every success from grade school to high school always felt hollow, like biting into a bland piece of bread. There was no fulfillment, no joy, no pleasure, and definitely no love for it. Even if she commanded exceptional tanks, it never felt right and never felt like she was doing it freely.

Miho suddenly stopped as she neared the end of the rows of Type 97 Chi-Ha tanks, a hand touching one of the tanks in the row still, looking at it in deep thought as she spoke quietly. "You were the ones to give me my Sensha-do back, my love of it. However, am I trampling on your treasured traditions of the club you serve?"

A question that had been burning in Miho's mind since yesterday. Due in part to her run-in with a forgotten warrior of Chi-Ha-Tan, the 3rd year tanker Mizuko Nonaka and her other companions. They had returned to their team due to a promise Nishi made the previous year to win the tournament's opening round so Mizuko, who had been suspended for that round, could return to the team. Now that promise had been cashed in and allowed the warrior code of old to come again for Chi-Ha-Tan.

A code Miho had already faced and seen how ferociously it was defended by those who believed venomously in it. Tamada had been the first to show Miho how much she and many of the team value the code. It was their foundation that held them together as a team. Going beyond just Sensha-do, for the code help reshape some of these very orphan and outcast girls to rise once more and fight. That their trouble past was not to chain them down anymore.

"Have I've dishonored that valued part of this club?" Miho asks herself again, her hand sliding along the cold metal of the Type 97 Chi-Ha, hoping this metal warrior might answer her question.

Miho closed her eyes, taking a slow deep breath. Then, focusing her mind, reaching out for her gift, the Kage no hon'nō. An ability to heighten her senses to anticipate and dodge enemies' movement, but also and strangely, Miho felt like she could be in tune with her tank itself, even though it was nothing but an inanimate object. Again, something that seemed to belong in a fairy tale, but here in this world, Miho knew it was real, and she could understand a tank better with this ability.

Miho relax her mind, then she felt something.

A warmth that seem to grow hotter with each passing moment.

As Miho ponder in her mind.

Do you wish to fight with my style still?...

For a moment, nothing was said. Silence was the answer, till a moment later, a response came back.

We fight for you...yet you must decide what is best...that is how you will know...

Opening her eyes, Miho looked at the Type 97 Chi-Ha, then smiled a little, feeling her worries alleviated a little. The answer was what she needed to hear, to know that she could rely on these scrappy tanks to help her team continue the climb up the Sensha-do mountain. First, however, it was up to her to find the answer to the question, which was the only way to overcome her present troubles.

As Miho took her hand away from the tank's hull, she instantly felt lightheaded and had to steady herself before she fell over. Bringing a hand up, Miho touches her head, feeling a wave of nausea hit her as well. As a voice played on Miho's mind, everything seemed to spin around her, a whirlwind of metal, unable to focus on a single point.

It will take from you

After hearing that voice, Miho got her sense back. Her breathing was heavy, and beads of sweat came down her face. Her body felt numb as well, making her have to lean on another Type 97 Chi-Ha to steady herself. Then, giving it a few moments to collect herself, Miho stood on her own, taking one more deep breath to calm herself down for good finally.

"Grandmother," Miho spoke quietly.

It will take from you

Once more, Miho's mind play the voice of her late grandmother, one she had never known and who died while she was just a baby. Nayoko Nishizumi, the once proud leader of the Nishizumi Sensha-do style, had forged Shiho into a legendary tank commander, but at a heavy cost. For even a slight misstep, there would be nothing but beatings for Shiho that Miho now knew of after going home and knowing her mother's struggles truly. Giving Miho an insight into the savagery of the Nishizumi family of old.

Miho, though, owe it to her grandmother for showing her the way, making her realize that her gift was not something to dabble in without consequences. It had a cost to it, which might hurt her in the end if she wasn't careful.

"I need to focus," Miho said to herself, then steadied her school bag strap and made her way down the rows of idle tanks to her objective.

That objective was the private hangar just at the rear of the Tiger Garage. Here was where Miho was to meet her fable new tank on that day she first led Chi-Ha-Tan. The legendary Tiger 1, a heavy tank that had a deadly reputation even in its post years of the war. From the Eastern Front to Normandy, the tank took on all foes with a bite that mauled many allied tanks. Earning a fierce status while creating a phobia among enemy tank commanders who always looked with trepidation for the Tiger as if it was always waiting for them to pounce on at any moment.

It was here Miho had met one such Tiger 1 that hadn't served on any of those fronts. Instead, it had been shipped to Japan, somehow made it onto the Akagi, and waited idly to be unleashed. It was unique in that it wasn't a reproduction like most tanks in Sensha-do were, instead, it was an original design dating back to World War 2. Not even the Tiger 1 tanks of Kuromorimine were original, but reproductions as well.

That might be why Miho had a deep bond with the tank since the first day she met it.

And now, at this moment, it made her fearful of seeing the sight of it after what happened in the last match, but she had to press on.

Miho reached the small door to the garage, and the two enormous wooden doors that allow the tanks to leave from were closed and chained shut. Looking at the knob, Miho try to calm her nerves down, then reached out with a shaky hand to turn the doorknob and opened the door to walk in.

The interior was dark, stuffy, and was dominated by a strong smell of oil and gasoline that filled Miho's nose instantly, but she didn't balk at it. She had been used to this since she was a kid. In fact, Miho felt at home with it. Having to spend many hours fixing tanks at Kuromorimine as part of the requirement for girls on the Sensha-do team to know basic field repairs, even the tank commanders.

Reaching out, Miho found the light switch for the overhead lamps that instantly lit up the garage, making Miho squint for a moment to adjust her eyes to the sudden light. When they finally found focus, Miho took in the sight of 3 tanks in the hangar.

The first was the Panzer 3 Ausf.J, a medium tank Miho knew well. During her time at Kuromorimine, all first-years had used this tank for practice since it helped train crews in all areas. So it surprised Miho still that it was just found in the lower hulls of the ship, while also not a reproduction, but a genuine model that was constructed during the war.

Coming up to the tank, Miho looked over it, seeing that Himi was keeping its parts in pristine condition. Its long barrel 50mm Kw.K 38 L/42 cannon was reliable and afforded a heavy volume of fire with its easy loading system, which gave Miho some hope to use it against Pravda. Even if the T-34 tanks were the bane of the Panzer 3, there were still angles to obtain the takedown. Not to mention its low profile and speed, making it an ideal scout tank, and no one was better suited to use it than Hosomi.

Giving the tank a small hand rub against its hull, Miho move on to the next tank occupying the garage. A tank that was the first step in making a main battle tank for the Germans. The formidable Panther D, another tank Miho was familiar with, but had never actually used. For the simple reason that Kuromorimine had upgraded their Panthers to the late war G version by the time she had come to the school.

Any Panther D tanks still in the school had been scrapped for spare parts or sold to other schools that needed them, one being Yogurt Academy, who obtained a few. The apparent reason the Panther D had been ousted was its slow turret traverse, making it impossible to brawl with the tank in close combat.

Many times Sensha-do matches turning into such affairs. Miho remembers her mother's story of the first debut of the Panther D tanks against Saunders a long time ago. It was supposed to be an easy match in most people's mind, but the M4 Shermans of Saunders did what they do best, using their smoke shells to blind the Panthers, then rolling onto the flanks, causing mass panic as the Panther guns couldn't rotate to the sides and were promptly knocked out.

The match was dubbed the Great Panther Mauling by pundits and was why Kuromorimine quickly tried to upgrade to the better A Panther version back then.

Looking up at the tank now, Miho examine it with a precise eye, finding no deficiency in the armor. Everything looked to be in place. Its tracks were caked in dirt due to the rough training it had been put through to find a crew that could handle it.

"Miya's seems to be the best option to use it, she's learned the art of sniping with the Na-To, but I wonder if the others will be ok with that," Miho ponder, before shaking her head to rid the worries, she would deal with later and move on.

She found the last tank in the garage, though it didn't look powerful or mighty, unlike its other German sister tanks. It just look defeated and broken, as Miho approach it with a sorrowful look donning across her face. For this was the tank that had given her so much since they had met and it had paid the price for her being too reckless with it.

As the Tiger 1 sat in the corner of the garage, its armor mostly fix, buts right track was missing. The interleave wheels that kept the tank stable, were cracked or broken in places. On its turret the smoke discharges that were supposed to be on both sides were missing on one, and the other was mangled and twisted horribly.

The Maybach engine had been taken out, and placed on a workbench nearby, and was in no better shape. Cylinder heads were shattered along with the tunnel crankshaft and the carburetors. Miho shook her head at the sight, knowing she had put too much stress on the engine as the Tiger 1 was not meant to fight in such ways as she had done in that match.

Moving her head back to the main problem out of all things, Miho took in the sight of the once mighty 88mm gun, that could punch holes in tanks from long distances, put fear into any who saw it or even heard the roar it's firing, was also in a dismal state.

In fact, half the gun barrel wasn't even there, it was cracked as if someone had literally ripped part of the long barrel off. Miho look to the left to find the rest of the barrel lying on the ground with a tarp under it. Giving a look over Miho saw that its muzzle brake was missing a chuck from it, making it useless as firing the 88mm gun without it was impossible as the recoil of the gun would be too powerful, even having manuals strongly advise to never fire the gun without as the stress on Tiger 1 would be too great and not to mention dangerous on the crews.

Shaking her head in dismay, Miho took her student bag off and walked over to the Tiger 1. She climbed onto the tank and then situated herself in the commander's position. Then she sat down in the seat, as her eyes were drawn to the darkened interior of her tank, though her sharp eyes could make out everything with the limited light.

With some relief, she found the interior to be in good condition or fix up by Himi and her mechanics, from the steering wheel, oil gauge reader, the radio, the gunners optics, and the loaders area. All look to be at least for the most part in fighting condition, but that would not be enough to see the proud Tiger fight once more, making Miho sigh, fighting back the tears for her wounded friend.

"I'm sorry, so sorry...you gave me everything in the end, but at what cost?" Miho spoke quietly, choking back her tears from her commanders seat.

Then and against her better judgment after what had happened earlier, Miho reach out to touch the metal hull near her seat. Taking a slow deep breath, she reached out, trying to connect to her armored warrior. Searching for the spark that she once connected to in the battle against Oarai and their allies, that spirit that had helped her win when all seemed lost.

That warmth.

In a flash, Miho felt something.

A sudden tingling of pain, then a cry from what sounded like a wounded animal.

A wounded Tiger, letting out pitiful roars.

Miho hone her mind on it.

Your hurt... you're in pain...in pain that I've caused you...

A moment past, seeming to drag on till a voice call back to her.

I'm a warrior...I can take pain... I've told you before...for you...I do anything...

Miho flinch at the boldness.

Why?...What have I done to gain such trust?...

The Tiger spoke back, its pain voice mixed with amusement.

Simple...you allow this old warrior to fight once more...after so long in the dark...

A small chuckle came from Miho, as spoke back.

That is simple, but now you might never fight again...that is something I can't be forgiven for...

Now the Tiger chuckled at her.

It's too early for that, my dear. We have much to do still...I can feel it...we are destined to fight a while longer before I must rest... I'll give you everything I can...

Miho nodded to this, as she reply back.

Then I promise you...that will be together forever...

A growl of approval reverberated through Miho's mind, sounding oddly happy to her.

Yes, we are bound by fate you and I...we do not fight without the other...we fight...we fight...

Suddenly both Miho's and the Tiger's voice mixed together, as they knew what was needed to be said, to solidify their bond.

We fight as one!

"Hello!" A voice call out, echoing throughout the garage, dragging Miho from her connection.

Quickly Miho pulled her hand away, but was once more hit with a wave of nausea, but not as hard this time around compared to before. Allowing her to quickly steady her breaths, while checking her nose to ensure she wasn't bleeding from it like last time when she overdid it with her gift. Finding her nose dry, she climb out of the tank to see who had called out to her.

Instantly Miho took in the sight of Chief Mechanic Himi coming up to the Tiger 1. Her face was creased into a warm smile at the sight of Miho, prompting Miho to match the smile with her own, glad to see the mechanic as she climbed down the tank in a rush. Without the need for words, the two came together in a hug, though Himi wrapped her arms around Miho's waist and lifted her up while Miho held on, laughing all the while together.

After a long moment, Himi placed Miho back down as she spoke. "Figure I find you here."

Miho scratch her cheek in embarrassment. "Am I that predictable?"

"Nah," Himi assured with a wave of the hand, then looked to the Tiger 1 behind Miho. "Figure you want to come check on your tank."

Looking over her shoulder, Miho look at her tank as well. "I did, I push it to its limits in the last match and it paid the price."

Himi reach a hand out to pat Miho's shoulder as she spoke. "Don't beat yourself up about it. You're the only one who could have even made those manuvers with such a heavy tank, anyone else would have overstressed the engine way before."

"That's more down to Moteki's driving if I'm honest, if not for her smooth handling, we probably never would have gotten as far as we did," Miho said with an amused shrug.

Making Himi huff in amusement. "And there you go again, never praising your own skills, always giving credit to others."

"Is that a bad thing?" Miho question with a tilt of the head.

"Hah," Himi huff out. "Heck no, it's what makes you who you are. I'm glad you're still the lovable commander I know. I was worried after knowing Aozora took you on your little road trip, she might have corrupted you."

"Heh," Miho said with an embarrassed smile. "No, she help a lot with keeping me together. If not for her, I don't know how we would have made it through it all."

"Well, good to know that eccentric pilot was more concern with looking after you, then chasing after guys," Himi said in an annoyed tone.

"Ah," Miho replied nervously. "She was flirting a little with my housemaid when we got to my estate, now that I remember."

A vein popped in Himi's head, a she spoke in a low voice. "I see."

Miho instantly began to wave her hands. "I don't think she was serious, just messing around, is all."

"Hmph," Himi reply while crossing her arms, then calm down. "Well, anyway, sorry I couldn't do more for the Tiger 1 here."

"Don't worry. I'm grateful for you and your junior mechanics doing so much work on it already. If we win the Pravda match, will we have time to fix it properly?" Miho ask.

Himi shook her head. "It's not about time; it's more about what we can't do. We don't have the budget for a new barrel. Let alone new interleave wheels, a completely new engine, a gun breech, and a muzzle brake."

"So much," Miho quietly said, rubbing her head in frustration. "I understand. How are the new tanks holding up?"

Now Himi nodded happily. "Quite well, even if their genuine thing dating all the way back to the Second World War. Transmission is running smoothly, which is saying something for the Panther, engines are running at optimal levels, and tracks are in top shape to name a few things."

"Good to hear. They're a welcome to have going into the next match," Miho said, looking to the new tanks with an approving smile.

"You going to use one of them for the next match?" Himi ask.

Miho sigh at first, then spoke. "I'm not sure yet. Will have to figure it out soon, though."

Himi nodded, then focus on the next question she wasn't really looking forward to talking about. "Heard about what happened yesterday, with the new girl on the team."

In an instant, Miho felt her heart clench at the memories of that day. Having just arrived at the tank commander's room to see Tamada standing over Linda after punching her and then looking ready to punch Fukushu next.

"It wasn't...great," Miho meekly said, feeling her chest tighten.

"Hey, don't get to down about it. That was a rough way to come home and I'm sure things wouldn't have been that way if it hadn't been for Mizuko coming back and riling up the team like she did," Himi stated.

Miho nodded, then looked to Himi. "Miss Nonaka was on the team last year; you knew her before. What was she like?"

"Hmph, I think you got a preview of that already," Himi started, then rubbed her chin as she drag old memories to the surface. "She's a loyalist of the old way of Chi-Ha-Tan to the core, unwavering in her conviction to make sure things stay the course. She often fought with our last commander, Ako, who was trying to improve the team."

"That must have not been easy," Miho said.

Himi nodded. "It wasn't, because Mizuko had the entire second year group under her thumb, with many first years as well. Ako, bless her heart, did everything she could to make a better future for the club, but Mizuko block her path to achieving it."

Miho shook her head in dismay. "That's horrible."

"Not all bad," Himi voiced with some happiness. "Ako was the one who got funds allocated for the Type 1 Chi-He's to be built and the Type 3 Ka-Chi. While making sure our Type 3 Ka-Mi tanks weren't scrapped as Mizuko wanted."

"I never knew," Miho said in astonishment.

"Yea," Himi replied with a smile. "The girl was something else. Even with everything going against her, she kept pressing on."

Miho was quiet for a moment, thinking over things that had been said, and then spoke. "Then I owe it to Miss Ako to see that this old scar of Chi-Ha-Tan can be fully closed."

"Miho," Himi said in quiet astonishment, then smiled brightly. "Well, if anyone can do it that would be you."

"Thanks," Miho replied.

"Good morning, ladies of Chi-Ha-Tan!" A cheerful voice boomed out to the pair, making both of them turn to the entrance to the hangar.

To the utter surprise to see Kay walking into the hangar, wearing her Saunders school uniform. At even this early hour, the blonde commander of the Saunders Sensha-do team looked full of life and was ready to take on the day with her unbridled enthusiasm as she walked over to Miho and Himi.

"Ah...Miss Kay, good morning," Miho stuttered a little, still trying to grasp how Kay got on board.

"A good morning to you, young lady," Himi replied, bow her head, then spoke. "I'm Chief Mechanic Kaida Himi."

Stopping in front of the pair. Kay places her hands on her hip with a sunny smile. "Ah, nice to meet the wonder worker for these Japanese tanks. Your headmaster told me you're the one I get to blame for putting that Type 4 Chi-To together that gave my team fits, along with that Type 3 Ka-Chi."

Himi rub the back of her head in embarrassment. "Heh, well, I had to get my girls some much-needed firepower, especially taking your team."

"Hmph," Kay replied in amusement. "Like I didn't have enough trouble with the Tiger 1, ugh, well what's done is done."

"Umm, sorry, Miss Kay, I don't mean to be rude, but why are you here?" Miho asks.

Making Kay grin mischievously while moving toward Miho. "I'm sorry, can't I make a surprise visit to see a friend?"

"Oh, no! I'm sorry for being rude!" Miho exclaim.

Causing Kay to chuckle heartily, even having to wipe a tear from her eye. "Oh man, your reactions are the best when you're teased."

"Ehhhh!" Miho cried out.

"Alright, alright," Kay said, waving her arms to calm her friend down. "Well main reason I came has to do with that."

Kay pointed her finger to something behind Miho, who turn in the direction to see Kay was pointing at her Tiger 1.

"My tank?" Miho asks, turning back to Kay.

"Yep, I'm sorry to see it in such a condition. I'm a lover of all things American when it comes to tank design, but I'll admit your Tiger got a special place in my heart," Kay said with a wink, then turned to Himi. "Safe to say that it's out of the next match?"

Himi nodded. "Yes, it won't be in any condition to fight for the Semi-Final."

Kay then made a tsk sound, then turned to Miho. "Well, I think I have a solution to this conundrum, a temporary fix if you will."

"A fix?" Miho question with a tilt of the head.

"Yep, I would have brought it here, but your Headmaster told me that you're going through a bit of a rough patch with some old members coming back to your team," Kay stated.

Which made Miho fidget in place. "Yea, we are."

"That's why I thought it best to unveil it to you on our carrier. The USS George Washington pull into a dock a little always from your carrier. We got a car ready to drive you over to see my little gift for you," Kay said excitedly.

"Oh, that sounds great, let me g-," Miho try to say.

Kay held her hand up to stop Miho, then spoke. "Don't worry; we got your sister and my former commander Linda already on their way to the carrier. Even made sure they cleaned your apartment before they left."

"Well...it seems you have everything covered," Miho said with a small chuckle. "Alright, I'll go with you."

"Yahoooo!" Kay said, wrapping an arm around a fluster Miho. "Good to hear, because you're spending the day with us!"

"Wait, Miss Kay!" Miho tried to argue, but was no match for the strength of the blonde girl who walked Miho out of the garage.

Yet before they left, Kay turned back to Himi. "Sorry to steal your Tigress away. Promise to return her by late afternoon."

Himi smile with a shake of the head. "Please do; her tankery family here will be mighty displeased if she's not home."

Kay winked in appreciation, then walk Miho out of the garage, talking on about all the fun they were going to have, and Miho just accepted it, knowing there was no stopping Kay when she was at full tilt excitement. While Himi watched them go, till they were gone, then began to close the garage up as she had to get ready for the day and make sure the maintenance worksheet to delegate what needed to be done was ready for her junior mechanics when they arrived.

---

"Don't worry; we even have your crew coming to the party!" Kay exclaim, with an arm around Miho, still dragging her off.

"Huh? Why?" Miho questions, doing her best to keep up with Kay.

Kay waves her finger in the air. "Ah, ah, not ruining the surprise, Miss Tigress. I like my surprises to stay...well...surprising," Kay finishes with a cheeky grin.

A small chuckle came from Miho. "You always have a way with words Miss Kay."

"If I didn't know any better, I say you were taking a dig at me," Kay responded, pulling Miho closer.

"Oh no, I was just making an observation," Miho tried to correct.

"Sure, sure, it's kind of refreshing knowing you are getting a little more confident every time I see you," Kay complimented.

"Heh, thank you, Miss Kay," Miho gratefully said.

"Now, enough of the mushy stuff. We got a party to get to!" Kay cheers, pulling Miho along, who chuckle.

Though as the echo of their voices began to fade throughout the open hangar area of the rest of the Chi-Ha-Tan tanks, two heads poked around a Type 97 Chi-Ha and observed the pair walk into the distance until they were out of sight. Both girls sighed in relief that they hadn't been caught by the pair when they had come out of the private hangar, mostly attributed to Kay's booming voice that warned them to hide.

"Well, that was a bit close, wasn't it?" Nina said, touching her chest to calm her small panic breaths down.

"No kidding, lucky that Commander Kay is all energy, even at this hour," Alina agree, giving her friend a head pat to help ease her.

After taking a deep breath, Nina turned in the direction of the private hangar Miho and Kay had come from earlier. "Think we should investigate that too?"

"Yea," Alina said with a nod. "We got pictures of all the tanks and their numbers. They're all the ones we already know about, but maybe they got some new types in that garage."

With the agreement solidifying the need to continue their investigation, both Pravda girls creep to the private hangar. They suddenly stop when the door suddenly open, causing the pair to once more break for cover for the nearest tank, then peek around to see who the third person to come out was. It was an older, tall woman who was well built, fitting snuggly into her coveralls suit. Her hair was jet black and cut short, with green eyes. She was a mature woman, maybe somewhere in her mid 30's.

"Damn, I forgot to add an assignment to one of my girls to fix the left track for the Tiger," Himi said to herself, walking past the rows of tanks, oblivious to the stowaways as walk by. "Not that it matters much in the end. Poor tank won't be able to get into the fight for the next battle, but it best to make sure it's ready for later."

Again Alina and Nina waited till the woman was out of sight, then stood up, looking in the direction she had gone, then back to the private hangar. Both girls looked at one another and nodded about their objective they needed to finish. Quickly they creep again to the private hangar, looking left and right for any other personnel who might be around and glad to see they were finally alone.

Alina came up to the small door that opened to the garage, giving the doorknob a twist, and was glad to see it hadn't been locked. Opening it, she peeks inside for a moment but curses to see that darkness enveloped the garage.

"Nina, turn the light on your phone on. See if you can find a light switch," Alina ordered.

"Why me? You know I don't like the dark," Nina replied while shivering.

Alina rubs her forehead in frustration. "Come on, Klara is counting on us, don't let her down."

"F...f...f...fine," Nina replied and took her phone out of her pocket, setting the phone's enhanced light on to shine into the dark hangar.

Quickly Nina moved the light all around, trying to find the light switch, till eventually, her light source found it, and rapidly she moved to turn it on. A quick flash of light filled the room, making both girls cover their eyes for a moment, then they adjusted to take in the sight of the tanks in the hanger.

"Blyad," Alina said in astonishment.

Though Nina blushed at the Russian word, her friend had spoken. "Alina! Don't say bad words!"

"Whoops," Alina nervously chuckle while rubbing the back of her head. "Pick that word up from Klara after she had a discipline session on some trouble newbies."

"Just don't say it again," Nina complain, then turned back to see the new tanks. "Though I guess it be my reaction too, can't believe a school like this now has new German tanks."

"A Panther D, I thought those were mostly scrapped a long time ago by those power-hungry girls of Kuromorimine," Alina said with a hint of disgust.

Nina didn't need to be told why Alina didn't like the powerhouse school. It was the same way most of Pravda felt toward Kuromorimine. It was said that the tradition originated with both schools' first instructors for Sensha-do when they were being developed. Some German veteran tankers who were called upon from Japan in the 1950's to help train their new school in tank operation for Kuromorimine, the same went was asked of Russian veterans for Pravda, with each side still holding grudges even if the war was long over.

The animosity only stayed with the school's traditions even after the veteran tankers went back to their nations, as Pravda and Kuromorimine fought bitter matches that resembled the ferocity of the eastern front to some viewers in its savagery. Even going so far as to ram tanks into one another if ammo had been completely spent, though luckily, that had died down as the years passed.

However, there would always be resentment from both sides, which made even an exhibition match feel like both sides were playing for the finals.

"Well, let's just get our job done and get out of here, take the pictures of these new tanks...oh, and another of that Tiger just for Commander Katyusha to enjoy," Alina ordered.

"R-right," Nina agreed and began to complete her task.

Soon enough, the job was finished, then the two Pravda girls, with pride swelling in their hearts at a job well done, quickly left the garage, making sure the leave the lights off and the door close. Wanting there to be no evidence they were ever there.

Then Alina and Nina began to walk off to the rendezvous point with Klara, with a skip in their step, wondering how they might be awarded for their actions by the gre-.

"Hey, who are you!?" Himi yelled as she was coming back to the private hangar to get something she forgot.

"Blyad" Nina said, then took off in a sprint with Alina on her heels.

"Get back here!" Himi roared, running after the two.

---

"So good to see you again, Miss Nishizumi!" Rosie said happily from the driver's seat of the Willys MB Jeep.

"It's good to see you too," Miho replied with equal enthusiasm as she sat in the back of the Jeep with Kay next to her.

"Rosie, eyes on the road!" Alisa exclaims from her passenger seat at the front.

"Oh, sorry!" Rosie quickly said, working the wheel over as they were coming up on a bend in the dirt road.

Alisa groan. "If you crash, with the Chi-Ha-Tan commander onboard no less, those girls of hers are going string you up like no other.

"Ehh!" Rosie cried in fear while shifting the jeep into another gear to speed down the road while ignoring Alisa's earlier shout to look over her shoulder to Miho. "That wouldn't happen, would it?"

Though Miho was nervously holding onto the sidebar to keep level, having to steady herself first, then reply. "Oh no, they might be a little mad, but I'm sure we get out of it ok."

"Ya hear that, Rosie, Miss Tigress ain't got no fear, so hit it!" Kay yell in delight, wrapping an arm around Miho in her jovial state.

Rosie shook her head, with her crimson ponytail waving in the wind. "Alright, time to show what the meaning of speed is!"

"Oh, no!" Alisa exclaimed, desperately making sure her seatbelt was tightened.

Rosie put the pedal to the metal, launching the Jeep into high speed, leaving a large dust trail in her wake. They were currently on the Saunders school ground, heading for their Sensha-do training grounds. Miho took in all the sights of the richest carrier in the school fleet. Each school building was two stories at least, with luscious gardens, bountiful woodland, and small rivers.

It was all quite remarkable to Miho, who noticed how starkly different it was from the more homely setup of the Akagi's community that had its own charm, but in no way compared to the wealth of the USS George Washington. However, to Miho, her home was the Akagi now, and it's more traditional setup that made her feel at ease since her first day.

Soon Rosie was pulling the jeep into the Tank Hangar area, with large square metallic structures were line up on either side of the road, each housing the armada of M4 Shermans. Though the jeep ride didn't stop until they reached the final hanger at the end of the road, with its large sliding doors open slightly. Miho could make out a gaggle of people milling about in front of the hangar, seeming to be talking with one another.

Finally, Rosie pulled up to the hangar in a slow stop while the gaggle of people all turned in the direction of the new arrivals who were quickly exiting the vehicle. It didn't take long for Miho to recognize who they were, with her crew all standing by in their tank uniforms, though Moteki was in her school uniform and in a wheelchair, looking none to please at the moment.

The others were Linda and Fukushu, each dressed in some casual wear, though they looked a little peeve, which Miho attributed to possibly having been dragged from her apartment so early in the morning. The last person she noticed was a large man of African American descent with a clean-shaven head and a large, neatly trimmed beard. He was dressed in a rich gray business suit with a Saunders school pendant on his breast pocket.

"Good morning," Miho said as she came up.

She was answered by a round of Good mornings from the group.

Fukushu then came up to speak. "Well, you sure took your sweet time, big sis."

"Oh, sorry, I had to check on some things at school," Miho apologized quickly.

"Knock that off," Linda interjected, giving Fukushu a few ruffles of her head. "Your sister has got a lot of responsibilities, unlike you."

"Why you," Fukushu seethe.

"L...l...l...let's not...g...g...ge...get to dis...dis...dis...distracted," Watabe stuttered, coming up to the pair to calm things down.

Linda shrug. "Alright, alright, so Miho, I like you to meet my boss and former Headmaster of Wolverton Girls Academy," then Linda motioned with her hand to the man coming up.

"Hello there, Miss Nishizumi. It's a pleasure to meet with you," Johnson Fitzgerald said in perfect Japanese while bowing his head.

Miho quickly replies with a bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well. Your Japanese is really good."

Johnson chuckles some. "I'm glad my practice didn't go to waste, I was hoping to be useful when I brought my academy to Japan."

"Does that mean your academy is closing?" Miho asks apprehensively.

"Unfortunately, our funding has been cut by our backer Chiyo Shimada, leaving us without a way to remain open," Johnson answered.

Was Miss Shimada backing Wolverton?...Why?...Did she know about my half-sister?... am I missing something?...

Miho pondered in her mind but decided now wasn't the best time to get sidetracked and would discuss this later with her mother, then spoke. "I'm sorry to hear of your academies closing. Your tankers were quite formidable on the field."

"I'm glad to hear you say so, while your team was awe-inspiring to watch," Johnson replied.

Nene came up to Miho's side. "What can we say? Having Miho for a tank commander practically demands those kinds of things."

Nomi came up to Miho's other side. "We go into matches at this point figuring we have at least two of three moments of being asked to do the impossible, and that's being generous."

"It's practically a way of life for us as her crew and for the team," Moteki said, as Watabe pushed her wheelchair up.

"W...w...w...we do it ag...ag...again for our co...co...co...commander without q...q...q...q...q...question," Watabe added with a jovial smile.

Nodding with a chuckle, Johnson replied. "I can see that you mean every word of it to. You truly are a family, as I heard you are."

"Yup! Mom, here is the best thing that's happened to us!" Nene exclaims, wrapping her arm around Miho.

"Mom?" Everyone besides Miho said in unison.

"Ehehehe," Miho chuckled nervously, knowing how strange that must look to the others. "My crew are orphans, and being with them...well...I...I fill in a parental role for them...being a mother to them."

Kay let out a low whistle. "I had heard a rumor that the culture of Chi-Ha-Tan brings out maternal instincts in you girls, I guess that includes Miss Tigress. Well, I say I'm happy for Mama Miho!"

"Ah, Miss Kay!" Miho whine.

"Damn, your sister is already popping kids out. Go figure," Linda said to Fukushu.

"Ugh, I did remember her crew screaming, mom, when they found us after she rescued me from that river. I thought I misheard, but I guess it's true. Whatever, if that's how they view her, I'm not going to make a fuss," Fukushu replied.

"Ah, well, getting back on track," Johnson interjected. "I'm here today to meet with you and offer you a gift for what happened in the match with my team."

"Huh?" Miho said.

Fukushu came up now. "He means a gift for you to make up for my terrible actions that day," she said, fiddling with her hands.

"Fukushu," Miho quietly spoke, reaching out to comfort her sister.

"But," Fukushu spoke up quickly, looking at Miho with conviction. "I won't let my previous actions speak to who I am, so please accept this on behalf of our former academy."

For a moment, Miho stares at her sister, and then she smiles with a nod. "Very well, I will accept this, while I will use this to help end any bitterness between our two nations."

"Thank you," Johnson said with a bow, then motioned to Fukushu. "Now, I ask you to follow your sister into the hangar to see your gift."

"Alrighty!" Nene said excitedly.

"However, I need just Miss Nishizumi to see it first," Johnson ask politely.

"Aw, man," Nomi complain.

Miho asks her crew to wait, then follow Fukushu into the hangar through the small opening in its sliding doors. Inside, the overhead lamps were on, illuminating the whole large interior as Miho looked and took in the sight of a lone tank sitting idly inside.

It was the M4A3E8 Sherman tank, color in all green that Saunders use, but it didn't have its school's logo on the sides of its turrets. Miho knew this tank well, it was the very one that she had duel with in the previous match, trading shells at one another with great ferocity. Only for it to be cut short after it had fallen into the river, along with Fukushu. However, it seem like it was in prime working condition now, from a quick observation from Miho.

Though what also caught her eye from the tank was a couple of people standing in front of it. One was a girl who was of Caucasian descent, quite tall for her age, with long flowing blonde hair that went well with her blue eyes with pale skin, and her body was very thin, and tone, which was evident in the Saunders school uniform she wore, though it seems she didn't quite fit it as the skirt was a tad too short.

The other was a mature women woman, with large brown eyes, coupled with her long black hair tied into a long ponytail while wearing a tight-fitting black business suit.

As they reached the pair, Fukushu made introductions. "I like you to meet my friend first, Ellie Cunningham."

Ellie walk forward and bows. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Nishizumi."

Again Miho was surprised by an American speaking Japanese quite well, as she bowed back. "It's nice to meet you too, Miss Cunningham."

Then Fukushu spoke up again, though with a little hesitance in her tone as she gestured to the older woman. "This is...this is my surrogate mother, Konomi Nishizumi."

For a moment, time seemed to freeze as Miho heard the name, the one she knew had once dueled her mother in Panzer Kettō so long ago. The very one who had been thrown out onto the streets because of her failure and suffered unspeakable horrors on her.

"It's good to meet, my niece," Konomi said with a smile.

"Oh, uh, it's good to meet you as well," Miho spoke nervously.

"Ah, don't be so tense. It's just a family reunion," Konomi joke, then look to Ellie. "Now, my student here has a little request of you."

Ellie nodded, then looked at Miho. "Miss Nishizumi, I humbly ask that you allow me to join your team."

"Join?" Miho questioned in surprise.

"Yes, I wish to join Chi-Ha-Tan, as a way to help ease the tensions of the last match. While being a bridge for helping Fukushu come back to Sensha-do if people know I still support her and you," Ellie said.

Miho was completely befuddled for a moment, as she was more than happy to accept Ellie into the team, but she needed to talk to others. There was some hesitation knowing that Mizuko and her cohorts would not be happy at all accepting what they would perceive as an Outsider into their ranks.

Suddenly Konomi spoke up. "We already contacted your Headmaster Hidemichi about the whole thing, and he already has the papers ready to allow her to join."

"Uh...what about your schooling? It's late into the semester," Miho questioned.

Konomi spoke up once more. "Our academy's education system was conformed to the Japanese format since we were planning ahead that we might have Japanese students join our school in the future, and wanted to have a way to integrate them in more easily."

"That is correct," Fukushu spoke up. "We even taught Japanese, which is why Ellie has such a good grasp of the language."

"It's...it's still a little rough. Miss Kay and the others have been very helpful in getting the language down," Ellie replied, then looked to Miho. "I want to help you succeed, not only for Fukushu but because I was inspired by you and your team."

"My team?" Miho questioned.

"After we lost, all of the Wolverton girls turned their back on Fukushu instead of standing with her. I knew she had made a mistake, but she also wanted to correct it. However, in all the matches I've watched of Chi-Ha-Tan, you all have stuck together no matter how bleak things got, how badly you get mauled, or how hopeless things the situation might be, you stood shoulder to shoulder, and I...I want to know what that feels like," Ellie stated.

Miho went wide eye at the response. She knew her team was held in high regard in Japan, but to know that they had touched the heart of someone not from their nation, was gratifying. While the passionate words Miho had just absorbed from the American girl, affirmed her own belief that this was the way of getting her half-sister's respect in Sensha-do back if only a minor step.

"Miss Cunningham," Miho started, holding her hand out. "I would be honored to have you join our team."

Ellie quickly grasps the outstretched hand. "Not as honored as I am."

"Well, with that settle, now onto the other gift, as you tell," Konomi started, gesturing to the Sherman behind her. "We've heard the Tiger 1 is out of the fight, so we like this to be your substitute going into the next match."

"Really?" Miho ask.

"Really, really, sister. This Sherman has treated me well, as I'm sure it will you. Though it's completely different from the German cat, it can still pack a punch," Fukushu responded.

"I've never used an American tank before; it will take some adjustment, especially for my crew, though my driver is out of the next match as well with an injury," Miho commented.

Konomi wave her hand to Miho. "Don't worry, Ellie here can take the position for you, as a sort of starting point for helping you."

"Yes, at Wolverton, we tank commanders had to learn all positions in our tank, so we understood what we were asking of our crew. I know how to drive the Sherman tank with ease, and I'm more than willing to be your driver. In fact, I make a formal request right now to be your driver," Ellie added.

"Well, that takes a lot of pressure off," Miho said with a grateful sigh. "I'm looking forward to working with you."

Fukushu clears her throat to get Miho's attention. "Umm...can I ask a favor?"

"What is it?" Miho ask.

Fukushu didn't reply at first, as she walked over to her Sherman tank, grabbed something sitting on top of its hull over the driver area, and then returned to Miho. Holding it out, Fukushu showed Miho what she was holding. Like Chi-Ha-Tan's color scheme, the helmet had a brown, yellow, and green color job. Looking it over in detail, Miho saw that a tiger's paw was painted in white on both ear flaps.

"Is that a 1938 US Tanker helmet? With my school's color scheme," Miho asks.

"It is the one I use. I even recolored it to match your school's paint scheme. Could you please wear it? It can hook up to your throat microphone and keep your head safe...also, it would mean a lot to me," Fukushu shyly said.

"It would be an honor to and thank you. I'll wear this even after the match with Pravda," Miho said happily, taking the helmet gently from Fukushu.

"Thank you!" Fukushu exclaimed, jumping forward with a surprised hug.

Konomi smiled warmly at the two but regret stuck in her mind, knowing that before all this, the goal was to take down Miho and her family. To destroy Shiho for the horrors, she had committed to not just Konomi but other Nishizumi women. Now here they were, with Fukushu having accepted Miho as her family, wiping away all the previous hatred Konomi had nursed for her ambitions.

Her own disgusting ambitions.

I need to speak to my niece...

Konomi thought, then cleared her throat. "Will get you out on the training ground to give this tank a spin. Though before that, can I speak to Miho alone, girls?"

Both Fukushu and Ellie nodded, then exited the hangar. Once they were gone, an awkward silence filled the air, as both Nishizumi tried to sort out what to say to one another. Even if they were family technically, they were basically strangers to one another while Konomi had sought revenge on her family from the past, and Miho had been the first target of that, creating a tense air between them.

"Well, if this were a movie, we might have come together with laughs and hugs," Konomi started, trying to keep things light.

Miho nervously chuckles, while fiddling with the tankers helmet in her hands. "Y...yea, your right."

That damning awkwardness filled the air once more, making Konomi curse mentally since she wanted this reunion to go smoothly, but she was fumbling over her words. It was her responsibility to make things right with Miho, as an adult, but she was failing spectacularly in that regard.

"Ummm, Konomi...my mother...she told me about you," Miho spoke, looking at her cousin.

"Oh," Konomi replied while raising an eyebrow. "I hope it wasn't anything too bad."

"No, no," Miho reply quickly, waving a hand. "She told me a little...though she was in a...less than the stable state."

"Is she alright?" Konomi asks with concern.

"I think so. She still feels guilty about what has happened...to all of us. She will need time to figure things out," Miho said.

Making Konomi nod. "That's good," then she look back at the Sherman, then back to Miho. "Come on, let's sit and talk on the tank."

Miho agree, as both women climb up to sit on top of the turret of that tank. As they were seated, the sudden awkwardness seem to dissipate some, as if being on the tank's cold metal eased both of them. A possible by-product of their family's long tradition with these metal warriors, as they always felt at home aboard them.

Feeling herself more relaxed, Konomi looked to Miho. "What did your mother say about me?"

Miho sigh, knowing she would touch a dark part of her cousin's past. "She told me about what happened. That you lost your duel...y...y...y...y...you were thrown ou..."

Miho couldn't finish saying the rest. Even if she had already heard it, it was still too confounding to come to terms with.

Making Konomi smile sadly as she looks forward. "I was thrown out onto the street by my mother for my failure. Taken advantage of by some man I thought might have been my savior...with only my brother being my reason for not completely being swallowed up by my dark thoughts."

"That must have been horrible," Miho said, her face contorting into discomfort. "You were forgotten by us. We didn't come to help you and then were made to suffer alone in America as well like you were banished."

"That was the only way for me to survive. If I stayed any longer...I might have done something terrible in my state of mind back then. Especially when I found out Shiho had you and your sister...I might have done something to you to get even for the pain in my life," Konomi commented.

"Don't say that. I know you never hurt someone," Miho quickly try to dissuade the notion.

Yet, Konomi smiles with a sad shake of the head. "Miho, my sweet girl, we've only just met. You don't truly know me."

"I know that we're still strangers, but I want to know about you, everything I can! I want us to be a family, as it always should have been!" Miho argued, though blushing in embarrassment at how worked up she was getting.

Thiers a fire burning behind these words...she isn't just spouting them out...these are wishes...maybe...just maybe...

Konomi thought, then nodded. "I wish for that, too, Miho. I wanted that ever since the day I met your mother."

"Really?" Miho ask, tilting her head.

"Yep, I, like many girls, look up to Shiho in her glory days. Beauty, strength, conviction, no hesitation, no wavering, and only victory was her goal; all of these traits I adore about Shiho. Being her family member only made me dream that I could be close to her and maybe fight alongside her in Sensha-do, but you know that never happened," Konomi stated.

Miho only nodded, wanting Konomi to keep talking.

"That damn duel," Konomi spoke in a grave tone, her fist clenching her lap. "I didn't understand what its purpose was truly. I thought it was just a way to test our strength against other members of the clan, but when I lost, and terribly as well. It was then that I truly understood the price for losing."

"I'm so sorry. I never knew of the Panzer Kettō till Maho told me. To think we engage in such savagery all for the right to rule...it's incomprehensible to me," Miho meekly said.

"Thankfully, it was shut down after my duel, but it should have been stopped long before, but what's past is past. I suffer from that loss, but you know what the worst part of it all was?" Konomi said.

"What?" Miho asks.

Konomi turns to Miho with a sad smirk. "The very one who tossed me aside, my mother, who I loved so much before, even after knowing I had been forced upon by a man, still wanted me back. If only to make another daughter, most likely for her to use as another tool to get back the Nishizumi name."

"That's terrible," Miho commented with a horrified expression.

A sad chuckle escaped Konomi's lips as she shook her head. "Quite terrible indeed," then she looks at Miho. "Though, doesn't that sound familiar to you."

Miho just tilted her head with a look of confusion.

"It's basically what I did with Fukushu. I took her, made her my daughter through the courts taking her away from your father, and filled her mind with revenge. Not that Fukushu had any reason to hate you when she left home," Konomi said.

"She didn't?" Miho question.

A nod from Konomi follows the question. "You know she had a falling out with your father, making her run away from home. Yet, she had heard of the Nishizumi family that she was related to, wanting to pursue her desire to be in Sensha-do, and, most importantly, be accepted into your family."

"I never knew," Miho whispered, clutching the helmet in her hands tighter. "She didn't tell me that part of herself last night."

"Well, I'm pretty sure she is a little embarrassed to say, since things didn't turn out the way she had envisioned, which I'm to blame for causing all this. I filled her head with my own trauma I suffered to ignite the fire in Fukushu, so she could carry my revenge and fulfill it to the fullest," Konomi said, clutching her hands together tightly while looking down at them, shaking with deep regret in her heart.

Though that shaking didn't last long, as a hand came into Konomi's vision. She turned to look at Miho, who was reaching over to grip her cousin's hands. Squeezing Konomi's clutch hands lightly, with a tenderness that instantly made Konomi relax. At that moment, Konomi felt her regret, her pain, and her sadness all washed away just by this touch from this young girl's care.

What is this?...I feel...free?...after so many years of carrying this pain in my heart...just a touch and a smile is making me forget it...there is something special with Miho...I want to follow her...help her...

Konomi thought as she unclutched one of her hands and placed it over Miho's, then Konomi spoke. "Miho...I...I hope you can forgive me. After putting you and our family through so much pain and hurt, just because of my past that you had no involvement in and didn't deserve any of my revenge."

"Konomi," Miho said, making her cousin look at her. "I hope you can forgive me."

"Huh?! W...w...w...w...why?!" Konomi stammered.

"It's on behalf of our family I say this," Miho started, bowing her head, then raised to speak again. "I'm the heiress of the family now, and the horrors you and many of our family went through just for the right to rule should have never happened, though I can't do anything about that now."

Miho's eyes shine over with deep confidence. "I will do everything in my power to make sure we are a family that looks after one another, that doesn't abandon anyone, and doesn't do Sensha-do just to win, but for what it helps to be as women."

For a moment, Konomi was to shock to speak, and her heart felt like it had been given a jolt. A feeling began to spread through her body, something she hadn't felt since that day she had been thrown onto the street.

Hope.

Hope that a better future was just within grasp. It wouldn't be obtained this time by means of force, by feelings of vengeance and jealousy. That was the old style of the Nishizumi. This thread of hope that was tying around Konomi, was one of togetherness and love, something she had loss on that faithful day so long ago. Now, after so long, it was being offered once more by a young girl who was taking on the world, it seemed like.

Yet she wouldn't do it alone.

"Miho," Konomi said, gripping Miho's hand with both of hers. "Know that I will follow you as the future leader of this family. Fukushu and I will support you with whatever you need. We may have caused the Nishizumi name to be dragged through the dirt, but we won't let it stay that way."

"Good," Miho replied, then placed the helmet down on the metal of the tank, to wrap her arms around Konomi's neck, drawing close.

The act surprised Konomi, as she let out a little yelp but quickly settled into the hug from her niece. She wrapped her arms around this warmth that would help her find that love for Sensha-do once more. With small tears of happiness brimming at her eyes as well, Konomi couldn't blink them away, because more were taking their place.

Finally, Konomi pull back, quickly wiping her small tears always, with a small chuckle. "Oh, Kami, this is so embarrassing for me. I'm an adult, but about to cry like a teenager. Not a good look, huh, Miho?"

Miho smiled warmly, then reach into her pocket to pull a small handkerchief from her pocket. "I think you needed it. Here, have this."

Taking the handkerchief with gratitude, Konomi wipe her tears away, then gave it back to Miho as she spoke. "Well, glad we could talk. However, we got some training to do today," she said, tapping the top of the M4A3E8 metal roof, with its pings resounding through the hangar.

"Ah, yes, I will definitely need some help. As I've said before, I've never used an American tank before. Even our tactical talks at Kuromorimine never went into detail about how you operate Sherman tanks," Miho said, looking down at her new tank.

"Don't worry, will get you and your new crew up to snuff in no time. However, we need to make sure we give your team some extra help, too," Konomi said, smiling as she climbed down from the tank while motioning for Miho to follow.

When both of them were on the hangar floor, Konomi walked over to the corner with Miho on her heels. Then, Miho saw that there was something covered in a tarp that she hadn't noticed when she first walked in. Just by the outline, she could tell it was a tank from how the tarp was molded, but it still left a mystery as to what type it was.

"Here we are, the final surprise for you and, most importantly, your team!" Konomi said excitedly as she placed her hands on the tarp and then ripped it off in one single pull.

"Is that a Type 4 Chi-To?" Miho asks in astonishment.

"It sure is," Konomi replied, looking up at the large tank.

Miho eyed the familiar tank over, her mouth hanging in a baffled state. "How?"

Konomi smirked as she held up 2 fingers to her niece. "Let's remember history to explain this. At the war's end, two completed Type 4 Chi-To tanks were dumped into Lake Hamana in Shizuoka Prefecture to avoid capture by Allied occupation forces. One was recovered by the US Army, but the other was left in the lake, to which I've heard your Chief Mechanic found that one."

"Oh, yes, Miss Himi's friends discovered, and she got it operational once more," Miho replied, but then began to ponder. "If my memory is correct, I head the US Army scrapped the Chi-To they took back to their country."

Konomi shrugged. "You would think so, but it seems someone was kind enough not to want to destroy history. Can't say the same for the Tiger 1 they took back to the states and basically gutted."

"Then how did you come by it?" Miho ask.

"Can thank my friend Johnson for that. Above all, he is a tank enthusiast and had contacted some friends in the army about the Chi-To that had been lost to time. Took him a few years, but he eventually found at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, in Maryland," Konomi explains, then looked back at the tank. "Poor girl was abandoned in a hidden private hangar out in the middle of nowhere, yet by some miracle, it had just been dissembled a little, so all we had to do was put her together again."

"That's amazing," Miho responded in a whisper.

Konomi chuckled, then looked back at Miho. "Though sadly, this tank was supposed to be added to our old academy's roster, and maybe if it had been ready in time, used in that match against you."

"Oh," Miho said timidly.

"Yet, now it makes for a nice gift, while at the same time it gets to come home and be with its sister tank at Chi-Ha-Tan," Konomi said excitedly, wanting to bring the mood up.

Which worked, as Miho smiled happily, clutching the US tanker helmet to her chest, looking at Konomi with gratefulness behind her eyes as she spoke. "I can't thank you enough, Konomi. We will accept this gift and make sure to put her to good use."

"Good, something tells me," Konomi started as she began taping the Chi-To's hull. "She's been waiting for the day to prove why she was going to be a real beast on the battlefield."

"Then will make sure to give her that chance," Miho responded, then took the helmet and fitted it over her head, finding the fit to be perfect, making her smile that she and her half-sister were the same size.

"Alrighty!" Konomi started her excitement at an all-time high. "Let's see what you got, my dear niece. I've only seen you from afar, but now I get to see your fighting prowess up close!"

"Right!" Miho responded, ready for this new test, as she needed to ready herself for the battle ahead.

---

Night had fallen over the Akagi carrier that was still in port. Its ramps had been raised, so no one could visit at this late hour. The lights of the port city shine bright still, which was deep contrast to the sparse ones on the Akagi itself, which had a more homely community aboard, where most live in very traditional Japanese housing. A sort of culture that had been instilled when the Akagi had been reborn, but not for military purpose, but for helping its batter nation recover from the depression of the war. Showing Japan could rise to her feet after its industry of death it had gone through for so long, leaving nothing but pain and loss in its wake.

The pride and joy of the carrier was its girls academy of Chi-Ha-Tan, where it was shrouded in darkness as it ladies had return to their dorms to have dinner and then go off to bed, ready for tomorrow where school would be in session, but would be allow to explore the port city once more before having to leave for the open seas very soon, as MEXT was in the final process of resupply.

Though in the darkness of the academy, one stray light was still on, that happen to be coming from the Sensha-do building. More accurately it was coming from the office that was reserved for its commander of the team herself. Where Miho was being given some very troubling news that was only adding to her list of worries to deal with as she sat at her desk.

"Is this true?" Miho ask, rubbing her forehead, hoping to coax the headache away.

Himi, who was standing in front of the desk reply. "Yes, it was two girls, both pretty short. They were coming out of the hangar where we stored the German tanks, when I ask who they were, both bolted pretty quickly."

"I can confirm this, since I was just coming by hangar to get started with maintenance for my tank. I would think commander, that you would be more cautious about leaving our arsenal out in the open for the enemy to get a measure of," Mizuko spoke, standing next to Himi, arms behind her back, and her face lace with disappointment.

"There is no way for us to know that Pravda would do such a thing," Nishi spoke up quickly, standing next to Mizuko, her face growing taunt at the accusation.

A light huff escape Mizuko's lips, then turn to Nishi. "Really? You already had that Oarai commander sneak her way in and her knowing your new tanks almost caused you to lose. Would think this team that boast about adapting and changing, would put that into practice when it came to guarding their tanks from the enemy spies."

Nishi kept her eyes forward, looking at Miho, not responding to the challenge of her upperclassmen.

"All bark and no bite," Mizuko whispered hotly, then turn to Miho. "It doesn't help when the commander isn't around as well to report this to, with you being gone all day, Commander Nishizumi."

Miho stop rubbing her head and look at Mizuko. "Saunders's carrier was in port and I went to meet with their team who had some gifts for us."

"Taking gifts from the enemy, how absurd. Though I guess you would take handouts, since you have no reason to hate them as I do," Mizuko shot back, her fist clenching at her side.

Himi quickly spoke up. "Watch your tone, Miss Nonaka. Miho is your commander and even I know you can at least respect that."

"Tolerate it is more appropriate. I don't need to hide my displeasure with how my team that I once loved so much, has been tainted by this outsider," Mizuko said bluntly.

Both Nishi and Himi look ready to retort, but Miho spoke in a calm even voice. "Enough...I understand that Miss Nonaka does not trust me...yet. We have much work to do to fix that."

"There is no fixing that," Mizuko responded quickly. "I only follow because that is my position, but make no mistake, I'll never trust you or accept you. You're only going to disgrace every lady who's ever put on the Chi-Ha-Tan uniform if this keeps up. Even if I'm alone in wanting to remember our traditions, I'll fight with every fiber in my being to make sure their memory is burn into everyone's mind."

"So, it's the tradition that you're solely worried about? The memory of all the tankers of Chi-Ha-Tan, even from the past?" Miho ask.

"It's our very way of being as a tanker of Chi-Ha-Tan academy, something you'll never understand Nishizumi. It's only because of victory that has everyone of my juniors rope up in this cowardly Sensha-do style of yours," Mizuko replied with heated passion in her voice.

"Miss Nonaka, that is completely disrespectful of our commander, apologize!" Nishi step in, turning to face her upperclassmen in defense of Miho.

"Hmph," Mizuko voice in displeasure with a hand on her hip, looking to Nishi with slight annoyance at her outburst. "Just like I told you all those nights ago, you only act this way when someone else is in charge, but your still the little pamper girl who can't stand on her own two feet."

Nishi look to make a retort, but once more Miho spoke up. "Enough! You made your case Miss Nonaka. If there is nothing else, you may head back to the dorms."

A low growl escape Mizuko's lips, but she simply huff in annoyance and turn to Miho. "Very well...commander." She then saluted and left the room.

With Mizuko gone, the atmosphere in the room instantly became less stifling, allowing the trio to relax now.

Himi sigh, but focus herself back on Miho. "Sorry about this, having to come back from Saunders to deal with all this."

Returning to her more jovial state, Miho wave her hands. "Don't apologize, I've left you and Nishi to deal with so much while I was gone. I'm sorry that I wasn't here when you needed most."

"No, I should have been stronger, commander," Nishi started, her whole body trembling as she talk. "I was the one who made that promise to Mizuko, about wanting to bring her back. Now it's just caused trouble for you and everyone else."

"That is far from the case Nishi," Miho said gently, making her tankery sister look at her. "If anything, it's an opportunity for us."

"Opportunity?" Nishi ask with an incredulous look.

Miho nodded. "I've been giving it some thought, but I don't find myself coming to hate Miss Nonaka. I can tell by her look, that she does love Sensha-do, however, she is tied down by the traditions of old that has given her so much."

"It's not right though, our old system was just being brave...but with nothing to show for it," Nishi argue.

"I can attest to that, being a former alumni of the team," Himi added.

"Yet," Miho started. "It has it merits that has help our team in its toughest situations. Miss Nonaka reminded me of that, because no matter how I look at it, there is traces of the old way still hanging onto our girls. I just need to show her that it can coexist with my Sensha-do style."

Both Himi and Nishi went wide eye at the statement, with Miho's conviction in her look telling them that she meant every word. That once again, Miho was going to try to find a way to bring even someone like Mizuko around. Not simply push back, but find a way for each side to find acceptance with each other.

"Are you sure you want to go down this path, Miho? Mizuko will fight you every step of the way," Himi warn.

"I do, we will need everyone to defeat Pravda, especially now that they know about our new tanks," Miho replied.

Nishi nodded, glad to have Miho back with the team, then spoke. "Does anyone know how those Pravda girls got onboard?"

Himi shrugged. "No idea, but it was obvious they got in through the woodland behind the school, will have to make sure to put a proper fence back there now. I was able to keep up with the Pravda girls somewhat, but there was a sudden pop in the air, with a white mist shrouding me like someone set off a smoke bomb."

"Smoke bomb?" Miho question.

"Yea, one moment I can still see them running between the trees, then a pop, and a white mist shrouded me as I've said. After that they were gone as the smoke clear and judging from what I heard from the officers, there was no trace of them ever being on board," Himi explain.

"I'm just glad you're not hurt or anything," Miho quickly responded.

Himi flex one of her arms with a cheeky smile. "With how I'm built, it take a lot more than a smoke bomb to stop me," she boasted, making the girls chuckle.

Miho spoke as she calm down. "Well, we have to press on now. Pravda may know about our new tanks, but they won't suspect our next additions to the tank roster."

"I can't believe were getting a second Chi-To," Nishi reply with an astonish look.

"I can't either, but we're getting the Chi-To sisters back together again and their ready to hunt! Already got it in the hangar and looked over. She's prime and ready to go, have to hand it to the American's for treating her so well," Himi added.

"Yes," Miho said with a nod. "Also the M4A3E8 will be ship over soon as well. Though I'm going to be doing some early morning training with it tomorrow at Saunders, my crew had to go through a schooling today to learn it's ins and outs, but didn't enough practice in it to properly adjust."

"While also getting a new crew member and team member, with this Miss...?" Nishi ask.

"Miss Ellie Cunningham, she will sub in for a tank driver for Moteki. While I plan to make her a tank commander after our battle with Pravda, I hope the team will be ok with that," Miho explain.

"Heck yea, for the first time were getting a foreigner in our academy and added to the team, I'm all for it!" Himi voice happily.

"I look forward to meeting her tomorrow. She will be a nice addition to our family," Nishi added with equal enthusiasm.

"Very good, please head home. I have some papers to finalize for the Type 5 Chi-Ri that should be arriving soon," Miho said.

Both of them saluted Miho, followed by a good night as they left the room. While Miho took a deep breath and began to look over the Type 5 Chi-Ri reports, practice schedule for tomorrow, and trying to figure out what the preliminary lineup will be for the match against Pravda. Everything was riding on this match that was going to prove to have a host of challenges that were going to be nothing that Miho had taken on in her Sensha-do career.

Adding on that she had little time to get her disoriented team organize within a few practices. Not to mention Mizuko would be at every step of the way trying to stifle Miho as she work, while also taking on a enemy team who had every sort of tank that could deal with their Japanese tanks on all levels, Heavy to light, made finding the strategy to win a seemingly impossible task.

"We can't lose here, if we can find the path forward, to beat Pravda...I think that will be the way I can heal these scars from these forgotten warriors," Miho whisper to herself, as she pour into her work, as this Tigress would fight and claw her way into this match, never backing down till victory was achieve.

Though this victory wasn't for herself or her family's reputation.

This wouldn't be to add to the Tigress Crops fearsome reputation.

It was to show the Sensha-do world, that tradition truly didn't die, but merely evolved some to be better, stronger, and more deadly.

That would be Miho's gift to Mizuko.

Suddenly a knock on the door got Miho's attention, bringing her eyes up from her paperwork. Thinking it had to be Nishi coming back, probably to help her out with paperwork, which made Miho smile to know her tankery sister would push as hard as she did for this victory.

"Come in," Miho said from her seat.

The door open slowly...

Revealing it was not Nishi coming back to help...

It was Tamada herself dress in simple shirt and athletic shorts, her hair not braided up, but brush back. The white ribbon she usually wore was tied around her right wrist.

Upoun a closer look, Miho could see that Tamada had deep bags under eyes from not sleeping well obviously. While her eyes are reddish, probably from crying alot.

Making Miho instantly lose breath, looking at her lover in such a sorry state, causing her to rise from her seat.

Excitement and dread grip Miho all at once, wondering what she should say, or what she should do. Since the last time she and Tamada were together, they had not parted on good terms, as Miho couldn't handle seeing someone she held so close to her heart, about to hurt Fukushu without a hint of remorse.

"Ta...," Miho try to say, to just start the conversation, wanting to bury these hurt feelings, for she needed her lovers touch after so much Miho had gone through in her time away from those warm arms.

While also Miho needed to comfort Tamada who was obvously hurting.

However, Miho was about to receive something back that she did not expect...

It was a cold response...

As Tamada spoke up, interjecting her lover with a voice that was broken and defeated. "Miho...we should stop seeing each other."

"Wa...," that was all Miho could muster to say.

For it felt like someone had punch her right in the gut and it was the very girl who had help her to feet, when Miho was at her lowest.

Another terrible twist for the heiress to deal with...