Chapter XXIII: A New Pact


Sensha Town

The Shinano

Sea of Okhotsk, Japan


A Week After Match Against Russia


The Shinano have left Russia, and now stay in the off-shore of Hokkaido, still on Sea of Okhotsk. The weather are now quite moderate and less snowy, just enough for everyone to chill outside in open air. Since the next round has been decided to be held in South Korea, or to be more precise, at Honam Tank Battling Ground, Jeollanam-do, many are asking why can't The Shinano steamed closer to Korean Peninsula. However, since the next opponent of third round (if Japan got through) is the winner between United States of America and People's Republic of China, JSF has ordered The Shinano to stay at Okhotsk. This will ease the voyage if they have to go to America for the next round.

Today, however, is a big day. No, the match would be not be held till next week, but Japan Sensha-do Federation and Republic of Korea Sensha-do Federation will held an important event on The Shinano today. Both side will sign agreement which stated the share usage of carrier The Shinano by two Federations for their international sensha-do purpose. This would grant access to South Korea to use The Shinano along with Japan. As such, South Korea would also share the maintenance cost of the carrier.

"This is actually a general practice," said Yukari, "German Carrier, The Bismarck, also shared by Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Finland. That's because building a carrier of this proportion needs a lot of money, also bigger maintenance cost for one country to bear."

"It's just kinda strange, since we would face them next week. Wouldn't it be awkward?" asked Saori.

"Well, JSF thought this as an opportunity to strengthen relationship between two countries and two federations," said Hana, "I personally would like to meet South Korean team and have chat with them. I heard that they have a lot of delicious dishes."

"The discussion about this has begun since a year ago, so it's pretty much coincidence that we would face South Korea in the next round," said Yukari.

"But due to that coincidence, Instructor Chouno told me that WSF has sent a bunch of officials to observe the events," said Miho, "seems World Federation serious about preventing any possibility of monkey business in this event. Not that it's likely to happened, since we're using elimination system for the competition."

"But speaking of South Korean team, would they really come?" asked Emi.

"Instructor Chouno told me that they will come, not everyone, but at least their top officers, including their Field Commander, Ahn Soo-jin," said Miho.

"I wonder, would they as friendly as Chinese team?" asked Hitomi.

"You don't consider Russian team to be friendly?" asked Nagisa.

"Well, they're nice alright, especially that Katya girl, but Chinese are way more friendly than them," said Hitomi.

"I kinda wish we could face China after this, so that we don't have to voyage very far," said Nagisa.

"You got the point, I want to have feast with Chinese team once more," said Hana.

"And this time we will win!" said Takami.

"You don't want to go to America?" asked Yukari.

"Well, the decision is not in our hand, but it would be nice to fight against China again," said Hitomi, "after all, we've pledged to meet again in the competition, are we?"

"Stop it, you guys," said Saori, "don't count your chickens before they hatched."

"That's right, we still have to face South Korea, and from what I heard, they're not to be taken lightly," said Miho.

Everyone then silent.

"Do tell us," said Emi.

"Well, do you all remember senior sensha-do match two years ago between Japan and North Korea? We finally able to defeat North Korea, but only left us one tank after a long brutal fight," said Miho, "well, in the previous match, South Korea defeat North Korea without losing a single tank, and with one of record breaking time in sensha-do's history."

"But that's a different team," said Emi.

"Yes, but the fight against North Korea is always hard for any Japan team," said Miho, "and moreover, this will be the first match between Japan and South Korea in any stages during the last 10 years."

"Pity we can't do recon on South Korea," said Emi.

"I would love to go there. Unfortunately, nobody here speaks Korean," said Yukari.

Everyone stopped for a while as there's notification of incoming message on Miho's phone.

"Instructor Chouno told us to be ready near the base now, since the signing will begin in an hour," said Miho.

"Alright then, let's go," said Emi.

All of Team Japan members are then be ready at the base, also the venue of the signing take place. When Miho arrived, she could see some planes in the carrier's runway. There're JSF's, RKSF's, WSF's, couple of unknown planes, but one attracted her attention is a C-5M Super Galaxy belongs to RKSF. Are they bringing their tank here as well?

That question kinda answered when they see 5 tanks being displayed there, all with Korean insignia. They are two Cruiser Tank Mk. VIII Cromwell VIIs, two M-24 Chaffees and a Centurion Mk. 2. Actually, not the kind of tank Miho want to face, even if South Korea only have this 3 kinds. There's only one person seems so excited seeing this.

"Ohohohoho... Chaffee! Finally I can have battle with you again!" shout Rosehip while jumping happily.

"Seems she's the only one excited about this match," said Shizuka.

"What can I say, she's been longing a speed battle against Chaffee since Hokkaido," said Orange Pekoe.

"By the way, I saw the tanks, but where's the crews?" asked Shizuka.

"Maybe they're still in the plane? Or South Korea just wanted to show off on us?" said Erika.

"We'll see about that, but for now let's be ready. All the brass and officials has present, and the signing will begin," said Miho.

All Japan U-18 then gather up in the field. In one stand, there are officials of JSF, including the chairman, Shichiro Kodama. While in another stand, are officials of RKSF, with their chairman, Park Nam-gil. There are also government officials of both countries and officials from WSF that oversees this signing ceremony. Then, line up in front of Japan Team, across the field, are South Korean Team, wearing white tunic shirt inside pine green army coat with silver buttons, vermilion string tie and short taffy-pink pleated-skirt. Miho recognize one of them as their Field Commander, Ahn Soo-jin, a beautiful girl of average height with wavy highlighted hair and skin as fair as snow, standing in the middle. A cheerful smile from her rosy red lips reflects high self-confidence as well as dignity and tough mental strength. Some of the girl in Japan Team are quite bedazzled with the appearance of their South Korean counterpart, since they really embodied the beauty and strength like a true sensha-do girls.

The ceremony started with some speech, before finally both sides sign the agreement, written both in Japanese and Korean language. Beside acknowledging the right of usage of RKSF over The Shinano, the agreement also signifies that the authorities of The Shinano will be shared by two crews, from Japan and South Korea. After Shichiro Kodama and Park Nam-gil sign their parts, also signing the memorandum, are representatives from Japan, Shinano's current skipper, Rear-admiral Ryoko Arimura, and her would-be South Korean co-skipper, Rear-admiral Jo Min-kyung. Both crews shall share the authorities of the ship in regular basis, depending on the necessity of each nations. As such, crews on all departements and sections will be the combination between Japan and South Korean. Initially, all of the combined crews from South Korea were scheduled to train in The Shinano after the signing. However, since Japan will face South Korea in the Round 2 of U-18 Championship, the training will be postponed until the end of the match, as suggested by WSF, except for bridge crews.

After the signing part done, a table with sake brought up. Shichiro Kodama and Park Nam-gil toasting.

"For the friendship and cooperation of Japan and Republic of Korea, may it last forever," said Shichiro Kodama.

"Cheers, but don't expect me to go easy on our next match," said Park Nam-gil.

Everyone laugh. After both drink their sake, Park Nam-gil then speak to the audience.

"Since we are now hosting this ship together with Japan, I will show you some of demonstration by the officers of South Korean U-18 Sensha-do Team. Hope you will enjoy it."

At that cue, all the South Korean team then marching and jumping into their tanks. Miho notice that Ahn Soo-jin entering one of the Cromwell. The commanders of each tank pop themselves from the hatch carrying two small colored flag on both of their hands.

"Daehan Minguk! Kajja!" command Ahn Soo-jin with loud voice.

All five tanks then rolling to different positions which resembles points of large stars. Ahn Soo-jin then lift her flags and crossed them above her head.

"Hana!"

All tanks then pivoting on their position. Each commanders are playing their flags like dance stroke.

"Dul!"

While pivoting, the tanks then moving. With each Ahn Soo-jin count, all tanks move in fast pace, maneuvering and pivoting while getting close on each other. Everyone watching hold their breathe as the five tanks pivoting and maneuvering very close to each other. In this speed, a bump can be very much devastating. However, like a synchronized dance, all tanks able to pivot flawlessly between each gap of other tanks movement, then they finished their move by runing to opposite side of their starting point.

Everyone stand in awe, since when a coverage helicopter flying above the tank track, it's now written, both in Hangul and Katakana: "PANZER VOR". The tanks wrote these words by their tracks, showing the perfect mastery of tank driving skill among South Korean team. Standing ovation occurred as acknowledgment for their skills, and still with wide smile on her face, Ahn Soo-jin bow to the audience then wave cheerfully.

However, all in the Japan side sees this not as a mere show, but a direct show-of-force, kind of psychological warfare pulled by South Korean side. Even Miho cannot hide her shock expression seeing this stunt. For her, it's not only showed that this bubbly and cheerful Ahn Soo-jin could be one of the hardest adversaries she ever face, but also a direct challenge by her South Korean counterpart.

After the ceremony, all person there are attending banquet to celebrate the historical moment. Team Japan are still awkward to mingle with Team South Korea, moreover Park Nam-gil seems very much proud of her team and glued them anywhere they go.

"Do you sense danger?" asked Orange Pekoe to Miho.

"Very much. There are more from Ahn Soo-jin than meets the eye. It's like when I see Liang'er. However Liang'er is an aloof and thoughtful person so we could expect something deep from her," said Miho, "but this Ahn Soo-jin, beneath that cheerful looks and traits, nobody would expect she hide something as deep as an ocean."

"Seems she's like you. You also awkward, bubbly, air-headed and frail. Nobody would've thought that you're one of the feared sensha-do commander in Japan."

Miho blushing.

"By the way, any info about their tanks from the game against North Korea?" asked Miho.

"Yes, seems like they use British and American tanks as their backbone. Beside Cromwells, Chaffees, and Centurions, they also have A34 Comets and M36 Jackson GMCs," said Assam, "and the silver lining of their tanks is..."

"They are all fast tanks, speedsters if I may say," said Miho.

"Yes, and when fighting against North Korea, they use their superior speed and maneuverability to outflank, even North Korean T-34-76," said Assam.

"Not to mention that Cromwell have one of the best armor in WW II British armored corps, aside from their speed," said Orange Pekoe, "and for great punch, they have Comets and Centurions, also Jacksons."

"The battle against South Korea would be worlds different from Russia. We have to be able to anticipate all their movements and maneuvers," said Miho, "and avoid being outflanked ourselves. Which would be hard since their positioning and maneuver are flawless."

"I'm going to search data about Honam Tank Battling Ground, and how it should effect their strategy. Hopefully we could get something," said Assam.

"How could they be so perfect?" asked Orange Pekoe.

"Well, in Japan, you only need to master basic skill of sensha-do by heart, and figure out the rest yourselves," said Alisa, "but I heard South Korea has different training regime philosophy. They want you to master and excels on intermediate skill as well, resulting their famous reputation of flawless formation."

"Sounds like the old Kuromorimine," said Erika.

"Almost the same, but the old Kuromorimine has centralized command, while South Korea don't. Each of their commander able to take initiative of their own by minding the position of other. Officers, especially in mid-level, hold very important key to their success," said Alisa, "since Japan and South Korea never faced each other for about 10 years, so it would be hard to know how far South Korea has grown."

"You seems very knowledgeable about South Korean sensha-do style," said Erika.

"It's my duty for a strategist to think as the enemy do," said Alisa, "but even books can only took you so far,"

"Hei, why are you girls talking about strategy in this joyous day?" asked Ami Chouno which arrived there.

Everyone made room for Ami Chouno.

"You should cheer-up, have fun, enjoy the festivities," said Ami Chouno, "beside, I wanted to introduce you to someone."

"Who is that?" asked Miho.

Before Ami Chouno answered, a man has already showed-up next to them. It's Ahn Jae-joon, Supreme Commander of South Korean Team, while behind him are South Korean team.

"Glad to finally see you all. Park Nam-gil-nim doesn't seems want to let us go," said Ahn Jae-joon.

"Oh, our pleasure as well," said Miho bowing, followed by other Japanese members.

"This is Field Commander, who happens to be my own daughter," said Ahn Jae-joon, "I'm sure you've known her."

"Annyeonghasimnika," said Ahn Soo-jin, "my name is Ahn Soo-jin, nice to meet you."

"Oh, yes, and my name is..."

"Miho Nishizumi, right?" said Ahn Soo-jin, "your reputation preceeds you. Congratulation on your brilliant victory against Russia."

"Oh no, you're way better, with no casualties against North Korea."

"I just lucky, that's all."

"I don't think that could be considered as 'luck'."

"What can I say? Everything just falling into our favor."

Both Miho and Ahn Soo-jin smiled.

"Ah, I'm going to introduce you to my ranks. This is Nam Bo-young, our Light Tank Company commander; and these are the twins: Park So-hee and Park So-hyun, our Tank Destroyer Company commanders; this is Sung Min-ah, our Heavy Tank Company comander, and finally, my second-in-command, and Medium Tank Company vice-commander, which also my little sister, Ahn Hyun-jin."

Everyone then bow. Miho can't help but observing the Ahn sisters. They remind her of herself and her own sister, Maho, which now going to college in Germany.

"Miho-ssi? Are you alright?"

Ah! Miho is airheaded again.

"Ah, yes. Where's my manner. I will also introduce you to my ranks. This is Erika Itsumi, commander of Heavy Tank Company, with her vice-commander, Orange Pekoe and Emi Nakasuga; then this is Erwin, commander of our Tank Destroyer Company, with Carpaccio as vice-commander; and then this is Shizuka Tsuruki, commander of Light Tank Company with Noriko Isobe as vice-commander, and finally the vice-commanders of Medium Tank Company: Alisa and Koume Akaboshi."

Everyone in the Japan Team bowed.

"So, I recon you and I are Medium Tank Company commander, right?"

"Yes, you're right."

"Then we are one of the selected few, since many Field Commander choose to have heavy tank as their ride."

Miho and Ahn Soo-jin laugh.

"By the way, in case you're wondering, we'll be using the same tank line-up from the game with North Korea. Cromwell VII, Comet, Centurion Mk. 2, Chaffee and Jackson, that's it."

"What?"

"I'm a kind of person who believe on don't change the winning team."

"But why do you tell me about this?"

"Because I want to have an exhilarating match with you, that's why."

"Oh yes, and in that case, I, too, don't believe in changing the winning team. My tank line-up would be M4A3E8, Tigers, Crusader III, and SU-100."

"Wow, I don't expect you to tell me that."

"So did I. Beside, I do love an exhilarating match as well."

"Another thing we have in common."

Ahn Soo-jin extend her hand, then shook by Miho.

"I'm looking forward the day where we meet at Honam, Miho-ssi."

"So am I, Soo-jin-san."

Both smiled, but then South Korean team was called since it's time for them to wrap this festive party and goes back home. Erika then approach Miho, after South Korean team left.

"What is that I heard? You're fraternizing with the enemy?" asked Erika.

"No, it's just friendly gesture as well as courtesy after she's telling us her composition for line-up," said Miho.

"No one can guaranteed that she's telling the truth."

"Indeed, but it's not like we're going to change our team either."

"I hope you know what you're doing, Miho."

"It's never the tanks I'm worried, Erika. But the person ride it. And I have a feeling that this match could be tougher than our match against Russia, with or without we have knowledge on each other's tanks."


Happy New Year 2019, Everyone! And this story would be updated regularly starting from now.

I'm sorry for the late update, and wish you all a joyous new year

-PepeDuck-