Chapter XXX: The Battle of Arirang Hill

Honam Tank Battling Ground

Jeollanamdo, South Korea

The recovery vehicle rolling into the base with Ahn Hyun-jin observing the battle between the remaining forces of both South Korea and Japan tanks. It's kinda roller-coaster for the spectator, be it South Korean or Japanese fans, not to mention The Japanese Prime Minister and The South Korean President in VVIP box. Put that aside, what concerns Ahn Hyun-jin now is that her sister has brought the fight to a place, that what they colloquially called as "Arirang Hill".

The Sector AR-18 of Honam Tank Battling Ground, by South Korean senshadoin was called as Arirang Hill due to the place name, if written in letters is ARR, the same as the initial letter for the word A-Ri-Rang. It's basically a hill that overlooking a large basin-like plain. Unlike the steep cliff of Y9 Hill (or as Erika named it: "The Ardennes"), Arirang Hill has a moderate slope which can be easily traversed by tanks. The differences of heights and contours of the area bring benefit to South Korean which mainly use British tanks, as their tank could traverse the terrain smoothly without loosing speed or acceleration too much. And this is the place that has been set by Ahn Soo-jin for her final battle against Miho Nishizumi.

Right now, the position is Anglerfish Team tank alone chased by 3 Cromwells, in which one of them is Ahn Soo-jin's getting near to Arirang Hill. From another direction is the remaining South Korean tanks led by Park Twins and spear-headed by Im Mi-sook, which now has been joined by 2 Chaffees remaining from Nam Bo-young's company, totalled them as 9 tank. From different side, but much farther away, is the forces of Erika's detachment of 4 Tigers, 3 Shermans, and 1 Crusader, after Koume joins the game. The rest is still yet unknown. The odd for now still favor South Korean side, and they rushed to go to Arirang Hill to join their commander encircling and eliminating Miho's tank before stronger reinforcement of Erika's detachment arrived at Arirang Hill. This perhaps the golden window of opportunity for the South Korean side to win and move to semifinal.

"Eonni, please win this..." said Ahn Hyun-jin, praying.

As yet, rather than waiting for the rest of the team came, Ahn Soo-jin has tried several times to pin down Miho before reaching Arirang Hill. However, living up to her name, Miho and the Anglerfish Team could easily thwarted any attempt by Ahn Soo-jin's detachment to surround and pin her down. The other Cromwells' commander has sound their concern to Ahn Soo-jin, and this is something that cannot missed from Ahn Soo-jin's attention. The problem is, each time Ahn Soo-jin trying to figure out the answer, there's only one thing come out in her mind.

Yes, in order to get Miho, Ahn Soo-jin feels that she must take Miho by herself, which means a one-on-one duel against Miho Nishizumi. Surrounding Anglerfish Tank with this many tanks won't give any good, since this also restrict Ahn Soo-jin's movement. However, the chance to maximize the odds by number is still hard to get rid of her mind. There's still a chance these three Cromwells could outmaneuvered the single Sherman. And even soon, she would have many tanks to form a ring that even Miho herself won't be able to break. Under one condition, that Miho don't get away from her encirclement and rejoin the rest of her company.

"Mako-san, could you try to maneuver on one of the Cromwell?" asked Miho.

"Which one?" asked Mako.

"Any one that is easy to pick, and I bet that's not Ahn Soo-jin's."

"Hai, hai."

Anglerfish suddenly made a sharp turn, just when they're very close to Arirang Hill. This startled the South Korean chasing her, including Ahn Soo-jin. It is as if a fish that they're about to land made a bold struggle in the final moment. Anglerfish Team quickly pressed on one of the Cromwell, and a perfect placed shot from Hana Suzuki white-flagged it at once.

"Damn it! It's so close!" said Ahn Soo-jin.

"Daejangnim, she's about to escape, what shall we do?" asked Moon Hye-jin, the other Cromwell's commander.

"Close her escape route together, bring her to Arirang Hill now!"

"But doesn't she would have a better room for maneuver there? Not to mention there's only two of us to pin her down."

"I know, but we also going to enjoy's that convenience as well."

"Arasseo, Daejangnim."

Moon Hye-jin move her tank to cut Anglerfish' route to escape, backed by Ahn Soo-jin. The combination of the two seems hard to fought by Anglerfish Team, so that they don't have any other way than entering Arirang Hills, where the area is vast enough to do some maneuvering. As both Cromwells following Anglerfish into Arirang Hills, Anglerfish suddenly made some maneuver to shake loose the two Cromwells. Despite their best efforts to try contain Anglerfish Team, the maneuver of Mako Reize made them quite overwhelmed.

"Daejangnim, if we don't do something, they could escape Arirang Hills and rejoin their forces," said Moon Hye-jin.

Ahn Soo-jin doesn't replied back. Her mind is struggling with something, when suddenly she felt hands from below hold her hands gently. It's Kang Hye-ri and Lee Yu-ra, looking on her from below with smile.

"You guys..." said Ahn Soo-jin.

"We know what you're thinking, Daejangnim," said Kang Hye-ri.

"We're ready," said Lee Yu-ra.

"I'm sorry that I have to put you all on this," said Ahn Soo-jin.

"It's okay," said Jung Ga-eun, "we haven't do this quite sometimes, after all."

"I know I still new compare to you guys, but I'll try my best," said Kim Da-yeon.

"Alright then..." said Ahn Soo-jin, "connect me to Moon Hye-jin."

"Got it..." said Lee Yu-ra.

"Yes, Daejangnim?" asked Moon Hye-jin.

"Stand down now," said Ahn Soo-jin.

"Eh? What?" asked Moon Hye-jin confused.

"It's an order. Under any condition, until I told you otherwise, stand down from this fight," said Ahn Soo-jin, "I'll battle Miho Nishizumi myself."

"What? Daejangnim!" said Moon Hye-jin.

"Just told Park Twins to get hurry," said Ahn Soo-jin, "this is the only way to hold her here."

"Y-yes, Daejangnim," said Moon Hye-jin.

Moon Hye-jin quickly reverse her tank and staying away from Ahn Soo-jin. This movement also has been observed by Miho, which told Mako to stop. There's only two tanks now in Arirang Hill, Miho's and Ahn Soo-jin's. Both commanders are now in head-up position, staring on each other.

"What now?" asked Saori.

"As I said, it's all now up to Ahn Soo-jin," said Miho, "just be prepared for anything."

Ahn Soo-jin then reach a speaker on her tank.

"Miho Nishizumi! You're well-known as one of the best tank ace in Japan!" said Ahn Soo-jin, "how about if we duel, right here, right now?"

"This is just a stall tactic, right, Nishizumi-dono?" asked Yukari.

"Yep," said Miho, "but as I said before, it's rude to decline her invitation."

"So?" asked Yukari.

"We'll fight her," said Miho, "are you guys ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready!" said Yukari.

"Ready as ever!" said Hana.

"Count me in!" said Saori.

"Hai hai!" said Mako.

Miho then made a hand gesture that suggest she accept Ahn Soo-jin's challenge, which replied with smile by Ahn Soo-jin. The spectators are bringing down the house watching both flag tanks dueling on one-on-one match. A match between two best tank aces in both country. Even Japan Prime Minister and South Korea President felt it necessary to give them standing applause.

"I had to admit that it's a bold move, Daejangnim," said Park So-hee.

"Yes, but we need you to come here as quick as you can, Park Twins," said Lee Yu-ra.

"Arasseo," said Park So-hee, "we'll go there as fast as we can!"

Park Twins quickly spurred their column to rush into Arirang Hill and join their commander in taking out Miho Nishizumi. At this kind of rush, they've become quite unaware on their surrounding.

"BLAAM!"

An explosion occurs, and suddenly Im Mi-sook's Jackson on the spearhead wobbling with white flag raised. Park Twins' tank, which follows not far abruptly decelerate to dodge the immobilized tank. Park So-hee pop her head out of the hatch, looking from where the shell come.

As she looked on her left, 3 Shermans are charging towards her column, marching and firing. It's the forgotten tanks, the remaining of Shizuka Tsuruki's column, the last wave supposed to leave The Ardennes, which has been badly beaten by Baek Hyun-joo. Those three tanks belongs to Alisa, Haru Tamada, and Youko Minami. Realized that they're outnumbered against South Korean column, Alisa, as the leader of this remnant, decided to go on a bold move of direct charge, Chi-Ha-Tan style.

Alisa fires her gun, and the startled Park Twins' tank got white-flagged. This quickly cripple the command of this column, and despite outnumbering their attackers, the bold, almost suicidal move of Alisa's unit managed to spread chaos among the South Korean column. Many commanders trying to assume command, but conflicting orders given confused everyone. Tanks now bumping on each other, and South Korean quickly losing their organized manner. The only ones unaffected are the two Chaffees from ex-Nam Bo-young's company. Boldly, they rush to meet the "kamikaze" group, challenge them in what turned to be a close-range tank duel.

The confusion creates a short disarray that was trying to be rectified by one of Chaffee's commander, Hwang Yi-kyung. With a quick action, the two Chaffees managed to break Alisa's Kamikaze Charge, with Im Mi-sook and Park Twins become the only casualties from the charge.

"Fool! You're attacking us on such small forces," said Hwang Yi-kyung to Alisa, "though I admire your bravery, despite the recklessness."

"Reckless yes, but that's enough," said Alisa with light tone.

"Enough? That feeble attempt of yours?"

"Maybe not so feeble after all. Beside, a large avalanche often triggered by a feeble snow fall."

"Avalanche? What are you talking about?"

"Look behind you."

Alisa make a gesture with her finger to persuade Hwang Yi-kyung to look behind. As she did that, she's quite surprised that out of nowhere, Erika's detachment suddenly has caught them. Despite the short disarray, Alisa's Kamikaze Charge put a critical delay in which allow Erika to catch the column, before they reach Arirang Hills and enveloped Miho. Hwang Yi-kyeong looked at Alisa, that give her a farewell salute.

"Annyeong..." said Alisa.

Everything then silent. And this like a final devastating blow on Ahn Soo-jin, right in the middle of her duel against Miho Nishizumi. All her plans now has gone to waste. For a moment, she cannot utter a word, until Miho contact her via radio.

"Would you continue?" asked Miho.

"What? What for?" asked Ahn Soo-jin.

"Nobody's going to interfere on us now."

"Yes, from our side. Your reinforcement seems has annihilate mine."

"Well, yes, I've thought that Erika-san is going to do that."

"You thought?"

"Well, yes, since my commanders worked independently, so in a way, I don't have any control on what they're gonna do."

"In a way, huh?"

"Not completely. I still can order them to stand down."

"What?"

"So that nobody shall interfere on our duel, Ahn Soo-jin-san."

"What? Why are you going to do that?"

"You've challenged me on a duel, and I must respect that. So, let's continue our duel."

This talk put Erika, which is now within radio range, horrified.

"Wait! Miho! Don't do anything stupid!" said Erika via radio, "we almost got there, don't take any chance!"

"I'm sorry, Erika-san, but this is something I must take," said Miho, "I order you to stand down and let me duel her."

"You..."

"If I lost, then you may hit me like you did before. Over and out."

"Wait!"

"Now, shall we?" said Miho to Ahn Soo-jin.

"You realize that you just throw down a massive advantage, do you?" asked Ahn Soo-jin.

"I know."

"Will that worth?"

"I don't know. But I know it's something I must do."

"Then don't regret your decision, Miho Nishizumi."

"I won't, Ahn Soo-jin."

"Then let us begin."

"Mm-hmm."

Both tanks then moving along, engaging on each other. Mako Reizei put her best effort to maneuver, dodge, and engage, but in the other side, Jung Ga-eun put her run for the money. The skills of both drivers are magnificent to behold, and everyone held breath each time both side clashed. Despite the terrain advantage, so far Ahn Soo-jin hasn't been able to exploit that against Miho. Couple of times, she managed to place her shot grazing to Miho's armor, and Miho also able to place her shot grazing on her own armor as well. Ahn Soo-jin even managed to ward off some attempts of Miho's signature drift shot, solely by the driving skills of Jung Ga-eun. They battle their tanks as if its their own limbs.

"This is so hard," said Mako, "they have real skills."

"No wonder they're being touted as South Korean best tank ace," said Saori.

"How are we going win this, Nishizumi-dono?" asked Yukari, "we can't lose here, right?"

"Don't worry, try to put on drift shots on them," said Miho.

"I've done that few times and they manage to ward them off," said Mako.

"It's okay, do it again," said Miho, "till I tell you the otherwise."

Mako silent, but seems like she knows what's in Miho's mind. Meanwhile, in Ahn Soo-jin's tank, Kim Da-yeon, the gunner seems realizing something.

"Daejangnim, I think I can get their pattern of attack, and intercept," said Kim Da-yeon.

"Are you sure?" asked Ahn Soo-jin.

"Yes, I remember seeing this pulled by Miho Nishizumi when she's fighting Alice Shimada. I think I can pull Shimada's countermove on her."

"But if she keep things in mind, don't you think that she would've been anticipate it?" asked Kang Hye-ri.

"Maybe, but we don't have enough time. Despite Miho's word, I won't wait for her reinforcement to come," said Ahn Soo-jin, "we need to eliminate her ASAP to win this."

"Right, thank you, Daejangnim," said Kim Da-yeon, "I'll do my best!"

Kim Da-yeon then focus her sight on Miho's tank, with her hands preparing to rotate the gun when Miho decided to pull her drift shot. At that time, Alice Shimada managed to break Miho's drift, though failed to white-flag her at once. This time, she has to do better. It's Ahn Soo-jin herself that pick her into gunner's position to replace Ahn Hyun-jin, which led her own tank, mostly due to her skill in gunnery, and she intend to prove that Ahn Soo-jin didn't pick the wrong girl for the job!

Anglerfish Tank started to drift back, this is the time! Kim Da-yeon observe where do they want to spin their drift, and then she would rotate the turret to meet them along the way, and place the shot before they shoot. Risky move, but worth the risk.

"Ga-eun-sunbae, we need to neatly orchestrated this rotation," said Kim Da-yeon, "this way we could put our frontal armor in the end of the twist and have a big chance to survive should they shot."

"Arasseo, just give me the cue," said Jung Ga-eun.

Kim Da-yeon pays a close attention to the attitude of Anglerfish Tank's hull and turret. This should give her the idea of where Anglerfish would done their twist for the drift shot. And Anglerfish finally moved their turret, to her anticipation.

"Clockwise!" said Kim Da-yeon while tapping on Jung Ga-eun's shoulder.

Jung Ga-eun quickly drift their tank in countertwist of Anglerfish's spin, while Kim Da-yeon move her gun to follow the spin. In the end of the twist, they would get Anglerfish's tank just in the place they wanted to be, unless...

"Reverse!" said Miho.

Mako quickly switch gear (with a frightening clanking and screeching sound can be heard from their gearbox), and the tank suddenly reverse, thus turn-back the spin, and in the end, put Ahn Soo-jin's tank overshoot. Everyone startled to see Miho's unexpected maneuver, and in split-second of stun, Kim Da-yeon, in reflex, rotate the turret back to the opposite direction, instead of pulling it to a full circle. This made the turret stopped for a mere miliseconds, while Jung Ga-eun desperately tries to control the now out-spinned tank. When both tank finally finished their spin...

"BLAMMM!"

Sound of shells hitting metal can be heard banging like a large gong. Two tanks shot at almost the same time, producing an almost unison sound, and smoke can be seen covering both tanks. Everyone watching is standing in anticipation. Due to both are flag tanks, anyone eliminate the other would bring an instant victory.

Ahn Soo-jin struggled to climb up. She can see the shadowy figure of white flag on the top of her turret, and she's not surprised by it. The shot is violent surely, hitting hard on the turret and right into shot trap zone, sending all girls inside tumbled down like rag doll. One thing she want to see is if her own shot also white-flagged their target. If so, then, like the exhibition match between China and Japan, the winner will be decided by split-second.

The smoke is thinning, and she now sees the Sherman very close to her tank. Its track is fall off and ripped apart, with some of the suspensions scattered and busted due to the violent drifting, and there's a huge dent along the side of its turret, scrapping the metal along the Anglerfish logo on it and create a nasty looking scar. However, to the disappointment of Ahn Soo-jin, no white flag is visible. Kim Da-yeon missed the shot by fraction of second. Had she delayed the shot for a milisecond longer, she would've been hit the Sherman's turret, right in the ring.

"Japan wins the match!" said head-judge Helga Voz.

This announcement was met with joy by all Japan's team and fans, and sadness by all of South Korean team and fans. Ahn Jae-joon shake Ami Chouno's hand, saying that despite the result for his side, it was a very good match. Ahn Soo-jin eerie smiled, and slide back to the hull, in which all of her crew laying down as if they're very tired. All shake her hand, patting on each other back, saying it's a good job despite the result. The only exception is Kim Da-yeon, who can be seen tucking her head between her knees, and sobbing. Ahn Soo-jin gently stroke her head.

"Hey, gwaenchana, it's okay, don't worry," said Ahn Soo-jin.

"I've failed all of you," said Kim Da-yeon sobbing, "I should've timed my shot better, then we could've won."

Ahn Soo-jin quickly wrapped her arms around Kim Da-yeon and put her head in her shoulder.

"It was a very difficult shot, and our enemy just do it slightly better," said Ahn Soo-jin, "I don't think anyone could place that shot as near as you can. We're talking about Miho Nishizumi's Anglerfish Team here. They're the best in Japan right now, so there's no shame in this defeat."

All the crews then hug Kim Da-yeon altogether to cheer her up. She felt a very warm feeling rises on her despite all the sadness.

"Look, I want you to promise, that next time we met her again in the match, you'll beat them to their core, okay?" said Kang Hye-ri.

"Okay," said Kim Da-yeon, smiling.

Ahn Soo-jin climbed out from her tank, followed by everyone. They now form the line to properly greet Anglerfish Team as the victor, which also has stepped down.

"Otsukare sama deshita, Nishizumi-ssi!" said Ahn Soo-jin bowing.

"Oh no, you're doing very well yourself," said Miho, "we're so honored to have been battled with you."

Both team are bowing to each other, then they hug their counterpart in friendly manner.

"Miho!"

Miho turned and she sees Erika running towards her. Before Miho has time to react, Erika has grabbed her collars aggresively, and her fist is clenched as if she wanted to hit Miho right away.

"What do you think are you doing?! You're jeopardizing the entire victory, you know?!" said Erika.

Everyone startled, and they don't know how to react.

"Forgive me, Erika-san, but that is something I have to do," said Miho.

Erika gritted her teeth in anger. Everyone has expected the worse, but then, Erika just hauled her breath and let Miho down.

"Since you're winning, I'll let you off this time," said Erika while patting on Miho's collar, "but I want you to promise, NOT to do something like this next time."

"Yes, I promise," said Miho.

Both girls shake their hands awkwardly, and the Erika went away, with confused looking from everyone. Ahn Soo-jin carefully walked closer to Miho.

"She's a kind of scary girl, isn't she?" asked Ahn Soo-jin.

"Yes, sometimes she is," said Miho, "but she's a good girl deep down in the heart. I think she just did this because she's concerned."

"You bet she is," said Ahn Soo-jin.

Few times later, everyone and every tanks has been transported back to the base. Miho is very curious to see why the tanks all wrapped up quickly by the maintenance crew, as if they need to load them into the transport planes as fast as they can. In another side, Ami Chouno seems contemplating on a what it seems to be a very intense discussion with Ahn Jae-joon and Park Nam-gil, the head of RKSF. Ami then nodding as if she's agreed on something before she finally took off to Miho and the rest of the teams.

"What is it, Instructor Chouno?" asked Miho.

"Well, Girls, I have a good news and a bad news for you," said Ami Chouno, "which one would you like to hear first?"

"Bad news?" said Miho unsure.

"Alright, the bad news is, we have been invited, and obliged to attend the presidential feast in Cheongwadae tonight."

"Cheongwadae? The Blue House? Presidential palace, right? How is that be a bad news?"

"Yes, since we won't be able to join our own flight that has to catch our Federation Carrier, which, as by now, is already departed."

"What?!"

"The good news is, RKSF has agreed to lend us their federation's plane. Since it's bigger than our own plane, that should enough to brought us to the position of the carrier."

"Wait, Instructor Chouno, why is this arrangement is necessary? Can't we just skip the feast and move out?"

"No, we can't. Since our own Prime Minister is the one who decreed ALL OF US to come."

"And you said that our carrier has been departed... Departed where?"

"To America, Nishizumi-chan!"

Miho and everyone else is shocked to hear that.

"Wait, does that means..."

"Yes, the United States of America has defeated People's Republic of China early on, so we're expected to arrive in Honolulu as soon as possible," said Ami Chouno, "now dress up, Girls. We have a feast to attend."

While Japan team still shocked and overwhelmed by the news, no one realized that a mysterious woman with long coat and fedora hat is currently observing them. She smiled, before taking out her cellphone to make a call.

"Hallo... Mein Fräulein? Ja, ihre vohersage is richtig."