Chapter XXXXVIII: The Whites of Enemy's Eye

Staging Area
World Senshado Federation Command Center
Kadena Air Base
Okinawa, Japan

The morning of the final match began, and the entire team of Japan and Germany had been gathered here for the opening ceremony before being transported to their respective carriers to start the match.

During the match, Kadena will host some VIP spectators, including school representatives, and also representatives of any participant nations in the U-18 World Senshado Championship. Everyone in Japan team are anxious for the match, and they used their best attire to welcome their German counterpart in the game. And nobody is more anxious in the team aside from their own commander, Miho. She's standing in front of the hangar, fidgeting, and nobody would want to disturb her right now. Being in finale itself is nerve-wracking already, against Germany, the best team in Europe, with generations of spite in need to be resolved, can only add the pressure on Miho's head. However, unbeknownst to her, somebodies are approaching her.

"How are ye, Ms. Nishizumi?" a familiar sound was heard.

Miho turned and saw Caitlyn Lee there, with her second-in-command, Aaliyah Jackson.

"Lee-sama? Jackson-sama? You're here?" asked Miho.
"I kinda imagine you must be very nervous right now, Ms. Nihizumi," said Aaliyah Jackson, "I know I will."
"Ah, yes, this is final," said Miho, "and Germany is not an easy opponent."
"Trust yerself," said Caitlyn Lee, "I know ye can."
"What brought you all here?" asked Miho.
"We're honorary guests in this event," said Caitlyn Lee, "beside, we're not alone, look."

From behind Caitlyn Lee and Aaliyah Jackson, came the Chinese commander, Zhu Liang'er; still with her goose-feather fan, then Russian commander, Klara, and her protege, Katya Simonova; and lastly are the friends from South Korea: Ahn Soo-jin, with her second-in-command, Nam Bo-young.

"You are all here," said Miho.
"We won't miss it for the world, Miho-sama," said Klara.
"Thank you, Klara-san, and this is..."
"I haven't properly introduce you in the first time," said Klara, "this is my junior, Katya Simonova; she led the squadron of BT-7s at the battle."
"I knew that a single BT-7 broke our encirclement in Tunguska, before joining the remaining Russian tank for the final charge," said Miho, "I suppose that was you, Simonova-sama."
"That's correct," said Katya, "please, just call me Katya."
"We all wanted to bid you good luck," said Klara.
"Thank you, Klara-san," said Miho, "and..."

Ahn Soo-jin walked in close to Miho, and without notice, hugged her. Miho's face turned red instantly.

"Ugh, Ahn-sama..." said Miho.
"Mianhae," said Ahn Soo-jin while releasing Miho, "it's just that I'm glad that another player of the same story will finally succeed."
"The same story, what do you..."
"Ah, long story, I'll tell you about this some other time."
"We bid you good luck, Nishizumi-ssi," said Nam Bo-young.
"May victory be with you," said Ahn Hyun-jin.

"Well, well, you've known each other it seems."

Both Ahn Soo-jin and Miho turned to see Anzu Kadotani is standing there, with Momo Kawashima and Yuzu Koyama.

"Prez?" said Miho.
"Prez-nim?" said Ahn Soo-jin.
"Eh? You know her?" asked Miho.
"That's a long story, Miho-chan," said Anzu, "how are you? Both of you, glad to see you again, Ahn-sama."
"I'm also glad, Prez-nim," said Ahn Soo-jin, "well then, we must go, I'll see you guys after this."

The foreign commanders then bowed to Miho before leaving the site.

"You've got your hands full seems," said Anzu, "and some burden in your shoulders."
"But you helped me to relieve some of the burden, Prez," said Miho.
"We just do what we should do for our very own Nishizumi," said Momo.
"We wish you good luck," said Yuzu, "ganbatte!"
"And not just us, look," said Anzu.

Miho looked in surprise, as behind Anzu, her friends walked towards her. Kay, Katyusha, Nonna, Darjeeling, Anchovy, Alice Shimada, Maho, as well as her already graduated friends: Satoko Nakajima and the original Leopon Team, Sodoko, and Piyotan.

"You guys?" said Miho.
"One more step, Miho-sha," said Katyusha, "don't waver, for the German team is a machine, and machines can be broken."
"Good luck," said Kay, "from the bottom of our heart, we wish you the very best."
"Now is the hour, Miho," said Darjeeling, "ride, ride to ruins, and the world's ending."
"Geese, can't you give a more encouraging words?" said Anchovy, "win or lose, Miho, we shall hold the party, bigger than any party you've ever experienced! But, might as well as win!"
"Ganbatte, Taichou!" said Satoko Nakajima, "this is your final lap, keep the pedal in the metal."
"To win is to uphold the reputation of Ooarai, Nishizumi," said Sodoko, "don't give up in the end."
"This is the final boss, Taichou," said Piyotan, "one last hurdle for victory. And I know you will succeed."
"You may get beaten, or fall, or crashed and burn," said Alice Shimada, "but you must never give up. Even if all your bones are broken, just get back on your feet and fight again."
"Thank you, you guys," said Miho with glistening eyes.

Maho took a few steps forward and hugged her little sister to calm her down.

"I'm proud of you, Miho, regardless the result," said Maho, "so does Okaa-san."
"Ah, where is she?" asked Miho.
"On the balcony, you know how she is. She doesn't want anybody sees her burst in tears. But she sent you her best regards, also a message, that in case of grave danger, forget the victory and save yourself."
"You're lying. Okaa-san won't say things like that, Onee-chan."
"She's changed now, Miho. But do your best, okay? This time, you're not only representing Ooarai or Nishizumi Style, but the whole of Japan. Everyone is behind your back, so at the very least don't disappoint them."
"I will."

Maho hugs Miho, and now Miho felt more calm then before in facing this battle of a lifetime against perhaps her greatest enemy yet.

"Ah yes, she also gave me something," said Maho while handing a paper to Miho, "she told me that you must open and read this in the tank."
"Why? What is this?" asked Miho.
"You'll see. Now go, the game is about to start."

Two Hours Later...

Himeyuri Tank Battling Ground
Okinawa, Japan

Japanese tanks gathered in their defilade position in the southern part of Himeyuri TBG. Based on the possibilities of the tank classes that will be used by Germany, Miho decided that luring German formations to an defilade with Japan's fighting from strong points is the best approach for the game, and also minimizing the predicted casualties on Japan's side. This is very important since Miho doesn't want a drawn-out slog-my-guts-out brawl battle against the powerful opponent.

As mention before, since Germany was considered as the most powerful senshado forces by all members of the WSF, Britain proposed that tank classes fielded in international competition has to be capped according to the weight, which is maximum 10 tanks for heavy tanks (over 42 tonnes), maximum 15 tanks for medium tanks (22-42 tonnes), and maximum 20 tanks for light tanks (under 22 tonnes). Despite that, tank destroyers took up the quota for light tanks, according to the above weight limitation (5 for heavies, 10 for mediums, and 20 for lights).

In this arrangements, the German Panther tank is in the same category as the Tiger or other heavy tanks, so that it can't be deployed as a medium tank, which forced the German Nationalfrauschaften, for the medium tank lineups, to use the Panzer IV or Panzer III, which in this rule can't be used as light tank. With this tank caps, Germany was prevented from exerting their power in full potency, something which has been despised by DPB. Bearing this rule in mind, Miho then deducted that Germany would deploy 10 heavy tanks of Tigers, King Tigers, and/or Panthers in any configuration, along with about 10 medium tanks of Panzer IV and/or Panzer III in any configuration, and 5 light tanks, most likely Panzer II or Panzer 38(t) with 5 tank destroyers of unknown types and configuration. However, with German tank destroyers, from Elefant to Hetzer, being casemate i.e. turretless, then Japan, with almost similar configuration, could go toe-to-toe on them in any battlefield at any time.

One thing that still bothering her mind is that Brunnhilde Knispel deployed various strategy and configurations of tanks among their previous matches. Against Sweden in Lappland, German deployed 15 Hetzers as anvil to support a hammer force of 10 King Tigers, with 5 Panzer IIIs as decoys to lure Swedish forces from their sniping spots into the encirclements of Hetzers. While in the vast open space of El Alamein, against Great Britain, she deployed 10 Panthers and 15 Panzer IVs to fight head-to-head in open field battle against British Cromwells, Comets, and Crusaders, with their 5 Elefants providing support fire. And finally, in their last match against France, despite the similarities of the terrain with Sweden matches, Brunnhilde prefers on taking initiatives by employing hunter-killer teams of 10 Tigers to slice into French defenses, while 10 Panzer 38(t)s acted as scouts for their 10 StuG IIIs and 5 Jagdtigers to open fire on any French strongpoints they found. The German proficiencies to use various type of tanks in various strategies surely made Miho uneasy. Especially, since Himeyuri TBG is no different from Lappland or Baden-Württemberg, in which German achieving victories. There must be cards in German sleeves, reserved solely to fight Japan in this final match.

"Shizuka-san, is there any signs of German movement?" asked Miho via her radio.
"Not yet, but we're expecting some large movement soon," said Shizuka Tsurugi, "I sense some disturbance in the air, whatever that is, it's not a small matter."
"Alright, be careful and stay vigilance," said Miho.
"Hey, don't worry, just make sure everything is ready there," said Shizuka.

Miho hauled her breath deeply.

"I thought you have calm down about this," said Hana.
"The anticipation give me another shiver," said Miho, "I can't be calm unless I see in person their lineup."
"Don't worry, we've talked about this, right?" said Saori, "we've sure that their forces won't exceed us."
"Everything will be fine, Miho," said Hana.
"Hey, Nishizumi-dono, what if you read the message from your mother?" said Yukari, "maybe it could calm you down a little bit."
"That's right, she might give you some useful clues," said Mako.
"Oh, yes, hold on," said Miho.

Miho took a piece of paper from her pocket, but as she opened it, there's

only a small sentence there.

"Winning or loosing, do it in dignity," said Miho.
"That's what she wrote?" asked Yukari.

Miho nodded.

"I think I know what's the meaning," said Hana.
"What is that?" asked Saori.
"Well, it's because..." said Miho.

Before Miho could finish what she's about to say, radio is buzzing like crazy, and Miho could hear explosion from there.

"Taichou, do you copy?" said Shizuki.
"Yes, report your status, please," said Miho.
"They're here, we tried to harass them the best we can, but they won't stop."
"How many are there?"
"I don't know, they hide behind the trees, but must be a whole lot. Feels like an earthquake moving close. Ouch!"
"Shizuka-san, are you alright?"
"We're okay, but they started firing on us. Can't you hear from there?"

Miho get up to her cupola. There, she could hear explosions echoing one after another, and birds flies in terror from the jungle in front of her. Smoke can be seen rising from some spots.

"Eighty-eight..." said Miho.
"What? Excuse me, Taichou?" asked Shizuka.
"Ah, nothing. Don't engage them, just lure them here as planned."
"Alright!"
"Sound to all firing squad, prepare to fire on German armored column," said Miho to Saori, "don't let any of the German tank escape, we end this battle here and now!"

Every loader quickly load the shell to their respective gun while the gunners preparing to fire at command. As the rumbling sound and explosions draw closer, the anticipation among Japanese crews are mounting high.

"Heads up! Don't shoot, we're moving in!" said Shizuka.

The gunners relaxed their grip on the trigger as they see five Crusaders darting out of the trees and go in to the enfilade. From Japan enfilade to the tree lines is a vast opening, in which tanks can't go without revealing themselves. It is in the area that German tanks, as planned, will be fired upon. Even if they have heavies as cover, 10 tanks won't be enough to secure all the lines, plus Japan's SU-100 should be able to subdue what can be subdued by Shermans or Tigers.

A silhouette showed up from the woods. Miho knows what is that, a Konigstiger. As the profile gets clearer, Miho could see that this Konigstiger doesn't bear insignia of any of the German companies. Instead, on the side of its turret, is a picture of a distinctive coat-of-arms, a Pour le Merite cross with monogram "K" on the middle, the coat-of-arms of House of Von Knispel. On its right, is a Panzer IV Ausf H with the same insignia on its turret and Schurzen. Brunnhilde Knispel then came out of her Konigstiger's hatch, while from the Panzer IV, it's Maria Haber. For a moment, Miho and Brunnhilde locked their sight on each other.

Suddenly explosions happened not far from Miho's line. An enfilade of German tanks already fired volleys towards Japan's position. As both sides exchanged fire, Miho could see 3 Tigers approaching from behind Brunnhilde Knispel, bearing the insignia of Schlesien Regiment, and another 6 Tigers with the same insignia also maneuvering into position, attacking Japan's left flank. While from the right flank are German Jagdpanthers bearing Magdeburg Regiment insignia. The remaining two German Regiment: Westfalen and Brandenburg, are unaccounted for.

"They're focusing their attack on our left flank," said Miho, "6 Tigers gathered there and firing."
"Don't be worry, left flank is a raised position," said Erika, "their Tigers won't be able to break that easily. It's right flank that we must focused on. In my opinion, Brunnhilde Knispel is pulling a decoy attack on our left flank so that we focused on it, and then she'll start her real attack on our right flank. The terrain on our right flank is much favorable for any of their tank to move quickly and break our ranks there."
"So, should we focus on the right flank, Taichou?" asked Erwin.

Miho can't answer right away. She felt that what Erika just told her is reasonable and sound, but not-knowing the position of Brandenburg and Westfalen made Miho unease.

"Miho, do you want me to assume command on this one?" asked Erika.
"I'm still uneasy on the fact that Westfalen and Brandenburg are still unaccounted for, Erika-san," said Miho.
"Sure, but all their heavy tanks and tank destroyers are here," said Erika, "even if both Regiments trying to outflank us, they would use relatively weaker tanks that we could thwart anytime."
"That's right, we could watch over the back if you like," said Shizuka, "our gun is still powerful enough to penetrate the Panzer IV's armor or any other light tank they can deploy."

"Orders, Taichou?" asked Erika.
"Alright, Erika-san, lead the defense on right flank in an anticipation of their impending attack," said Miho, "and Shizuka-san, lead your Company to check on the back, right and left flank. Report to me should you find something, and I give you permission to do things you deemed necessary."
"Hai!" said both Erika and Shizuka.

Shizuka quickly go to left flank with Pepperoni, while Noriko, Rosehip, and The Kashiwabas are supporting the right flank. Miho divide the forces of 10 tanks in each flank, while the center shall be defended with only 5 tanks, including Miho herself. This would made German forces to move cautiously to the center, while the stronger flanks would rain fire on all of the approaching enemy's tanks. This way, Miho expected that she could thin the number of German forces before they could break the Japanese enfilade. This would ease the next Japanese engagements over the seemingly powerful forces.

Despite the heavy fire from the German position, Japan fought back with no less ferocity. Some of the Japanese shells landed very near to the German's Tigers' position, but none of the German tanks flinched or swapped position. The mental discipline of the Deutscheland Frauschaften is remarkably robust, something that even Miho herself cannot match. But in this way, they're prone on shells that could land on their thin top armor.

"They're not moving," said Shizuka, observing the German line.
"That's good, right?" said Pepperoni, "one of our shells would eventually fall on them, it's the matter of time."
"Something is not right," said Shizuka, "I won't even risk my forces like that unless gaining a larger returns."
"What do you suggest?" asked Pepperoni.
"Let's go, we have to make sure everything is really okay," said Shizuka, "I have a feeling that we might've met one of the lost regiments very soon."

While Shizuka and Pepperoni guard Japan's left flank, Noriko, Rosehip, and The Kashiwabas guard the right flank. The hill is not too steep there, so one might assume that despite the strong opposition, Germany would have no trouble in taking the right flank. In that case, Miho would lead the forces to defend the right flank while the left flank retreat via the pre-determined route in order to regroup and fight German forces in another site. This way, Japan expected to exhaust Germany by each engagement, and keeping the casualties small to be exploited under Semi-Annihilation rule.

"Watch out, we have company!" said Noriko.

As predicted, shadowy figures of German tanks, not bigger than Crusader themselves, has been identified trying to sneak up on the right flank, which usually indication for a bigger and more massive assault.

"It seems their light tank, I noticed a Brandenburg insignia," said Noriko.
"Roger that, we'll reinforced the right flank now," said Miho.
"Requesting permission to engage, Taichou?"
"Granted. What type of tanks that they use?"
"Hold on, I haven't seen one of those..."

But The Kashiwaba's Crusader already open fire on the strange tanks, which quickly replied by their returning fire. The sound of the gun startled Miho, as she could recognize that they're from 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 cannon, a common weapon for the late ausfuhrung models of Panzer III. But Panzer IIIs can't be classified as light tanks as Brandenburg Regiment suggested. Also, it's not possible for Noriko to not recognize a Panzer III at first sight.

"The shot has bounced!" shout Tsurigiko Kashiwaba.
"Bounced? Impossible, what kind of light or medium tank could bounce the shot of a QF 6-pounder?" asked Erika.
"Isobe-san, describe the incoming tank, quick," said Miho, "and, Erika-san, prepare to reinforce the right flank!"
"Okay!" said Erika.

Erika commanded the central forces to prepare coming on right flanks, but Miho still hold her ground. She wanted to know the description from Noriko first.

"Call me crazy, but I think those looks like a small version of a Panther," said Noriko.
"Small version of a Panther?" asked Erika, "what do you mean?"
"You know, Panther, but in small package," said Noriko, "shit! We can't get them, our shots' keep on bouncing on their glacis."

Erika looked at Miho.

"Panzer III doesn't have glacis, right?" asked Erwin, joins the conversation.
"Definitely not," said Miho, "those are not Panthers but Leopards!"
"Wait, I thought Leopard MBTs can't be used here," said Erwin.
"Not Leopard MBTs," said Erika, "but VK 16.02 Leopards, a reconnaissance light tank prototype of Germany; let's consider that as small-scaled Panther, or Panzer III on steroids."
"And they weigh only 19.8 tonnes, enough to be classified as light tank by the rules," said Miho.

"KYAAAA!"

The Kashiwabas' Crusader flipped backward as a 50mm shell hit them. Rosehip and Noriko quickly took defensive stances, meanwhile, the Jagdpanthers intensify their attack on the right flank.

"Taichou, we got enemies on both ends, requesting reinforcement as planned!" said Carpaccio, which assuming command on the defence of right flank.
"Hold on, wait!" said Miho.
"They're under attack right now, Miho!" said Erika, "we have to move to the next step of the plan and be ready for impending attack!"
"Don't!" said Miho, "Erika-san, if they could use Leopards, don't you think they could take on other tanks?"
"Other tanks? What do you mean?" asked Erika, "eh, wait a minute, but isn't it impossible?"

Before Miho could answer, a commotion breaks out on the radio. The left flank that was initally thought to be less-vulnerable is currently under massive assault.

"Panthers!" said Shizuka, "we're being assaulted by Panthers!"