Chapter L: Manito
A Few Moments Ago...
Shizuka rose and looked around. This part of the jungle is quite thick, many places to hide, but just like Rin said, there's nothing they could use to take out a tank. Shooting a tank with the Arisaka rifle they carry is a foolish move. While searching, suddenly Shizuka noticed something.
"Eh? What's a torii gate doing here?"
Not far from them, a gate with torii-style stands there, seemingly out-of-place in this thick jungle without any man present. Shizuka quickly go there to check it, along with Haruka and Rin.
"A torii gate in the middle of dense jungle? Hmm, I can't think something more suspicious," said Haruka.
"And it's not something that has been standing here for long time," said Shizuka, "look, the crimson paint is still like new, with only minor signs of weathering."
"Somebody installed it here?" asked Rin.
"Yes, and not too long ago," said Shizuka.
"But didn't Instructor Chouno told us that Himeyuri TBG was closed down few weeks before the match, right?" asked Haruka, "do we somehow managed to get out of the TBG?"
"Nope, we're still in the TBG, since Himeyuri compasses most of northern part of the island," said Rin.
"A brand new torii gate in the no-man's land is definitely suspicious," said Shizuka, "let's check what does this torii gate means."
The three walk through the torii gate which is wide enough as if it was meant to be passed by large crowds. Following a stone pathway, adorned with stone lanterns on each side, they're surprised to find another something out of place.
"Well, well, well," said Shizuka, "first the brand new torii gate in the middle of nowhere, and now this..."
In front of them is what's looks like a large container or a hangar of some kind, orange in color with some white stripes and the number 01 painted on it. Two green strobe lights lie between a garage door, and there's a touch screen panel on it.
"What a hell is this?" asked Haruka.
"Ah, you remember that Instructor Chouno mentioned something about Manito Tanks, right?" said Rin, "could this be one of them?"
"Hm, I honestly can't think of any other possibility," said Shizuka, "let's try this."
Shizuka put her hand on the touch panel, and the screen started to scan it.
"Identification Confirmed. Access Granted for Team Japan"
The door then opened automatically, with smoke and fog as special effects pouring from inside. It also followed by the hangar, which turns out to be telescopic, retracted to reveal what's inside, a fresh new tank: Jagdpanzer 38 also known as Hetzer, the same type used by Ooarai's Turtle Team, all in battle ready condition.
"What a..." said Rin.
"Come on, we have no time!" said Shizuka who quickly went to the hatch of the new tank.
The three then entered their new tank, turn the engine on, and went on hiding in a vantage point, as they heard the sound of the Leopards' Maybach engine coming from the distance.
"That's the full story, Taichou," said Shizuka.
"So, that's what Manito Tanks are actually," said Miho, "I kinda forgot about that, having been constantly thinking about the Germany."
"Now what? Must we be aware on the presence of torii gates in the jungle?" said Erika, "if I'm not mistaken, Instructor Chouno mentioned that the type of Manito Tanks are unknown. The way I see it, Tsuruki-san is lucky to find a Hetzer inside her manito."
"Very very lucky indeed," said Shizuka.
"But still, this Manito Tank is useful to cheat death," said Miho, "by transferring the recently white-flagged tank crew to the Manito Tank, then they won't be considered as dead anymore, hence prolonging our life."
"The same things applied to the Germans, I presumed?" said Erika.
"Mm-hmm, that's why in the long run, before we reach the castle, Manito Tanks shall play crucial factor in both of our strategy," said Miho, "hence we have to maximize it the best way we can, and also..."
"Also?"
"By German's Valentina Neuer transfering her crew to the still alive tanks, showing that even without Manito Tanks, German still be able to maintain their force multiplier, and this is what UCD rules all about," said Miho, "you all remember what we've been discussing before this, right? When situation present itself, and you have the opportunity to reshuffle the crew, please do that according to your own discretion, and inform me afterward. At this rate, there's no way for us to compete with Germany in quantity, so we'll compensate it by shuffling the team when the situation required so."
"I'm sorry, is that even making sense?" asked Erika.
"Germany has been scouting us since the first match, and they're implementing the intelligence they've obtained in this final match," said Miho, "so the more it doesn't make sense, the better it is for us."
"I still don't get it," said Erika.
"You will, in time," said Miho, "and one more thing, we don't know what could possibly happen in this match, but in case I'm no longer available to lead, Erika will automatically assume overall command."
"Miho..."
"That's an order," said Miho.
The talk paused for a while.
"Reporting, do you mention about torii gates? Since I saw one just now," said Carpaccio.
"Does your tank in trouble of some kind, Carpaccio-san?" asked Miho.
"No, but if the German knows about that already, this might be a proper place to set an ambush," said Carpaccio.
"Do it, and for the rest of you, just do what you think is the best for any circumstances," said Miho, "and be careful on the way to the castle, since I have a feeling that the earlier engagement wouldn't be the last surprise German has prepared for us."
And as predicted, after Valentina Neuer's got white-flagged for the first time, all the German commanders now aware on the presence of Manito Tanks. Thank's to the unexpected two white-flag on their side, Germany now have to take out 5 Japanese tanks, instead of earlier 4 tanks, to achieve victory. Will be problematic for them since Japan was now also able to capture Manito Tanks.
In western part of Himeyuri, Magdeburg Regiment's rittmeister, Johanna Meyer, who was initially engaging Orange Pekoe's detachment, now have to split forces since their target also dispersing into smaller battlegroups. This is not ideal, since if they're sticking to the "grand scheme", then Japan will be harder to beat this way. They must resort to personally searching and eliminate tank by tank, which will quickly exhaust their resources.
"Frau Kommandant, earlier Frau Neuer talked something about torii gates, right?" asked one of Magdeburg's crew.
"Ja, do you see something?" asked Johanna Meyer.
"Ja, Frau Kommandant, few clicks from your position," said the Magdeburg crew, "do you want us to stand there in case some Japanese try to capture that?"
"Good idea, do it, I'm on my way!"
"Jawohl!"
As what the Magdeburg commander reported, another torii gate has been found not far from there. After the German has to break formation to chase the Japanese groups, only two Jagdpanthers can be allocate here, while awaiting for other reinforcement. However, as they drew close...
"BLAAAM!"
A 100mm APHE shell laced out at the German forces. One of the Jagdpanthers tumbled backwards, white-flagged, which surprised her wingman. Carpaccio is already there near the torii gate, prepared to meet any unsuspecting Germans that come to collect the treasure inside. The other Jagdpanther tried to fire back, but due to Carpaccio's position which is well-covered, she missed her shot, and another round from Carpaccio quickly finished the other one off.
"Carpaccio here, I got two more German tanks on..."
"BLAAAM!"
A high-explosive shell landed not far from her position and the shockwave sent her tank rocking very hard. Carpaccio tried to hold her ground, but just a matter of seconds, a Jagdpanther with rittmeister banner appeared and zoomed hard on her.
"Back! Back!"
With her quick reaction, Carpaccio is able to evade the subsequent shot from the Jagdpanther, but she doesn't feel her tank react like the way before. The shockwave from the previous explosions must've done something either to her suspension or her drivetrain. Before she could react further, the Jagdpanther already rammed her SU-100, making them both tumbling hard.
"I knew you'll be here!" said Johanna Meyer, "setting the trap like a coward!"
"Hey, in case you don't know already, tank destroyers is about setting a trap!" said Carpaccio.
"Hah! What an amateur, let me show you what a tank destroyer can do!"
Johanna Meyer point her gun to shoot Carpaccio in close range, but Carpaccio bashed her barrel to deflect the gun of the Jagdpanther, setting in motion a fencing like duel between the two tank destroyers, which surprised Johanna Meyer.
"So you can fence to?" said Johanna Meyer, "now we're talking! En garde!"
Like two knights jousting on steel steeds, Johanna Meyer and Carpaccio charged, thrust, parry and deflect the attacks by using their barrels in the fashion of rapiers. The goal is to keep away the tip of enemy's barrel from themselves, since if enemy could point their gun barrel, then it would be a devastating loss. However, the damage of Carpaccio's tank started to take effect on this high tension fight. The ability of her tank to dodge and parry is declining rapidly.
Noticing that her opponent's starting to cripple, Johanna Meyer rams Carpaccio's tank very hard to the point that made it wobble. And before Carpaccio can do anything to evade or counter, the gun point of Johanna Meyer's Jagdpanther is already being pressed on the hull of her tank.
"It's been a nice fight, Frau Carpaccio," said Johanna Meyer, "you're such a worthy opponent. Unfortunately, per the order that have been given to me, I have to execute you."
"Just do it already," challenged Carpaccio.
From here, Carpaccio could see that the crew of two Jagdpanthers she previously white-flagged has started to walk to the torii-gate. After buying a live for the Japan team, now she's going to lose it again this instance.
"Taichou, I'm sorry..."
Carpaccio closed her eyes, and seconds later, a huge bang was heard deafening her ears. However, she didn't feel the tumble like a tank being shot.
"Eat that for trying to kill our friends!"
A familiar voice can be heard, and when Carpaccio opened her eyes, the Jagdpanther in front of her has already white-flagged. As she's still dumbfounded with what happened, two Crusaders, Pepperoni and Rosehip already around, chasing away the German crews who tried to take the Manito Tank. While Johanna Meyer was doing her "speech", both Crusaders, hearing that Carpaccio decided to lay a trap near the torii-gate, rushed to get here and sneaked to hit the Jagdpanther in the rear, white-flagged it instantly.
"Perfect timing, desu wa?" asked Rosehip.
"We came here as fast as we can," said Pepperoni.
"You guys..." said Carpaccio.
"Your tank seems already past its due, Carpaccio," said Pepperoni, "quick, get the Manito so that you could keep fighting."
"We have chased away those Germans for you, desu wa," said Rosehip, "but they might go back, so better be quick."
"Thank you, Guys, I..." said Carpaccio.
Before she could finish her words, Carpaccio horrified on the views of three VK 30.02 approaching fast. One of them bears the rittmeister banner of Westfalen Regiment.
"Watch out! Enemy's coming!"
On the first glimpse of an eye, she slid down to hull, and point her barrel to one of the VK 30.02. Like a slow motion, Carpaccio and three VK 30.02s fire almost simultaneously. Her round hit one of the VK 30.02, white-flagged it instantly, but German shots white-flagged her tank, Rosehip's, and darted past, almost got to Pepperoni's tank, who quickly scrammed from there.
"What is this?" said Brigitta Kersch, which get out from one of the tank, "at first I thought this is like a classic pictures, you caught small fish, then the fish got eaten by a bigger fish, that in turn being eaten by even bigger fish."
"Should we chase the runaway tank, Frau Kersch?" asked VK 30.02 commander.
"Chasing a Crusader?" said Brigitta Kersch, "huh, good luck with that."
"Apologize, Frau Kersch."
Brigitta Kersch then looked to Johanna Meyer in a distasteful manner.
"Fancy for some insult, Brigitta?" said Johanna Meyer.
"I'd like to, but not today, Johanna," said Brigitta Kersch.
"Then what do you want?"
"You go and get to that Manito while I'm taking guard. We don't need anymore casualty, especially in our rank."
Grudgingly, Johanna Meyer and her crew go to the storage behind the torii gate and opened that, only to find that the content is an A39 Tortoise, British Heavy Assault Tank.
"Ich hasse Britische panzer!" shouted Johanna Meyer.
"Reiß dich zusammen!" said Brigitta Kersch, "take that and go to your position, we need to be ready to support Frau Knispel when the time comes, otherwise, the petals won't be blooming fully."
"Ja, ja, ich weiß!"
With great reluctance, Johanna Meyer moved her banner to the newly acquired Tortoise, before the three tanks then leaving the area.
After the German gone, Rosehip quickly jumped out from her wrecked Crusader, and goes to Carpaccio.
"Carpaccio-sama, do you hear just now, desu wa?" said Rosehip.
"Yes, they seems talking about some kind of big scheme," said Carpaccio, "something about flower perhaps? She did mentioned about petals and blooming."
"Could be some kind of code," said Rosehip, "whatever that is, it makes me uneasy."
"Yeah, so do I," said Carpaccio, "and our radio is broken, so we can't pass this information to Taichou."
"Not to mention we are now out of action..."
Before Rosehip finished her sentence, a tank closed on them. It's Pepperoni's Crusader, she's back again.
"What are you doing here? I thought the German chased you," said Carpaccio.
"Well, even if that's right, I can outrun them," said Pepperoni, "but no, they don't chase me, so I came back to see you both."
"They don't chase you? I thought their goal is to eliminate all of us," said Carpaccio.
"Yeah, that made me even more suspicious, desu wa," said Rosehip.
"Oh well, you all can report that to Taichou, she would know what to do," said Pepperoni.
"We can't," said Rosehip, "our radios are busted, we can't contact anyone."
"I see, that's why I come to pick you guys up," said Pepperoni.
"Pick us up?" asked Carpaccio, "what is exactly do you mean?"
The hatch of the Crusader opened, and the gunner and the driver came out.
"What is this, Pepperoni-sama?" asked Rosehip, "what's in your mind?"
"Look, there's no way we could defeat Germany in terms of quantity now, that's what Taichou said," said Pepperoni, "so, let's make this tank become a super tank with super team inside."
"You mean..."
"Oh, come on aboard will you!" said Pepperoni, "before some stray German tank come and take us down again, and this time for real!"
Rosehip and Carpaccio then move aboard Pepperoni's tank, with Pepperoni now acting as driver. They then saluted the rest of the crews they left, before the Crusader darted away. In this new arrangements, Carpaccio now acted as loader/commander of the tank, Rosehip as gunner, and Pepperoni as driver. This is by far the first hybrid team in this competition.
"This feels strange," said Carpaccio.
"Yeah," said Rosehip.
"But it's necessary, since you're the best crewmates I know," said Pepperoni.
"What should we call our team now, then?" asked Carpaccio.
"I haven't thought about that," said Pepperoni, "any suggestion?"
"How about Maverick Team?" asked Rosehip, "we are, after all, are mavericks ourselves are we?"
"Yeah, that's a good name," said Carpaccio.
"Count me in!" said Pepperoni, "Team Maverick to the rescue!"
And the new team, Maverick, darted past the jungle, with despite the newly found spirit, still remain cautious about the grand plan laid by the Germans ahead. What is this plan that is coded by "blooming" and "petal"?
Current Standing:
Japan: 17 tanks left
Germany: 25 tanks left
Notes: a team lost when their number reached half of their opponent's
