Authors Thought:
Hello dear readers, back again with a long one, as I'm exploring a lot of different POV's in this story, which has been pretty awesome to write. Though I hope I capture some new personalities like they were in the show, with a little of my own touch.
Thank you again for taking some time out of your day to read my story, and I will see you sometime soon for another chapter as we press forward.
Several days later...
Another beautiful day was rising up over the capital city of Tokyo, its residents were going about their days with joy in their hearts for the plans they had to enjoy this warm spring air, out with their friends or love ones. Though many were getting huddled around T.V's, whether at home, diners, or local bars, to watch the coming days Sensha-do Match between BC Freedom Academy and Bonple High School
However, the feeling of this pleasantness, for such a gorgeous day, couldn't be matched by the solemn mood inside Director Kodama's office, at the Sensha-do's Federation Headquarters located in the capital of Japan, as said director was just finishing laying out the last terms for punishment for the Chi-Ha-Tan Sensha-do commander and sub commander.
"Miss Nishizumi and Miss Nishi, are we clear on the terms for punishment for your team?" Director Kodama ask, seated in his office chair, looking to the two with a neutral expression.
The Commander and Subcommander of Chi-Ha-Tan's tankery team stood next to each other facing the director's desk. They each were a bit dumbstruck at the moment, having heard the terms of punishment for their team, and couldn't quite fathom, how to cope with it. Though who can blame them, when their team was going to be cripple for the next match, with another tough foe on the horizon.
"Yes, we are in agreement," Nishi said, doing her best to be hers and Miho's voice, as the Chi-Ha-Tan commander was still silent processing everything.
"Miss Nishizumi, is there something you find disagreeable with this?" Ami Chono ask, who was standing next to the director's desk, with her arms folded behind her.
"No, it's more than fair, considering how much we put my friend Ikeda's life in danger, though I still feel I should take the main blame for what happen," Miho said timidly.
"The Federation board members wanted to go that route, luckily Mister Hidemichi and I were able to talk them into this alternative," Director Kodama said, then nodded to the Chi-Ha-Tan Academy headmaster who was standing next to his students.
"Thanks for indulging an old man, Mister Kodama," Headmaster Hidemichi said with a smirk.
Kodama just nodded to the Chi-Ha-Tan headmaster, with who he was also good friends. "Alright with that unpleasantness out of the way. Let me congratulate you on a splendid victory, Miss Nishizumi."
The sudden change in mood surprised Miho, but she bow with respect to the director. "Thank you very much, know I won't let what happen in the last match ever happen again."
"As angry as I was about the whole ordeal, part of me understands why your team did what they did. I was once quite reckless in my youth as well, till your mother straighten me out," Ami Chono said, with a smirk now, letting go of the stoic face she had put on earlier.
"Oh, yes my mother always talked very highly of you, Miss Chono," Miho said, as she raise her head.
"Ah, I'm glad. She was the one to help me reach my dreams of joining the army as an actual tank commander, she is really an inspiration for me even today," Chono said happily.
Glad the mood had shifted to a more pleasant one, Kodama kept it going. "As you are a great inspiration Miss Nishizumi."
"Ah! I don't think I'm anything special," Miho said bashfully.
Even the group of adults got a chuckle out of the youngest Nishzumi's reaction.
Chono spoke up after her chuckle die down. "You are very special. It was you who put the lives of your teammates over a match last year. You fearlessly dove into that raging river to save your teammates, not caring about a match, even as important as a final. Know I hold you in high regard for that action."
"But my team lost because of that," Miho said, even now she always felt the guilt of the Kuromorimine win streak snapping because of her actions.
Kodama shook his head with a smile. "What are lives weigh next to a rag on a pole, hm? What you did show all the qualities of being a great leader. That lives are more important. Not everyone will outright say it, but what you did in that match has inspired many girls to remember that we must look out for one another."
"Oh…I…Never thought that be the reaction of others, because of my actions," Miho said in a surprised tone.
For Miho, she never thought about how others felt about her actions that day in the rain and mud of the 62nd Final. She just assume that people thought her to be a disgrace, like her mother, for leaving her tank and losing the match. It seems now, that her assumption had been misplaced, just like her assumption that her old teammates at Kuromorimine didn't care if she left. However Erika had told her different and that because she just assume things, she didn't give them a chance to let Miho know how things really were, sometimes Miho thought she might have stayed at Kuromorimine if she had realized this sooner.
Hidemichi decided to join in now, as he place a hand on Miho's shoulder, making her turn to him, as he spoke. "You must understand young one, that your actions are always watched, and your compassion is what people saw that day."
"I had wondered if you ever would take up tankery again. I had heard about you leaving your home and transferring to a new school. Yet I'm glad you have stayed in the sport and found your way back to it," Kodama said, adding his voice of praise on the youngest Nishizumi.
"Yes, she has done much to change our school and for the better. Know we of Chi-Ha-Tan tankery follow our commanders Sensha-do style, and will never disgrace it or Sensha-do ever again, like in the last match with Saunders," Nishi said proudly.
"My you must be quite the leader to have such high respect," Chono said with approval. "Though I can see you don't follow your own families Sensha-do style."
"Oh…I…," Miho struggle to find the words.
"Her mother no doubt is pulling her hair about it, poor thing can't accept change sometimes," Hidemichi said casually, trying his best to take the spotlight off Miho since he knew the young girl was still at odds with her mother.
Chono laugh a little. "I see you're still as ever casual when it comes to talking about Shiho. Any surprise you haven't gotten on her bad side."
"Oh trust me, I've only just gotten out of the dog house with her," Hidemichi said, chuckling a bit, then spoke once more when he calm down. "If there's nothing else, I must see my students back to our school carrier, Director Kodama."
Kodama nodded. "Yes everything is in order, and please have a nice flight back home."
"Thank you," Hidemichi said with a bow, that was followed by his two students, then they left the office.
Once they close the door to the office, the trio was greeted by their pilot Aozora, dress in her flight suit still, since they were only going to be here for the meeting and then head home, who had been pacing in front of the office door, waiting to hear the results of the meeting. Now upon seeing Miho and Nishi, the brown hair pilot came over to hug both of them.
"Oh, that was so scary waiting for you," Aozora said at first then back off to look at them. "So what's the damage?"
Miho timidly explain the terms of punishment, which made Aozora take a deep breath. "Yikes that bad, huh?"
"It could have been worse, considering the first proposal, to which I know our team would have fought about if I hadn't stop Miho," Nishi said with a sad smile.
Miho turn to Nishi. "I still believe I should have taken all of the blame. The team shouldn't have to suffer this way."
"They would have been angry with you if you did, that's why I'm here commander. Tamada would have thrown a fit too, it was bad enough we had to leave her behind since she was fighting us the whole time to come with," Nishi said jokily.
Miho chuckle, as her mind began to pull the image of Tamada. All she wanted right now was to be in her arms, to have Tamada comfort her. If she were being honest with herself, Maho had been right to say that Miho had maybe become clingy to Tamada, but so far they had kept their relationship to a friendship. However, that wouldn't stop Miho from jumping into Tamada's arms when they got home.
"Yea that one's a real fire starter, but all and all this is the best we can hope for. You ready for home?" Aozora said, dragging Miho from her thoughts.
"Please Miss Aozora, I would be glad for home now. Yet please do take it easy on me, I've heard your barrel rolls are quite deadly," the older gentlemen said with a smirk.
"No worries there, I know when to hold back. Yet Miho here owes me another flight when we get home and this time don't accuse me of hanging and flying. Since you know what your punishment will be if you do," Aozora threaten jokily to her little tankery sister.
"Eh! I learn my lesson, please no more hard dives," Miho whine, which made the group chuckle at her.
"Well, let's go home. Miss Aozora would you mind escorting an old man and make him feel young again with a beautiful woman at his side," Hidemichi said slyly.
Aozora blush a bit, then move to offer her arm to him. "My you're a sweet talker you. I will be happy to Mister Hidemichi."
As Miho watch the two walk to the elevator, she felt a hand slip into hers. She turn to see Nishi looking at her with a smile. "Miho, I know you wanted to take this all on by yourself, sorry I was a little selfish back there."
The Chi-Ha-Tan commander squeeze her friend's hand back. "Its ok, you looked out for me, just like that day when I first came to your school. If you weren't here, I might have been selfish myself. Do you think the team will be fine with this punishment?"
Nishi took a breath before replying. "I don't know, this will definitely put us at a huge disadvantage. Yet I know you will guide us out of this. Though know you aren't alone, as I will do everything to support you to whatever end. I won't leave you alone to fight, were tankery sisters now, we fight together no matter the odds, the same goes for the tankery family waiting for us back home."
"Yes we are, will figure this out together. I know I don't need to do this alone, not with such a tankery family at my back," Miho said confidently, though there was stress already building in the back of her mind, trying to come up with a strategy to win.
Nishi smile and lead Miho after the two adults, however, both of them didn't see a woman walking just in front of them and bumped into her, causing her to drop some papers in her hand.
"Oh! I'm sorry!" Miho said as she made a grab for the scatter papers, with Nishi at her side doing the same, equally apologetic about the mess.
"Oh no worries, sorry I wasn't paying attention," the woman said with a polite smile and help gather her papers up.
The woman who they had bumped into had large brown eyes, coupled with her long black hair tie into a long ponytail, even at glance for Miho, she could tell she was really beautiful. The trio pick up the rest of the papers, yet the last one Miho pick up she notice was a picture of M4A3E8, with green color, splash with a grey camouflage scheme, with a wolf's head painted on the sides of its turret baring its teeth in defiance.
The picture sent a shiver up her back for some unknown reason.
"Thank you so much," the woman said, holding her hand out for the last paper.
Miho got her senses back and handed the paper back. "Sorry again."
"Don't mind," the women said, then intently stare at Miho for a moment. "You really do look like her."
The statement surprise Miho. "Like who?"
"Oh, sorry I was mumbling to myself. You wouldn't happen to be Miho Nishizumi?" The women ask.
"Yes, I am the youngest daughter of the family, a pleasure to meet you," Miho said with a bow.
"I am Kinuyo Nishi, a pleasure as well," Nishi said, doing her best to be as graceful as her commander.
"Well this is a real pleasure, get to meet two great tank commanders of the Tigress Corps, well do your best ladies. If you excuse me I have a meeting to get to," the woman said and then left without a word or introducing herself.
Both girls stare after the women for a moment, then Nishi spoke. "I wonder what she meant by you look like her."
"Maybe talking about my mother or sister," Miho said, though something seem strange about that picture of the tank.
"Well, let's go commander and catch up to Aozora, or she might leave us behind," Nishi joked.
"Ah! Your right come on," Miho yelp then took off with a laughing Nishi by her side.
As the two girls ran for the elevator, Konomi Nishizumi watch them just before she reach Director Kodama's office. Fate must have been looking out for her this day, as she got a chance to see the youngest Nishizumi herself by complete dumb luck.
If I hadn't found Fukushu, I've might have tried my hand at taking Miho under my wing, after she left Shiho's home. Well can't fret over results, though there's still time, especially if her team is knockout of the tournament, it be poetic justice for Shiho to be undone by her ex-husbands bastard daughter and her own daughter
With the pleasant thought running through her head, Konomi made her way over to Kodama's office with a kick in her step as the long years of waiting was over, and the name Nishizumi of Japan would be tarnished for their crimes against her.
XxxxX
Back in Director Kodama's office, he lean back in his chair and let out an exasperated breath. The punishment he and the board handed down was harsh, yet luckily both sides came to a compromise, even if Miho had wanted to take it all on herself. Kodama just smile at the continued selflessness of the young girl, who he was gaining more respect for as she went on. It made him wonder if the rumors of Shiho wanting to disown her were true when this young girl was slowly becoming a household name in Sensha-do, because of her compassion.
"Well that could have been worse," Kodama said tiredly.
Ami Chono just sighs, matching her boss's mental exhaustion over the whole situation. "There was no other way. The health of a participant is more important than a win. Yet you have to admire the team's toughness to press on. Even with this punishment, I believe they will still have a chance to overcome this."
"Is that favoritism in your voice I hear? I had thought that the Oarai team you were helping out would be your favorite to go all the way," Kodama said with a smirk.
Ami place a hand on her hip, now looking at her boss as she spoke. "They were definitely an odd bunch, but they seem to learn remarkably fast for never operating a tank before. Of course, I look at them with pride since I instructed them for a bit."
"Yes, quite the team they are. Though it is still strange why they wanted to do tankery in their last year before their school is shut down. Mister Tsuji has already sent me the financial report on their academy and there's no way we can keep them operational for next year," Kodama said in a questioning tone.
"Really? First time I'm hearing of this, but they won in the first round and are qualified for the tournament for next year. Won't that be bad for next year in the 64th National Tournament, if their team is not there?" Ami said, turning to her boss with a shocked look.
"Yes I know, but Mister Tsuji has made it clear we can't keep them open. The Federation Board is of the same minds to cut underperforming schools to help keep others well maintained, a nasty bit of business that has to be done," Kodama said with a sad look.
Now Ami was beyond shock. "Why do I feel Oarai isn't the only school being cut?"
"Your instincts serve you well, yet a meeting is being set up to discuss some very important details regarding that matter next week. No worries you will be included," Kodama said with a tired smile.
Ami nodded in consent. "Very well sir."
A knock came to the office door, then followed by the door opening as a mature woman walk in, wearing a casual business suit. She made her way over to Kodama's desk and bow with grace to the Director of the Sensha-do Federation.
Kodama turn to Ami. "My dear, would you mind giving us some privacy?"
Ami eye her boss, but nodded in consent, then walk towards the door. She got a good glance at the mysterious woman and had to say she had some resemblance to Shiho Nishizumi strangely. Something about her made Ami feel dread in her heart, and she didn't know why, as she left the room for the two to talk alone.
After Ami left, Konomi spoke. "Mister Kodama, a pleasure to talk in person finally."
"Yes, Miss Shimada spoke very highly of you. Though I'm not one to like all this secrecy you requested for this meeting," Kodama said, eyeing the women with a questioning look.
"I do appreciate your not saying my last name in front of your associate," Konami said, putting on her most pleasant smile.
"Yes, Miss Nishizumi, I understand you were once part of a branch family to them, though that was a darker time I suppose," Kodama said, his memories of the Panzer Kettō that he banned himself when he took hold of the director's position.
"Know, I am grateful you ban that atrocious duel since it turn our families into monsters who cared little for their daughters who couldn't win," Konomi said, her memories of her family throwing her out, because of her poor showing in the duel with Shiho shame them so much in their eyes.
"Know I wish I had gotten there sooner. Maybe things would have turned out better for you," Kodama said dejectedly.
Konomi just smile at the heartfelt statement. "What done is done. It's the future I look forward to, and a chance to show that America wants to show its strength in Sensha-do as well. Please look at these documents."
After taking the offer documents from Konomi, Kodama read them over with intensity, since this was a big deal for what he and his board members were going to do. He finally finish reading the documents, then place them down on his desk, though he held the picture of M4A3E8, with a green color, splash with a grey camouflage scheme, with a wolf's head painted on the sides of its turret baring its teeth in defiance.
Kodama spoke up, with a small smirk. "I do believe this will work Miss Nishizumi."
A smile splash across Konomi's face. "I'm glad you approve, I can't wait for the meeting to take place to show all your board members my academy's commitment."
Be ready Shiho, a pack of wolves is coming to tear that name down for good and will do it piece by piece if we have to
Konomi thought, with the first time in years, feeling like the weight of her humiliation was lifting, if slowly for now.
XxxxxxX
"You think she is angry or something?" Nomi ask her friends Moteki and Watabe.
"Maybe, though I think that's because the commander left without her," Moteki said with a grin.
"Sh…sh…she…had…to have..he…he…her…reasons," Watabe stutter.
"Try telling poor Nene that," Hosomi said with a grin, leaning on the ropes of the boxing ring.
The group of girls were currently located at their Sensha-do team's fitness center. It was empty save for them, which had loads of workout gear for the girls of the team. Since Sensha-do was a physically demanding sport, the need for weights and cardio machines was paramount. Their gym is also equipped with a boxing ring, a gift from a retired boxer who live on the school carrier running a diner for the girls to spar in.
Inside the small ring, Tamada dress in a sports bra, with her boxing gear was sparing with Nene at the moment in similar gear. Though so far Tamada had been pretty rough with her junior who had to now answer to Tamada's footwork and speed punches, to which the inexperienced teasing twin, was learning how deadly the combination could be.
"Tamada, can I get a break please?" Nene moan, as she back off with her hands up at the approach of the fiery tank commander.
"Sorry, but Miho said you wanted to work on your endurance. This is the best way," Tamada said with a grin, as she threw a quick few punches to back Nene into the ropes.
"Yea! I meant like running and stuff, not this!" Nene complain some more, as Tamada continue to rain quick punches at her distressed opponent.
Tamada smirk. "Come on, that's boring. Nothing beats hitting one another to help build up your endurance."
"I don't think my body can survive that!" Nene yelp, now moving away again from Tamada.
"That's 'cause you're not trying, let big sis Tamada show you how it's done," the reddish-brown eye girl said excitedly.
"Oh boy, I think you're going to be twinless Nomi," Hosomi said with her hands cup together, praying for the other twin's soul that was about to leave this world.
"Eh! You're already praying?!" Nomi said in a panic.
"Guess will need a new loader," Moteki said, matching her upperclassmen's praying.
"She's your friend, how could you?!" Nomi yell.
"A…all…we…we…well…that…en…ends well," Watabe said, matching the praying as well.
"You too!" Nomi said, knowing there was no hope as she watch Tamada go in for the kill.
The fiery Vice commander use her footwork to get in close, while Nene tries to fight back with a couple of punches. Yet they were slow and clumsy, making it easy for Tamada to slip them with no problem. Now past her guard, Tamada threw a punch into Nene's side, though she held back so as not to hurt her junior. However, the punch still knock the wind out of the loader, which was followed up by another punch to the head. The deadly combination knock Nene off her feet and down for the count.
"Oh, yea! Who's next?!" Tamada roar in the gym.
Hosomi just shook her head at her fiery friend. "Alright that's enough, and Nomi go get your twin."
"Ma'am! You two slackers help me too," Nomi said, as she drag Moteki and Watabe over to check on their loader to see if she was still alive.
Nene for the most part was fine, as she was helped up. Tamada who with the help of Hosomi, had taken off her gloves, to come over and give Nene a rub on the head for a great job on hanging in there. She ask if Nene wanted to go again, to which the teasing twin demanded her friends get her out of the gym as fast as possible, to which they comply as she might not be lucky to survive next time.
"Well you certainly don't know when to hold back," Hosomi said, as she held the ropes open to let Tamada out of the ring.
"If you do that they never learn," Tamada said as she took a seat on the bench just outside the ring.
Hosomi just shook her head in amusement, as she took a seat next to Tamada. "Well, Miho and the others should be on their way home now."
The fiery commander clinch one of her tape up fist. "I should have been there with her."
"You know, that Erika girl might be right. Are you her knight and shining armor or something?" Hosomi tease.
"Hey! Don't bring that silver hair harpy up, she just said that to push my buttons," Tamada said.
She already didn't have a like for the sub commander of Kuromorimine, mostly because she had yell at Miho that day before the national drawing, and the sharp comments she sent Tamada's way when the two vice commanders came together. Tamada also had a sneaking suspicion that the girl wanted Miho to come back to her old school, though that was just a gut feeling, as she knew Miho love the place she belong to now.
Hosomi smile at her protective friend, then lean down to grab a sports drink from her bag and then handed to Tamada, who said her thanks then took some gulps, while Hosomi look around the gym and was glad to see they were now alone without the first years here and no other tankery members were present but them.
"So how you liking the Sherman Jumbo?" Hosomi had to ask, looking at Tamada now.
Tamada rub some sweat off her face with a towel. "As much as I hate to admit it, I've grown fond of it. Things a beast that can even bounce Miho's Tiger 1 shells and that 76mm gun they upgraded it to, shreds from distance no problem. My crew was iffy about taking it, especially Chisato my gunner since she had to learn to use a firing pedal, rather than a trigger. Should have seen how many times she miss stepping on it in practice the first time we took it out."
The two girls share a chuckle over the memory.
After their chuckles die down, Hosomi spoke up. "Glad Saunders was gracious enough to gift that to us. Plus all the ammo for it too that should hold up for the next round, then will have to buy the rest ourselves."
"I wouldn't worry, Miss Himi has got a handle on our club's repair and supply finances, and she'll be able to get some more ammo for me and my crew. I can't wait to take it out on the battlefield, since now my crew loves their new tank," Tamada said in excitement.
"I bet, I know Miho made the right choice in putting you as the tank commander for it. Now Tozen platoon can really turn heads in the next battle with Oarai," Hosomi said.
"I kind of don't like them already," Tamada said hotly.
An amused expression came over Hosomi. "Why?"
"Because they took away our revenge tour, if they had lost, we could have been facing Koala High and I could show that Bluey girl up," Tamada said fiercely.
"I'm sure she is just as peeve as you, but let's win for Koala. Maybe even capture their tank back and use it in the semifinal," Hosomi said confidently
"Yea, that irritate that sheila for sure," Tamada said jokily.
"Now you're using aussie slang, why don't you join them then," Hosomi joke that made both girls chuckle.
I think now is a perfect time, none of the other girls are here to stop me from putting two and two together for this stubborn tankery sister of mine.
Hosomi let the thought run through her head, as she turn back to Tamada. "You think our punishment will be severe?"
"Hmm, maybe? I just hope Nishi did her best to keep Miho from taking it all on her shoulders," Tamada said, then took another swig of the sports drink.
"I'm sure she did alright. Though you should be more worried about other things with our dear commander," Hosomi said, knowing now she was putting her grand plan into work.
Tamada bore her reddish-brown eyes into her friend. "What are you talking about?"
"Ha! Are you blind or something?" Hosomi tease.
"Eh! Are you trying to pick a fight here? If you got to get something off your chest just say it," Tamada said defensively.
"Aren't you more worry our lovable Miho is going to get picked up by some handsome boy? She did go to the Sensha-do federation headquarters in the great metropolis of Tokyo. Wouldn't be surprised some nice young man doesn't try to pick her up," Hosomi said, knowing she was touching a delicate boundary.
Tamada shot up to her feet, not in anger, but in concern. "You don't think that would happen?!"
The twin bun Vice commander lean forward looking at her friend with a smug look. "Oh, why would you care? She looks like the type to want to be swept off her feet. If some guy was a bit aggressive he might swoon her before she even knows what happen."
A blush cross Tamada's face. "Ah, no reason or anything. I just don't want someone taking advantage of her."
"And if that wasn't the case? What if she did meet a nice handsome young man and they hit off? And next thing you know their texting and calling each other all the time. Meaning less time for us to hang out as our dear commander is going to be head over heels," Hosomi said.
"Well…I…I…I…I…I will be happy for her. Yet again, I think Miho isn't interested in that kind of thing," Tamada shot back, then slowly seated herself back on the bench, with doubt in her mind.
"Sure, maybe, but sometimes we don't really know what's going on in her mind sometimes. Who knows maybe she's already got together with some bo-," Hosomi said before she was cut off.
"Ok! Is there something you trying to get out of me here!?" Tamada said, her eyes lock on Hosomi as the blush was still across her face.
Good, now time for me to go in for the prize
Hosomi thought, then reply. "You like Miho don't you?"
"Huh, of course, I like her as a fr-," Tamada was now the one cut off.
"Stop that, you know what I mean," Hosomi said directly now.
"What do you want of me?" Tamada ask of her friend.
"I want you to be honest with yourself. We aren't just friends Tamada were sisters beyond the realm of just tankery. Me, you, Ikeda, and some of the other girls here are orphans, we haven't know any family besides this school and club. And as your adoptive sister, I want you to be happy in life and love," Hosomi stated to her sister confidently.
There was some silence that follow the statement, then Tamada reply shyly. "Your kind of being bold right now."
"No, I'm just trying to make you see reason, me and the other girls made an agreement to stay quiet, but I can't honor that anymore, since I can see how much you two care about each other, that isn't simple friendship," Hosomi said.
"I kind of figure already," Tamada said with chuckle.
Another moment of silence passed between them, that follow with Hosomi jumping to her feet excitedly. "Wait! So you knew Ikeda was making that stuff about me saying things about your weight then?!"
"Yea," Tamada said, while scratching her cheek in embarrassment.
"Unbelievable," Hosomi said hotly as she took a seat now.
"I just wanted you not to spill the beans either, at least not openly since I was still sorting out my own feelings for Miho," Tamada said now solemnly.
Hosomi now look at her adoptive sister. "So there any reason you don't push forward with this whole thing? If you're worried if it will affect the team if you two start dating, trust me that isn't the case. We all want you to be happy."
"I know you girls would respect that, its…its…its…," Tamada try to explain.
"Is it because of that ribbon that boy Tohaku gave you?" Hosomi ask, trying to be gentle in her tone.
Tamada grimace at the name of very boy who made the promise to her. She had told Miho that night back at the apartment that she hadn't ever told anybody about him. That had been a lie, as she had told Hosomi and Ikeda, though only a brief history when they became close. Back then she had been full of hope for Tohaku and her, yet after that one night everything change, however, she couldn't get rid of the thought that he would keep his promise one day. Especially with the physical bond, they shared.
"I…I…I keep thinking if I go through with what I want, that I abandon him like he was nothing. And if I can so easily break that promise, then what's from stopping me from doing something like that to Miho. I don't think I can ever stand to look at her if I made her cry, like that day when I snap at her over the changing of tactics," Tamada said remorsefully, the memories of that day still haunted her.
Hosomi smile, as she reach over to wrap her arm around Tamada and brought her close to her side while rubbing her hair to soothe her. "That was pretty scary, but I was following our old ideals blindly as well. Yet now we're on a new course away from it, to a brighter future for us. That also applies now to the path you want with Miho too, all you got to do is let go and move forward now."
"I want to, I really do. Yet it isn't that easy," Tamada said, while shaking with fear and anger into her friend's side.
"Then vent to me why it isn't so easy," Hosomi said, while now rubbing her shoulder to comfort and encourage Tamada.
Tamada took a deep breath, then spoke. "You remember that night when we came back to Chiba Prefecture after we were humiliated by Saunders last year in the 62nd tournament."
Hosomi scoff at the bitter memory, when they return back to the port city, there were no cheers for them, which be obvious after such humiliation. The city itself seem dead, as if they themselves had shared in on the humiliation of their team, which only added to the weight of the team's failure more evident. Though Hosomi couldn't blame them for feeling that way, even with all the defeats year in and year out, the fans of the club in Chiba prefecture always supported them, hoping one day that Chi-Ha-Tan would rise back to the top, yet the humiliation by Saunders had been too much for them.
"Yea, I remember. What's so important about that day?" Hosomi ask.
"Remember when I got in trouble when I didn't return to the school carrier till the next day?" Tamada ask, her shaking becoming more violent.
"Yea, I remember the teachers gave you an earful. I was surprised you seem so well mannered, I didn't think you had it in you," Hosomi tease.
Tamada let out a bitter laugh. "I was a bit of a trouble maker back in my orphan days. I just try to let it go now with being on a school carrier and a better future for me, but I was so angry and lost after the humiliation by Saunders. I thought our club would fall apart and I lose all that I gain just like that."
"What happen that night Tamada?" Hosomi said, becoming concerned over her adoptive sister's frantic replies.
"I met up with Tohaku that night, he snuck some beers in for us, telling me that it help me relieve the anger I had, and we drank away the night in some woods. We joke about our time in our last orphanage before I left for Chi-Ha-Tan and he left the orphanage to make a life for himself. Then we just started to kiss, and then things got heated and I…I…I….I."
"You don't need to say anymore," Hosomi said as she wrap her arms around her friend whose voice was quivering. "He didn't force you right?"
"No, but I didn't stop it, in fact, I wanted it. The next morning he told me he had to go, yet he left me this ribbon promising me he work harder to make a life for himself, so we can be together after I graduated," Tamada said, clinging to her friend now.
"Wow Tamada, I never knew," Hosomi said stroking her friend's hair to calm her.
"Now you know why I'm struggling to be with Miho. What would she think of me? A girl who just gave herself because she was angry about things? How could she look at me knowing I'm not pure anymore?" Tamada said dejectedly.
Hosomi just laugh now.
The sudden burst of laughter made Tamada pull back. "Are you laughing at me?"
"Yes stupid. When was the last time you heard from Tohaku?" Hosomi ask seriously.
"A little over a year, he doesn't have a phone, but every time we made port in Chiba Prefecture, I never could find him and he never reach out to me," Tamada said sadly.
"So he was bold enough to get you to drink and not have the courtesy to let you know he will be waiting for you every time we made port?" Hosomi said, pushing the issue, ready to get Tamada over it.
"Well, yea, but-," Tamada try to say.
"Also, if I ever hear you're underage drinking again, you will need to fear my wrath more than any are teachers or the Headnaster, do you understand," Hosomi said, her voice hard, making Tamada wince.
"Alright, I understand, I won't drink. I probably don't want to ever drink again after that," Tamada said.
Hosomi nodded."Good, even if his intention was good in your eyes. He left you high and dry, you can't let yourself be held back in past by a promise. That's what Miho taught us when we started to leave our stupid suicidal frontal charges behind for a better future, which applies to our lives too."
"Our lives, huh?" Tamada said quietly to herself.
"Yes, so move forward to what you want. And forget that pure stuff, alright? Miho cares about you deeply, that stuff will be trivial to her, compared to having you at her side," Hosomi said, hoping to finally have put her two best friends on the path to be together finally.
Tamada thought over the statement for a moment, then spoke with a small smile. "Your right, I guess I just needed someone to talk with about this, instead of just keeping it bottled up. I still fear what Miho would think of me when I tell her."
"Don't mind, were adoptive sisters of Chi-Ha-Tan after all, I just want you to be happy. We'll let's start off with you two just confessing to another. Though you're going to need the make the first move," Hosomi said with a playful smirk.
"Huh, why me? We could just talk it out," Tamada said.
The twin bun Vice Commander just shook her head. "Nope, you been bold with her. Like picking her up constantly and then that whole thing of kissing her on the forehead, the morning before attack Saunders."
Tamada instantly let a blush cross her face. "How do you know I did that?!"
"Because you got that loud cannon of a voice that doesn't know when to tone it down," Hosomi joke, then spoke again. "Don't you remember the unwritten rule in Sensha-do?"
After rubbing her face in frustration, Tamada spoke up. "Yes the one who starts the attack, must finish the attack. Guess I was the one starting this, so I need to finish this now."
"Good, got any ideas in mind?" Hosomi said, satisfied that she had finally moved things along for her friends.
"I do kind of. Hosomi, I know besides Nishi, you're the next best with sewing in our group," Tamada said, a blush still on her face.
"Oh, I'm glad you notice. So what do you need?" Hosomi said, wondering what her friend wanted.
"I need your help making a present for Miho, that will help me go forward with her," Tamada said.
Hosomi just smile now. "Sure, I be happy to help with that, though don't blame me if you stick yourself a bunch of times."
"Hey! Sewing is just not my strong suit," Tamada yelp in embarrassment.
Hosomi wave her hands to calm her friend. "Alright, alright, hey isn't their match going on right now?"
"Oh, yea it's BC Freedom Academy versus Bonple High School, want to go watch?" Tamada ask.
"Oui madame," Hosomi said with a smile, standing up and offering her hand to Tamada.
The Fiery Vice commander just let out a hearty chuckle at her friend, no, sister as she took her hand. Now Tamada had to leave one path behind, as much as it pain her, for the future she wanted with Miho. These uncharted waters she was going to take to obtain it, look menacing for her, but her heart couldn't be content with the way things were anymore. She charge forward to take hold of the girl she cares deeply for, and never let her go, not for anyone or anything.
So it was, that two hearts that had been reaching to one another since they met, would finally take the leap of faith, that they had so fearfully stepped away from, but no longer would that be the case, for the place they belong had brought them together, and now they try to find their place they belong in each other's hearts.
XxxxxX
The soft running water shines with the ever-rising sun. Its radiance cast a warm and inviting glow over the countryside setting, with a large wooden bridge over the shallow river. For the moment things were at peace, the tranquility of this place would make anyone want to take a seat and just enjoy it. Yet for the girls of BC Freedom Academy currently situated on the opposite bank looking at the bridge, they couldn't enjoy this peacefulness, as their hearts were pounding hard for the coming action.
On top of a small hill looking down on the bridge on the eastern side of the river, two BC Freedom girls, lay on their stomachs, just peeking over the hill. They were apprehensive as the rest of the team of their commander's plan, but were doing their best to keep cool, though they never left out the bickering that was a staple of their relationship since the first day they met.
"Hey, goat herder, make sure you don't hit Lady Marie. I know you Examination students can't hit the side of a barn," Ruka Oshida, Vice commander of BC Freedom Academy said to her frenemy laying beside her on the grassy hillside.
"You damn Monarchist, it's you and your Escalators, that should be worry about hitting Lady Marie, since you spend more time looking in a mirror rather than your aiming sights," Rena Andou, BC Freedom's other Vice commander growl back to her friend, laying on her stomach beside her.
"You damn outsider, learn to speak with some respect for your betters," Oshida shot back angrily.
"I'll shut that bourgeois mouth of yours if you keep talking like that," Andou fire back.
"Try if you can, you pleb," Oshida shot back.
"You want to go, you pamper princess?" Andou said, now rising up to her feet and taking a fighting stance.
"Certainly, I will be glad to remind you why Lady Marie pick me to be her personal protector," Oshida said rising to meet her teammate's challenge.
Andou grin, ready to put this blonde hair irritant in the dirt, but then stop as she notice something on Oshida's tankery jacket, so she close the distance to the blonde, as Andou spoke. "Hey one of your buttons came undone, let me fix it for you."
"Oh, thank you," Oshida said gratefully, anger gone from her voice, then notice something on Andou's Tankery jacket, and began to pat her down. "You got grass all over your jacket, let me pat you down before you present yourself to Lady Marie."
Andou chuckle a bit, which made Oshida give her a quizzical look as she spoke again. "What?"
"You think our Lady is going to care about how a present myself, especially when I'll have soot and bruises all over me," Andou said with a shake of the head.
The blonde hair Vice commander, let out a scoff as she raise her hand and swatted the top of Andou's head, making Andou yelp in pain and surprise for the sudden swat.
"Hey! What was that for you pillock?!" Andou, while rubbing her head, hoping there wasn't going to be a bump later on.
"Really? Using a 16th century English insult word, I don't get you sometimes. That swat was to remind you, that it's because you're too reckless sometimes, is why you come back bruise from practices and matches," Oshida said, crossing her arms like a mother reprimanding their child.
"Heh, don't make it sound like you care," Andou's said jokily.
"I don't care!" Oshida growl at her irritant. "Lady Marie thinks highly of you, why she does is beyond me, so you need to take better care of yourself, or you will upset her if she finds you in such a sorry state."
Andou wave her hand in dismissal at her fellow Vice Commander. "Fine, fine, don't get your knickers in a twist. I will try to be more careful from now on, only not to upset you anymore, mademoiselle."
"I told you I don't care abou-," Oshida was about to say.
Suddenly the sounds of distant cannon fire told them that their time had arrive to ambush Bonple, both Vice commanders nodded to each other then proceeded to the back of the hill to their tankery force that was waiting patiently on the other side. Escalators and Examination students were mingling with one another, a rare sight for sure, when back on their school carrier, The Beárn, they be at each other's throats, but something about Sensha-do allow them to leave behind their grudges to fight with all they had for their school and their Commander Lady Marie.
As the two frenemies reach the bottom of the hill they took in the sight of their force, which was odd to say the least. As Lady Marie had brought in new tanks to BC Freedom Academy, that had surprised the team. Yet excited them as well, since it increase their firepower for sure, making them a deadly opponent.
"Hey Oshida, where do you think our lady got the money for these new tanks?" Andou ask, her suspicion evident in her voice.
Oshida shrug at her friend, then spoke. "I ask her that very question, but she just vaguely said that we have a secret admirer."
A raised eyebrow from Andou met the vague answer. "A secret admirer? What is our dear commander have a lover or something?"
Before Andou could blink, Oshida grabbed her collar. "If you incite that our lady would do such disgraceful things, I will make sure you spend the rest of your days in the Bastille."
"Alright, alright, let go! I was just joking," Andou said, trying her best to get the blonde's hands off her.
Oshida let go, but was still heated about the seemingly innocent joke. "Just watch your mouth around her. Besides, she told me as well, that the admirer was from some important family, but that was all she said."
"Well whatever, let's get mounted up, our Lady needs protecting, right Vice Commander?" Andou said with a determined grin.
Oshida matched her. "Certainly, let us show the power of our Schools Sensha-do team."
Both Vice commanders order their companies to mount up on their tanks while they put on their school's signature blue kepis on. The Escalator students of Oshida's company mounted their tanks that consisted of 2 M4 Sherman's, 3 M10 Wolverines with modified roofs hatches to keep in mind for close hatch rule for Sensha-do, and approved by the referees before the match, and lastly Oshida's tank, M4A1 with a 76mm gun and also the team's operator tank.
Andou and her Examination students of her company mounted their tanks that had, 4 Somua S35's and 2 M5 Stuarts as well. All their tanks were given a blue and green color camouflage as well, a way for them to feel like a complete team, instead of divided by class like they were on the school carrier, by Marie's orders.
As planned, Oshida's Company went first to just crest the rise of the hill, with Andou waiting in reserve behind them. Oshida pull her binoculars out and watch the open countryside on the opposite bank, looking for sight of her commander, hoping she wasn't being too reckless, though she also could see Lady Marie just sitting atop her tank, eating cake with shells raining around her, like she simply was having a tea party back on the ship, a weird sort of bravery Oshida didn't understand.
Suddenly more cannon fire erupted, from Oshida's best guess at 800 meters away, scanning harder now, she finally spotted her commander. Driving erratically over the small pave dirt road, Lady Marie's FT-17 flag tank was coming down the road, the driver doing her best to avoid the shells swarming at them, while Lady Marie true to her nature was sitting on the back half of the tank, since she couldn't fit inside with her gunner.
Oshida wish she could call in their Airforce to cover her commander, but they were currently locked in combat with Bonple's air force since the start of the match, as Lady Marie order them to attack earlier in the match to cause Bonple to deploy theirs for their plan to work. Oshida was confident their Air force would keep the enemy air force away for the time being.
Escorting the flag tank was another new addition to the academy's tank force, in the form of 2 Mk 3 Crusaders, that Lady Marie dub one Mont Blanc and the other Madeleine. Naming them each after her favorite dessert and cake. As would be her reasoning, but her team knew that was just like her, so no one made a fuss.
The Escort Crusaders had unmatched speed, but were keeping their distance from their flag tank. Keeping their QF 6-pounder guns angle to the rear to fire at the oncoming foe, that was chasing them with their entire force.
Oshida turn her binoculars to the enemy team chasing her commander, the team of Bonple High School was a predominantly light tank force. Oshida counted 10 7TP cruiser tanks, 2 7TPdw which were same variant but arm with duel turret machine guns, though a surprise in the form of last tanks that were 3 M4 Shermans, with one of them mark as the flag tank and the another as the operator tank. All of them had plain gray color scheme with their team's logo on either side of their turrets.
"Shermans? Did Sanders gift some to them?" Oshida ask herself quietly, but shook away her question at the moment, as she had a job to do.
Soon Lady Marie and her escorts were crossing the wooden bridge in quick succession, but Bonple lead 7TP's were right behind them, now taking their chance to fire on the target that was in a nice straight line. Their tanks were small enough to ride two abreast on the bridge and fire at the rear escort Crusader.
Their 37 mm guns however found no penetration on the Crusader's rear armor, since their velocity didn't have the punching power. Shells bounce off with a shrug, while the rear Crusader fire back, though were careful not to take any of them out, since they needed them to keep following them and not block the bridge by destroying some of their tanks.
Oshida grew impatient watching the engagement, wanting to get into the fight, but knew her orders and would follow them. She watch as Lady Marie's FT-17, after crossing the wooden bridge, now came up the road that slope to her teammate's position, with her escorts and Bonple's leading 7TP's right on their tail. Oshida, though begrudgingly, turn her binoculars back to the bridge and saw the rest of Bonple's force coming over, with the M4 Shermans in the back of the column just halfway over the bridge.
"Alright now's our time," Oshida said, then brought her wired communicator up to her mouth to talk over the net. "Andou, support Lady Marie, I got the flag tank."
"Roger!" Andou said back, as she brought her company up, going through spaces in between Oshida's tank company, cresting over the rise of the hill, then putting max speed to charge down the hill at their foe, holding fire till they were past their commander, so not to accidently hit her.
"Alright, Company Advance! Match my line," Oshida order over her platoon net, then as one, her Company M10's, M4A1's, and Oshida's M4A1 76mm, also crested over the grassy hill to look down on the battlefield.
Oshida took in the sight of the Bonple forces that were now stunned by the hard-charging tanks of Andou's company, who outpace them and outgun them. Cannon fire was traded in the close and confuse combat, but Andou's number couldn't match the oncoming other Bonple tanks over the bridge, yet that's just what Lady Marie wanted them to do.
Oshida, seeing Lady Marie now was out of harm's way, while her escort Crusader's now turned back to help Andou's company in the close combat, open a net call to her team's artillery net. "This is BC 1 to BC 2, adjust fire over."
A female voice came over the net, replying to the call for a fire mission. "BC 2 to BC 1, adjust fire over."
"Grid reference point 0653, destroy the bridge, how copy?"
"Good copy, firing for effect," the female voice said back.
Suddenly distant rumbling could be heard, that increase in volume as the rapid-fire of artillery guns, were happening as their crews were hard at work loading and firing. It wasn't long before the screaming shells came down in a torrent, the first round of shells missing and hitting the shallow river, but sent huge geysers into the air. However, it wasn't long before they found the range, with their shells tearing the wooden bridge to pieces, sending logs and splinters everywhere.
Oshida smirked at her accurate call, feeling uncontrollable delight watching the destructive power of their artillery. She was grateful for these new perks to the sport, as it for once, felt like they could compete with any team, even a top 4. And now with new tanks, their team was going to regain their honor and make sure people see BC Freedom academy's rise back to prominence.
There was also a need for Oshida, Andou, and Marie to bring their school to new heights to honor their former upperclassmen Azumi, who was now part of the college ranks, who had been a commander of BC Freedom Academy some years ago, and had been their constant supporter since she graduated. They couldn't let her down or their school.
"Quite a party we have, but no cakes makes it such a dull affair," Lady Marie said sadly, as her FT-17 drove up to Oshida, sitting on her expensive silk pillow, since she refuse to let herself sit on the cold metal of her tank, she was royalty after all.
Oshida turn to her commander with a weary smile. "Do not worry my lady, we shall be done quickly. We already have chefs baking some cakes and sweets for a victory celebration."
Touching her cheek in excitement Marie spoke with joy at the mention of sweets. "Oh my, I can't wait for it! I Hope Miss Andou remembers to not be reckless, I do hate it when she misses our parties and her chocolate fill taiyaki is quite yummy as well."
A smile play across Oshida's lips, as this was how Marie show her affection to others, a weird way for sure, but one her team respected. "No worries my lady, I will make sure she is present. Please head back over the hill, there is a nice tree for you and your crew to shade yourselves from the sun."
"Certainly, I wonder if I will finish my backup cake first or that white flag will pop up on Bonpole's flag tank first? I will be waiting," Marie said, happily, then wave her fluffy fan with the school emblem on it, to order her tank to the other side of the hill.
Grateful for her commander being out of danger now, Oshida refocuses herself back to the engagement still playing out with Andou's company and Marie's escort Crusaders. It was an ugly brawl now, as both side's tanks were in close, firing on the move, which most miss their mark in the savage affair. Oshida turn her binoculars to the destroyed bridge and caught sight of the 3 Bonple M4 Shermans, who had made it over in time but were staying back from the engagement, with 2 up front shielding the M4 Sherman mark as the flag tank.
1 M4 Sherman was marked as the operator tank, but even with their artillery perk still available to them, they couldn't call it now with their own forces mix in with BC Freedom Academy's, which would only result in friendly fire, just as Marie had hope be the case. Oshida had to smirk at the brilliance of her commander, then saw the Bonple M4 Shermans now fire into the mass confusion of the battle with Andou's company. Their AP Shells hit one of the Crusaders and one M5 Stuart, but their third Sherman fire and hit one of their own teams 7TP's, which shock Oshida.
"Damn, are they that desperate now, that they fire with such recklessness? Well let me show them how to fire with precision," Oshida said to herself, then open a net call to her platoon. "Alright Company, lets finish this match now, M10's and Shermans focus fire on the Bonple Shermans shielding the flag tank, just past the engagement. 300 meters, up 10 degrees, fire when ready."
There was a short delay, as Oshida's company tank commanders got their distances and sights adjusted, then let loose a ragged volley of AP Shells. As Oshida knew with confidence of her Company's sharp precision she had to train them to have, they found their target on 2 Bonple's M4 Shermans, striking them all over their front armor that could stand no chance to the mass fire, as their white flags pop over their smoking remains.
Oshida smirk, as she now focus in with her binoculars once more, to see the Bonple M4 Sherman flag tank now make a break along the river, to try to get away from the combat, knowing they had to be next for a target.
"Alright, now's our time to show off our deadly accuracy, Shinobu load AP," Osida call to her loader aboard her Sherman.
"Up!" Shinobu yell back, using the American word for loading.
"Toma, traverse left, 10 o'clock, down 10, target the fleeing Sherman, fire when ready and end this match," Oshida said with a confident smirk, as she traverse to the left with her turret, lining up on the fleeing Bonple Sherman flag tank.
There was some silence at first from Toma, then once she was settled, she step on the firing pedal of her tank as she call her shot. "On the way!"
The M4A1 Sherman 76mm gun roar with is shot, its tracer round flying across the grassy plain in a heartbeat and struck the side of the Bonple's Sherman flag tank in the blink of an eye, slapping hard into it's side armor with no error from Oshida's gunner, as the white kill flag pop up along with the smoking tank.
"Target destroy!" Toma said excitedly, as Oshida's crew cheered for the victory shot.
BAM!
The match-ending gun sounded over the field, signaling for all tanks to stop fighting. Oshida look down to see there were still some Bonple tanks operational, along with Andou's company. Both sides had suffer heavy for their close and deadly engagement, as white kill flag tanks lay everywhere.
As much as she hated to admit to herself, she open a net call to Andou with worry for her fellow Vice commanders safety. "Hey farm girl, you alright?"
There was some silence that made Oshida a bit fearful, but then that annoying voice she hated so much came back over the net. "Hey pamper girl, I'm still kicking, though I got some bruises to show off to you."
"You idiot, what did I tell you before the engagement?" Oshida said, growling over the net.
A soft chuckle follow the hotly statement over the net. "Yea, yea, tell me about it back at our dorm room alright. Come on we got a tea party going on? So let's leave the yelling for tonight, eh?"
"Don't remind me, I hate that I have to have a barbarian for a roommate," Oshida grumble back.
"Barbarian! At least I'm not hogging all the hot water!" Andou shot back.
"That's because unlike you! I don't walk around in my filth all day!" Oshida return.
"Why you! I'm going to shut that mouth of yours when we get back to the dorms!" Andou said.
A blush came over Oshida, then fought back. "Like hell I let that happ-."
"Girls," Marie said over the net, her voice pleasant, but carrying a weight of authority with it. "I am famish right now, where are my cakes?"
"Oh yes, coming Lady Marie," Oshida said quickly, then switch back over to Andou's net. "Alright truce for now, come on, Lady Marie wants some of your tasty taiyaki for our tea party."
"Certainly, I don't want to let our lady down now, I'll make sure to save some for you, my dear spoil Madame," Andou said over the net jokily.
"See that you do, farm girl, see that you do," Oshida said with a smile.
XxxxxX
"Oh, yea!" A young woman boasted loudly, as she jump from her seat in excitement at the sight of her former underclassmen and school winning the match, "BC Freedom Academy is back and better than ever!"
The young woman, proudly yelling at the moment was quite tall with fair skin, with short light brown hair that just about reach her shoulders and with turquoise eyes. Her name was Azumi, a former commander of BC Freedom Academy and now one of the top-level Tank commanders at the college level, and now part of the All-Star University team that was being formed up.
Azumi, even though was quite proud of her former team, realize that she wasn't alone in the press box that had been set up for some distinguished guest, which made her turn to her instructor to bow apologetically. "Miss Shimada, I'm sorry for that un-lady-like display, especially with your honor guest here."
Chiyo Shimada, head of the Shimada family and Sensha-do style, wearing an elegant red business dress with a 19th-century design in mind, with beautiful pale skin, light brown hair tied with a black ribbon at the end, and hazel eyes.
After covering her mouth, to let a graceful chuckle escape her lips, Chiyo spoke to her pupil. "No need for apology Miss Azumi, I understand this was once your beloved school. It is only right you feel such elation at their success."
Azumi raise herself from her bow to look at her instructor with gratefulness. "Well, you are part of the reason their succeeding. As you were so generous to purchase those new tanks for them."
"Think nothing of it, your team was always on the cusp of breaking into the top 4 under your leadership. I only wanted to help them along to new heights, as a way to say thank you for all the support you provided my daughter in these past couple of months," Chiyo said.
"I have to say it's been a real pleasure to fight alongside your daughter Alice, Miss Shimada, I can see why she will be a force to be reckoned with when she joins the High School ranks," Azumi.
A look of sadness crosses the Head Shimada's face. "Yes, she is growing up so fast, as a mother I wish she could stay the way she is forever."
The former commander of BC Freedom Academy smile at her head instructor's statement. She knew that Chiyo had a deep love for her daughter, spoiling the girl with as many Boko Bears as she wanted, even reopening some Boko Parks as a way to appease her. Though Chiyo, as Azumi had learned from nights drinking with her, that Chiyo did not like the idea of Alice becoming an adult, mostly because she love how small and cute Alice was now. Though any parent might have trouble accepting their child growing up since independence came with it too.
"She still has some time before she is fully grown into womanhood, she may be a once in a lifetime Tank commander, with no equal in skills, but at heart, she is a child who loves to play and laugh," Azumi said, trying to bring her instructor back up.
Another graceful chuckle escapes Chiyo's lips. "My, Miss Azumi, you have quite the way with words. Thank you for them."
"Anytime Miss Shimada, now if you excuse me, I like to go congratulate my underclassmen," Azumi said.
Chiyo nodded at the girl. "Certainly, they will want some words from their former commander, especially after such a victory. However, do save some cake for me, will you?"
"Yes Miss Shimada," Azumi said with a bow to her, then bow to the gentlemen sitting next the Chiyo, "Mister Morimoto, a pleasure to have been in your company."
The man smile as he spoke. "As was it a pleasure to be in yours, good day Miss Azumi."
After Azumi had left the press box, Chiyo turn to look at the man who had been the honored guest for her today. He was quite handsome only pushing into his late 30's with fair skin, wearing a rich tan business suit, with his black hair neatly cut into a comb-over, a thin and neatly trimmed mustache, and dark brown eyes. His name is Horiuchi Morimoto, a supporter of the Shimada family.
"It seems things are progressing smoothly for us, Miss Shimada," Horiuchi said with a sly smile.
"Yes quite, Azumi's former team won as I expected them to," Chiyo said.
A small chuckle follow the statement. "And if they loss?"
"It wouldn't have hindered my plans at all, especially now with my friend from America here. Her meeting with the Director should just be about concluded," Chiyo said, complete faith in her voice.
"Good, things are coming together nicely. Do you trust her academy to show her worth? You have sunk a lot of money into something that can just as easily fail with one bad showing," Horiuchi stated.
Chiyo nodded to the worry of her friend. "Understandable, but my family's wealth can handle the loss if that is the outcome, though I trust Miss Konomi to do her part. Especially now with what I'm hearing of the punishment being handed down to Chi-Ha-Tan."
"Ah yes, the academy the youngest Nishizumi went to."
"Yes," Chiyo said with a grin. "I have to say I quite like her, to take such a small team and turn them into something remarkable, is something to take note of."
"Though she seems to not take after her mother's style," Horiuchi said.
"No, thankfully she doesn't follow the stifling style," Chiyo said.
"Yet we have to make sure she is defeated along with her sister Maho. Quite the tall task for you, since you have to use other teams to make that happen," Horiuchi reply.
"That's just the cards we been dealt with, no use making a fuss over it. We will make sure to use all resources available to us, to finally be done with the Nishizumi style," Chiyo said with a grin.
Horiuchi match her grin. "Yes, after all these years my family will be done with them. Done letting them walk all over us."
"Do you believe your father will step down from his role as Headmaster of Kuromorimine?" Chiyo ask the only son of the current Horiuchi family, which had presided over Kuromorimine Girls Academy for the last 20 years.
"Oh, don't worry. You are playing your part, and I will play mine. Since I've dug up some dirt on my father's recent use of school's expenses that wouldn't look too well if they were brought to the public eye. To think a simple word to the right person and he be ruined, which I believe he will bend to my demands for his stepping down," Horiuchi said with glee.
"That is pleasing to the ear, it seems all we need to do is bide our time some more, then we both will get what we want. And my little Alice and her unborn sister will be able to walk into a new era of Sensha-do, one with the Shimada name at the forefront and will stay there with our continued success," Chiyo said, as she reach down to rub her slim belly, that had a small life growing behind it.
"Ah, I forgot my congratulation on your pregnancy. Though I must ask how you know it is a daughter already." Horiuchi question.
Chiyo gave him a knowing smile. "Call it fate, as now Shiho and I will be even on daughters. Yet her two will fall, while mine rise to new heights in Sensha-do."
"Yes, once she and her family name is grounded into the dirt, Miss Konomi can raise her own families Nishizumi style in America, away from Japan, and the Shimada can rule. With some help from my father's school, I plan to control it soon. Our time is almost here," Horiuchi said with excitement for the long-awaited fruition of their plans.
Chiyo smile, matching his excitement for the bright future. "Yes, the time of the Nishizumi is over, the time of the Shimada has come."
