"Well folks, Oarai has finally caught up to Chi-Ha-Tan's Tiger 1, with the Panzer 4, A43 Black Prince, M4 Sherman, and the M36B2. A four-on-one scenario, with no more tanks left to support Chi-Ha-Tan's flag tank, how can Miss Nishizumi get herself out of this scenario?" Fumihiko Sakaguchi said on the T.V. screen.

"This is a scenario she has been in before, yet the foe she is facing is a little wilier than the previous match. Yet impossible is not in Miss Nishizumi's head at all, so I hope Miss Akiyama doesn't underestimate her foe," Susan Marshall said, sitting next to the Sensha-do battle host.

Fumihiko nodded his head to his co-host. "That is quite true. So strap in folks, don't touch that remote, don't even take your eyes of this screen. As the climax of this intense battle that has lived up to all expectations is about to come to a close, with the ticket to Semi-Finals on the line and both teams won't back down till they obtain it."

XxxxX

"Well I certainly won't be taking my eyes off this match," Chiyo Shimada said with her usual soft smile on her face.

Currently, she was located in her own personal press box, having been watching the match in its entirety. It had been quite the gritty and intense fight so far, as she expected it to be. Yet the part that was replaying in her mind, as Chiyo was sure replaying in most people's minds was the punch thrown by the American Nishizumi girl.

It along with the poor girl's emotional breakdown before it, had been seen for all of the Sensha-do world to take in. Showing that the Nishizumi family was at the moment plagued by internal problems, which were so bad that they were assaulting one another. All for the Sensha-do viewers to see as well.

A soft knock on the door dragged Chiyo from her thoughts, turning to the direction as she spoke. "Come in."

The door open slowly, with a Federation Security guard coming in. He bow first to Chiyo, then spoke. "Pardon the intrusion, Miss Shimada."

"Don't mind, what do you need?" Chiyo ask, though she had an inkling she was going to like what she was about to hear.

The security guard came closer, then whisper into her ear. Several times Chiyo nodded with the small elegant smile on her face growing wider every time. Once the Security guard was done with the thorough explaination he lean back.

"My, my, to think the Nishizumi's are beating each other to a pulp. What utter fools they all are, which is why they must be brought down if our sport is to see a better future," Chiyo said, then turn her head to the security guard. "I trust this information will make it into the right hands to begin to spread to the public."

"Yes ma'am, I'll see to it myself," the security guard said confidently back.

"Good, do that now. Also have a cart ready for me to be driven onto the field once this match is over," Chiyo ordered.

"Very good, it will be done," the security guard said, bow and then walk off, closing the door gently behind him.

As soon as the man left, Chiyo turn back to the screen. To think after all these years, the Shimada family had thought the way to take down the Nishizumi family would be to match power with power, or so Chiyo's late mother had tried to proceed with things, as Chiyo grew up. Yet that hadn't worked out, making Chiyo adopt different means, knowing that the Nishizumi family had its own dark past that could be used against them.

It wasn't like Chiyo didn't know about Panzer Kettō, her family also participated in it with their own branch families. The obvious difference was the Shimada's had gotten with the times, not viewing their daughters as tools, though still built a fiery competitiveness into them. Even if they fail, they could come home. Sure, some families were a little harsh, but Chiyo's late Mother, Orika Shimada would never allow any harm to come to her nieces.

In turn, many Shimada's still were around their family, even with Panzer Kettō now ban. Though some had broken ties, many more had stayed around the family, taking different paths in life, not all in Sensha-do. It was because of this wide range of family members that Chiyo began to build up her network of alliances and spies through her other family members. Taking a more modern approach to advancing her family rather than relying on strength of the family name and its history alone.

Now Chiyo, after years of planning, was finally in the position to tear down the Nishizumi's, while moving ever closer to her goal. Which had been made a little easier by the punch thrown by the American Nishizumi, which would cause scrutiny to aim at the Federation itself. While Konomi herself, had made for a good distraction for Shiho in the end, not able to see where the real danger was coming from.

Things are working out almost too perfect, but for both of my daughter's future, I will make sure to obtain for them the path that will make them happiest in our Sensha-do family

Chiyo thought rubbing her stomach that held her unborn child growing still, then was alerted to her phone ringing, making her pull it out of her jacket pocket. She smile at the caller I.D., then push the talk button. "Alice, how are you? Enjoying America? Or more accurately, how are you enjoying Texas?"

"I'm doing well mother, the Sensha-do academy they built here is quite nice. Megumi, Azumi, and Rumi are completing their training of the American recruits, and will be done with our mission here in no time," Alice Shimada said over the phone.

"Good, Miss Marshall will be quite pleased by your efforts. She will be returning back to America after she is done with this match commentary, I'll make sure to have her bring back some Boko presents I made for you," Chiyo said in a happy tone over the phone.

"Ah! Thank you so much, mother! I can't wait to see Miss Marshall as well," Alice said, breaking from her usual casual tone, to utter excitement over new Boko bears.

"No need to thank me, you know how much I love you. Do be careful during your time at that academy, and make sure to learn from them as much as they learn from you," Chiyo said over the phone.

"Understood, though these Devil Rangers are learning quickly. I don't think they will need much more tutoring, by the way, how is the Chi-Ha-Tan and Oarai match going?" Alice ask.

Chiyo turn to the screen to watch the Ooarai tanks close in on the Tiger 1 on the screen, then spoke. "Quite intense, though it's nearing its end, unfortunately. Yet I feel like I'm about to witness something great."

"What's that?" Alice ask.

"The birth of a true rival to you," Chiyo said.

"You believe in this Miho girl that much?" Alice ask.

"Yes, I've known since the day I held her in my arms as a baby. Though that was a time when I and Shiporin were closer. You will beat her by your own strength and self-ability my dear daughter, prove to be the next great head of our family," Chiyo explain.

"Yes mother, I win by fighting with our family's style. I will make sure it is the one that the Sensha-do world sees when we rise to the top," Alice said, her voice resolute to make her mother she loved dearly, proud of her.

"Well said, well said, for our time is coming," Chiyo said, her eyes on the screen and her heart soaring for the day she brought her family to the top, which had eluded them for so long till now.

XxxxX

"Are you alright Maho?" Koume ask, no longer sitting, as she watch her commander pace around the tent after watching the American Nishizumi berate Miho, then punch her. Though they had also witnessed Miho break up the fighting between the two crews, while forgiving her half-sister for punching her.

"I don't think there any words to say that will make it seem like I'm alright," Maho said, no longer watching the match, as she was standing off to the side of the tent, trying to deal with the whirlwind of emotions going through her.

Things were more complicated with this American Nishizumi than Maho could ever imagine. She was a girl suffering from things emotionally that Miho could understand. The difference was that Maho had broken free of the Nishizumi's style, breaking the chains that held her emotions in check, and look after Miho who she always love, and should have protected even before, but failed because she was trying to appease her mother.

Now it was Miho taking Maho's example of showing this American Nishizumi name Fukushu, that she could also be loved, and that all it took was someone looking after her to change her whole life. Even going so far as using Maho's words that night when she came to help Miho understand she still love her after years of being separated by duty to their family and put her on the path to Chi-Ha-Tan academy. It seem like an eternity ago, but the words then might help Maho's now half-sister build herself back up.

Yet there was no denying that the punch Fukushu had thrown would be scrutinized by the media and fans. Not to mention what would happen to this American academy, who so far had shown to be quite skill, and would be a shame to besmirch all they had done in this match so far.

However the fact remain that the match was still in the air, Miho now was isolated from what was left of her small team, who mostly were fighting in the city to get the flag tank. Again she was facing off with the best of the opposing team, but this time with a swollen eye, and obvious fatigue after her little rescue attempt earlier.

"I'm sure Miho will come out on top," Koume said, touching her commanders arm to get her attention.

"I know she will, but she's being pushed too hard. I don't want her health to become an issue like me," Maho said, turning to Koume.

That made Koume wince a little, knowing how much Maho was suffering in silence for them and more importantly to protect Miho. Even if it was for reasons deeper than Koume could comprehend, since it was because Maho worried Shiho would drag Miho back to her former school to replace Maho at command. Still, Koume couldn't believe Shiho would do that, for she look up to the Master of the Nishizumi style like all the girls of Kuromorimine did.

"It won't come to that," Erika said resolutely, making the other girls turn to her direction.

Erika continue. "Miho won't disappoint. She's got a date with us right?"

A smug smirk came across the silver hair sub commander, making Maho and Koume chuckle, seeing the great confidence their friend had in her former teammate. Knowing how much she was on Miho's case last year, but most girls of Kuromorimine now thought it because of this constant fussing over Miho, Erika was in a way a great friend to Miho like Koume, just in her own way.

"Yes she does, and she won't be one to miss it," Koume said with a boast.

"Nope, Miho never misses a date, as her older sister I can't let her keep outshining me," Maho said, remembering how confident Miho was as a kid, leading to a little competitiveness between the two girls.

I'm going to make you so proud, and become the best tank commander in Japan!

No I will be the best tank commander in Japan!

No me!

No me!

The voices of both Miho and Maho, shared in a sunflower field, both trying to outdo one another, when they dream of making their mother so proud of them. Trying to match Shiho's outstanding career in Sensha-do, though things hadn't work out as they hope, with Miho losing confidence in herself as their family went through their dramatic changes.

Yet a ReRise had been brought along with Miho now at Chi-Ha-Tan showing off who she always was. Miho was Maho's sister, Shiho's daughter, and no matter what a part of their family.

Now go sister, show them how you soar, show them what I've always known since we were kids, you're a Nishizumi through and through

Maho thought as she came over to the screen but instead of sitting, she stood. Coming to stand at her sides were her friends in Koume and Erika each taking Maho's hands, intertwining their fingers together in support as Miho face her greatest trial yet.

XxxxX

In the stands watching the large monitor displaying the match for Chi-Ha-Tan versus Oarai was in a flurry of activity. As both opposing student stands were on their feet, follow along by casual and hard-core fans as well, all of them were in disbelief about how heart-pounding the action between the schools had become. There was no quit in either side that was pushing against one another, with both sides not backing down, meeting the expectations most had placed on the match.

Yet for the Chi-Ha-Tan section of suspended members, they were all in a state of silent anger. No one could blame them, when they had just witnessed their commander be punched after saving the life of the American tanker, who was now known as Miho's half-sister, almost the two being twins if not for their slight differences.

When the American Miho had punched their commander, the Chi-Ha-Tan suspended tankers rose as one, voicing their anger, caring little for the scene they were making. Many Federation personnel had come over to calm them down, or they be asked to leave. It was only thanks to the efforts of Hosomi, Nishihara, Kubota, Hamada, and Nagura who did all they could to calm their team down. While they themselves wanted nothing more than run onto the field and check on Miho.

Yet these girls knew their job though, as the unquestioned leaders among their peers, they made sure to honor Miho's Sensha-do style to look after one another and remember the team was the most important thing at the end of the day. Soon enough the team was calmed down, but not one of them was sitting down, now watching the match from the bleachers on their feet. Wearing anxious faces as the camera turn to see the Oarai and American forces closing on Miho's Tigers 1 situated in a barn.

"I'm glad the girls have calmed down," Kubota said, turning left and right to keep her eyes on her teammates around her.

"Can't blame them though, watching Miho get punched was too much," Hosomi said, arms crossed over, with a look of disgust still on her face.

"Yet the commander just forgave her, which makes it hard to stay completely mad. Her strength of character is something that I never get tired of seeing or following," Hamada said, with a smirk, as she didn't know her level of respect could rise any further.

"Hopefully Nishi kept Tamada under control, knowing how workup she gets up about our dear commander," Nishihara said with a smirk.

"A tougher task than fighting any foe," Nagura joke, causing her teammates to chuckle.

As her chuckles died down, Hosomi spoke up, not just to her close teammates, but to her entire team as well. "Well girls! The commander is in a bad spot, but what's our team's motto?!"

The cry of their vice commander, calling on all the suspended members to raise their voices to the call was heard by every suspended member. All their heads turn to Hosomi from all sides, from below and atop of the bleachers, and from either side. Fist were raised in the air, as the voices of the Tigress Corps members roar so not just they themselves could be heard, but maybe, just maybe their voices would reach their commander and spur her onto victory.

"For Tigresses never give in, never give up, they fight till whatever end, roaring their defiance for all the world to see!" They shouted as one, making some of the casual spectators around them balk to see how passionate these girls were.

For they believe in Miho, because she believe in them when no one else did. No matter who you were, what your position was, or what your background was, Miho care for them, and they would care for her always.

"That's right my tigresses! Inside or outside our tanks, we are always with each other! Our hearts are one for victory!" Hosomi kept lighting that fire.

"Go on commander, show the world what we've always known since the day you took those steps to lead us to our first victory!" Kubota yell while cupping her hands around her mouth to enhance her voice.

"Were with you commander!" Nagura added her voice to her comrades.

"Show what makes your Sensha-do style the best in the world!" Nishihara added.

"Show why we follow it against any challenge!" Hamada added.

"Show them why we're going to be champions!" Hosomi voice as well.

More voices were added to these cheers, making some Federation cameras now focus on the Chi-Ha-Tan suspended section cheering loud and proud for their commander and team, that had given all they had and knew it wouldn't be for naught. For their dreams were to soar high, to touch the peak of the Sensha-do mountain, that would take all of them to get there.

XxxxX

Back in the starting area for Chi-Ha-Tan's tankery team, were the defeated tanks and crews that were resting and watching the match on a large monitor under a tent. They were witnessing the Federation cameras capturing their suspended tankery sisters, roaring and cheering for Miho as the Oarai and American allies closed in for the kill.

It was a breathtaking sight for the defeated crews, who could almost feel the passion radiating from their suspended members. Making them want to match their fire, as the unity of a team was in full effect for everyone.

"Heh, can't let Hosomi outduel us, eh Nishi?" Tamada said, holding Hasegawa in her arms, who was vaguely awake now.

Turning to look at her fellow vice commander, Nishi smiled. "No, we can't let her outdo us, right girls?"

The cramp tent filled with all the Chi-Ha-Tan girls who rose to meet their vice commander's call. "Right!"

"Come on commander! No one can beat you! Show them why Ghost Company is the deadliest unit in our team!" Ichioka yell.

"You're the best in all of Japan!" Fukuhara roar as well.

"I want to keep following you to the top commander!" Miya yell as well.

"You made us believe! We believe because of you!" Nishi yell, as tears came to her eyes, remembering how long their journey had seemed to be to this point, but never had a better tankery sister than Miho, and Nishi was glad fate had put them together now and hopefully forever.

"Show them the fire I always knew you had, for you're a Tigress and you're my greatest treasure in this world!" Tamada yell as well, glowing bright red as she was yelling something bold and equally embarrassing, but she was confident in her feelings now more than ever.

Again the outburst of the Chi-Ha-Tan girls grab the attention of the Federation camera nearby. Displaying these girls' belief in the impossible being achieve because Miho, the girl who had come to them as unsure and fearful of her unknown path when she left her home. Now had found another home with them, with their tankery team, and with a group of misfits who understood her want to belong.

XxxxX

Rolling along in a single file formation, across the wet earth that sunk some with the tank tracks driving over it. Were a part of the remaining forces of Oarai and Wolverton's tanks, coming on slowly as they were following the evident tank tracks left behind by the Tiger 1 that they were hunting.

Leading the pack was the A43 Black Prince because it had the most armor of all tanks, in its 152mm of frontal armor that could bounce the Tiger 1's impressive gun with ease. With Yukari's Panzer 4 following close behind, next the Wolverton M4 Sherman and M36B2 in close bringing up the rear. They were currently coming up to the barn that was situated alone on the open plain some 500 meters away. It made sense Miho and her crew would head there to rest and regroup themselves.

There was a feeling in the air of the end game coming on for the crews of these tanks that knew Chi-Ha-Tan was down to its last members, with the numbers game favoring them. With the grasp on victory so close at hand, only felt like they needed to reach their hands out to grasp it fully. Yet these girls were not so overconfident to think it be easy, as Miho and her cubs were never truly beaten till the very end.

"Asira, do you see the Tiger 1 in the barn?" Yukari call to her subordinate in front of her.

Standing tall in her commander's cupola of her A43 Black Prince, Asira with her binoculars focus on the barn to their front, spoke back over the net. "Sorry the interior is too dark to make it out. Yet there's no doubt it had to come through here."

"Roger, keep eyes on," Yukari said back, while taking a moment to rest her legs by sitting in her commanders chair in her tank.

Turning over her shoulder, Hana handed a sports drink bottle to her friend. "Here you go Yukari."

Taking the bottle gratefully, Yukari took a long chug. The liquid quenching her parch throat, which was a result of so much directing she had done all match long.

"Thanks, Hana," Yukari said with a smile as she handed the bottle back.

"No problem, have to keep you hydrated since you're going to be snapping off orders soon enough," Hana said with her trademark pleasant smile, now handing the drink to her first-year loader Kisa.

"Thanks, Miss Hana," Kisa said cheerfully while taking some gulps down.

"You think we can force that cute Chi-Ha-Tan commander girl into a bad spot with our numbers?" Saori ask, turning and thanking Kisa who handed the drink to her now, since Kisa was finished.

"No, Miss Nishizumi is too cunning to believe any simple attack strategy will work," Yukari said, feeling some self-frustration because so far she hadn't been able to figure out what the best attack plan was to bring down the vaunted Tiger 1.

"So we must find something she won't believe we will do?" Mako ask, adding her voice to the conversation.

"Maybe a full frontal charge," Kisa said, looking to her best friend.

"If only it be that easy. The Black Prince has impressive armor, but that gunner of Miho's might find the weak spot if we just go forward blindly over such distance," Yukari said back.

Touching her chin in thought, Saori of all people began to ponder over the Chi-Ha-Tan commanders exploits to this point, then something hit her as she spoke. "Hey call me crazy, but didn't that Nishizumi girl make some crazy shot against those Saunders Jumbo's to beat their frontal armor."

Nodding quickly, Yukari pull at her memory as well. Thinking back to the Chi-Ha-Tan versus Saunders match that she had rewatched with intensity. It had been a heart-pounding match that left Yukari on the edge of her seat, but also learn some things from it, mostly knowing how formidable the rest of the tankers of Chi-Ha-Tan were, not just Miho.

Then it hit Yukari.

In a panic she rose up to stand tall in her commanders cupola, while touching her throat microphone. "Asira! Stop! Angle your tank left 10 degrees!"

"On it!" Asira said, then handed down orders to her driver.

Turning around quickly in her cupola, Yukari hand signaled to Jasmine in her M4 Sherman to stop, to which the American tanker nodded, then spoke in English to Ellie in her M36B2 to stop as well. Now the whole column was stopped quickly, and not a second too late as well.

A flash from the barn, sent a tracer shell out of the darkness. In a heartbeat, it splash into the ground, while slightly skipping up and slap into the side of the now-angle Black Prince, which it bounce with a shriek off the tough armor, while flying off beyond the column into the distance. Yukari let a breath out, knowing they had just dodged a bullet.

"What the heck was that?! They bounce a shell off the ground to hit my tank!?" Asira yell over the net, still situated in her cupola.

"Miss Nishizumi try to bounce a shot under your tank," Yukari said casually back.

"Are you serious!?" Asira said in a baffled tone over the net.

"Remember their match with Saunders, they did the same thing to take out a Sherman Jumbo when they knew they couldn't penetrate their frontal armor," Yukari explain.

"That's insane, if you hadn't made the call, that shell would have bounced under are tank and took us out for good. Thanks, commander," Asira said gratefully over the net.

"No problem, do you have any smoke shells left?" Yukari ask.

"I've got one left, should I use it?" Asira ask back.

"Please, aim for just in front of the barn, then will flank around and fire at multiple angles to take them out," Yukari ordered.

"Roger were on it!" Asira said excitedly, then past down orders to her crew.

Now Hana from inside the Panzer 4 spoke up. "Yukari, what's the plan?"

"Asira will give them a smoke shell to blind the Tiger 1. Will charge forward, while our American friends flank to either side of the barn and light it up, the Black Prince will stay here to snipe at the Tiger 1 if it comes out frontally at us," Yukari explain.

"Alright time to bag us a Tiger!" Kisa said with unbridled excitement, while she had an AP shell in hand, ready to load one once they fire.

"I won't miss this time, our team is counting on us," Hana said, while burying herself into her gunner's sight.

"Just make the call Yukari, I'll get our Panzer to whatever position you need," Mako said, sounding more awake than ever before, her hands gripping the sticks ready for the final battle in her mind.

"Let's get that Tiger 1 girls, then celebrate like crazy when we get back to our port!" Saori said, adding her voice to the excitement to the crew.

Yukari said nothing, but just smile at her crew who were ready to finish the fight. It again made her glad the student council had brought back the Sensha-do team, which had, in turn, brought Yukari these random bunch of girls and transformed them into a real team that lean on one another for support. Now was the time to win and continue this journey they had started as rookies, but had transformed all of them into veterans.

"Alright, I'll let the Americans know what we're doing. Now let's win this thing and go home, Panzer vor!" Yukari said.

"Yea!" her crew roared back, just as the Black Princes 17 Pounder gun open up, and began the final duel.

XxxxX

"Incoming brace yourselves!" Miho order, seeing the flash from the Black Prince's 17 Pounder tank gun from her front vision port.

The tracer shell flew in, smacking into the ground just in front of the barn. Smoke instantly shot up, plastering the entire front of the barn in white smoke. Effectively blinding them, leaving them no targets to shoot at. Miho let out a frustrated sigh, knowing now they were trapped with the smoke at their front, as well as not knowing what their enemy was doing now.

Again Miss Akiyama impresses

Miho thought, since she had asked Nomi for another bounce shot to get under the Black Princes tank, which had been accurate enough to bounce under the heavy British tank to kill it, since its armor was too tough frontally to take out. However, they were given a surprise when the Black Prince all of sudden angled their tank, leaving no room for the shot to bounce under and hit the angle side armor to send their shell away.

It was obvious Yukari must have made the frantic call, from Miho's perspective, which in turn saved her most heavily armored tank. Now also blinding them with smoke, while their tanks move freely in front of them. Miho didn't have to take a guess at what they were doing, it was obvious they flank around the barn from both sides, then light them up with AP shells till they kill the Tiger 1.

"Arg, sorry Miho, I had them," Nomi said, frustrated by the miss.

"It's ok Nomi, it's obvious Miss Akiyama study our match with Saunders, and must have known we go for a shot like that," Miho said, the respect for her opposing commander evident in her voice.

"Guess we must be pretty popular if someone analyzes our moves," Nene said, trying to keep the moment light.

Though one person wasn't having a light moment at all, as Moteki was continuously trying to get the Tiger 1's engine to start up. Each time she turn the ignition key, there was nothing but silence. Which only added to the young cub's anxiety knowing if they couldn't move, meant they would be nothing but sitting ducks to the foe. She was humble enough to know the Tiger 1's armor wasn't unbeatable, with every tank they were facing now, could penetrate if not at the front, then at its sides or rear.

"Come on, come on, come on," Moteki said in frustration, turning the ignition key over and over.

Yet nothing was happening. Not even a whisper that their Maybach HL230 P45 water-cooled engine was going to jump to life by just mere feeling or pleading. Even with the tender touch given to it by Moteki, there was not much left in the engine to start up, leaving its crew in despair, but knowing there was nothing else to do but stay in the fight as best they could.

Miho watching Moteki in near tears trying to get the tank engine to rev up was heartbreaking because the driver was doing it because she wanted to win as badly as any of them, to reunite their tankery family. It was the same feeling in Miho's heart, but she was out of ideas at this point, knowing it was too dangerous to climb out of their tank to look the engine over again.

Again, a ringing pain pierces Miho's head, making her wince, as the all too familiar voice rang in her head.

When the battle presses in around you dear granddaughter, remember to use your ability given to you by our great Nakano, don't rely on tactics, strategies, or what is construed as conventional. Use the Kage no hon'nō, feel the aura of your tank, for you and it are one. It may sound crazy, it may sound like something out of a fable story, but I know you will feel it when the time comes

Just let it in, let it flow, and let it lead you to victory

The strange women's voice once again plays in Miho's mind. Yet instead of banishing it away, thinking that it was crazy talk, Miho close her good eye slowly, then one deep breath. Relaxing herself to the best of her abilities as she hones her mind in, only thinking about her tank.

A pulse could be faintly heard in her mind.

Even when she has first introduced to the Tiger 1 that faithful day so long ago, Miho always felt the aura of it, though back then it felt like a caged animal ready to be let loose. At first, she had brushed it off as just an impulsive feeling, but that same feeling seem to grow ever more intense as they fought together. Now there was no hesitation in Miho's mind about this feeling, because this was something she knew in her heart she felt was real, and now needed to let it flow.

Another deep breath.

Then one more.

What do you need?

Miho thought.

Ever so faintly she could feel the cry of a wounded animal in her mind.

You're hurting?

The faint sound came again.

Yes, but I can fight

What can I do?

Only you know the answer to that

Again Miho took a deep breath, then on instinct reach a hand out to touch the cold metal of the hull next to her in the commanders chair. A sudden sensation of something Miho couldn't explain ran through her, like she could feel every wire, exhaust valve, and other parts of the tank in her mind.

What do you need?

I need you

And I need you

Then we fight truly, as one

Resolute about what she needed to do, Miho hone her mind to focus on the engine, the Maybach HL230 P45 engine, she could feel its dying embers burning just lightly. Yet even an ember could spark a flame that could burn bright, wiping away any darkness blocking its path.

We need to bypass the carburettors to cold start the engine, but how? Wait…if we need to bypass it, we need a different gear….yes…that's it…..

Opening her eye, Miho focused in, knowing she was just going off a gut feeling at this point, but then again that was what had been guiding her till now. She wouldn't question it ever again, for the ability that was passed down to her was for a reason.

"Moteki, keep the handbrake on, place the Tiger 1 in fifth gear so we can bypass the carburettors so we can jump-start it cold, turn the ignition key just as you're giving the pedals some squeezing, then give it a hard couple of chokes from the lever as fast as you can so our oils can warm up as fast as possible," Miho order.

Balking a little bit, Moteki did as she was told. Making sure the handbrake was applied. Quickly shifted the tank into 5th gear, while pressing her foot on the pedal several times to practice, then took a deep breath and a wish for luck. Turning the ignition key, there was a slight roar of a startup, which made Moteki jump into action to quickly keep turning it over and over.

An ember was all that was needed, to awake the defiant Tiger one last time.

The loud roar of the engine could be heard throughout the tank, making every one of them let a breath of relief out. Moteki got to work giving the choke lever a couple of good pulls, trying to warm the oils up to keep their Tiger 1 going so not to shut off again.

"That's it, girl! You don't know when to quit!" Moteki said, slamming the wheel over and over in happiness.

Watabe took a breath, then focus herself back in the reticles sight, knowing she and her family weren't done, not by a long shot.

Nomi reach over to grasp her twin sister Nene's hand, the two girls ready to work as one to win this match for their crew and their surrogate mother, who once again show them impossible was a word not in their dictionary, and this moment only reinforce it.

Lastly, Miho wipe some sweat away from her brow, knowing that easily could have done nothing. Her hand was still touching the side hull beside her commanders chair, as again she could feel the aura of her tank. Her Tiger was on its last legs, with not much left in her to do but finish this fight.

"Alright," Miho started touching her throat microphone to her crew. "Moteki reverse back out of this barn."

Before complying with the order, Moteki rip her tanker goggles and M34 Cap off, as she was focus to win this thing, as she work the clutch and gears, "on it!"

"Alright, girls were going to be assaulted from all sides. I'll ask for a lot of maneuvers to give us a chance," Miho ordered.

"Come on! Let's show them are fangs," Nomi stated, with a fist in the air.

"Let's some them our claws!" Nene added.

"Let's show them why our family is never going to lose," Watabe said, losing for a moment her stuttering, as her competitive fury and love for her tankery family were on full display.

"Yes dear daughters, we won't just fight as a crew, we fight….we fight as one!" Miho said, shedding any doubt from her mind, for the love for her tankery family, for love for the place she belonged was filling her heart as if everyone one of them were with her at that very moment.

"As one!" her cubs roar back.

"Full reverse!" Miho order, as their Tiger 1 roll backward to meet its foe, bloodied and bruised, but by no means defeated.

XxxxX

Watching from the bleachers, Hosomi and the rest of the suspended members watch the monitor of the Federation drone situated overlooking the barn, that's front was covered in smoke. Yet we're surprised when the Tiger 1 crash through the back of the barn, making the Chi-Ha-Tan members jump up and down for their commander.

"Go get em' commander!"

"She's going to beat them all!"

"The Tigress style!"

"Cheer louder for the commander!"

"Miho!"

"Commander!"

"Our Tigress can't be beaten!"

Hosomi watching all this felt only her heart swell more with pride for her team. As she reach over to grab Hamada and Ikeda's hands. Kubota saw that and then grab Nishihara's hand, which quickly follow up with others grabbing each other's hands, wanting to show their solitary as a team.

Go Miho, don't ever stop climbing because were with you

Hosomi thought as she watch the final act of this battle.

XxxxX

Watching from the starting area for Chi-Ha-Tan's defeated crews, they were again in a flurry of excitement. Not caring for the crampiness of the tent where the screen was located for them. They follow the example of their own teammates, by everyone holding hands, as their hearts were united together for their beloved commander.

"She's going to wow us again isn't she?" Nishi joke, holding Fukuda's and Hirai's hands next to her.

"It happens so often, it should be normal right!?" Fukuda said in excitement, causing a round of chuckles from the other girls around us.

"You might be on to something Fukuda, though you've been wowing us since day one," Nishi praise.

Making Fukuda blush as she spoke. "Than…than…thank you, Miss Nishi."

Nodding to her, Nishi now turn to Tamada who was still holding Hasegawa in her arms like a mother holding their precious child, "come on Tamada, say something brave that I know Miho would get fluster by again."

"Wah, why are you putting me on the spot?" Tamada question

"Because you're her lover," Hasegawa tease in a tired tone in Tamada's arms.

Turning to look at the pint-size first year, Tamada grin wickedly. "I can drop you if you want."

"Eh! Please don't, I'm comfortable," the first year said, grabbing at Tamada's tankery jacket in desperation in case she did.

"Always a bully," Nishi said with a shake of the head, then smile as spoke again. "Come on Tamada, don't back down now when Miho needs you the most."

Taking a breath, Tamada, with a blush over her face, said the words. "Take em' down babe!"

"Yea!" the girls chuckle and cheer at the same time for their fiery vice commander's passion.

XxxxX

Opening the hatch above her cupola, Miho push it open throwing off the last of the broken wood planks that had landed on top of the tank after they finish breaking through the back of the barn. Instantly scanning left to right, Miho looked for the flanking tanks she knew had to be coming. It didn't take long to pick out targets, as the M36B2 was coming from her left, while the M4 Sherman was approaching from her right.

With no hesitation, Miho knew what to do. "Moteki rotate hard left, Nomi keep the gun at our 12 o'clock."

"Roger!" They both confirm back.

Swiftly the Tiger 1 turn entirely to the left, while Miho lean down again into the tank to touch the switch for the smoke discharges. Again, they had been fortunate that resupply had come with replacements for them. 6 smoke grenades shot forward to the front of the Tiger 1 that plaster the area in white smoke some 40 meters to their front, giving Miho's tank some much-needed cover, since the area around them was nothing but open ground.

"Moteki, hard right, and reverse!" Miho ordered her driver.

"On it!" Moteki responded.

Now returning to its original state of facing the barn, the Tiger 1 reverse hard, yet slowly. As they pull back, a cannon blast from the M36B2 roar a shell through the white smoke, screaming right past the Tiger, not even close to hitting it. Again the smoke playing on making the opponent guess shoot, to which Miho felt herself grin, thankful to this sometimes underappreciated asset of the Tiger 1.

The time now was to focus on the M4 Sherman, with the wall of smoke covering one side. Scanning to her right, with the Tiger 1 still reversing, Miho focus her best with one eye through the binoculars at the American ally for Ooarai. She took in the sight of the M4 Sherman with its grey camouflage screen, speedy some 100 meters away, doing its best to get at its side armor, which even at that distance would cut through the Tiger 1's side armor.

No way Miho was going to let that happen, as she touch her throat microphone with a new plan. "Moteki, forward! We need to crash back through the barn and go at the foe!"

Working the clutch and wheel like she was in a race car, Moteki stop the Tiger 1 and push forward while their tracks cut up the earth under them trying to find traction, which finally got some. Going forward now, Miho's tank went right through the same hole it just created, then push through the last remnants of the smokescreen made earlier by the Black Prince in front of the barn.

As they push through the smoke, Miho felt something, the sensation of danger, of the hairs on the back of her neck rising up.

"Moteki!" Miho said, feeling like she was telling her driver all she needed.

"Understood! Hang on girls!" Moteki said, knowing what her treasured tank commander wanted, feeling like they were connected with their minds and the familial love they had for one another.

Pulling the wheel to the left, the angle Tiger 1 came sliding out of the smoke, which was quickly subjected to the Panzer 4's 75mm high-velocity gun, that fired as if they knew they were coming out of the smoke. The tracer shell slam into the side of the tank, but found it was hitting the toughest part of the box tank with its corner to it, which effectively gave it more armor than the shell could deal with sending it away.

"Forward, 12 o'clock right past the Panzer 4!" Miho ordered.

Quickly working the wheel, Moteki got the Tiger 1 moving forward again, grinning all the while, feeling more in tune with Miho and her driving than ever before. It felt to Moteki like Miho was right with her, that they weren't just mere crew members, that they were connected deeper than anyone could imagine, even herself.

I love being in this tank!

Moteki thought, pushing her face in the vision slit as their Tiger 1 pushed forward.

XxxxX

"How did she anticipate when we fire!?" Hana said in a baffled tone, feeling a cold shiver up her back, while leaning into the gunners optics, taking in the sight of the hard-charging Tiger 1 at them, as the Panzer 4 went forward still closing the distance to no more than a 100 meters.

"Saori! Use the machine gun, throw tracers into the face of the Tiger 1!" Yukari order while touching her throat microphone.

"Oh…on it!" Saori said, a bit frighten since she hadn't gotten much practice using the bow gun.

It show, as she sent machine gun tracers wildly at the Tiger 1, some shots finding a home, while others miss completely. Hana added to the tracer show, with coaxial machine-gun fire, the double trail of green machine gun tracers seem to unsettle the Tiger 1 that didn't fire back, but kept coming at them, not backing down from its little sister German tank.

"Loaded!" Kisa shouted to clear her gunner to fire, after slamming the shell into the breech.

"Too late!" Yukari yelp in fear.

As it was too late to react, as the Chi-Ha-Tan Tiger 1 came alongside the Ooarai Panzer 4, so close it screech across the left side armor skirts, with the result being the heavier tank ripping them off, with the horrid ear-splitting sound of the metal scraping against metal, with accompanying sparks flying off in all directions making Yukari dip a bit in her Panzer 4 to avoid them.

Yet she was greeted to the awesome site of Miho Nishizumi standing tall in her cupola, seeming to not be fazed at all by the sparks, her eyes forward, looking past this foe to another. For a moment, that seem to slow to a crawl, Yukari saw Miho look over to her with her left eye swollen shut, but her right eye was focused on Yukari as if to say come get me.

As the Tiger 1 completely pass them, Yukari stood tall in her cupola, feeling her heartbeat like it wanted to burst from her chest, her breath coming in short, yet the excitement of the fight making her ready to get back into it with her idol no matter what.

However, something nag Yukari.

Why didn't she fire at us? What's Miss Nishizumi aiming for?

It then dawn on her turning to see the Tiger 1 press forward, charging right at the A43 Black Prince.

Touching her throat microphone quickly, Yukari spoke frantically. "Asira! The Tiger 1's charging you!"

"I got her! I got her!" Asira yell back over the net, then cut the call to hand orders down to her crew.

"Mako! Get us turn around!" Yukari ordered her driver.

"On it," Mako said in her casual tone, but a hint of competitiveness was evident, as she wanted to finally put this resilient Tiger 1 down.

Like the rest of her crew.

XxxxX

Miho turn slightly over her shoulder to see Yukari's Panzer 4 they had just passed. It was turning around quickly, which would bring its high velocity 75mm gun to bear on her Tiger 1's rear, but the bigger problem was to the front with the A43 Black Prince, with its powerful 17-pounder gun that could cut through the frontal armor of the Tiger 1 like it was nothing, which was why Miho wanted to take it out first.

"Put it in fifth gear Moteki, then be ready for my call to hard brake and drift right," Miho ordered while touching her throat microphone.

"Got it!" Moteki reply.

"Nomi, I'll call the shot. The drift will cause the gun to reticle to bounce, so wait for my order, Nene once we fire load AP again," Miho call down to her gunner and loader.

"Roger! Roger!" Nomi said, finger on the trigger ready to fire.

"Ready to load!" Nene said, with a fresh shell in hand.

Now the Miho focus on her front, with the A43 Black Prince still sitting with its tank angle at them, making it hard to find the sweet spot for their 88mm gun, while its 17-Pounder gun began to line up on them. Again, the feeling of danger was flooding Miho's mind, but she needed to anticipate the shot once again, too earlier and her crazy maneuver would only put her in a bad position, knowing the American allies would be coming back around to take them out.

Leaning forward, using her elbows to steady herself on the brim of her cupola Miho watch the Tiger 1 get ever closer to the Black Prince, the distance closed to just under 100 meters, and getting less with every second. The two tanks' guns line up one another, ready to fire at any moment, each gunner waiting for the command.

Then the feeling of danger came to Miho stronger.

"Now Moteki!" Miho order.

Not wasting time, Moteki pull the handbrake, while turning the wheel to the right. Quickly following was the sudden feeling of gravity kicking in, making everyone besides Moteki, grab something to stay stable as once again their Tiger drifted, taking advantage of the slippery ground taking friction off the tracks so they wouldn't snap.

The timing was perfect as the Black Prince fired, which was on target, but the sudden drift had pull their foe out of their shell's flight path. Now the Tiger 1 using its momentum to drift wide of the angle Black Prince, coming around to get at its side armor. From Miho's perspective, it seem that the Black Prince's crew were in shock, as they made no move to reverse their tank or traverse the gun, to which both moves would have not helped them at this point.

Eyeing the angle of her gun, Miho call her shot as the barrel got line up. "Now Nomi!"

"On the way!" Nomi yell excitedly, while pulling the trigger.

A quick flash from the dreaded 88mm gun sent the AP shell right into the side of the Black Prince. Smacking hard as the Tiger 1 drifted by still, which overloaded the onboard systems as a kill shot, with the side armor of the Black Prince having no chance to bounce its foe's impressive gun at now the deadly close distance. Leaving its shock crew defeated, as smoke rose up in the air, and the white kill flag popped up.

The Tiger 1 finally came to a stop behind the defeated tank, as Miho's crew cheered for their successful takedown of the enemy. While Miho herself, let out a breath, knowing they had done something once again that had just worked and not snapped their tracks from overburden. However, she could feel that her tank wasn't going to be able to keep doing those maneuvers again, not without consequences.

A sudden feeling of wetness could be felt running down Miho's nose and onto her lips. Bringing her hand up to touch the area, Miho brought her hand up to see blood on it, to which she instantly knew her nose was bleeding. This was followed up by a sudden pain in her head, with a sudden high ringing in her ears making her wince in her cupola.

It will take from you

The voice of the strange woman's voice plays in Miho's mind. As she could somewhat understand that her gift came at a price. Yet how to manage this gift was the real question that right now, wasn't the time to figure out. Using the sleeve of her tankery jacket, Miho wipe the blood away, looking past the defeated the Black Prince to the oncoming enemy tanks.

Both sides had reversed their positions, with the American tankers coming back from around the barn they had been flanking to see their ally tank taken out. Yukari's Panzer 4 was also turned around, but wasn't moving from her spot, most likely waiting for the Tiger 1 to make its move, knowing she couldn't fire without hitting her teammate's defeated tank.

"What's our next move?" Moteki ask, staying ready to get the Tiger 1 moving again.

Thinking things over, Miho didn't rely on her gift, instead on her mind. Seeing that they were completely covered by the Black Prince, leaving no angles to shoot at, Miho look to use her team's Sensha-do strategy, which meant she needed to take out the most dangerous tank threat to her now, which was the M36B2 with its impressive 90mm gun. It was one of America's great tank killers in the war, to which Miho respected its power enough to be her next target.

"Get us angle right 20 degrees, roll forward. Nomi our target is the M36B2, will have to be quick, distance is 200 meters, traverse slight left, fire when ready," Miho order.

Her crew confirm their orders. Moteki got the Tiger 1 angle to their right, rolling forward at a diagonal angle to peek around the Black Prince, while Nomi use the foot pedal power traverse to get the 88mm gun on target. Looking through her reticle, making use of the larger field of view to quickly spot the American tank destroyer rolling forward to their right over the wet ground, kicking up a lot of mud as it press forward quickly, making use of its high mobility getting up to 42 km/h speed wise.

Yet the American tank destroyer crew must have seen the 88mm gun pointing at them from around the Black Prince, quickly slamming on the brakes, but the wet ground did it no favors as it drifted forward a bit out of control. It gave Nomi an easy target, as she got her reticle line up on the panic tank, who fire off a desperate shot, which scream over the Black Prince and Tiger 1 into the distance.

Nomi smile a bit as the tank destroyer was in her sites, then call her shot."On the way!"

The batter Tiger 1 gave something back to its foe coolly with its 88mm gun. Its shell flew across the space in a matter of seconds, striking the front of the M36B2 frontal plate, which had no chance of bouncing. Like its little sister in the M18 Hellcat, this tank sacrificed armor for better mobility, which was made known as the white kill flag popped up on the American tank destroyer, ending its fight for good.

"Target destroy," Nomi confirm.

Miho nodded. "Good, Moteki reverse to get us completely behind the Black Prince again."

"Are we making for the village?" Moteki ask.

Not responding right away, Miho, against her better judgment, touch the top of the hull's tank from her cupola. Using her ability to reach out to her tank, feeling its aura. It wasn't good, she could feel again it was on its last legs for the engine, with the broken water pump, that even slightly repair, didn't have enough water to keep the Maybach HL230 cool enough. Heat would eventually blow the engine soon, with not enough time for Miho to make for the village.

The end battle would be here.

"No, the engine won't make it. We finish this here and now, our Tiger has enough left for that. Keep us here and will wait for the enemy to make their move, Nomi be ready for possibly another moving shot on the M4 Sherman," Miho order.

"Loaded! Give it to them sis!" Nene said after shoving in a fresh AP Shell.

"You got it!" Nomi reply back, ready to fire again.

Just need to stay in the fight a little longer, so Tozen Company can knock out Oarai's flag tank. Hopefully they're still in the fight, but if I know Haru, she train her first years to be as tenacious as she is

Miho thought with a proud smile, as she look to her foe, ready for the final fight.

XxxxX

"Dammit," Miyata said in frustration, as she took in the site of the city center where the large Senate House dominated most of it.

Once again, she had gone out on foot leaving her tanks behind. Taking the same approach she had done with scouting out the Char 1 Bis, making sure she knew what was in front of her, instead of going in blindly. Luckily there was a host of attached buildings around the city center that she could access, having taken an apparent apartment building and heading up to its 3rd story to look in on the city center for the second time today, having earlier done it with Tamada.

Looking in on the city center, it was a mostly open area, with what had been decorated with small trees and walkways leading up to the Senate House. Yet now it was a mess because of the earlier air strike they call in for their air force, who use their 20mm and 60kg bombs to devastate it, while Tozen Company began their assault on the city.

What was making Miyata curse was the sight of two tanks in the city center, knowing they had lost the race to reach it before the enemy. Standing in the open was the Type 5 Chi-Ri and also the StuG 3, space some meters from each other, guarding the steps to the Senate House. Making it obvious that the Ooarai flag tank had to be hiding inside the Senate House, but from their position, only 3 conjoin road led into the city center. The other problem was fuel was running low, not enough to find a flanking route, possibly through a destroyed building again, leaving her in a bind.

"Looks like we lost the race to the city center. What now?" Nakahara ask, standing next to Miyata as she brought down her binoculars.

"I honestly don't know, that Chi-Ri's fire rate could take all of us out if we charge in. Not to mention we still need to climb those steps up to the Senate House, and we're still only guessing the flag tank is there," Miyata said with a shake of the head.

"Doesn't help that our fuel is low. Too bad the Federation doesn't allow us to carry extra on our tank," Nakahara said.

A small chuckle came from Miyata. "Well I honestly feel better not carrying that. Could catch fire if a machine gun or shell hit it."

"Yep don't feel like getting-," Nakahara said, before the door to the apartment room open up.

Both girls turn to see the other member of their company come in, it was Shibata walking in with the biggest grin on her face. Before her fellow tank commanders could ask what was making her smile so large, another member walk into the room which shocked both of them.

It was their upperclassmen Maita, who walk in with an equal smile. Without words, both Miyata and Nakahara came running over to their upperclassmen. They group hug her, glad she was alright, with Shibata standing off to side, since she and the rest of the tank crews had greeted her and Maita's crew.

"Good to see you girls safe," Maita said, as she rub the heads of her juniors, glad they were alright, though sadden to know Tamada had been taken out.

As they broke apart, Miyata spoke. "How you get here? Is there anyone else left?"

Maita shook her head, then explain how Nishi, Fukuda, Ishido, and the rest of the girls had battled outside the city. Trapping the Oarai scouts, then running from their American reinforcements. Next, Miho saved them from the M18 Hellcat with some insane longshot, and then the final fight that left Maita now all alone.

"Everyone fought real hard," Miyata said, looking downcast.

"They did, while our commander is still out there fighting to keep our dream alive too," Maita said back.

"I wish we could go fight alongside her," Nakahara said in frustration.

"Commander Miho is carrying too much alone on her shoulders," Shibata said just as frustrated.

Maita look at all of them, knowing her job was to get her junior's minds right, as she spoke. "Miho is fighting hard, because she believes in you girls to win. We got this, especially with our air force coming back."

"Roger that," Miyata said, letting the fire in her heart heat back up.

"For the commander," Shibata boasted.

"For our tankery family," Nakahara added in.

Nodding with pride to her juniors, Maita laid down her plan. "Alright, will probably have one more chance at this. Ready to be reckless?"

Letting a sly look cross her face, Miyata spoke. "Is that even a question?"

That cause a round of chuckles to fill the shattered room, then once Maita calm down she spoke. "Alright, alright, you got me. Here's the plan."

Quickly the upperclassmen explain her bold plan. It made her first years smile in excitement, knowing that Maita had to be learning from Miho on how to operate, but they were used to the crazy plans at this point. It be weird at this point if they didn't do something crazy.

"Sound good?" Maita ask her juniors.

"Roger," the first years responded together with salutes.

"Good, let's go hunting cubs," Maita said, then turn to leave the room with her cubs right behind her ready to pounce.

XxxxX

The skies above the battleground were beginning to open up. The once gray clouds that had dominated for most of the match, were now breaking apart, letting in the bright blue sky and sun down on field. It was a nice break from the gloomy setting that had been with the entire match so far, yet there was still a battle going on, and for the last 3 members of the Chi-Ha-Tan Airforce in their A6M Zero's, they were more than focus to help their little tankery sisters out.

"Alright girls," Aozora said over the squad net, "we got one last chance at this, make every shot count."

"Roger leader, don't worry. Will give Mama Jun more than she can handle this time," Kataoka said with determination.

"We won't let her even begin to fire on our girls anymore," Nagase added in her determined voice.

"That's what I like to hear," Aozora said, as the three of them flew in formation aboard their A6M Zeroes across the field of battle.

A sudden familiar net call came in. "Raider 1, this is Air Control, over."

A smirk of excitement crossed Aozora's face, then answer the call. "Raider 1 here, go ahead Air Control."

"Chi 1 is calling in air support over point 0553, over the city center plaza. Your target is the Senate House, orders to lay everything into it fast and hard, how copy?" the air control man said over the net.

"Read you five by five. Raider 1 is going on station," Aozora said, then cut the net call, then open her squad net, "alright girls, were going back to the city. We're hitting the Senate House with all we got, were going to hit it fast too."

"Roger, how fast are we talking?" Nagase ask over the net.

"Were coming at a sloping dive at full throttle, then I want you lay everything into that Senate House, bring down the front of the building and we might get the flag tank that has to be hiding there," Aozora lay down her orders.

"If we come in that hot, will we be able to pull out with enough room to maneuver when Mama Jun comes in?" Kataoka ask with concern.

"Just worry about giving our girls a chance, the rest will work itself out," Aozora said over the net.

"Roger, on your wing," Nagase said back over the net.

"On your wing," Kataoka said over the net.

Aozora nodded at that, then push the throttle up on her A6M Zero that was matched by her wingmates. Again heading for the city for another attack run with full loads, hoping to give their girls a chance.

The flight was not long as they reach the city center, coming in from the north, flying over the rubble city at some 2000 meters in the sky. They all dip the wings of their planes slightly down to take in the site of the Senate House, their primary target. With their angle good, they began to line up in a single file, waiting on their squadron leader's word.

Feeling the moment was right, Aozora call her orders over the net. "Same attack plan, keep your spacing to 100 meters when we slope dive. Give it to them!"

"Roger!" Her squad roar back.

Pushing her control stick right, Aozora began her attack run. The feeling of being weightless took over again, as the blood rush to her head again as her plane slope dived right at the front of the Senate House. As she came closer, she could make out the last of the Oarai tanks in the city sitting at the base of the steps leading up to the building.

Yet these weren't her target, so Aozora ignore them as her reticle on her dash began to line up on the Senate House front. Picking her moment, she touch her side trigger lever, which unleashes her 20mm high explosive cannons. The cockpit rock with the heavy cannons unleashing a powerful barrage at the front of the building, tearing up the pillars and part of the front door.

The A6M Zeros 20mm had limited ammo, which ran out quickly. Which was the perfect time, as now the 2 60kg bombs hanging on the bottom of either side of her wings were next to be used. Pulling the stick up, again with the feeling of blood rushing to her head, Aozora pull out of her dive, while pulling on the bomb lever to the side of her chair.

She couldn't see her bombs dropping, but she could hear them screaming all the way down, which was follow up by twin explosions. Quickly she pull the stick right, putting her Zero into a wide arc so she could see the results of her work. The work had its effect, as many pillars were torn up, with the bombs taking out one of them completely.

The proud pilot was able to witness her squad's work as well, as they came in one after another. Unleashing cannons and bombs that tore up the front of the Senate House, leaving a large swath of dust hanging in the air for a moment, making it hard to see how their effective their work was.

"Alright on my wing! Climb up to 3000 meters! Watch for the fighters!" Aozora order quickly, knowing Mama Jun had to be coming in soon.

Lining themselves in a loose stagger column, so they could maneuver and have better vision, the 3 Chi-Ha-Tan Zeros climb up together. Then level off, with their heads looking left, right, and behind them, taking advantage of their cockpit's wide field of view. Nothing for the moment happen, making the hairs on the back of the pilot's necks rise up.

"Got her! To our 3 o'clock!" Nagase said over the net.

All heads turn to their right, taking in the sight of the 3 Oarai Zeros coming right for them, with deadly intent. Quickly the 3 Chi-Ha-Tan Zeros arc their turns to the foe, then adopted a line formation, to which Mama Jun's squad match. Both sides charge at each other in the skies like they were jousters, wanting to prove who the masters of the skies were.

"Got right at them, remember the rules we can't fire at their front. Pick a dance partner and let's see who rules the skies!" Aozora yell with excitement for the air duel.

"Right!" Her squad said, matching their squad leader's excitement.

The two squads quickly past one another, and began their duel for the right to be the queens of the skies.

XxxxX

Quickly popping her head out of her hatch, Erwin aboard her StuG 3 looked behind her to the Senate House that had been subjected to a heavy barrage by the Chi-Ha-Tan air force. The dust was beginning to clear, giving her a sight of many of the pillars having been destroyed, leaving the front of the building looking shaky with its limited supports.

Knowing what was coming, Erwin touch her throat microphone. "Miss Kawashima! The front of the building is collapsing, get out of there!"

"O…on it!" Momo said frightfully over the net.

No sooner had the student council member reply, did the front of the building begin to collapse, with the Hetzer 38 (t) coming barreling out of the dust down the steps leading up to the front of the building. They were just in time as the high arches collapse completely, coming down around the front of the building, burying a section in the rubble of white marble.

As they reach the bottom of the steps the Hetzer stop between the Chi-Ri and StuG 3. With the hatch popping above the crew area, with Momo and Anzu coming up together. Erwin let a breath out seeing that their flag tank had dodged a bullet, since if the building collapsed on their flag tank it might have been taken out if the damage was too much for the sensors, and more importantly their upperclassmen would have needed to be dug out.

"Well that was exciting," Anzu said, seeming not to be faze that she was about to be buried.

"Not the word I use President," Momo replied with a shaky voice, while doing her best to fix her glasses.

"Those Chi-Ha-Tan girls are going to pay for almost hurting my Yuzu! No one hurts a captain's lass!" Ogin roar from her cupola aboard the Type 5 Chi-Ri.

"Don't call me your lass!" Yuzu yelp in embarrassment from inside the Hetzer.

Erwin chuckled, as the rumors about them seem to be true, then spoke. "Well I call in our fly girls as soon as the alarm sounded in our tanks for the Chi-Ha-Tan planes. Our Mama Jun will tie them up for sure."

"That's good and all, but where are those Type 1 Chi-He's? They have to be doing a follow-up attack soon," Momo said with annoyance.

"We should get out of here, I say," Anzu added her opinion to the situation.

Before anyone could say anything else on the matter, they were greeted by the sounds of tank tracks coming in at high speeds. All eyes turn to the east, seeing the street leading into the city center, now have 3 Type 1 Chi-He's coming in at full speeds. They weren't' stopping either, as they came charging at the Oarai tanks over the broken trees, rubble, felled light poles, and whatever else was in their path. It seem their sole goal was to meet the Oarai tanks in a head-on battle.

Ogin went in to action, touching her throat microphone. "Murakami hit them with 37mm gun, Cutlass you hit them with the 75mm gun! Make use of the drum auto loader or whatever, and fire as fast as you can!"

The Shark crew got to work, with Murakami being strong enough to load her own 37mm gun by herself and fire. While Cutlass bury herself in the gunners sight to line up her shot, while Rum made sure the shells were loaded in the rack to be loaded into breach from the drum autoloader system aboard.

Erwin laid down similar orders to her crew, while the Student council team got to work as well. All three tanks line their guns up to fire at the Japanese tanks, who were still coming on with seemingly no fear for their foes. Which made a little doubt creep into the back of the minds of the Oarai crews about their foe's intentions with this suicidal charge that wasn't their style anymore.

Just as they were about to fire, all three Japanese tanks Type 97 Heavy tank machine guns began to spit tracers out, that splatter all over the Oarai tanks, who they themselves didn't have bow machine guns to answer back, though the cartridge of the Type 97 machine guns were no more than 20 bullets, the bow gunners of Chi-Ha-Tan would load quickly to keep their barrage up.

The constant splatter of machine gun fire unnerve the Oarai tank crews a bit, but also anger them wanting to return something back to their foe. Ogin's Type 5 Chi-Ri fire first, with both 37mm bow gun and main 75mm gun, but miss as the Chi-Ha-Tan tanks began to swerve left and right, taking advantage that the wide city center which gave them immense room to maneuver and make use of their good drive systems.

With the constant swerving the Hetzer 38 and StuG 3, each with stationary guns with limited horizontal traverse had to move their tanks to keep the foe in sight, making them snap shoot because they were getting flustered by the constant need to maneuver their tanks side to side. The result was miss shots, while the Chi-He's now silence their bow guns, switching to their main 47mm guns, firing on the move.

Their tracer shells flew across the distance between the two sides, with the shells aiming not for kills. One shell hit the StuG 3 right track from the front, shattering a section. Another shell hit the Type 5 Chi-Ri, but was off the target of the track and bounce off its frontal plate. The last shell completely miss the Hetzer 38 thankfully for the Oarai team. While the Chi-Ha-Tan tanks kept pressing forward.

Inside her tank, Erwin growled in frustration, knowing her tank was immobile now, but decided to give their flag tank a chance while she touch her throat microphone. "Turtle team, charge forward past those Chi-He's and run deep into the city to hide! Shark team be their shield when they get close!"

"What about you?!" Momo ask over the net.

"Will keep them occupied, so just go. They won't turn around with our guns at their back," Erwin said with confidence in her tactical choice.

"I won't let them get close. Ye foes won't touch our flagship," Ogin said, then handed down orders to her crew.

Rolling forward, the Type 5 Chi-Ri fired several times. Making use of its auto drum loader system that allow for excellent fire rate, along with its extra 37mm bow gun, but again had a tough time hitting its little sister Japanese tanks, which closed to within 50 meters now.

Yet finally one shell from the 75mm gun found its mark on one of the flanking Type 1 Chi-He's, striking it hard, with no chance of bouncing. It was left behind as its other ally tanks continue to charge, smoking in defeat with the white kill flag popping up now. Even with the loss, the other Chi-He's kept coming on, getting uncomfortably close to the Oarai crews tanks.

The remaining two Chi-He's now move in for their objective, targeting the Type 5 Chi-Ri who was still rolling forward to meet them, but now had placed itself too far forward, allowing its foe to flank to either side. While the 47mm guns of these Chi-Ha-Tan tanks couldn't penetrate the frontal armor, they would also have a difficult time penetrating the side armor, but there was little flaw they were looking to exploit in this impressive foe's tank.

Wrapping around, they rotated their turrets to aim for a little gap in the back of the turret that left a small gap into the turret ring. Both tanks quickly focus fire on the spot taking that was overloaded as a kill shot, leaving its big sister Japanese tank defeated now, paying it back for taking out its leader earlier in the match as the white kill flag came up.

"Damn!" Erwin growled, then lay orders down. "Oryou, rotate our tank right, Saemonza let her know when you're on target and take out one of these Chi-He's."

"On it!" Oryou said, working the sticks to get their StuG 3 that could still rotate even with a broken track.

"Stop!" Saemonza said, as a Chi-He was in her sights, then call her shot. "On the way!"

The StuG 3's 75mm KwK 40 gun roar its shell out, with Saemonza proving her accuracy was as high as the bowmen of her favorite era in the Sengoku period. With the shell smacking into one the Chi-He's taking it out, leaving only one left.

"Go Turtle team, will hold this Chi-He here!" Erwin order.

"Roger!" Momo said, while Yuzu put the Hetzer 38 forward now passing around the defeated tanks.

Erwin nodded, leaning out of her cupola to look at the remaining Type 1 Chi-He, but was surprised when it didn't go after their flag tank, instead it focus on them. Coming charging forward at the StuG 3, making Erwin balk wondering what they were doing.

"Oryou rotate right till Saemonza says, then fire at the Chi-He charging us, Cesar load AP," Erwin quickly order.

The crew responded quickly, as the StuG 3 rotated to the hard-charging tank, seeing it was dead set on taking them on, to which Hippo team relish in the challenge, as Saemonza again eye her reticle as their tank still spun to get on target.

"Stop!" Saemonza ordered from her gunner's chair, then call her shot. "On the way!"

Just as they fire, the Chi-He let loose it's 47mm gun, both shells flew past one another striking each other's tanks. Yet the odd angles of the StuG 3's lower profile tank bounce the shell away, while the 75mm gun's shell punch hard into the Chi-He's armor, overloading the systems as a kill shot. The defeated smoking Japanese tank roll forward lifelessly, then ram into the StuG 3 that stop it.

Coming up out of her cupola, Erwin adjusted her German Field Marshall's cap, as she took in the sight of the defeated tank that rammed into her. It made her wonder why they be so reckless charging them, while firing at the thickest part of their armor, but whatever the case was they had defeated the Chi-Ha-Tan tanks, giving them so breathing room.

Then it hit her.

Wait, didn't our Wolverton teammates report the Chi-Ha-Tan Mk 4 Valentine operator tank was heading to the city

No sooner had the thought passed her mind, that Erwin heard the sound of an engine down the plaza. Turning, she saw the Mk 4 Valentine coming roaring into the city center from the east like its teammates earlier and chase their flag tank Hetzer 38, who had to run since they couldn't rotate their gun to the foe.

Popping her head from the other hatch, Cesar took in the sight of the ruse they fell into. "They trick us worse than Hannibal did the Romans at the Battle of Cannae."

"That's it," Erwin said in a solemn tone, knowing they couldn't turn to help since the Japanese tank was rammed into them.

XxxxX

"Our girls did their part, now it's our turn!" Maita said over the crew net, as her Mk 4 Valentine chased the Ooarai flag tank northward down a street out of the city center.

"On it!" Kama said from her driver's seat.

"We won't let out juniors' hard work go to waste!" Sui said, looking through the gunner's sight to the fleeing Ooarai tank.

"That's right, so let's take this tank down and go home," Maita said as she loaded a shell into the 2 QF Pounder breach, as they chase the tank down the long street, as it swerve left to right, trying not to be an easy target for their foe.

XxxxX

Wolverton's M4 Sherman under the command of Jasmine Fitzgerald came forward now, with said commander looking to her left to see her defeated team member Ellie in the M36B2 from her tank's cupola. Smoke rose over the defeated tank destroyer taken out by the enemy Tiger 1 who had evaded them again, making Jasmine growl knowing their best tank killer was gone now.

Bringing her wire communicator up to her mouth, Jasmine open a net call to her defeated teammate. "Ellie are you alright?"

"Ellie here, yea me and the crew are good. Just got a heck of shake from that 88mm gun," Ellie said back, her voice evident with disappointment over the net.

"You did good Ellie, that Tiger 1 commander is just giving us all we can handle. I'll get her and win this match," Jasmine said back over the net.

"Be careful though, she's reacting like she knows when we're going to act, it's something I've never seen," Ellie warn over the net.

"Yea I got it, she's definitely everything we thought she be and more. Stay down while we finish this fight," Jasmine said.

"Roger, good hunting," Ellie said back, then cut the net call.

Focusing herself now, Jasmine use one hands to make sure the strap of her 1938 US Tanker helmet was secure, as she lean forward in her cupola in the M4 Sherman that was rolling forward. Using her binoculars, she focuses on the Tiger 1 still behind A43 Black Prince, using it as a shield it seem like, with the Oarai Panzer 4 sitting still in front some 50 meters away, seeming to wait for the Tiger 1 to make a move.

Jasmine could understand why the Tiger 1 wasn't moving, since there was nothing but the open ground around them now. No trees or foliage to use for cover, and also the ground was completely flat which left no natural dips or rises in the ground for cover as well. If it left from behind the tank shield, they be exposed to them to fire at, especially if they flank to either side as they close the distance with the enemy.

"Lilly put it fifth gear, right stick. Isabelle load AP, Myla traverse left and make sure the gyrostabilizer is on, were hitting her on the move. Nina hit her with the bow gun too if you got the chance," Jasmine order down to her crew.

"Roger!" they reply as one.

Watch me, grandpa, I'm honoring your service today in the war and the bravery you showed

Jasmine thought, leaning into her cupola and eyeing the closing distance to the Tiger 1. She could see the Panzer 4 tank commander Yukari Akiyama standing tall in her cupola, turning to see Jasmine. Using her hand signals, Jasmine laid out her plan, to which Yukari nodded and flank left with her tank, knowing if one of them was taken out, the other could get the kill.

The distance was quickly close to no more than 40 or so meters. Jasmine watched their flanking movement giving them the angle on the Tiger 1, whose side armor would be presented to them shortly, while hoping she could force the enemy tank into a mistake of reversing backward which would not be able to keep up with the M4 Sherman's highest gear charging forward, allowing them to get behind them for the coveted kill shot.

Yet, like all match, the Tiger 1 commander didn't play to anyone's tune.

The Tiger 1 rotated towards the M4 Sherman in its neutral drive, then came charging forward with its gun front at 12 o'clock. Jasmine didn't have to waste time ordering her gunner to fire, as Myla who traverse the gun could see the hard-charging Tiger 1 in her reticle, and quickly got the sights on the tank trying to get her shell under the mantlet into the turret ring which was their only chance to kill it from the front.

"On the way!" Myla said, while stepping on the firing pedal.

An angry tracer shell was let loose from their short barrel 75mm gun, which was on target even at its tanks high speed. Yet facing the frontal armor of the Tiger 1's 101mm armor prove too much for the AP shell of their lower velocity gun, which Myla couldn't get the neck shot she wanted, with the shell bouncing away with a shrug, while the 88mm gun began to line up on the Sherman. Making Jasmine lean back in her cupola knowing how powerful the gun was.

"Left stick!" Jasmine order.

Turning the tank on the spot was just in time, as the Tiger 1 fired at them. Its shell screeched the left side of the M4 Sherman, sending a high shriek of metal on metal into the air, making Jasmine have to grit her teeth at the horrid sound, but focus herself quickly, seeing that the two tanks were facing one another's front. It was then the Wolverton platoon leader made a snap decision to give Yukari a chance to end this match.

"Lilly full charge, ram that tank. Everyone hold on to something," Jasmine ordered over the crew net.

"Got it!" Lilly said, pushing the sticks forward making their Sherman charge, while everyone else held on.

The distance was short enough that there was no time for the Tiger 1 to get off a second shot, as the M4 Sherman ram into it, the force of it causing Jasmine to get thrown forward a bit in the cupola, but kept herself steady with her arms. She caught sight of the Chi-Ha-Tan commander Miho Nishizumi standing tall in her cupola, looking at her it seem like.

"Keep going forward! Keep her in place for Miss Akiyama to get the kill!" Jasmine order, as she was going to do everything she could to win this hard-fought match.

XxxxX

Watching from her cupola, Miho watch the M4 Sherman tank that had just rammed into them, keep pressing forward. It was a bold move to ram their tank into her Tiger 1, but Miho understood they were trying to keep her in place, as the Panzer 4 was coming around to hit her in the rear now. Again she needed to act quickly before that happen.

Touching her throat microphone, Miho open her crew net. "Moteki reverse hard left on my signal."

"Roger!" Moteki said.

Before Miho could lay any other orders down, the M4 Sherman let loose its coaxial machine gun into the Tiger 1's mantlet, with angry red tracers splashing all over, sparking and pinging off. Miho dip low into the cupola, as some spent tracers might hit her if she kept standing tall. It was an obvious move to try and blind the gunner sight with tracers, making it hard for Nomi to fire.

"Should I fire?" Nomi ask, desperate to put this tank down.

"No, wait for our chance to strike," Miho said, turning around in her cupola to the rear of her tank.

It was just in time to see Panzer 4 now coming around their defeated teammate in the Black Prince that Miho had been using earlier for cover, now stop to line its gun up to the rear of the Tiger 1. The heightened sense of danger washed over Miho, but she push it down, needing to again pick her moment to retaliate or blow her opportunity.

"Now! Reverse hard left!" Miho order over the net.

Moteki work the clutch quickly, getting it into reverse, then step on the pedal to accelerate their tank backward, follow up by spinning the wheel left. Rapidly they pull away from the M4 Sherman, while turning left just as the Panzer 4 fire from the rear. The 75mm high-velocity gun that had been looking to take down the Tiger 1, instead fire its shell at the M4 Sherman who had been ramming them, luckily Hana had been aiming low and hit one of the M4's tracks taking it out.

Unfortunately, now it left the M4 Sherman with no way to move, giving Miho the chance she needed as she touch her throat microphone. "Nomi traverse left, hit the Sherman."

Using her power traverse pedal to get on target, Nomi got her reticle on the Sherman. "On the way!"

The fury of the 88mm gun sent its shell to hit the side of the Sherman, punching into the side armor that was thoroughly defeated, overloading the systems as a kill shot. Smoke billow over the defeated tank, with a white kill flag coming up, putting down the hard-fighting American ally tank. Leaving Miho alone with Yukari's Panzer 4 who rotated to face each other.

Both tanks were only separated by less than 30 meters, yet their guns remain silent. Miho look at Yukari standing tall in her cupola, each of them staring at one another. Each crew felt the tension in the air that was stifling, sweat running down their faces as their anxiety was gripping them, knowing all it took was one shot to win this match.

Miho went into action first. "Moteki hard left, then full throttle. Nomi, bring our gun to our 3 o'clock, Nene load AP, Watabe be ready on the bow gun."

"Roger!" Her cubs roar back.

Quickly the Tiger 1 rotated left and went forward, while the Oarai Panzer 4 did the same as if Yukari knew what Miho was going to do. Both tanks kept pace with one another, paralleling each other with no more than 40 meters of space, while their main guns began to line up to the side of their tanks at each other. Again they were in a dance, looking to outdo each other, needing the one move that would win the match.

Eyeing her 88mm gun's barrel, Miho leaning against her cupola call the shot. "Now!"

"On the way!" Nomi yell, while pulling the trigger.

Their tracer shell scream at the foe, but the Panzer 4 hard stop, letting the shell fly at the empty space. Next, they pull across the space, lowering their speed to put them behind the Tiger 1 that still pull forward. Rapidly the Panzer 4 brought their 75mm gun to bear on the rear of the Tiger 1's rear, knowing all they had to do was fire and end the match.

"Loaded!" Nene said, getting an AP shell in the breach.

"Moteki, keep our speed, pull the wheel right, Nomi keep the gun to our 3 o'clock, I'll call the shot," Miho ordered.

"On your command!" Nomi said, her hand on the trigger, feeling the sweat rapidly run down her face as the intensity was at an all-time high.

Quickly responding to orders, Moteki pull right on the wheel, making the Tiger 1 drift. Whipping around, while having its side armor to the foe, as they slid across the wet earth shredding up the mud and grass under their tank.

Focusing, Miho relax her mind, reaching out for her gift, letting it guide her.

Opening her eye, she focus as the 88mm gun facing over the side of their tank, was now lining up on the foe, as Miho yell over the net. "Now!"

"On the way!" Nomi said as pull the trigger.

Just as they fired, the Panzer 4 fired as well.

Both gunners were on target, as once again they fire their shells in the same flight path. The shells skirted one another, with the high screech of their metals connecting, then ricochet off one another to the side and away from the tanks they had been aiming for. Once again, both gunners had bounced their shells off each other in spectacular fashion.

"Darn, we bounce shells again. Third times the charm right?" Nomi joke.

"How about I hit you on the head a third time? Because my heart can't keep taking this stress you're causing me because you can't take that Panzer 4 down," Nene complain.

"Keep firing Nomi," Watabe said, again surprising everyone by her non-stuttering from her bow gunners chair.

"You got it Watabe," Nomi said with a wide smirk.

What's it going to take to beat Miss Akiyama?

Miho thought, as her tank came to stop, while the Panzer 4 stop completely before they ram into their foe. With their gun pointed at their side, ready to fire when their gun was loaded, which wasn't going to take long from what Miho had seen of the loader for Yukari's tank crew just by the fire rate of the Panzer 4.

"Moteki forward again, we need to give Miss Akiyama what she wants," Miho order, as an idea came to her.

"Roger!" Moteki said, working the gears and stepping on the accelerator quickly to get the Tiger 1 going forward.

As her tank rolled forward, Miho's sixth sense blare in her mind. Turning around in her cupola to her rear, her eyes were set on the engine that she could feel was near overheating and ready to blow. Meaning she only has one chance at this, or lose with their dream ending here and now.

Give me one last push

Miho thought, as she touch the hull of her tank, almost feeling the pain her Tiger 1 was going through.

Then a voice seemed to speak back to her.

For you anything…

That made Miho smile, as she look forward in her cupola now.

XxxxX

"Swerve! Swerve! Come on Yuzu," Momo said in a fearful state, doing what she believed was motivating their driver to push forward.

Letting out a huff of annoyance, Yuzu spoke as she work the two-hand tillers to keep their tank moving left to right. "I know Momo, I know!"

"Don't call me Momo!"

"Don't work too hard ladies," Anzu said from her position behind Momo, seeming to be the only one relaxed.

When there was no reason to relax as they were now isolated from any support, with the Chi-Ha-Tan Mk 4 Valentine on their rear, that had fired several times to try to hit their rear, with no way for them to fire back, since the Hetzer 38 had only a fix gun to the front.

"Please do work hard!" Yuzu said back, a little annoyed at her Student Council President's lax attitude, but then again that was how she always was.

"We can't lose! Miss Akiyama and the others need a place to call home!" Momo said, letting out some of her true feelings, and the care she had for her juniors.

Sitting behind with a wide smile for her friend, Anzu lean forward to touch the shoulder of Momo, who turn to look at her Student Council president as she spoke. "Momo, will win alright. Miss Akiyama will come through for us like she's done before, so let's not be poor upperclassmen who don't believe in our juniors. Come on Yuzu, show us some of those great driving skills."

Wiping her tears away, Momo. "Yes president."

Looking over her shoulder a bit, Yuzu smiled. "Don't worry, I have to show my juniors why I love being a tanker as well."

Stepping on the accelerate, Yuzu work the hand tillers to keep their tank moving, doing her best to keep their flag tank and Oarai's dreams alive. For they weren't just fighting for the right to advance, but the right to keep their home open, for all the girls who would call it home next year. This was the wish of the Student Council, and they do their part to make it happen.

XxxxX

Yukari watched from her cupola as the Tiger 1 pushed forward crossing the Panzer 4's front seeming to run from them, baffling her a bit that Miho would give her a chance to fire at her backside, but not an opportunity she would back down from now, not when victory was so close for them.

"Mako forward full speed gets us behind the Tiger 1, Hana you have the shot, fire when ready," Yukari order, her voice completely resolute.

"Got it," Mako said, pushing the sticks with great precision, getting their Panzer 4 going forward to chase the Tiger 1.

Saori turn in her seat to look at Hana. "Fire as many times as it takes Hana, to win this match."

"No," Hana said resolutely. "All I need is one shot, because it will carry everyone's hopes and dreams with it."

Smiling widely, Yukari spoke. "Yes, this one shot will end this match."

"Yea!" Kisa said excitedly from her loader's chair.

"I hope this will be the last thrill for the day," Mako said in her casual tone.

With her heart soaring for victory, Yukari touch her throat microphone to say the words. "Panzer Vor!"

Which sent their Panzer 4 forward to meet its destiny with a Tigress.

XxxxX

Rolling forward, Miho turn around to see Yukari's Panzer 4 come up to the rear of the Tiger 1, with no more than 40 meters distance from them, with the impressive 75mm KwK 40 lining up again, ready to end this match for good. Miho was purposely putting her tank in a bad position, hoping to use a little maneuver that someone inspire her to try now.

"Moteki, swerve left to right lazily while lowering down to third gear, then wait for my call. We need to let them get closer," Miho ordered.

"You want to do what!?" Moteki question.

"Don't worry, we got her right where we want her," Miho said, feeling a small grin coming on.

Taking a deep breath for luck, Moteki throttle down their tank to 3rd gear, while turning the wheel slight right and left, keeping it swerving. The rest of the crew stay ready to jump into action when they needed, knowing Miho was doing something crazy and they needed to be ready to act when she wanted them.

Standing tall in her cupola, Miho kept touching her hull, letting her gift flow through the tank, her mind again focusing on the engine. It was near its end point at any moment, needing to make their final move before it blew. She next focus on the Panzer 4, with its armor skirts mostly gone, looking just as the batter as their Tiger 1, but was still in the fight, not backing down from its big sister German tank.

The Panzer 4's gun move with the sway of the Tiger 1, looking to pick its moment to fire. Miho, from what she seen all match could tell the gunner aboard had a knack for picking her shots, so she couldn't give her an easy time firing at her, and for what Miho plan to do, it might just unsettle her enough to give them the chance they need.

Everything is riding on this, I won't lose heart, I'm…I'm a Nishizumi, yet winning together is what matters to me, to win to bring my team back together is what matters to me…and to bring my own family together as well

Miho thought resolutely, feeling her mind relax completely, looking at the ever-encroaching Panzer 4, then felt the familiar warning of danger in her mind, promoting her into action.

"Moteki, swerve wide left, then pull hard to swing our tank all the way around. Then put it in reverse hard," Miho ordered to her driver.

"Alright, I got this," Moteki said, pumping herself up as she was ready to make her move.

"When we spin around, Watabe put tracers into the mantlet of the Panzer 4 to blind their gunner, Nomi pick your time to fire and put them down," Miho ordered to her gunner and bow gunner.

Both confirm their roles as Moteki began to swerve to the Tiger 1 left, while Miho look over her shoulder to see the Panzer 4 traversing its gun with them, ready to put down this defiant tank. The sense of danger was pounding in Miho's mind now, feeling the Panzer 4's gunner was getting their sights set and ready to fire on them. Strangely enough, she could almost feel the passion of the enemy crew's resolve to win, which was matched by Miho's own cubs who wanted to win badly.

Focusing herself, Miho felt the sudden sensation of the swerve as Moteki work the tank back right hard, her objective was the swing the whole tank around, copying Anzio's Neapolitan maneuver they famously use for their CV 33's, that now Miho was using for her Tiger 1, that shouldn't have been possible. With only the slippery ground under them being their saving grace allowing them to do this, as the Tiger 1 swung itself completely around, its gun at the 12 o'clock now facing the Panzer 4, while Moteki quickly got their tank going in reverse.

Now both tanks were facing one another, with the Panzer 4 coming forward, while the Tiger 1 reverse away from it. Watabe got to work, as she aim through her reticle with the MG 34, quickly firing tracers at the Panzer 4's mantlet trying to unsettle the gunner, to which Nomi added the coaxial MG 34 to the tracer show as she step on the firing pedal for it. A torrent of angry green machine gun tracers splashes all over the Panzer 4 facing them as they reverse, trying to buy time for the shot they needed.

"This is crazy, just fire the main gun at her!" Nene said, feeling apprehensive with the tanks literally right in each other's face.

"Calm down, let your big sis take care of business," Nomi said back to her twin.

"I was born first!" Nene argue, as even in high intensity situations, there was time to bicker.

"In your dreams," Nomi argue, glad to have her twin's constant bantering since it always help calm her down.

"This is it!" Miho said as she touch her throat microphone to her crew. "Fire when ready!"

With razor-sharp focus, Nomi took a deep breath, as she line up a bit more on Panzer 4 before them, who was being covered in machine gun tracers, as her inverted V stritch was on the enemy tank. Nomi knew she couldn't miss at this point, with the Panzer 4 gunner showing how capable she was, there could be no mistake from Nomi, even with a more powerful gun.

She pull slightly on the trigger, then Nomi call her shot. "On the way!"

The fury of the 88mm roar its shell out, just as the Panzer 4 fire as well, both guns with no less than 10 meters separation, it left no room to miss. As both gun's shells flew at one another again, this time passing each other, rather than bouncing off each other. Each shell found its home in the enemy tank, with one smashing home, the other bouncing.

That bounce was produced from the Panzer 4, as Hana had made a slight miscalculation because of the enemy tracer fire smashing into her gunner's sight, blinding her somewhat. While Nomi had placed her shot perfectly right into the middle of the Panzer 4's armor, taking it out as it had no chance against the 88mm gun at such close ranges.

"Got her!" Nomi said excitedly as the white kill flag finally over the smoking defeated Panzer 4.

"We did it!" Watabe said happily.

"That's Miho's cubs at their finest," Moteki said, feeling some relief finally.

"Good job sis, only took a hundred tries," Nene tease her twin.

"Oh blow it out your ears, just shower me with praise again like you did when I bag that M18 Hellcat, it be a good look for you," Nomi shot back with a smile and a shake of the head.

"Where's the fun in that," Nene shot back, making the crew chuckle.

Miho felt herself slouch into the cupola, as the Tiger 1 was still reversing away from the defeated Panzer 4, feeling like she could relax a little now. Letting the adrenaline die down for her a bit, while allowing the mental fatigue take over a bit, which was only going to consume her more once the match was finally over.

Alright, I think if we take it slow to the city maybe our engine could las-

The thought began to run through Miho's mind, but something felt off to her. Then the sudden sound of one of their tracks snapping, having finally collapse after the intense maneuvers they had been doing earlier. Before anyone could react, the tank spun around on the slippery earth that earlier had been their ally, now was being their enemy as it cause the Tiger 1 to slide out of control.

As they slid along, the exposed wheels of the Tiger 1 caught onto the earth, making the tank tilt, which Miho knew was going to flip over, so she had to act fast. First closing the hatch of her tank and lowering herself into the commander's chair as she lay orders down.

"Nene and Nomi, come to me. Moteki grab Watabe," Miho order, her voice frighten for the safety of her cubs.

The girls wasted no time, as Nene and Nomi left their seats to cling to Miho, as Moteki was out of her seat quickly as well, making her way around to grab Watabe to protect her. There wasn't much time to think or say anything for the girls, as they suddenly were thrown all around their tank as it flip over, hoping the interior carbon lining would keep them safe.

Momentum, carry the Tiger 1 to flip over several more times, on its second flip the proud 88mm gun was broken in half as its barrel got stuck in the ground for a moment. Then the tank flipped several more times till it finally came to stop with its tracks and wheels on the ground, but the once proud tank now look like a crumbled piece of tin foil with its 88mm gun broken in half.

It was enough to overload the systems aboard the now smoking tank, whose engine now overloaded as it blew.

The white kill flag pop up on the Tiger 1.

Bam!

The match-ending gun sounded, the end of a long match that had seen two underdogs give it their all, but one team had to win, with the result being something no one thought possible.


Author Thought:

There it is, another cliffhanger that finally ends this match.

Phew, by far the most stressful fight to write, as I try to bring in so many perspectives of characters that weren't just Miho. A lot work went into this, and I'm quite proud to have finally gotten to the end of this battle after so many months and equally grateful for all of you sticking with me through it all. Since this took ten times longer than the other Volumes since I got to the point where I had to write chapters from scratch instead of having a host of them backlog for later.

Next Volumes I'll try to write as much as I can so this won't happen again, I've learn my lesson now.

Thanks again for giving me so much support by just coming back to keep reading this huge Volume, even now it doesn't feel real knowing people are reading this thing, it's such a great feeling to craft something people like to read.

Well that's it from me, one more chapter to go and find out what happens with our story and what the future possibly holds for everyone.

Till the next Author Thought.