Chapter 38: Anzio's party, part 1.
After the match concluded Anchovy invited the Saunders girls to a lavish post-game banquet (a tradition of her team), which was accepted. On a grassy clearing the students of Anzio set up tables, laid tablecloths and above all prepared various dishes of Italian cuisine: pizzas, spaghetti, steaks, etc. The Saunders were amazed by such industriousness, comparable to, if not superior to theirs. Soon the two groups mixed up and between bites began to converse with each other, because the students of both teams were very sociable.
Kay and Anchovy were seated at the same table, each eating a plate of spaghetti carbonara, while two girls from Anzio filled their glasses with cold water. Kay took it and took a long drink.
"We needed it, with this sultry heat!" She stated, satisfied.
"Don't worry, after June 21st it changes... It gets hot!" Anchovy replied sarcastically.
Kay laughed.
"This is funny!" She commented, amused.
Having said that she reached for her fork, picked up a pile of spaghetti and ate them.
"So, how do you like Italian cuisine?" Anzai asked.
When Kay had finished chewing she replied:
"Good, I have to admit… Saunders serves only American food: burgers, fries, tacos and more."
"Truly the hamburger is a German dish."
Surprised, Kay turned to Anzai.
"German?"
The Duce of Anzio nodded.
"It was invented by a certain Otto Krause in 1891." She explained.
"Ah... The Kuros would be shocked!" The Saunders's captain stated, amused.
Anchovy nodded, then put her hand on her Smartphone, connected to the internet and went to the Federation website, where the results of the matches were published.
"Speaking of Kuromorimine, they beat Jatkosota." She communicated.
Kay looked at her.
"I had no doubts… And the other teams?" She asked.
"Pravda beat Viking and St. Gloriana beat Yogurt." Was the answer.
The blonde was suddenly serious.
"So in the semi-finals Saunders will have to fight with Pravda…"
Anchovy nodded.
"Very tough opponents… The second strongest team in the tournament. You will have to give your all to win."
Kay snorted, smoothing her forehead with her right hand.
"I know it well…But I won't let myself be demoralized for this! I will do everything possible to get the win." She declared, firmly.
Anchovy smiled and winked at her.
"This is the right spirit!"
"Exquisite food, pleasant company… A party with all the trimmings!" Yukari exclaimed cheerfully as she ate a plate of tortellini.
Saori smiled to see her in such a good mood after weeks of sadness.
Azusa had told me that due to recent tragic events she had fallen into depression. Luckily she is now starting to recover… Or at least I hope.
She thought, heartened.
"So, Yukari-san… How are you at Saunders?" She asked.
Yukari put the spoon down on the table and turned to face her.
"Good… My new companions are really friendly. Kay gave me a nickname, Oddball."
"The same one you used during your failed Saunders infiltration." Saori commented.
Her former partner nodded.
"And you? Did they nickname you in any way?"
"Anchovy called me Gianduia."
Yukari looked at her confused.
"What?"
"An Italian dessert, with chocolate." Saori explained.
"Ah, I see… Are you still a radio operator?"
The auburn-haired girl nodded.
"I operate on the P40, under the direct command of Anchovy. And you?"
"I am the loader of the Eagle team, led by Kay (who is also the commander-in-chief of the sensha-do team)."
"Ah… A prominent place. You should be proud of it." Saori congratulated.
"Yeah… If you think about it, they are the same roles we held in Anglerfish Team, when we were alongside Miho." Yukari replied, saddened.
Saori was also saddened to hear the name of their captain and great friend, who tragically passed away three weeks earlier. Her death had left a great void in them, which was felt every time they thought of her. As painful as that reality was, they had to come to terms with it, sooner or later: Miho was gone forever... She would no longer be by their side, they would no longer hear her voice, they would never see her again. They were both grieved about it, but there was nothing they could do about it. Suddenly Saori noticed Yukari staring somewhere behind her. Initially he noticed a slight disbelief on her face, followed by pure amazement.
"What's wrong, Yukari-san?" She asked, puzzled.
Yukari didn't answer, standing up and continuing to look past her. she suddenly stood up and walked away.
"What happens?" Her friend asked, following her.
Again Yukari ignored her. She made her way through the various students of both schools, until she stopped in front of three of them: one is Pepperoni, another she didn't know, but the third…
"Nishizumi-dono!" She exclaimed.