Megumi, Lola and Kay were saddened by the death of Pyotr. However, that wasn't the only thing going to happen that day. Across the Sensha-Do news there was a call that had been made. Anzio was now at war with Kebab.

Riccioli, Manami and Gisela decided to hold a meeting as the three girls seemed to have come to blows with each other. Especially Anzio declaring war. Gisela was not happy about it.

"What in the flipping hell have you done Riccioli?" Gisela asked. "I have sent volunteers to Kebab as this war was unjust."

"Why are you helping out my enemy? Listen, Kebab is a rotting corpse at this point, and I seized an opportunity to snatch Libya from them. Anzio has a chance to grow." Riccioli explained that Anzio had a just reason to begin expanding.

"You have two colonies already; you don't need another one. We can't go slapping Ankara around anymore. Kebab has to survive." Gisela told Riccioli that they didn't need to go around and snatch something that wasn't theirs to begin with. Riccioli was more or less at odds as Manami wasn't going to say anything about it.

"We need more if we are to keep up with some of the other schools. What do you want us to do, be behind, St. Gloriana or BC Freedom? Even the Dutch school has colonies and places to refuel all over the globe and Kuromorimine could obliterate it off the map if it could." Riccioli explained that they were being denied the rights to enjoy the fruits of their labor and what they had been doing.

"Yeah, but we seem to be building up our own list of enemies. We each have our own gains and Kebab is a useful ally as they can challenge both St. Gloriana and Saunders at the same time." Manami explained that Kebab was a large school, and it was capable of taking on two big schools at the same time. Riccioli wasn't entirely sure.

"Manami, you're a little crazy. Saunders is quickly becoming the richest school and their output is rising every week or so. With this type of growth, they could defeat you if they have four or so more months to industrialize." Riccioli began. Manami looked down before Gisela began to speak again.

"Kay lost to Chi-Ha-Tan and a good chunk of the school has been destroyed, there is no way they could be able to rebuild so quickly, we might as well kick the school down especially since we got out Bosnia and Herzegovina. Even though I hate Ankara at times, she makes a good ally along with Manami." Gisela explained to her what exactly was going to happen. Riccioli felt like she had been stabbed in the back.

"What do you mean that Ankara makes a better ally? She doesn't. Get a grip Gisela." Riccioli was reaching a boiling point before Gisela began speaking to her again.

"Ankara will win this war and she will keep Libya." Gisela told her. Riccioli got up and exited the room.

"Fine, if she wants to lose, that's up to her. Don't expect me to come back to any of these meetings again. Anzio is out of the alliance." Riccioli got up and walked away. She was going to head to the front to command her war against Kebab. Gisela stuck her tongue out at Riccioli wondering if she was a sore loser and dropped out because she didn't get what she wanted or was Gisela holding her back. Manami began to think about it, but she said nothing about it. She hoped Riccioli was going to do the right thing.

When Megumi and her friends got back to the school after paying their respects to Pyotr before they said goodbye to him for the final time. The school was rebuilding itself from the ashes of the revolution. One of the smaller kids began advertising about what was going on.

"Newspapers! Get your news!" She shouted trying to get their attention. Megumi pulled out some kopecks and gave it to the small child. The child accepted the payment as Megumi grabbed the paper. She began to read it as there was a headline on it that surprised her. It read: Anzio has declared war on Kebab for a small scrap of sand.

"Anzio has gone to war, what for?" Megumi asked as she continued to read the paper.

"Riccioli is sensing that Kebab is weak at this point. She's going to take advantage of it." Lola answered as she tried to get her eyes full of the paper. Megumi continued to read the story as if this had interested her.

"Libya, where is that?" Kay asked. Lola knew she had to explain it to Kay.

"Libya is all the way in Africa, why would a school fight another school over a country? That doesn't make any sense." Lola began as if she was trying to use logic to get her way around this. Megumi looked at Lola and she couldn't think of an answer either.

"We might have to speak to Riccioli about it. We also should speak to Rumi, Azumi and Earl Gray as well." Megumi added that they needed to get themselves ready. It was clear something was going on and something with the alliance that Anzio was in was shifting. Kay was hearing about this, and she nodded with approval.

"Finally, someone is doing something about this." Kay told Megumi that they were seeing something different and now they needed all the help they could get. Megumi nodded before she began to think of what to say next. A message began to come through as someone was trying to contact them. Megumi walked over to see what the message was. She hoped it was from Riccioli but instead it was from Sofia, Yogurt Academy's leader.

Megumi, we saw Riccioli has declared war on Kebab, and we would like to arrange a meeting of a possible alliance in order to take down Kebab while it has its head turned against Anzio. We are short on supplies as many students have joined our ranks and we were wondering if you have spares. Me and Milica are coming to visit tomorrow to see what kind of stocks you have in your armory you want to give to us.

Sofia

Megumi looked over the letter as the war between Anzio and Kebab was presenting itself as an opportunity. If they could help the smaller schools out with stomping on Kebab, then they would let them do it again. Megumi walked over and she handed the letter to Kay.

"Kay, Sofia and her friend Milica are coming over later today, they want to talk about a possible alliance against Kebab." Megumi began speaking to Kay. Kay nodded with approval as if something was happening, but she wanted the big prize however and it was teaming up with the bigger schools.

"Good." Kay told Megumi.

Sofia and Milica would arrive later that day as the two of them were the respected leaders of their two groups. Milica had an average build, grayish blue eyes and shoulder length brown hair tied up in a blue bow. Sofia was with her friend, and she began knocking on the door. Megumi went up and opened it.

"Come in." Megumi told Milica and Sofia. Milica opened the door, and the two girls came in. Milica sat down first before Sofia sat down next to her. Megumi then sat in front of them as they were going to begin chatting. "So how are you two doing today?" Megumi asked them. Milica began to speak.

"We're doing good, thank you." Milica told Megumi that she and Sofia were fine. Megumi nodded as a smile formed across her face.

"Great. So, you two know why you're here?" Megumi asked them if they remembered their purpose on why they came to Saunders.

"We need weapons if we're going to fight Kebab. We have some in storage, but we don't know if it will be enough." Sofia told Megumi that they needed stuff to fight Kebab off and gain something out of it. "It's for the alliance between us, the Montenegrin Gang and Olive Academy called the Balkan League, and its sole purpose is to take back what we rightfully claim from Kebab High School."

"So how many of you need guns?" Megumi asked if the schools needed tools to fight with. Milica began to think about it.

"Olive Academy is good, the Montenegrin gang is short a few rifles and machine guns, so we were able to cover it. We're the ones that are short on equipment however." Milica told Megumi that they were the ones that needed weapons the most. Megumi began to think about it before she began speaking.

"I'll give you girls whatever you need as tanks are still off limits and we don't know what potential tanks have as tools of war. We're still looking into them." Megumi told them that tanks were still off their limits and their potential was still being debated outside of Sensha-Do. Milica looked at Megumi before she nodded.

"Okay we'll take some of your three-line rifles and some of the Berdans off of your hands as we want to clean out the armory a bit. Also give us a few machine guns to go with it." Milica told Megumi that they were going to take a few things off of their hands before things would be settled and they could strike Kebab in the back.

"Okay, sign here and we have a deal." Megumi told Milica as she slid the contract to her before she turned to Sofia. "And does Yogurt Academy need anything?" Megumi would ask her.

"Yogurt academy is fine. We're just ready to go and you have our backs in case we need help?" Sofia would ask if Saunders was going to be there in case the surprise attack on Kebab High School didn't go according to plan. Megumi nodded.

"Yes. We got your back." Megumi replied. Milica was signing the contract. She slipped it back to Megumi who began to read it. They had managed to secure themselves the alliance. "We will not get involved directly unless you girls give the message that you're in trouble." Megumi told them.

"We got you." Milica replied. She and Sofia got up and prepared to leave.

"Expect the shipment to arrive tomorrow morning and tell me when you girls had begun the war." Megumi sighed. Milica and Sofia were already out the door when Lola showed up behind them. She walked over before taking a seat with Megumi.

"Who were they?" Lola asked Megumi if she had any ideas with who those girls that Megumi was talking to were.

"They were representatives from Yogurt Academy and the Serbian Gang, they needed supplies from us." Megumi told Lola. Lola nodded before she pulled out a chair and sat down with Megumi.

"So, we got the news that the cavalry groups had been reformed and we should begin talks with the other schools tomorrow." Lola began as she slid the envelopes to Megumi. Megumi nodded before she began speaking.

"Kazakis have been reestablished and they are happy to have their horses back." Megumi nodded with a smile. "They don't like being in those stuffy old tanks. Only if Alexandra were still here." Megumi sighed. She still missed her friend and Kay was going to eliminate any opportunity there was for them to meet and see each other again.

"I wish she was too." Lola responded. Megumi got out the paper knife and sliced open the envelope. She opened it up and she began to read it.

Dear Megumi.

We heard about the war from Riccioli and the tension between her, Manami and Gisela. This presents a wonderful opportunity to convince Riccioli to join our side as she could come in handy. We need to grow the alliance to try to pin Manami into a corner in case a war breaks out between all of us. If it does, we should try to wear her down as fast as we can. I had a meeting with Earl Gray earlier today and she was still questioning whether or not the alliance would be successful, but she said she was coming to the meeting tomorrow. She suggests we hold the meeting tomorrow morning as she still has a lot of stuff to do. We should also try getting Riccoli involved to find out what was going on.

Keep in touch. Azumi

Megumi had finished reading over the letter as the chance was coming up. She knew that Earl Gray wanted a meeting, and this meant getting the alliance together with potentially two new allies. Megumi knew she needed to get ready. Kay walked in next. Lola heard the door open and knew that Kay was here. She scurried herself and hid under one of the desks to not get discovered which could lead to her arrest.

"Why are we emptying the arsenal? Is there something going on, are we cleaning it out?" Kay asked as she had a mixture of confusion and anger. Megumi knew she needed to explain to her.

"We just had a meeting with Milica and Sofia who decided to ask if we had any guns to sell and we decided to sell a bunch of them. Riccioli and Earl Gray want a meeting tomorrow as we sense things are starting to get chaotic and we may end up at war with each other if we don't begin doubling down on production of weapons." Megumi explained to Kay that they needed to begin working even harder if they were to get themselves ready. Kay began to think about the notion. Was war going to break out among the bigger schools? She was worried about if the answer was going to be yes. Saunders was still playing catch up with the other schools and it was still woefully behind.

"Let's see if we can dial production up to twelve percent?" Kay asked if they would be able to use the chance to try catching up to the other schools when things were starting to get tense.

"That would be a gamble, but we need to quickly replace all the rifles we sold off to Milica." Megumi told Kay. She immediately got on as she began to type away to the rifle companies in order to get another thousand or so rifles. She submitted it. Along with the order came another twenty-five machine guns and a various assortment of revolvers and sabers. Once the order was submitted, Megumi turned to Kay, whom the latter began speaking again.

"Is there a reason why you sold part of the armory off to the Serbian gang?" Kay asked Megumi if there was a reason why it was sold off. Megumi began to think of why Milica needed all of the rifles.

"She and a few other schools and gangs are preparing for war with Kebab. She's short on good weapons and she decided to buy them up. We'll take your word on the fact that we need to replace the somewhat depleted stock to make up for the shortcoming." Megumi explained why they gave those weapons to Milica. Kay began to think about it. Saunders didn't like Kebab, but the smaller schools were getting ready to prove themselves.

"Well then, I wish the league good luck." Kay softly told Megumi. Megumi nodded before she began to think.

"Thanks Kay." Megumi told her. Lola, who had hidden away under the desk, was listening to the conversation. She dared not to make a sound in case she was discovered. Kay nodded before she turned and began walking away from the scene. She had her fill from the conversation she had with Megumi.

"See you later Megumi. I must be going." Kay smiled at Megumi before waving goodbye.

"Take care Kay." Megumi replied. Kay nodded before she got up and left the room. Closing the door behind her. She made sure to leave Megumi to her work. Once the coast was clear, the talking was heard from one of the desks.

"Is it safe to come out now?" Lola asked Megumi if she was best to get out of her spot.

"Yeah. It's safe." Megumi told Lola that there was no fear of getting caught. Lola then came from her spot as she felt like she had to shape herself into a rectangle in order to fit. She dusted herself off before she began speaking.

"That desk saved my skin back there. It's a good thing this office has plenty of spots to hide in." Lola told Megumi. She then sneezed as that place was dusty.

"Bless you Lola." Megumi told Lola. Lola wiped some of the spit from her face before she faced Megumi.

"Thanks." Lola began. "So have the horses and the old stuff we are bringing back been mentioned?" Lola asked if Kay was willing to go so far and ask if they brought back anything that she wasn't a fan of. Megumi began to think.

"Not that I am aware of. All she just told me was why we were emptying the arsenal a bit and I told her that someone bought up some of it and they were going to put them to good use. I also issued the order for more rifles to be produced as things are starting to get a little tense and we need backups of rifles in case a big conflict develops." Megumi added that they were going to need everything they could get.

"Thinking a few steps ahead? I see. I don't know anything about running the school." Lola admitted. Megumi looked at her friend and she gave her a smile.

"That you seem to be right about." Megumi nodded happily. Lola looked at her and she began speaking again.

"Do you think I can begin writing again? I feel like I haven't been doing any of it for a long while, ever since Kay tried to get me arrested for something I wanted to change." Lola asked if she could follow along her old path and continue doing what she liked. Megumi began to think about it. After a few moments of thinking about it. She turned to Lola and began speaking to her.

"No, I can't let you begin writing again I'm afraid, Kay is still prowling around and if you write again, she will find out about you and there will be a chance we both get arrested." Megumi told Lola she was still going to deny her the chance to write out of fear for her own safety. She wanted Lola to feel safe.

"Why do you have to cage me up? It's not like I did anything wrong." Lola asked Megumi why she was still being held captive like a fugitive. In Lola's point of view, Megumi's room felt like a prison for her spirit to stay locked in.

"Well in my eyes you did even if your cause was a noble one. I agree with you, but Kay is like a horse that doesn't want to be ridden on. She'll kick you off and stomp on you if she has the chance. It's best we try making sure you avoid her at all costs." Megumi explained to Lola that she caused trouble even if her intentions were good. "I know you wanted to reduce soda consumption, but Kay still thinks that you're taking her freedom away from her."

"What is freedom then?" Lola asked Megumi if she had any ideas about it.

"Freedom could mean many different things and it varies from person to person. Kay's version is what she envisioned by the disastrous country far to the east, which she thinks is the ultimate freedom where the people could own military grade equipment and eat whatever they please. Plus, she uses it as an excuse to party every night even if there is no reason to. We're better off here and what people like myself, Alexandra, Alexeievna and Nicole had tried making a land they would envision being close to the country we have had a rich history with, the country whose dynasty has lasted for three hundred years. Brilliant leaders one after another, I remember before becoming the czarina, Nicole's friends taught me and Alexandra how to be effective leaders as Nicole's desk was the center of activity. I have seen the desk myself as Nicole worked hard to make sure we are here, and the school isn't in flames." Megumi explained to Lola before she felt like she had tumbled off of the topic to talk about how much better their past was.

"Sounds like you want the old days back instead of being free." Lola told Megumi as if this was something she wanted.

"Yep. Kay's path is becoming destructive, and I fear the school is going to collapse and fall further behind if something big doesn't happen and Kay's leadership is put to the test. If she ends up failing, then we have to remove her and replace her with someone else." Megumi told Lola about it. Their conversation was interrupted as the message began to come through. Megumi turned before she continued to speak. "Hold on Lola." Megumi walked over to where the letter was being printed before she got the paper out and she began to read the letter.

Dear Megumi.

The war was a success, a pretty lengthy one but it was successful enough to say the least. Kebab has surrendered and Ankara is enraged over this. We got reports of a riot back at the school from the war which we are cleaning up right now. We got news from Azumi that she wants to hold a meeting in your school tomorrow and we also received news that Sofia and Milica want to declare war on Kebab seeing how successful our war with them went. We wish them luck going forward and we hope this war will also be a quick one much like the last war we got ourselves into.

See you tomorrow morning, Riccioli

Megumi dropped the letter a bit as Riccioli's war with Kebab was completed and it ended in an Anzio victory. Now comes the next part, deciding where to go from there. Lola walked over before she began reading the letter as well.

"Riccioli seems to be excited that she managed to wrap this war up with Kebab. It seemed to be an all-day affair over a scrap of sand." Lola began. Megumi looked up to Lola.

"Yeah. Now the next part is where we should take the alliance. Azumi has mentioned bringing Earl Gray into the fold and now we can try to convince Riccioli to join us. We don't know what will happen with Sofia and Milica, but I hope Anzio wears Kebab down to the point where resisting the smaller schools is futile." Megumi sighed as she hoped that she didn't have to intervene and declare war on Kebab. Megumi walked over and began gathering her belongings. "Well, I say we should call it a day; we have a long day ahead of us."

"Right there." Lola chirped with her vigor. Megumi smiled before she picked Lola up and they began to walk back to their dorm.

The rope was slowly burning away, and each day brought it closer to the explosives.

[A/N]: This chapter was the beginning of the end of peace among the schools. Anzio is possibly out of Kuromorimine's alliance, BC Freedom is trying to woo Anzio closer to them. And Azumi wants to chat with Megumi about adding another two members to the alliance. All of this is happening while Milica and Sofia prepare to take over for Anzio by kicking Kebab to the ground.

This is what will happen in a nutshell:

Yogurt Academy: I want to be independent.

Kebab High School: No.

Serbian Gang: AHH HE SAID THE N-WORD!

Olive Academy, Yogurt Academy, Serbian Gang and Montenegrin Gang beat up Kebab High School.

Serbian Gang: (Insert Albania getting independence) Awesome I won!

Yogurt Academy: NO!

Count High School: AHH HE SAID THE N-WORD!

Olive Academy, Serbian Gang, Montenegrin Gang, Kebab High School and Count High School beat up Yogurt Academy.

Victory Royale!

See you in the next chapter when the Balkan League goes to war against Kebab.