The Grand Finals - 4 hours from start
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING SENSHA-FAAAANS!
WE HAVE A BIG, BIG, BIG MATCH FOR YOU ALL TODAY! It's the moment you've all been waiting for... for the past month, we have seen some excellent action coming from the participants in the Loser's Bracket, and I hope nobody was disappointed watching them! Today, however is the BIG DAY! And WHAT A DAY it's gonna be, ladies and gentlemen, upon Continuation's OWN REQUEST: THEY WILL FIGHT, OUTNUMBERED, FOUR-TO-ONE! Phwoooh... talk about a disadvantage, folks! But, earlier today, Jouko, Continuation's team commander for this match, gave her reason for this unexpected development, and we'll slap that message right on screen for all to read!"
The screen then shifts to the message written by Jouko detailing her reasons for the sudden change as one of Taiga Ou's associates, Mazoe, read it out loud.
"Good morning, all, this is Jouko. You're probably wondering why we're fighting at a disadvantage, but we have our reasons. Let me list the upgrades we gave our tanks:
Better transmissions to better maneuver and move
Bigger, longer cannons (ex. 45mm of T-26s upgraded to 57mm)
More efficient and powerful engines which provide more speed
Sturdier and more efficient wheels, tracks, and thicker armor
Highly-trained, more talented crew members & commanders
With these upgrades added over the course of the tournament, we have figured that it will be more one-sided in our favor, so to counteract this, we've agreed to raise the capacity of our opponents to a maximum of 100, while we remain a humble 25."
Mazoe continued by detailing what specific upgrades were put in place, each being posted on the screen for all to see.
"It should be noted that due to the Federation's efforts to further improve relations with the Sentōki-do Federation, aircraft engines have recently been permitted to be used by Sensha-do participants. Continuation High School has been the first to receive the new aircraft engines, specifically Mikulin engines, and have spent much time over the past weeks getting used to them.
In addition to the new 57mm cannons and better transmission, the T-26s have also received these upgrades:
New Mikulin M-17 engines x1
Armor 3 centimeters thicker
For the T-34/85, 75, and Panzer IV Ausf.J:
New Mikulin AM-35 engines x2
Armor 8 centimeters thicker
Better transmission
Thicker, sturdier tracks
More efficient wheels
The BT-42:
Same as above for transmission, tracks, and wheels
Armor 7 centimeters thicker
Cannon lengthened by 1 foot
New Mikulin AM-38F engine 1x
Last but not least, we have the Sturmi. Here is the list of upgrades it received:
New Mikulin AM-42B-TK engines x2
Armor increased by 15cm
New 90mm Gun M3 cannon
Sturdier, thicker tracks
Improved transmission
Added Christie suspension
With these upgrades, it is no wonder why Continuation has decided to balance out the odds by making this decision in numbers. We wish both sides good luck as they will both be facing formidable and powerful opponents. The atmosphere is truly exciting here at the battlefield, the stands are already packed and the match's start is hours away, it goes to show the dedication of our fans here today. For those unaware, here are the two sides fighting each other today:
Continuation High School - 25 tanks
Ooarai Girls' Academy Compound Team - 100 tanks
(Ooarai, St. Gloriana, Pravda, Saunders, Anzio, Chihatan, BC Freedom, Maginot)
Taiga, back to you."
"Thanks a ton, Mazoe! Man, the reporting life is really great! Anyways, the match starts in a few hours! In the meantime, instead of bombarding you with some commercials, we'll play some sweet music suggested by both commanders! Up first: the First Symphony of Beethoven! You know it's gonna be a banger! Say, why did we turn into a radio station?"
Continuation headquarters - 2 hours from start
"...Does anyone have an idea why David concludes Psalm 139 with these words?
'Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Hannes, you have the floor."
"One reason could be verses 19-22. Hate, as we all know, is a very strong word in the Bible, and the words 'I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies', does contradict Jesus teaching of 'Love your enemies'. David probably realized what he had just uttered in the psalm, and asked God to 'Search me and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.' He wants God to guide him, to help him quench his wickedness, to show him the path to righteousness. After all, David was considered a man after God's own heart, but sadly he wasn't perfect. But, he gave us an example that we should ask for forgiveness, and ask God to guide us in our daily lives, for He knows all we do, think, or feel."
Jouko then asked Löfström take over from there.
"I'll agree with Hannes. David's hatred of his enemies is justified, but hate is otherwise not a good thing. When we feel we may have done wrong, it is important we ask God to search us, to try us, to know us, to guide us on what is good or bad and how we can be better, to allow God to guide our lives in a righteous direction. Whatever we do, no matter how secret we keep our doings, God sees it, and He knows what we've done wrong, being omniscient. David knows he has done wrong, and wants God to show him right from wrong and to guide him to the right path."
Frisell spoke up next, but briefly.
"David did a lot of wrong in his life, and as much as he strove to truly be a man after God's own heart, he slipped and fell several times. Nevertheless, he kept asking for forgiveness, and was forgiven, but often with a punishment. Yet, he stayed faithful to God. Here, he wants God to show him if there is anything wicked to his ways and to lead him in the right direction like Löfström said, because-"
The Bible study was interrupted by a knock at the door. Alice walked over to open it, finding a Sensha-do official waiting.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I'm afraid its time. Please begin making your way to the match field now."
After Jouko acknowledged this, the door was closed and the Bible study ended early. Linder, who had recently begun attending Bible studies with the Sturmi crew and Alice, was the one to lead the prayer this time. Of course, she prayed for victory in the match, but also prayed about the things relating to their study, and that they would keep all they had heard in their minds and hearts, and asked for guidance from the Holy Spirit as they continued on in their lives. After the 'Amen', the six of them packed their Bibles, exited their room, and made their way to the courtyard, where their vehicles and crews were waiting.
As soon as Jouko and her friends emerged, the tank crews, moments before engaged in conversation and other recreational activities, fell silent and without a word, mounted their tanks with great haste, and formed behind the Sturmi, sitting right at the gate. Upon command, all tanks revved their new engines at once, unleashing a roar heard across the town they were in, and maybe even heard from Ooarai's headquarters a few blocks away. It was a roar of determination and defiance, of a team ready to face the odds. It was enough to send shivers down one's spine.
"Kaikki tankit, eteenpäin!"
The twenty-five tanks rumbled down the streets lined with Sensha-do enthusiasts cheering them on. The crews waved back, equally excited, all except for Jouko's crew. Instead, they were singing, singing one of Jouko's favorite hymns as Jouko played from her violin and Löfström from the accordion.
God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal, and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives!
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride, and joy He gives;
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives!
Soon, the singing was heard by all, and the other tank crews who had learned the song, thanks to hearing it every time from Jouko and her crew before and after practice matches, began to sing it as well. Soon, everyone was singing it as Jouko repeated the song again and again, everyone loved it so much. After three hearty runs, they switched to another of Jouko's favorites: Moment by Moment.
Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine,
Living with Jesus, a new life divine,
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
[Refrain] Moment by moment I'm kept in His love;
Moment by moment I've life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
Never a trial that He is not there,
Never a burden that He doth not bear,
Never a sorrow that He doth not share,
Moment by moment I'm under His care. (Refrain)
Never a heart-ache, and never a groan,
Never a teardrop and never a moan;
Never a danger but there on the throne,
Moment by moment He thinks of His own. (Refrain)
Never a weakness that He doth not feel,
Never a sickness that He cannot heal;
Moment by moment, in woe or in weal,
Jesus, my Savior, abides with me still. (Refrain)
And so, they kept singing these songs and several other famous hymns until they arrived at the battlefield, curiously watched by the silenced crowds who wanted to hear these new melodies the students were singing. They sang heartily, joyfully as if they were going to their martyrdom.
Ooarai Headquarters - same time
The courtyard was much bigger than Continuation's, and viewing the 100 tanks mustered, Miho was watching as everyone was preparing for the match. Many times now she had heard the phrases, "We'll easily win this!", and "No offense to them, but Continuation's making a really stupid decision!" She didn't want to insult, being respectful, but it was ridiculous how they gave themselves such a handicap, especially considering the opponents they were facing. Continuation could run as much as they could, but sooner or later power would catch up with them, and victory would be theirs. She felt sorry that Continuation was doing this, and was still trying to figure out a reason why exactly they were even doing this. Was there some ulterior motive, or was Jouko having a big ego boost? She was certain it was the former, knowing Jouko.
Suddenly, everyone was hushed by a sound in the distance, which was growing louder by the minute, and it sounded like... singing? It was expected, there was going to be singing at events like this, but they were singing a very unfamiliar tune. It didn't sound like anything from Japanese rock, punk, pop, any of the popular genres in Japan. It didn't even sound too classical. Anglerfish was able to recognize it, however. Jouko always sang it at the start of Bible studies when she was visiting, and they loved her singing a lot. This tune was very familiar to that same song Jouko loved to sing every time, and it took several moments for Miho to recognize what the song was called.
"Moment by Moment... it's one of Jouko-san's favorites."
"Nishizumi-dono, it is! And, all of Continuation seems to be singing it!"
"Miporin! Look, here they come!"
"25 tanks..."
As Continuation's tanks passed by Ooarai's headquarters, each word could easily be heard and distinguished. Everyone was silent, watching the crews out of their hatches, singing their hearts out as the sounds of a violin, several accordions, and a kantele played accompaniment to the melody. For some reason, it was comforting to Ooarai. There was just something about the words and the music that gave everyone a sense of relaxation and relief. Some even started humming once they had gotten the melody in their mind. As the column of Continuation tanks passed, the singing slowly died down as the distance increased between them and Ooarai. After the sounds of the singing were no longer heard at all, silence filled the entire courtyard as everyone stared in the direction of the battlefield, where Continuation had been heading. After a while, heads gradually turned to Miho, waiting for orders. Miho stood there, still thinking about the singing, before a tug from Hana reminded her that there was a match to fight.
"A-all tank crews, mount up! All tanks, form behind the Panzer IV!"
As the Panzer IV maneuvered to the front of the gate, the other tank crews mounted their tanks, got comfortable in their positions, and their drivers drove their tanks to form behind Ooarai, dividing themselves by schools. Once everyone was in position, Miho gave the order to move out.
"All tanks, Panzer Vor!"
As the formation rolled down the streets, greeted by excited crowds, Erika shouted to Miho,
"Let's sing some songs of our own! What do you want to sing, Miho?!"
"I think we should ask everyone, Erika-san! Everyone, which song do we sing?"
As you'd expect, nobody agreed.
"Battle Cry of Freedom!"
"No! A song about me, the Great Katyusha!"
"Just do Panzerlied, it's related to tanks!"
"No, that's overrated! Fiamme Nere!"
"What about a song about food? Onions, perhaps?"
"No, a song about TRUE glory! Chant du depart!"
"Not if we counter with La Marseillaise!"
"Since we'll fight on snowy grounds, how about Yuki no Shingun?"
"THAT'S IT!"
And as they drove down the streets, the entirety of Ooarai's tank force sang Yuki no Shingun. After all, they would be fighting an opponent that was best in the polar climates, and there were snowy areas on this battlefield, so it fit best with their current circumstances. It was also ironic, given how Continuation had earlier been singing a Christian song about always being cared for by Jesus "Moment by Moment", while Ooarai's compound team was singing about dying miserably in the snow with the intention being they never returned alive. Polar opposite songs, but anything to raise morale would work, and judging by Ooarai's demeanor, they seemed in very good spirits despite the song's contents.
Match battlefield - 15 minutes before match start
"...we ask for victory this day, and may we be guided in our acts. Guide our thoughts so we do not think evil, and that we will glorify You through our talent today. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.
Commanders, join me, we'll talk with Miho and the other commanders before the match. The rest of you, get comfortable and prepared. We'll probably be in for a long, hard match. Hop on my Sturmi, I think there's enough room up top for me to transport you all."
"Miporin! Here comes Jouko-san!"
"And the other commanders, too!"
"Come on, let's go greet them!"
Rushing to the oncoming Sturmi, Miho and the others were caught off-guard at how fast it was moving. It was moving way faster than their StuG III should. What had happened? She watched as the commanders dismounted from the Sturmi, followed later by Jouko, wearing her trademark baseball cap and with her hood down, approaching Miho for a handshake, which Miho accepted.
"J-Jouko-san! Uhh..."
"Let me guess, 'Why is your tank fast?'."
"Yeah... our StuG III isn't supposed to be that fast... and is that a 90mm cannon?"
"We... may have made big modifications to our tanks... sorry..."
"'Big modifications'... to our tanks'..."
"Yeah, our entire roster got upgrades. Let's just say we're faster, we have better armor, and better guns..."
"No wonder you gave yourself so much of a disadvantage!"
"Heh, of course! Facing you with more balanced numbers and this match will be done with in what, fifteen minutes at most? Trust me when I say these tanks go faster than previously."
"Well, umm... I must admit... I've never commanded this many people before..."
"Just try your best, commanding takes a lot of patience, and you've led Ooarai to some brilliant victories, so I'm sure you got this in the bag if you play your cards right."
"Well, I haven't had any experience, you know, fighting with a numerical advantage, especially with one this big."
"Relax, you're going to do fine. For the Finals last year, you had eight tanks in your school team, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then think of every school as an individual tank. They'll get the idea of your orders, and follow them the best they can. They may be many, but working together they can be one unified force."
"I never really thought of that recently... thanks, Jouko."
"No problem at all! Let's have the best match in Sensha-do history?"
"Of course!"
After warmly saking hands and exchanging smiles and final good wishes, the two parted ways for their respective final briefings. Both sides had set up special tents near their deployment areas, with maps of the battlefield placed on large table with multiple chairs to sit on. They had been given 30 minutes to finalize their plans before the time came for the formalities. This was an optional procedure to hold, but both teams had agreed to hold final briefings. But, not before alog the way, Miho had gotten a sudden, unexpected, yet pleasant surprise as she went to call Kuromorimine to the tent.
Erika was busy talking to several commanders, one of which looked strikingly similar to Maho, of different tanks as Miho walked up, and right next to her Tiger II was a Tiger I. At first it would seem normal, for Kuromorimine had a couple of Tiger Is in their arsenal, though 212 had been retired due to its significance with Maho. Upon closer inspection, though, to Miho's shock and surprise, painted in bright red colors for all to see, the numbers "212" were prominently displayed on the Tiger's turret. Moments later, awed at this rather unexpected sighting to hear footsteps coming behind her, a voice suddenly startled her, causing her to jump, and almost miss the landing. Turning around, she couldn't believe her eyes.
"O-ONEE-CHAN?!"
Ooarai Briefing Tent - 45 minutes to match start
The meeting looked exactly like the briefing right before the match with the All-Stars Team, minus Mika sitting in the corner, strumming her kantele, and with the new French-themed schools. Anzu and Yuzu were at the blackboard as Miho and Momo headed the meeting. Maho, to everyone's surprise, was also present, donning her Niedersächsische Universität uniform, though with a Kuromorimine badge displayed to remind everyone she was still one of the roots connected to the tree, and one of the bigger ones at that. However, despite the pleas of all in Kuromorimine, most of them from Erika herself, Maho relegated herself to Vice-Commander, hoping to further develop Erika's style and skill, which had shown to bear fruit, though it was rather hard to see how Erika was defeated against Ooarai in the Finals.
However, what constituted a large part of the surprise was Maho's appearance. Having grown to roughly 5'6", she had seemed to age prematurely. Her face appeared somewhat worn, her eyes were a bit dimmer than usual, and she was as stern as ever, though interacting with her, she was a bit cheerful. Her hair was a bit floofier than before, and overall she seemed exhausted, despite the good energy she had been displaying throughout the day. She refused to discuss it, however, keeping her reasons to herself, though she knew that Miho was aware of what had happened to her. She didn't feel any hate to anyone, however. Having spent much time studying the Bible since that pivotal phone call, she had grown to accept the message of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, meekness, faithfulness, and self-control.
But, her attention was diverted to the board as Momo used her megaphone to call for order to the chatter ongoing earlier as Maho sat silently, deep in thought.
"ORDER! ORDER, I SAY!"
"Jeez, you really mic'd that thing up since last time..."
"My ears... Nonna..."
"Everyone, listen up! Miho will go over the plan one last time, we don't wanna mess this up!"
The tent was hushed as Miho began her briefing.
"Well, I'm afraid we must start with some terrible news about-"
"About Continuation's upgrades, yes, I'm aware. What?"
Everyone was staring at Maho with bewilderment. Breathing out a sigh, Maho explained.
"Reading the news before coming here, I'm afraid Continuation massively upgraded their tanks in the time between the first Finals and today. They have better armor, better cannons, faster speeds, and, as you all are aware, none other than Alice Shimada has joined their school. So, it's reasonable why Jouko would want the numbers to be this unbalanced. And about the faster speeds...
I don't know how well you've been following the news, but several weeks ago, the Sentōki-do Federation, to further improve relations with the JSF, announced they would be holding a giveaway of fighter engines, but only with a limited number. The Ilyushin Boys' Aviation Academy were the ones to offer this batch of engines, which the purchase is permanent, by the way. The highest quality engine was the Mikulin AM-42, which sold for around 6 million yen, purchasing two of them for a total of 13 million yen, and installed into Jouko's own tank, the Sturmi. Other Mikulin engines, though not as refined, were purchased and installed into the other tanks.
In the speed tests held after the upgrades were completed, all tanks had their speed limits increased by up to 25-30 miles per hour, with the least being at 10 miles per hour for the BT-42, which received a one-foot extension for its cannon as well. The Sturmi not only added a Christie suspension, but also a new 90mm gun M3. Firing tests showed how it even penetrated Maus armor. I know the Tiger (P) was unable of doing that to our Maus, so it must be Continuation's modifications. The T-26s received 57mm cannons, and the T-34s got longer barrels.
Safe to say, we're in for the toughest battle of our lives despite our numerical advantage. The enemy can outflank us anywhere, they have experience in every environment. We just have to be well-coordinated and careful in our movements, and be careful for areas where that Sturmi can snipe us from a far distance. We don't want what happened to Anglerfish to happen to any of us."
An unsettling silence took over the tent again. This information hadn't been revealed to them until now. With the reason for Continuation's seemingly suicidal decision finally revealed, morale, which had previously been high, had now shattered. Everyone was worrying how the match would now progress. They were going to get outmaneuvered, outflanked, and get ambushed without getting any revenge in return. The silence was broken by Darjeeling as she spoke up after taking an uncertain sip of her tea.
"There's another reason I've realized for the decision. When the giant is too large, the tailor will tie him up."
It was a reference to one of the old Disney classics from the 30s. Continuation would take advantage of its speed and surprise to catch Ooarai off-guard again and again and again, baiting them to a trap where, after the giant is knocked out cold, the tailor wraps him in strong cords what will never allow him to get off the ground on his feet again, and soon Ooarai would be ground to dust and Continuation would have the flag of victory to proudly display on their walls. With their new armor and more powerful guns, it was like a giant trying to fight off a swarm of armored wasps. It was something they were all hoping would never happen, but knowing Continuation, they couldn't really do anything about it. Seeing how hopeless everyone seemed, Miho reiterated the plan.
"Speedy or not, we're sticking with our original plan! We'll split into four groups of 25 each to hopefully take on our opponents with our advantage in numbers. Each group will number the same as Continuation's total number of tanks. Be sure all groups stay in close proximity to each other so we can provide help. This may sound suicidal, but we're going headfirst into the snowy regions to take the fight to Continuation. I'm sure we all have experience fighting in the snow, but we mustn't forget that Continuation is the master of the snow. We must be extra careful in the forests, too. Jouko really knows her way in forests, being raised in Lapland. The groups will be named after what we named our compound team in the match against All-Stars.
Group one, or Dandelion Team, will be the following schools: Ooarai, St. Gloriana, and five of Kuromorimine's tanks.
Sunflower Team will have Pravda and ten of Saunders' tanks.
Chrysanthemum Team will be comprised of Anzio, Chihatan, and Saunders' remaining tanks.
Finally, Orchid Team will be BC Freedom and Maginot, as well as Kuromorimine's remaining tanks.
Do we all understand?"
"Hai!"
Kay didn't hesisate to give her suggestion for the operation's name.
"And before anybody says anything, operation's gonna be named 'Operation Deforestation!'"
"The Great Katyusha DEMANDS it be called 'Operation Timoshenko's Wrath', after the great Soviet general who finally pacified those pesky Finns!"
"What about 'Operation Austerlitz'? That battle was fought in snowy conditions, I think it fits."
"I believe 'Operation Der Freishütz' would be good. It's an opera with spoken dialogue by Weber-"
"Not opera again, Comman- I mean, Vice-Commander! I'm personally with Katyusha's suggestion, it does fit well with the current situation."
"Miho, if you're going to suggest an operation name, PLEASE actually make it good."
"Well, I think we'll go with Katyusha-san's suggestion..."
"HAHA, WHAT DID I TELL YOU? THE GREAT KATYUSHA'S SUGGESTIONS ALWAYS GET TAKEN!"
"Except for the last meeting like this-"
"Shh, Nonna. Only devotion to the Great Katyusha, remember?"
"Sorry, great leader."
"So, it is decided. 'Timoshenko's Wrath', fitting for me."
And so, with Operation Timoshenko's Wrath finalized, the meeting concluded just in time for the formalities. At the same time, Continuation had finished their planning, though most of that time had been spent out of actual planning.
Continuation Briefing Tent - 45 minutes to match start
Everyone was seated, all twenty-five commanders of Continuation. Alice and Linder were seated closest to Jouko, but for almost the entire time, there was no loud talking, only music and low voices. No singing, however. Instead, through a small loudspeaker, Beethoven's First Symphony, recorded by the legendary conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler and the equally reputable Berliner Philharmoniker back in 1952, was playing. Jouko had allowed everyone to formulate their own plans after giving the general idea of how the battle would progress, spending only a few minutes explaining and going over what would be the broad plan for the match, leaving the more minute details to individual improvisation and instinct, as Jouko wished to help build up the abilities of her teammates to lessen the burden of being a commander not just for herself, but for future generations who would take up the mantle in her stead.
Jouko had begun the meeting by simply stating that the team, like Ooarai, would split up into teams of 5 tanks per group, led by a commander of Jouko's own choosing. However, they would be organized, in Irish terms, "flying columns", and assigned to respective environments, with the most elite of the flying columns being the flying column consisting of the Sturmi, BT-42, both T-34s, and the Panzer IV Ausf.J which would be moving freely across all environments and come to the aid of one flying column if they were in grave danger. If two or more were in that state, at least one of the elite column's tanks would be dispatched to assist, though if all of the elite column were unavailable some tanks of other flying columns would have to be dispatched as reinforcements or the column under attack would have to hold out. Regardless, Jouko trusted in the abilities of the commanders under her, and was confident they would hold up well under pressure. They would play defensively, allowing the enemy to come to them. If they refused, they'd make them come to them.
For twenty-five minutes, the commanders sat deep in thought as the music played in the background, each one thinking of how to approach the match. As the music moved on, everyone was allowed to speak to one another for their individual columns, which had earlier been determined, and even later, with their fellow column commanders. They quietly discussed where to move, where to strike, every possible route of attack, and Jouko occasionally broke her own silence to remind everyone of the dangers of relying too much on the often erroneous safety of a natural barrier, giving several examples through history of these obstacles being overcome. As the meeting drew to a close and the music ended, the commanders responded positively to their planning, and were confident in their outlook for the match. After a short prayer led by Frisell, the twenty-five commanders left the meeting tent, boarded their tanks, and headed to no man's land for the formalities.
Spectator stands - 15 minutes to match start
The massive stands were packed with over 10,000 enthusiastic fans excited to view this final match. Thousands more congregated in the surrounding areas, those farthest using binoculars to view the large screens. Among the spectators were the usual parents and relatives of the Ooarai students, like Yukari's parents, Hana's mother and her loyal servant, Mako's grandmother, not to mention, of course, Shiho herself, who was seated in a special VIP booth with her friendly competitor Chiyo, looking from their elevated position at the large battlefield as Taiga Ou's exciting commentary was blaring from the television inside the room.
Once again, fate had repeated circumstances, and both mothers were ready to watch their kin fight head-to-head in another match of even bigger proportions now. Ami was also seated in the same booth, alongside Shinchiro Kodama. Renta wasn't there either, still busy with educational problems elsewhere in Japan to attend. Special microphones, to everyone's knowledge, had been installed in the seats to grab any conversations relating to the match, getting the comments from the masters themselves. However, the two heads weren't talking about the match, just something that had been in their minds for some time.
"You know, Alice has been getting very proficient in piano and violin. She already had some skill before her move to Continuation, but under Jouko she seems to have greatly improved. Several of Continuation's students are also learning clarinets, oboes, bassoons, from what Alice has told me. What about you, Shiporin?"
"I'd say from Erika's studies, and Maho's role at her university, Kuromorimine is inclined to the Brass instruments. I've gathered information about students who are learning trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba, and other types of brass. In fact, believe everyone who is pursuing a musical career alongside Sensha-do in Kuromorimine is practicing on brass instruments. And Miho has told me all of Ooarai's Sensha-do team is practicing first and second violin, thirty-seven of them."
"That's rather large for a string section."
Shinchiro joined in the conversation, interested in this potential.
"Case studies also show that St. Gloriana is pursuing viola classes, Saunders is pursuing flute lessons, and Chihatan's also interested in percussion. Nishi has said that if she were to join an orchestra, she'd be the timpani."
"Well, now that you mention it, wouldn't a special High School Sensha-do Symphony Orchestra be of interest to you, Chiyo-kichi?"
"That would actually be nice! All-Stars is also trying to form its own orchestra with Alice as concertmaster, and later conductor when the time comes, and with the high schoolers she could be a piano soloist. I'm sure everyone would love to see more talents from our youth."
"Mhm... I'd say we could start working on an orchestra for these Sensha-do enthusiasts. After all, they seem passionate about their instruments."
"Who will be principal conductor, however? Sure, we can get guest conductors all over the world, like, say, Barenboim, Dudamel, Petrenko, Sado, even old Ozawa is still somewhat active. But, we need a principal conductor, as we can't have them coming here often due to their busy schedules."
"Say, maybe I could step up, or Jouko, or even Miho. Both have been getting into conducting lately, they've told me how much fun they have conducting to music being played, and viewing them, their technique is pretty legitimate."
"Well, Shiporin, given the Nishizumi Style, I'd say you might be a Karajan, while I may be a Bernstein, if you know what I mean."
"Well, I've been softening up now, lately. I may allow more rubatos here and there than usual."
"Hmhm, if you say so. We'd better get ready, the match starts in less than five minutes."
"Indeed, let's shake?"
"No, let's bow, of course. As Ami always says-"
"Sensha-do starts with a bow, and ends with a bow!"
Of course, Ami had to finish the sentence. She had been listening along, and privately thought of a Sensha-do orchestra herself, though she was still trying to figure out the mechanics of it. So, as the two heads of their families bowed, this time without animosity outside of friendly competition, and certainly no stakes outside of who would be the victor of the tournament, the formalities were also getting underway several miles away.
Battlefield - five minutes to match start
Since Ami was in the VIP lounge to spectate the match, Kanon Sasagawa would be the one to officiate the formalities for the match. Watching as both teams made their way to the field and lined up on their respective sides, she couldn't help but feel pity at how badly outnumbered Continuation was. T-26s had crews of three, and Continuation's force was mostly comprised of them, while Ooarai's compound team was comprised of tanks that could crew from four to seven people. But, knowing Continuation's upgrades and modifications, in terms of materiel and firepower, Continuation probably held the upper hand, balancing quantity with quality given how powerful their tanks now were. Checking her watch, Kanon took several deep breaths, this being the first time she had done something like this, and as both teams' commanders stepped forward, she confidently made her voice heard by all around her.
"This is the Grand Finals match of the 41st Winter Continuous Track Cup! As always, per tradition and sportsmanship, Sensha-do will always start with a bow, and will always end with a bow! Commanders of both teams!"
Miho and Jouko stiffened in their standing, waiting for the command.
"Please bow!"
At once, all said,
"We wish you a good match!"
"Good luck to both of you. May the best team win. At the sound of the Bofors gun, the match will start. There will strictly be no cheating, as more measures have been put in place to prevent that. Now! TO YOUR TANKS! THE MATCH WILL START IN EXACTLY FIVE MINUTES!"
Both teams didn't hesitate, rushing with all haste back to their tanks to start the match. Both teams had their plans formalized and ready, but, as the old saying goes, no plan ever survives first contact with the enemy.
As Ami received the transmissions that both teams were ready, she sent a signal to the Bofors gun crew. Seconds later, a shell flew into the air, and burst in a brilliant display of smoke. Moments later, both commanders gave the order to advance.
"Kaikki tankit, eteenpäin!"
"Panzer vor!"
The Grand Finals, after so long, had finally begun.