A man in a suit stood next to three black-clad figures with varying arrays of dazzling awards on their chests. Standing in stiff positions they awaited him to finish speaking as tanks moved about behind them, the occasional distant sound of fire occurring.

The man lowered a mic to the thinnest figure. "How did it feel to be in command during such an important match at such a young age?"

Knight was as stiff as a board. Hands behind his back he robotically answered. "I-it was enthralling, nerve-racking to say the least!" with Virtanen and Kaiser next to him he felt pressured to give as humble an answer as possible due to his previous actions. "I was more of a liability if I am honest! I still have much to learn!"

The interviewer turned to the camera and began speaking of the impressive humility he saw within the cadets of Transcendence. Knight glanced towards his commanders while the man was distracted and saw a soft grin from Virtanen while Kaiser showed his distaste at the response. His glare seeming to say 'Pathetic' Knight gulped and resumed his stiff posture as the man moved on.

Raising the mic to the tallest of the three he continued questioning. "How would you say your leadership style came about? How did you lead your team to victory over Pravda?" he asked with rapt attention.

"With a proud smile, Virtanen leaned towards the mic and answered. "Foremost, I would like to say it was a team effort amongst all of my cadets that secured our victory. Second, my knowledge of leadership came about from some rather harsh training from my commander when I was InfanterieKampf."

The man turned to the camera once more allowing Virtanen to give a little nervous laugh at Kaiser's still unimpressed glare. The interviewer rambled on about the evident pride within the leadership and their mysterious training methods. Finishing with the topic of InfanterieKampf he turned to Kaiser with rabid interest.

"Speaking of InfanterieKampf, Transcendence has become a source of much controversy after your last match and the tactics involved. The source of this is Vice commander Kaiser who was kind enough to attend this interview. What drove you to such lengths and do you have any worries over what the federation might think?"

Kaiser held his indifferent frown as he took the mic from the man with little resistance. "I did what was necessary to secure victory. Pravda should consider it a compliment we were driven so far. As for what others may think, I have spoken with the command of Pravda privately and we have settled on the matter with good relations. The federation itself has already approved of the legality of the match and my actions despite certain pushback. I made no mistake and will continue to help carve my school's path."

The boy passed the mic back and took his leave as the interviewer fumbled to wrap up the interview. With an apologetic Virtanen and nervous knight glancing between Kaiser's back and the camera.

That interview played around the school like clockwork. In between classes in the halls, after school, and during lunch. The staff was ecstatic at the team's victory, so much so you would think they got pay raises. They had even begun giving special liberties to cadets as long as they were passing. The passing grade requirement was even made somewhat more lenient. At least until Kaiser had placed a complaint saying he did not want anymore 'idiots'. To further increase strain on Knight he had the boy pass the message himself by word of mouth to each teacher.

The blatant punishment was reported to the student council who seemed to have lost all control of the Senshado team as Virtanen was sure to silence the few that approached him. All in all, the entire team was on cloud nine at least until training resumed under a furious Kaiser.

Virtanen was helpless to stop the demanding training that was imposed. Each protest was silenced by a glare and reprimendation for the poor performance they had given. The only two who had the authority to oppose him were the most critiqued by him. Virtanen and Knight for obvious reasons, could not say anything as they were dressed down and forced to participate in the exercises.

It was once again at practice that Virtanen addressed Kaiser's behavior as they watched their cadets in the distance from their vehicles.

"You've been laying it on thick lately," said Virtanen.

"And what is that?" asked Kaiser.

"The unapproachable and mysterious bit."

Kaiser sighed. "I just don't want to have to deal with any more nuisances than what I have already. The fiasco with the federation was enough of a headache".

Both boys could remember the meeting held the day after their match over an online face call. There were no less than a dozen prominent officials within who all voiced varying points as the boys, namely Kaiser, defended their actions.

"We expected the males to bring more damages but this, even compared to the other schools is extensive." The board members made no mention of how ecstatic they were of the rising views, trending topics, headlines, and reinvigorated interest in the sport. They were apparently concerned over appearance and price tags after each battle.

After much debate and a second meeting, a few rules were newly placed. The first was the allowance of Infantry tactics as Kaiser had deemed them but within reason. This meant that a vehicle could only employ the tactics. The second and third rules were to head off any dangerous ideas or plans that may have been brewing within Kaiser or any other school's minds after that match.

The second rule stated that individuals could not act in an offensive or defensive manner, not attacking or defending a position, without the use of their vehicle. This included the previous rules of not endangering oneself to buy time.

The third rule allowed individuals to exit tanks for recon and resource gathering so long as it did not result in destroying public property or terrain. The Federation would not cover any damages not caused by tank battles.

In essence, by a technicality of there being no previous rules, Kaiser got away with his actions. The Federation was quick to approve such nail-biting theatrics so long as they could mitigate any foreseeable and unforeseen actions. Despite this controversy was rife.

News channels, papers, blogs, and influencers, were all split on the performance and whether it was amazing, or a disgrace. The most notable dissidents were the heads of the Nishizumi and Shimada families voicing distaste. The head of the Shimada had even called for Kaiser's removal from the sport. After much mediating the matriarchs and Kaiser himself who had told the Federation he would gladly leave, were calmed down and appeased with the current settlements.

Despite the negatives, much praise was also heaped onto Transcendence. Their academy was now well known and regarded as two things. Talented, and vicious. It was especially hard on Kaiser's crews. Along with the admiration they received, regular students seemed to avoid them as if simply approaching would lead them to fall into a trap.

"Natalya and Valerya have been sure to let me know how hard it's been on them" Kaiser grimaced.

"Trouble in paradise with the infamous sisters?" asked Virtanen lethargically.

"No more than usual. What's this I hear about you and Piper?"

Virtanen's spirits plummeted even more. "Quietly with a flustered face, he turned to Kaiser's tank and whispered into his mic. "She told me she wanted to wait until after the Senshado season. She wants to perform her best in mechanics and on the field to get scholarships."

"Ah," said Kaiser staring into the distance.

Kaiser's lackluster response and despondent gaze stung Virtanen who bitterly continued the conversation. "And what about you? You said you spoke to the Pravdan girls?"

Kaiser continued with his exhausted reply. "Clara was tirelessly trying to prod me for info, Katyusha was insufferable and declaring her intention to defeat me. Nonna was amiable and made for a pleasant talk in private. I was able to get contact info so we could exchange information. All gave me an earful for the match however. Even Kay called to congratulate and berate me over it".

Virtanen hunched over and began muttering into his mic in broken sentences. "Bragging bastard, I just, one girl, can't even…"

Kaiser ignored the remarks and threw his head back. "It's been one debriefing after another followed by lectures".

Virtanen looked up from his arms. "You did set a precedence for Transcendence as 'dirty fighters' as some would say".

"We won. That's all that matters. The only downside is that everyone else is aware of this now and will have likely similar attitudes."

"Makes you excited for whoever we face next, don't it?" asked Virtanen sarcastically.

"Not when they restricted my more valuable methods."

"You were almost branded an arsonist and banned from Senshado. Rather than be thankful you want to complain about how they banned arson and IED making?"

"The audacity. They say they can't cover the costs if every school does as much damage as I did as if I did it by myself"

"You did"

"You helped". Virtanen averted his eyes at the clarification. "Then they go on to say I should keep adding to the entertainment and thrill factor of the sport. Hypocrites, the lot of em".

"You didn't help yourself when you reasoned flamethrowers should be accepted for cardboard diversions, you had the main funder for Anzio go pale with that" added Virtanen.

"It was a practical solution" griped Kaiser.

"Boy, you really are mad. Is that why we're doing this?" asked Virtanen opening a large pouch.

"What do you think?" asked Kaiser opening a similar pouch and pulling out a gasmask. "It's not allowed by the Federation for matches but it doesn't mean I can't train the cadets with it."

"How are you going to explain this to the adults?" Reasoned Virtanen weakly affixing the mask.

"With our poor performance. I'll make these cadets stronger, faster, and more resilient to all forms of stress. Low visibility, limited movement, heat, cold, they'll learn to never form a schism mid-match or question orders again".

With a muffled voice Virtanen shook his head. "I almost wish we lost that match".

Tightening his own, Kaiser corrected him. "No, you don't".

The two then gave the order for pre-set canisters to be opened and the Senshado team held an hour-long practice with released CS gas on the field and their tanks while in gasmasks and MOPP suits. Kaiser only got away with this training because the ship was at sea and blew the gas residue off the ship's port to sea and away from the city. His training would only get harsher from here out

-Transition-

Coolwater splashed against Natalya's face as she cooled off in the locker rooms after practice. The absurd training had ended and though compliant, she felt exhausted like everyone else. Through wet strands of hair, she looked to her side and saw the other females laid out on the benches half undressed, cooling off from having to train in the cumbersome and sweltering Mopp gear. Some of the smaller girls were barely able to move around in them.

Speaking of which, Natalya looked over to her sister, defeated and propped against the back of Piper who seemed better off but still weary. Everyone was in the same condition, bleary, stinging eyes from the gas residue, red marks from the gas masks, coughing, stinging pores, matted hair, and their bodies glossed with sweat.

They all felt pity for the boys who were made to run a few laps after practice for seemingly no reason at all. At least to most, Natalya had seen Kaiser get the idea after seeing the relief on Knight's face.

Diana, surprisingly obsessive at being as presentable at all times as possible, had been the first to shower and change clothes. In shorts and a t-shirt, she had gone around helping the other female cadets before approaching the three.

"And how are you three fairing?" she asked with a gentle albeit forced smile, the training had taken its toll despite her attitude.

With a small cough, Piper assured me she was just peachy. Valerya groaned unbecomingly as she took her sweat-soaked blouse off to 'air out'. Natalya nodded her assurance as she gathered her things.

"Are you three not going to clean up?" asked Diana curiously.

Another groan escaped Valerya as Piper shook her head. Natalya explained. "Not enough showers for everyone at once, and we were the last in her seeing as some cadets didn't want to open their eyes after the gas residue got to them. So we escorted them all. Besides leaders are supposed to take luxuries after their subordinate's welfare is assured."

Diana let a guilty chuckle escape. "I suppose Kaiser taught you that one?"

Defensively Natalya avoided it. "Not everything I say or do, has to involve him!"

Three sets of mocking eyes settled on her leaving her to squirmishly ask "W-what?"

"That means it does" mocked Valerya weakly as Piper and Diana gave teasing gazes.

"Now, now, Nobody's making accusations hun" mediated Piper. "We're just observant is all." Before Natalya could demand clarity on what exactly that meant Piper continued.

"I gotta say though, That Kaiser sure is something. I first met him when he gave me and the mechanics a helping hand during the summer. "He was short'a words but kind and helpful." Diana listened intently as Valerya snorted at the statement.

"I gotta say though he sure is different in public, and heavens forbid when he's in a match." Diana glanced to the side with an awkward cough as Valerya who had been blissfully relaxing with closed eyes became alert and stared at the ceiling. Even Natalya could not deny the statement.

"This training especially, it's something I dont think any other school has ever thought of let alone would get approved".

Natalya tried to interject but Val beat her to it. "He does it because he's concerned though. For better or worse he's like me and he has his reasons."

The unexpected assertion drew silent stares from the girl before she seemed to catch herself by surprise and resume her usual teasing manner. Turning to her sister she raised a hand to her mouth stifling a giggle. "Oops, did that turn you off a bit when I said he was like me?"

Natalya stomped a foot. "Why are you always spouting off at the mouth with nonsense?" retorted Nat.

"Well you're not my only means of amusement" hummed Val with a finger to her lips. Glancing over her shoulder she addressed Piper. "Word is we got a heartbroken commander and the perpetrator is right here~"

Piper froze up as all eyes shifted. "Shucks, you hear things fast don't 'cha?" she asked with an uneasy tone.

"Why don't you spill it since we're all friends here?" insisted Val, rubbing her back against Piper.

Suddenly the flustered girl stood abruptly nearly knocking Val over. "I-I don't hide nothing but that's private! A-all you need ta know is that I told him to wait till the season's over and he's willing ta wait fer me!"

"Ho~ Isn't that basically everything?" asked Valerya tauntingly.

Her freckled cheeks now scarlet, Piper took her leave. "I'm tired, gonna clean up and head out now! I'll see y'all later!" Turning her head to the showers she shouted. "Gals! No repairs today! Get some rest!"

Whoops, and hollers could be heard from the mechanic team as they celebrated the last-minute reprieve. With that Piper scurried off to shower.

"Her country accent came out rather harshly at the end there" noted Natalya.

"Cute, makes me wonder if she was babbling like that in front of the Colonel" pondered Valerya.

"Wasn't that a bit much? She's more innocent than you know" asked Diana.

Unrelenting, Valerya turned to the white-haired maiden. "Oh she was just the appetizer, you're the main course". Diana gulped as she took a step to the side, prepared to flee.

'Ah-ah. Don't go anywhere now, wouldn't want anyone to know you milked that scrape on your head to get Major Knight to dote on you would we?"

Diana's pale complexion turned pink. "H-how do you know!"

"I have a lot of friends, even in the medical department who gave you a bill of health" Valerya explained triumphantly.

"I-I thought you said we were friends?" reasoned Diana desperately.

"And don't friends share secrets about boys?" countered Valerya.

As Her sister broke down Diana's resistance, Natalya was thankful she wasn't on the receiving end of such harassment. 'Although, by now I would've just beaten her' she thought. Sadly Diana's mannerisms and attitude didn't warrant such retaliation or defense.

Once Natalya had ensured no one was in earshot or nearby to hear Diana's faint voice, she finally revealed her interests in a certain boy, as if they didn't know, once Valerya had broken her down. With a triumphant grin, Valerya patted the girl's back as Natalya felt guilty at having been curious as well.

With teary eye's she looked up at the sisters. "What about you two? It's unfair if it's only me".

Natalya froze in place as Valerya hummed in thought. "True, true. But I don't really have anyone right now". Seeing Diana's unsatisfied glare, Valerya thought a little longer. With a conniving glance at Natalya, she snapped her fingers. "I suppose the only boy I'm close to is Kaiser".

Natalya looked down at her sister in disbelief. Without missing a beat she continued. "Nothing too spicy like your plans but we have met in private multiple times and talk often." Valeryaenjoyed the embarrassment from Diana at the mention of her plans and Natalya's glare from the side. Pretending not to notice she wrapped up their talk.

"Well looks like there's room in the showers now and I'm tired of being tired and sweaty. I'll keep you updated on my ventures so I expect the same from you. See you at the Christmas party, ciao~"

With that the girl strutted away with her sister striding after her, demanding "What do you mean you met in private?!"

Diana would've laughed at Natalya's immediate overprotection of her sister rather than jealousy if it wasn't for her burning face and nerves beginning to eat at her.

-Transition-

A short period of rest had come in the form of the holidays. While many students would leave to visit family ashore, some would stay aboard the ship such as those whose families lived aboard or if they lived in school lodgings. The break was shorter than schools on land and even more so for those who would be leaving as they would have to process request forms. As such all students would remain aboard for the first couple of days for break.

Kaiser was one such student who had reasoned with his family that he may as well stay and now found himself walking to the store for groceries. Living alone he would have time to himself or more accurately prepare for the next match and organize himself before school started again.

In casual attire and a black peacoat due to the evening's cold, he came across an unexpected face at a corner. "Frost," he said courteously.

"O-oh Sir!" the white-haired girl stuttered, caught off guard.

"We're off the clock, you can call me by surname." He corrected calmly.

FIdgeting and looking over her shoulder, she muttered her response. "T-then Kaiser, pleasure seeing you today".

With a raised brow, Kaiser felt there was no such joy at his presence. "What brings you out so late?" he asked, curious as to why she was so anxious.

Eh? Oh well, uh there's a Christmas party or rather a gathering and I was on my way-" Kaiser's expression darkened at the mention of the party. Diana panicked at his expression. "I'm sorry sir! I didn't know you weren't invited! I'm sure it was a mistake!"

Kaiser shook his head at her assumption. "I was, by the Prokov siblings. I just forgot," he said with a frown. He could only expect the unending complaints he would receive from the two if he didn't show, and now there was a witness preventing him from having an alibi.

Another Voice interrupted them from afar. "Diana! Is that you?" it called out. The girl stiffened up, afraid to look back. Kaiser looked to see Knight waving from afar as he jogged up to them.

With a sinister hum, he gave a crooked smile to Diana. "I see". Rather cunning of you to just happen to be walking near Knight's house when you're both going to the same party."

Diana's face showed the shrill internal scream she was having at being caught amid her plan. Kaiser leaned forward and muttered a deal as Knight closed in. "Why don't you keep quiet about me forgetting and I won't out you".

With a blush on her cheeks, she fervently nodded in agreement. Knight slowed to a halt with a confused look at seeing Kaiser. "Sir?!" he asked in surprise. "I was surprised to see Diana here and thought you were her brother."

With a huff, Kaiser corrected him. "Do I look like I have white hair?"

"N-no sir" he answered averting his eyes to Diana who was trying to cover her cheeks. With a tone of suspicion, he then asked "But why are you with Diana then?"

"I was just on my way to the party, same as you, I presume" answered Kaiser.

"You?" asked Knight in surprise before glancing at Diana and Back. "D-does that mean you two are going together?!"

Diana stared at Knight with a horrified expression at the misunderstanding unable to voice her refusal as Knight stared at her rosy cheeks. Kaiser however was quick to act. His right hand clipped the top of Knight's head who responded with an immediate grunt of pain. "No, you fool. We met by chance, just as you have with us. Her cheeks are red because of the cold. Are you going to keep her out here with your babbling or come with us?"

Knight was momentarily disconcerted but gave a quick reply. "O-of course let's go then!" he said leading the way. Diana followed beside him, ensuring he couldn't see her distress while Kaiser followed from behind. Diana would give a glance back to nod thanks to Kaiser before they arrived at the locale.

The building was thankful not a barracks party or O'Diveley's underground speakeasy as Kaiser had feared, instead, it was hosted by one of the cadets with a wealthier family and their larger home aboard the carrier. The cadet whom Kaiser recalled belonged to Sokolov's squad was kind enough to offer the residence for a large gathering of cadets to attend in celebration.

Knight and Diana entered in with cheers to their arrival, Kaiser however received ominous silence and fearful stares. Removing his coat and hanging it he looked around. Feeling nothing he would say could ease their tension he simply assured them he wasn't present to spoil their fun while looking for familiar faces.

It was O'Diveley who eased the atmosphere by throwing an arm around Kaiser and dragging him to the backyard of the residence. Whispers followed their exit but laughter and chatter soon filled the party once more as he settled in with the atmosphere.

Slowly more cadets gathered as time passed. Practically the entire senshado team and an influx of normal students had gathered and surprisingly were not causing any trouble outside of some rowdiness with O'Diveley at the center.

Watching the happenings from the side Kaiser saw much amusement and enjoyed himself. There was Virtanen and Piper awkwardly chatting and sipping at their drinks, O'Diveley who had spiked a few cups and was challenging others to shotgun some cans. Perhaps the most interesting was when he had cleared out the porch area for Diana.

He had been chatting with a few students who were asking curiosity's about him and the sport when he had seen Diana nervously trying to pull Knight away for a private talk. With a sigh, he grabbed a helping hand. O'Diveley pulled most of the party indoors to watch highlights from the last match and to witness the announcement of their next challengers on television. Being the last to walk inside Kaiser gave a stern warning to Frost. "I expect you two shall remain professional, I have no qualms disposing of either of you. Your positions that is" he clarified with a pat on her shoulder.

The thankful expression she held was replaced with anxiety and a quick, understanding nod as he closed the door. 'Better they get it out of the way than deal with the drama during training and matchs' he reasoned. He quickly dismissed his own 'good deed' when two faces confronted him inside. Natalya and Valerya were quick to drag him away, accusing him of avoiding them all night even though they had invited him.

He then settled into a conversation with his two subordinates. What started as thanks for their dedication and efforts quickly was dismissed by the two as if it was incomprehensible to not do so. A trait of the two he was thankful for as he worried any others in their positions with his orders would not have been so amiable.

The two sisters then began professing their displeasure at the coverage of the Pravda match. Natalya felt her exploits were underwhelmed by the comparison they made of her in the news.

"They said I was Transcendence's very own Nonna! What does that mean? They just compared me to our opponent and left it at that! I'm not asking for the spotlight you got sir but it's irksome to be compared to her" she fumed taking a drink.

"Is it that bad? She was a challenging opponent" Kaiser asked.

Valerya headed him off before he could continue. "Word of warning Adam~" a quick glare led to Valerya snickering and averting her eyes. "Women don't like being compared to other women, especially if they're seen as a threat".

Natalya narrowed her eyes at her sister who turned back to Kaiser under the deluge of glares. At least his had subsided as he thought over her advice. Valerya let an annoyed huff out as she spoke of her own experience. "Then again I doubt there's any spotlight with you sir. I was hardly in any of the footage outside of that Clara girl knocking my tank out".

Kaiser offered a few words of comfort. "You did what needed to be done, everyone who matters recognizes your part".

"Oh, well aren't you just a charmer. If only you said the right words to the right people".

"I could go back to ignoring you if you'd like"

"No thanks, I enjoy these little talks, they annoy Nat".

As Kaiser glanced at Natalya, he voiced his curiosity. "Are you two sure you want to linger around me? I'm sure you both have new friends since the school year started".

Both girls rolled their eyes. Valerya explained just why. "Nat here is still intimidating to your average male-"

"Hey!" her sister objected.

"I meanwhile seem to have had some of your reputation rub off on me. Some people seem to think I work for you in manipulating others".

Kaiser seemed surprised. "You're worse than that though, you just manipulate people for yourself".

"Hey!" Pouted Valerya as Nat engaged in speaking with Kaiser while ignoring her protest.

Brushing her hair in her shorters sister's face, Natalya continued. "Not to mention that annoying Newsblog is still pumping its tabloids".

"What now?" Kaiser asked with a grimace.

"They caught word of the gifts we gave you and now spreading the word that you're a philanderer. Doesn't help they partnered with an underground Pravda source for their perspective".

Kaiser ran a hand down his face. "Of course. Then isn't that all the more reason you two should be avoiding me?"

"On the contrary, it keeps annoying suitors away, especially for this runt," said Nat pointing at her sister.

"You're just upset that others like to pamper me rather than ask for you to act like a gorilla" argued Valerya.

Kaiser grinned as the two started insulting each other back and forth. Once a few names were hurled and the two were showing their deeply embroiled frustrations with each other he interrupted them. Receiving two pointed glares which he ignored, he assured them "I have plans for those gossipers".

"And that is?" the sisters asked.

"Believe it or not, it was suggested to me by none other than Nonna. You'll just have to wait and see". Natalya gave a dissatisfied pout as Valerya raised an eyebrow at the insinuation. All three's attention was dragged to the living room as the gathered crowd shouted in surprise.

Amidst the fervor, Kaiser walked over to see what had caused the reaction. It was a clip from the most recent match. A smoldering Stug and Verdeja tank lay in the rear with the camera focused on a lone commander in her tank, shaking her hair free as she unwound after the match. Text soon flashed across the screen as a narrator announced the results.

"Oarai will advance to the next round and face Transcendence academy!"

Kaiser glanced around. The general motion amongst the average cadet and student was confidence. Perhaps they were unaware of just how miraculous their first win was. In the crowd was Virtanen who seemed as uneasy as Kaiser. That was the only relief Kaiser found amongst the faces. At least his old companion realized how bad of a match-up they were.

They were as unpredictable, as unbending, as much of an unknown factor as they were. The only difference was their popularity and reception into Senshado. The worst part was, even Kaiser was unsure how to approach the problem they posed.

Within the cheering and expectant mass of students, only two minds begged the question of just how to achieve the victory everyone else believed in. Virtanen feared their track record. Kaiser was wary of their methods. While celebrations resumed, both Virtanen and Kaiser took an early leave of the night. They both felt they would need rest while they could get it.

-Chapter End-