An applauding crowd welcomed the final stragglers from the match's conclusive battle. As expected it was a hassle to retrieve the last three vehicles off the inclined slope so much so that extra retrieval vehicles and helicopters were called in from the nearest towns.

It would most likely delay the school ship's departures as it seemed the retrieval services would be working into the night. The inconvenience provided unto the adults went ignored however as both teams of students enjoyed hearty exchanges.

Kaiser meanwhile was exhausted. Sitting in the back of the cramped truck, he looked glanced around. At the rear of the truck was Knight's crew sitting across from Virtanen's. Knight was fast asleep with most of his crew. Satisfied expressions on their faces.

Virtanen lay awake, though his tired eyes gazed whimsically out the truck's open back. Another burden off his shoulders surely.

Kaiser himself sat with his loader and gunner on either side. Belle's white hair brushed across his face with an occasional gust as she clung to his arm. The adrenaline from their latest brush with danger had not left her body until she fell asleep. Laura, true to her character, stubbornly fought against her drowsiness. She held onto the hem of his jacket as her eyes fluttered. As her head bobbed back and forth he recalled seeing just how scared she had been when they had latched the cables on.

At his feet, he saw Westhoffen leaning against Belle and his legs. His knuckles were still white as he subconsciously gripped a steering wheel no longer there. Katya lay against his other leg and next to West. She seemed the most relaxed as a small trail of drool traced her lip.

Kaiser would like to blame the cramped proximity on the truck's limited space but another thought detracted from it. He knew they were worried. They had said as much when it was all said and done.

He had heard an earful from them all when they hiked back up to the main road. Along with the other crews, he hadn't even got comfortable sitting down on the roadside before his four crewmates leaned in and chastised him.

Surprisingly it was Belle who began shouting. "What was that!" she demanded, tears forming in her hazel eyes.

Kaiser had barely raised his eyebrow before his crew continued, not letting him defend himself.

"Don't try to smooth talk your way out of this" ordered Laura, her blue eyes unflinching, demanding he remain placid.

"You just can't help but get yourself into trouble can you!" accused West, splaying out onto the ground next to him.

Kaiser looked at his crew bewildered. "Can't I say the same to you? You all disobeyed my direct order." He didn't glare nor raise his voice. His tone however seemed to strike them all.

Belle and Laura seemed ready to slap him, both holding one hand on his shoulders and raising their others. As he moved to defend himself, he felt West restrain his arm from the side. Before any blows could be exchanged a soft sobbing was heard.

All eyes turned to a small head of red. Katya was wiping her eyes, unable to stem the flow. "We were worried." she choked out. "About you", she whimpered slightly catching her breath. "And our vehicle. All the memories we shared in it. It means just as much to us as you."

He and his crew watched their RO quietly sob, unable to speak. Was he a criminal for feeling as if he wasn't in the wrong? His last thought had only been able to secure a vital piece of aid and ensure his team's safety. Had that not been the right choice?

Westhoffen sighed loudly. "You are something you know that?"

Kaiser looked down to see him rolling his eyes. Another glance showed him that Laura and Belle seemed to know exactly what he was thinking.

Trying to comb her disheveled hair with her fingers, Belle glared down at her commander. 'We were worried for your safety. The one thing you can't seem to account for."

"Pretty sure I told you to not go getting yourself hurt again" added West from the ground.

Laura tagged in with a resigned tone. "From now on at least try to remember we need our commander alive. So don't go dragging us into some insanity again."

Kaiser was unsure how to react. Such concern was something he only expected of close family. If anyone were to put themselves in danger was it not he the leader? He knew himself to be a valued asset but found that he was replaceable as anything else. That was what he strived to make Transcendence. A machine capable of continuing without one or two pieces. He had just figured logically, the TIger was more important than a risk to himself.

Their protests were far cry from what he recalled in his InfanterieKampf days. Despite these questions he held he snickered. "I make no promises."

Belle and Laura sighed begrudgingly. West himself threw a small fit at the response. Once again Katya drew their eyes as she chuckled softly. With reddened eyes and a soft smile, she finally looked up at her crewmates. "I suppose we did sign up for this after all."

As if putting a period on the topic, Kaiser's crew collapsed around him. Each one let out breaths as he felt their bodies weigh down on him. Breaking out from their gravity-induced embrace, he saw several onlookers.

Virtanen's, Knight's, and perhaps most morbidly, Miho's crew had watched the entire scene. Kaiser fought to stifle down the heat in his cheeks. The undisciplined figures and image of his crew lying in the dirt was unbecoming and certainly unexpected of him. He, however, could not demand they stand. They deserved rest after their hard work.

He did not have to worry too long as the other crews collapsed just the same. All semblance of professionalism was gone as they sat in silence for their transport. The only peculiarity he noticed was Miho sending a satisfied smile at him and his crew.

The same five girls sat across from him and his crew in the truck on their way back. Exhaustion was prevalent in Saori and Hana who chatted lightly as Miho, Reizei, and Yuakri slept peacefully.

It was as his eyelids began to feel heavy that they arrived back. The large screens were being packed away as the disabled and operable tanks were lined up. Already some vehicles were transporting people to the station downhill to return home but most stayed for the after-match celebration.

It had almost become a tradition now and so before the match, Virtanen and Kaiser had ensured there were sufficient supplies readied. This time Transcendence took the lead in celebrating as student volunteers and more energetic cadets set up bonfires, and tables of pre-made food.

As they were a bit farther out than the rest, the four final crews arrived amid the celebrations.

Virtanen and Knights crews being at the back offloaded first. They were soon swarmed by peers and students seeking to congratulate them on their performance. Kaiser watch for a moment as he awoke his crew.

Diana was the first to hug Knight and shake the frail boy heartily. Her congratulations seemed to have a more profound effect on him than anyone else's words. Virtanen took each of his crew's hands and assisted in offloading them. As they were whisked away by the other cadets Piper came up and gave him a handshake and a slap to his back that sent him recoiling.

It was an endearing sight, one that Kaiser quickly interrupted as the groups of students were blocking his way. With a few words the groups quickly dispersed, dragging away their leaders to celebrate.

With a huff of air, Kaiser kicked one leg out and jumped out of the truck bed. With one hand he helped Westhoffen down and then the two assisted their female counterparts. Belle, Laura, and Katya were all drowsy and barely standing. Soon their own friends from the school and a few cadets from the team came to congratulate them. As if asking permission a glance was sent Kaiser's way to which he nodded.

With permission, the girls were dragged off. Then an unexpected group made an appearance before Kaiser. Four girls, two tan and two pale walked up with excited grins. The only familiar face among them stepped forward with a hand extended. It was Nakajima from Oarai's Porsche Tiger and her crew.

"That was a great race!" she declared with a bright smile. Congratulations on both of your wins, against our school and us."

Kaiser's usual harsh glare softened at the ever-surprising sportsmanship behind the girls of Oarai. With his black-gloved hand, he grasped the greasy glove of the smaller girl. With a solid shake, he thanked her. "You flatter me but I am merely a vice commander. These wins belong to my commanding officer and my crew."

Kaiser glanced to his side where Westhoffen seemed miffed at him getting all the attention. "In fact, the star of our race would be him. May I introduce you to my driver, Ignatius Westhoffen. You may call him West for short."

The statement caught his driver off guard. "Wha- Don't give out other people's nicknames!"

Kaiser grabbed the red-cheeked boy by his epaulet and pulled him forward, shoving him between him and the girls. Discreetly, he whispered into West's ear. "Don't say I haven't done anything for you."

West threw a concerned look back at his commander, the thought of owing him dreadful in its own way. His attention was quickly pulled back to his front as a hand grasped his with a fervent shake. One by one the girls shook his hand and introduced themselves.

"I'm Nakajima!"

"Hoshino"

"Suzuki here"

"And I'm Tsuchiya, the one you were racing against. I have to say I've never lost a race and such a good one as that!"

"Never seen someone go toe to toe with Tsuchiya."

"It was a nail-biter down to the end."

And so on went their praises. West was awkward but began growing comfortable with the praise. Kaiser place a tight grip on his shoulder and insisted they continue with some food. The Leopon team excitedly agreed and urged them to follow.

"I'll wander about a bit first and ensure that everything is running smoothly. I am still a commander after all. Feel free to borrow West as long as you like." With his politician's smile gracing his face the Leopon team accepted.

Kaiser leaned into West, muttering a final statement. "See if you can find out how they run their mechanical repair department so efficiently and we'll call it even. Don't disappoint me or them" he snickered.

West stiffened at the demand, slightly insulted and worried at the burden. Regardless He was ecstatic at the opportunity. Kaiser waved him and his newfound entourage off with a wave and a smile. Both faltered to his usual blank expression once they were gone.

"That seems to suit you better" called a voice from behind. Kaiser's eyes widened in surprise as he glanced back. Miho was watching from the truck bed, her head held in her hands. Kaiser glanced back to see Hana waking Yukari and Saori fighting to drag Mako.

He chided himself for not noticing they were still behind him and letting his demeanor slip. "Saw that huh?"

With her head still resting atop her hands and knees, she nodded.

"Need a hand?" he asked gesturing to her friends.

Miho glanced over to her friends, seeing their struggle. "Perhaps with Mako" she chuckled.

Saori had dragged Mako to the end of the truck bed with a whine "At least walk by yourself! I'm tired too!". Kaiser offered a hand to Saori's confusion. She looked to Miho who encouraged the offer. Carefully they lowered the limp Mako down to Kaiser who held her in both arms.

"I-is this okay?" asked Saori allowed.

Kaiser wasn't fond of the image either and offered a solution. "I could just throw her over my shoulder. She's rather light."

"I don't think that'll solve the issue-"

Hana interrupted with a soft smile and a hand on her cheek as she watched from the side. "We'll take you up on your kindness. Let's just get to our rest area and it will be over in a moment."

Kaiser was relieved that they didn't doubt his character and that they had a destination set. He didn't want any more rumors emerging just because of an act of kindness. The girls found a ring of seats set up specifically for them where he lay the unconscious girl down. She shifted comfortably, uncaring for anything outside her dreams.

The infamous Anglerfish team then began discussing food and their anticipation of returning home and relaxing. Something that would take time judging by how slowly people were trickling back downhill and to the trains. The four girls began to make their way to the food before addressing Kaiser.

"What about you? Will you come with us?" offered Hana.

Kaiser raised a hand, dismissing the offer. "I do need to patrol the area and ensure everything is in order. However, could I borrow a bit of your commander's time?"

The three girls turned to Miho who raised a finger to herself, questioning if he was referring to her. Saori seemed to misunderstand as she fumbled at the mouth for words. Her reaction seemed to only spur Yukari and Miho on to become flustered as well.

Kaiser looked at Hana who remained calm and tried to diffuse the misconception. "Of course one of you may come along as well. Ms. Akiyama perhaps?"

That only worsened the reaction. Being singled out Yukari's eyes flit back and forth in a panic as Saori vehemently refused such an outrageous suggestion. Luckily for him, Hana remained composed. Placing a hand on her friends she calmly urged them to help her bring some food for when Mako awoke and Miho returned.

Still shaken, Yukari accepted immediately as Saori protested but was incapable of dissuading Hana. Left on her own with Kaiser, Miho seemed to calm down without her friends aiding in her fluster.

"They are quite, excitable aren't they?" he asked.

Miho giggled into a palm. "They can let their imaginations run I suppose. As I've said before, we all don't have much experience with males. Saori tends to get a bit protective with the new co-ed rules."

Kaiser snorted at the claim. "I suppose each school has its troubles. I just wanted to walk and talk a bit. We can save an in-depth discussion for another time. I just wanted to thank you for the match and your courtesy."

Miho cocked her head at the thanks before happily nodding. "I thank you as well for a skillful match and the friendly manner you've received us." With their thanks exchanged it felt as if the match was truly over and they could proceed as mutual adversaries.

Fatigue quickly wore away as they perused the grounds seeing all the merriment abound. Both schools had no reservations in mingling even the males of transcendence were accepted quite warmly, especially by the males of Oarai who felt awkward around even their own schoolmates.

Both Kaiser and Miho were greeted and ushered over to varying groups who wished to congratulate him on victory or comfort her on the loss. The two were well known and so sidetracked quite often by their fellow students.

A plate of food, a drink, handshakes, and all manner of things were pushed to them as they walked. Only able to escape the groups by the excuse of further duty. Along their route, Kaiser introduced Miho to some of his more prominent teammates. Initially, it was only to his crew and a few officers but naturally, with her fame, others from Transcendence began crowding around and treating her like a celebrity.

Miho wilted under the excessive attention, signaling Kaiser to pry her away from the increasing crowd. Some whines and protests arose. He cast a sharp glare over his shoulder as he ushered Miho away. Any form of protest quickly fell silent as they resumed their smaller groups of talk.

Miho then returned the favor dragging him to her schoolmates. He couldn't help but snicker at the thought. He may have been the center of a rumor or two but he was nowhere near her level of popularity. In a good mood, he felt compelled to pass the buck, however. Looking around he tried to explain that she should introduce his commander, not an insignificant vice commander.

The remark came across as sarcasm to Miho who tried to convince him, fortunately for her she didn't need to. As Kaiser looked about for his scapegoat. He found the tall Virtanen clumsily dancing around a fire with Piper. Others danced about with them in the merriment yet the deciding factor was the individual playing music.

Mika sat on a stump playing a folk song as Aki and Mikko clapped along while others danced. The troublesome girl seemed at peace as she played and her two friends joyfully kept the tempo. Soon Diana Frost dragged Knight over as he stumbled over himself trying to dissuade her.

Kaiser clicked his tongue as Miho noticed the sight. She smiled before noticing the unusual guest. "Oh, what is Mika doing here?"

"It's a long story" Sighed Kaiser.

Miho chuckled. "She didn't try to steal from you too, did she?"

"Not yet" he confessed. Miho seemed surprised and confused. Before she asked why he explained. "She won't admit it to anyone else but she was adrift at sea."

"Really!? You must be close if she told you." Kaiser shook his head at the insinuation. Let's move on then, you wanted to introduce me to your peers?"

The diversion worked and soon he was brought over to Oarai's clusters of students. As he predicted he hadn't received the same fanfare but there was a certain interest from her teammates.

He was introduced to each of the tank crews one after another. Most seemed hesitant to speak with him but the commanders and some he recognized were more than willing to act on friendly terms with him.

Midoriko Sono was one who quickly recognized him and spoke casually. She maintained her pride while abashedly admitting his victory. Leopon team seemed to have finished with Westhoffen and began to drill him for questions before he was pulled away in a similar manner by Miho. The "freshman" as they were called didn't have much to say to him and bashfully asked trivial things of him.

He introduced himself, his age, rank in school, and relationship status with a laugh before Miho urged him to continue. With an apology in place of the "freshman," Miho explained they were usually more energetic and knew better now that they were sophomores. He then met the rest of the crews with varying success and reactions before meeting the crew of the Hetzer whom she introduced as the former student council.

The three girls were rather laid back, the one introduced as Momo to her dismay removed her monocle and sighed heavily, congratulating him on his performance. The other girl, Yuzu nodded politely as Anzu heartily ate a dried sweet potato despite the plentiful food around.

The conversation was mild and somewhat apologetic on Anzu's end from the cryptic reception before the match. With no hard feelings, she came up with a suggestion. "Taiga!" she called over to a girl with short brown pigtails and glasses. The girl quickly slurped up what food was on her plate as she ran over with a mic in one hand and a camera in the other.

"She's from the broadcast club so why don't we have a nice photo for the cover of their article?"

"My commander should be the one-"

"Semantics!" interrupted Anzu, now go on shake hands and smile for the camera!" she urged waving the girl to raise her camera.

As they were instructed how to pose, Kaiser removed his cover and placed it under one arm. Miho gave an awkward chuckle, extending a hand as her friends insisted. Kaiser grasped her hand and held it as the camera shutter went off. Kaiser let a small grin slip at the friendly atmosphere.

Anzu let a whistle slip, reminding him unpleasantly of Vaelrya. "Careful, you aren't planning on taking away our leader are ya?" The camera seemed to flash faster at the taunt. Anzu's smile widened seeing her claim garner reactions from those watching.

Suddenly a ball of red hair ripped between him and Miho. "No!" shouted Saori as she stood in front of Miho. Hana, Yukari, and even Mako were holding onto her protectively. "I thought it was suspicious you two were walking around so long!"

Due to the noise, more heads seemed to turn their way. Unexpectedly, Natalya came to his defense. "Calm down red" she called out to Saori. "Our commanders not interested."

Kaiser saw a glimpse of Valeryagrinning ear to ear behind her older sister. He glared at her mischievous expression unable to stop her from speaking. "Yeah! Besides he prefers busty redheads!"

Natalya turned instantly and chased after her sister as excited murmurs began running about. Those dancing were even coming to see the commotion. Saori had crossed her arms over herself defensively with a blush as Mako stood as a self-declared 'last bastion' against him.

A look around showed the Oarai students sharing whispers about his rumored 'preferences' and a look behind him showed his peers shaking their heads in disbelief. Knowing him better and some saying he outright had no interest's with laughter following. He still saw some of the female cadets with skeptical looks and even Katya fiddling with her hair and covering her chest with flushed cheeks.

Virtanen and Knight then came to calm the crowd's chatter as laughter began amongst the lot of them at the topic. He saw the source being Miho, who quickly spread her laughter to the rest. Placing his cover back on his head he felt oddly relaxed and cracked a small, earnest smile. For the first time in quite some time, he felt he had a pleasant memory to look back on.

-The next day.-

As predicted, the retrieval of the last few vehicles proved difficult so the two school ships remained in port for an extra day. Thankfully the scheduling for the ships was rather flexible. The students spent the day exploring the shore and as for the cadets who participated in the match, they were given the day off from practice.

In a small cafe, the vice commander of Transcendence was doing the same. Kaiser sat alone in a booth by a window sipping a coffee. Scrolling on his phone he read the latest 'gossip blog' if it could even be called that anymore. Now that they were run through him for approval before posting he was pleased with the results.

Oarai seemed to work fast and had shared their own photos and information of the match with his team, hence the photos of him and Miho shaking hands along with the aerial photos of their final battle on the mountaintop.

"Good afternoon" called a voice from his side. Kaiser turned from his device and saw Miho Nishizumi herself.

"Afternoon" he replied, gesturing for her to take a seat. It was strange seeing the infamous girl out and about in casual attire. A simple sundress and one could hardly tell she was the feared leader of Oarai. She seemed to have the same thoughts as she glanced at him after ordering for herself.

"A strange sight isn't it?" he asked, pulling at his simple black shirt.

"Well, you seemed comfortable in your uniform" she politely agreed.

"I could say the same of you. I'll apologize for my commander. He deferred the duty to me after only waking up when I called to remind him."

"I had expected you anyways when you suggested a meeting yesterday, my friends were surprised, to say the least" she laughed into a palm.

Kaiser groaned slightly. "I wished for a more professional meeting between two leaders to show good terms between our schools" Kaiser cast a defeated look at her. "I'm worried I'll have to deal with more misunderstandings if we're seen."

Miho laughed awkwardly at the irrefutable thought. Soon her drink arrived with a cake and she quietly partook in the snack. Kaiser watched her as she nervously ate. "Still not used to speaking with boys?" he asked casually.

Miho nodded slightly in embarrassment. After a bite of cake, she amended her statement. "Although, I feel as if you're a different challenge."

Kaiser shifted his head curiously at her claim. To his dismay, she brought up some of the more flamboyant rumors from before he seized the gossip blog.

Raising a finger and averting her eyes she nervously explained. "W-well, the womanizing, misuse of authority, and merciless attitude of yours were the most prominent. Namely the womanizing…"

Kaiser placed his head in his hands and sighed. He was quick to correct her. Declaring the womanizing was simple tabloid gossip, and altering the two other claims to make him seem more favorable. They weren't wrong but he had done certain things to benefit the school such as appropriating equipment for the Hawaii training camp and the rigorous training for his cadets.

His fervent denial seemed to put Miho at ease. It was a relief but also disappointing that she had the underlying thought he was trying to add her to a harem. He made a mental note to add harsher training to Anna and her team.

However, it served to ease the two into casual conversation as they soon began to recall how they felt during the match and what their own experiences were. Soon the topic shifted to the after-match celebration.

"You'll be a hot topic in Oarai for a while. The 'freshman' wouldn't stop talking about you today."

Kaiser snickered. "You'll be in my team's nightmares. Knight still recalls that chase you gave in fear." Miho gave a panicked look, the thought of being feared was unnatural and unflattering. He assured her it was a compliment and that he was thankful as it was a good lesson for his cadets.

"So how is your team? I'm curious about sergeant Oddball as well. She seems rather attached to you."

Miho seemed lost momentarily before realizing he meant Yukari. "Oh, they're all resting well and enjoying the shore leave. But um, how do I say this? You wouldn't happen to be."

Kaiser raised an eyebrow as she beat around the bush before finally whispering the question. "You wouldn't be interested in Yukari like that, would you?"

Kaiser leaned back in thought, contemplating the question. His internal deliberation led to Miho anxiously awaiting his verdict. With a sly grin, he answered. "No, I just wanted to tease you a bit. Though hearing so much of her from Kay has me curious. She spoke highly of how she infiltrated Saunders last year and most of all how she seemed a great friend to you."

Miho relaxed a little at his explanation showing flattery at his and Kay's praise. "I didn't know you were friends with Kay."

"Kaiser took a drink and replied bluntly. "You could say we're acquaintances. Same as Nonna and Clara from Pravda as well as you. I'd be delighted to speak with as well she seems an interesting person to speak with."

Miho hummed at the thought before giggling. "I'll pass on the message although I don't know how she'll respond." The two sat in a more comfortable atmosphere of silence until, eventually, Miho begged the question.

"How do you come up with such innovative ideas? We reviewed your match with Pravda but still never expected half the stunts you pulled. We even hoped you would hold back after hearing you were sent for review by the Senshado federation."

Kaiser proudly took it as a compliment. "Well, they never said I couldn't improvise explosives just that I couldn't scavenge" the grin he gave cued her into his intention. "It technically was a VBIED and used Senshado-grade munitions. Technicality is how you avoid trouble with the law after all. Although it does give you some negative attention."

Miho seemed impressed with his audaciousness. As she sipped her drink he felt compelled to dispel the dour expression she held. "I'd say we're rather alike you and me."

Surprised she looked up from her drink. "Well, I have had some controversy concerning tradition with my family. But I'd say comparing us is a little much, your methods are far more…"

"Brazen? Reckless? Extreme?" he asked having heard it all before.

"Unorthodox" she laughed. A sudden realization seemed to strike her as she stared at him briefly.

"Something wrong?"

Snapping to, she noticed his inquisitive expression. "I just realized who you reminded me of. My sister."

Kaiser was interested, of course, he had heard of the equally famous older Nishizumi sibling. "Well, now you have my curiosity."

You're rather hard to approach judging from our first meeting but past the reputation and glares, there's a warm and caring person." Kaiser felt a small wave of heat creep up his neck at the assessment. Miho's smile showed that she felt she had hit the nail on the head.

Kaiser's mouth was momentarily agape. Unsure of how to respond. He settled for humility, dismissing her words as too kind and a bit off the mark. Her response to his aversion was a small giggle into her hand. "At least sis acknowledges it, perhaps you're more like my mother."

How is a teenage boy supposed to take a comment like that?" he asked jokingly. Miho shrugged, still laughing. Kaiser leaned back, relaxing once more. "I should thank you again. In the short time, our teams interacted I've learned, well, to enjoy this sport a bit more. Not everyone is out for me, yet." The two thought of the opposition within the federation gunning to revoke his participation. "And with our match, I've learned that my peers are growing, so I can leave a bit more to them." The recollection of Knight's quick thinking was a prominent thought.

"You on the other hand" he accused as she gave a look of confusion. "Could stand to be a bit more proud, hell even boastful. You don't have to be like your sister or me but you could stand to throw some weight around dont you think?"

Miho waved both hands dismissively. Kaiser rolled his eyes at her denial. "You're a Nishizumi. A great leader, tactician, you're so polite it's almost offputting, I thought you were up to something when we first met."

"W-well you weren't exactly the nicest figure either" she retorted defensively.

The two snorted at the reply, a small bout of laughter arising. Placing an elbow onto the table he leaned forward clarifying himself. "My point is, You are your own person. A worthy opponent and acquaintance. I'm glad to have met and faced you. If you had never rejoined this sport or if I hadn't left InfanterieKampf we never would have had this chance."

Miho nodded in agreement. "I was right, you are just like sis."

"Again, just what does that mean?"

Shaking her head she changed subjects. "So you were in InfanterieKampf? What was it like?! Do you have any films of yourself?"

Of course, he did but recalling his more violence-prone attitude back then, he felt bashful showing her and changed subjects himself. "It's not as popular as Senshado due to its rough nature of it. I remember some of the boys having posters of you and your sis in the locker rooms."

Miho's face flushed from the embarrassment. The two began wrapping up their conversation with their last topic being over just who Transcendence would face next.

"I know if we're to win the tournament we'll have to face more harsh battles but for once, I'd like an easy matchup" lamented Kaiser.

"I understand the feeling" agreed Miho. "You only have one more match till the championship so there are three other schools left. I'm sure my sister is one of them."

"Undoubtedly." agreed Kaiser as the cafe owner turned up the indoor TV, the announcer's excitable voice reaching their ears.

"And now with all semi-qualifiers determined! The first match of the semi-finals for this Senshado season is! Transcendence Academy! And… Kuromoromine!"

The two looked at each other behind their cups with wide eyes, turning to the monitor.

Sure enough, onscreen were two images. The first of him and Virtanen standing outside their vehicles and the second of Maho Nishizumi in her Tiger speaking down to her white-haired co-commander after defeating Anzio.

"Ehe, sorry for jinxing it," said Miho.

Kaiser sipped his drink unphased. "Don't be, I intend to win this was inevitable. Internally however he wished to cast his head down, thinking 'Fuck, this is just my luck'.

-Chapter End-