'A quiet and tense atmosphere... Haha... I am so dead.' Kaori thought.
Right now, the three have returned to their base of operations, Kaori's Centurion Garage.
The day was already setting and yet the other two hadn't left and instead kept quiet while doing something to the engine and transmission of the tank.
"Kaori." Speaking in a cold tone Ash calls her out.
'Eeep!!!' She mentally screamed, she sat up straight and while looking down addresses Ash. "Yes Senpai?"
"Do you know what you did wrong?"
Rose looked at Ash like some sort of parent disciplining a child.
"Yes... I interfered between the business of two unrelated teams."
Ash nods in agreement.
"So do you think we'll be able to win?"
"Yes... No .. probably not. No, most definitely we'll lose." Kaori was being indecisive in her answer that it even made Rose have goosebumps.
"Exactly." Ash seemed to agree with the nonsense she uttered.
Kaori and Rose was confused.
"Our chances of winning is indecisive. That's why in order to nurture you both. We will enact a spartan program of non-stop training until we can act in coordination."
"Then shouldn't we get a loader?" Rose speaks out. "I mean with a loader around the Commander can solely focus on ordering us and surveying the surroundings."
Agreeing with her statement Ash followed her up. "Indeed, with a Loader we can perform much quicker and more decisive. Right now I gave a letter to the Bellwall Senshadou Team to tell them we'll adapt to their strategy hence, we as a team would practice in operating the tank most specially to you two, moving while firing should be our main activity."
"Also, should we buy additional things for the Centurion? Like pillows for comfort."
"Good idea." Rose seconded her suggestion. "But in my case I would prefer having a camera and a screen Infront of me also a racing chair."
True to her nature, Rose suggested she get a 5th generation MBT upgrade.
"Hm, for the Commander it's best we get a binoculars along with a thermal imager for both the Gunner sight and Commander's" Kaori adds up.
"You two are certainly ambitious. Well I'm not particularly against the idea of shopping."
Both Kaori and Rose looked at each other in surprise then turned to Ash in wonder.
Seeing their gaze Ash raised a brow then replied. "What? Bonding is part of improving crew morale. Tell you what we'll go meet up tommorow near the Central Mall of this City by the Maid Cafe. Our Agenda includes shopping but if possible we can get a 4th person to join us to be the Loader. What do you say? Sound good?"
"Yep. We can meet at 7 in the Cafe." Rose relaxes, flexing her body as she finished modifying the gear box of the tank. "And if all possible don't bring the tank in the mall. We don't wanna be that group of people who brings the thing everywhere."
"Alright. Since it's decided let's call it a day." Kaori stands up, closing the book she was reading.
"Anyone need a ride? I have my car outside."
"No thanks." Ash declined and left.
Rose looked a little down, hesitating to also turn down her offer. Kaori just meekly sighed and smiled.
"My house is just a few blocks down. Besides it's also turning dark, so I'll take you on that offer Rose."
Hearing this Rose perks up in glee. "Then let's go, meet my car. An RX7 with the Amemiya Body kit."
Rose was enthusiastically introducing her car, it's specifications and beauty. Seeing Rose passionate about her car made Kaori a bit awkward but also felt a sense of kindred spirits.
"Is the seat comfortable? It's a racing seat after all. It's a bit different from normal cars." Rose asked worried.
"Yep. It may even be more comfortable, anyway where did you get this car? I heard it's been discontinued long ago."
"Hm, I got it from my Grandfather who used to be a racer. But he got the car when he was fourthy when it first came out. My father never wanted to join the racing scene so it's sad to say growing up looking at him taking glances in his car with a shred of hope."
"He wanted someone to inherit his racing Career. So you took it?"
"Yeah... But I'm lacking in confidence. Whenever I race, my mind suddenly becomes foggy and forgets the techniques he taught me."
"It's surprising to me that you're willing to talk about this. I noticed you were quite socially awkward."
"I guess it has to be I don't have some trust issues. From all my life I would always distance myself from everyone, I did try in highschool but I dropped out soon after."
"... Did your father oppose such a decision?" Kaori glances to Rose.
Her expression tightened and as if she ate something bittersweet her face turned sour, this also reflected in her driving.
Kaori was nervous as Rose was no longer following the proper speed limit of the neighborhood.
"Rose! Snap out of it!" Tugging her waist, she brings Rose back to reality.
Rose gasped and immediately pressed hard on the brake. Knowing her car may spin out of control, she lets go of the brake and pressed on the clutch and immediately punched the gas pedal.
It resulted in a drift that almost had them crash on a pole. Luckily for them, Rose managed to control the car's slide and before hitting the pole it stopped at a grinding halt.
"... Next time, let's not have a personal Conversation Rose." Kaori says as she immediately disembarked from the car.
Left alone in her own car, Rose pressed her head on her steering wheel. "What's wrong with me." She asked herself that.
Her car wouldn't move for a couple more hours since Kaori left. She just sat there contemplating on the road.
""""""""""""""""
Reaching her destination, Exhausted, Kaori walked to the door and entered. Her father was the first person she meets.
"Kaori! Help me. Something's wrong with Hatsuki!"
Kaori reacted with surprise and concern. The look on her father was making her nervous and hurriedly followed him to where he was leading her into.
Low and behold, her Shut In, Neat, good for nothing, Older sister, eating snacks in the Living room. It was like seeing a unicorn in real life due to how rare and mystical the claims to it's appearance are.
And most of all she was dressed normally, unlike what popular media often depicts emo's. She was wearing a white T-shirt and short white shorts, not covering her shortened messy blonde hair.
"Hatsuki-neesan? Are you sick?" Her father hid behind Kaori holding a christian cross despite being a Buddhist Follower.
"Hm? Oh, Kaori-chan! Heard you got a tank from Father. Is there a space for an extra crew member?"
"Ehw?" Dumbfounded Kaori made a stupid face along with a stupid noise.
Seeing her family reacting as if she's the weird one, Hatsuki spoke understanding their reaction and surprise at her sudden change of demeanor.
"Father... Sister... I know it's been hard that I don't help you with the daily task by shutting myself on my room since graduating..." Hatsuki looked down apologetic to the past.
"Uh... Not realy your little sister also almost shut herself in." Her father intruded.
"Hey!" Kaori protested.
"Well, Kaori, I didn't say this but I used to be in the Senshadou club as the radio operator of a Firefly. When I heard father bought you a tank, I thought to myself I should help you with the team. After all I have experience."
"That's great! Kaori you're lacking a crew member right? Why not let Hatsuki take over."
"Hm. Well we don't have a loa-" Hatsuki cuts her off.
"Great! I'll train my muscles so that I won't let my little sister down." At the same she gives Kaori a bearhug.
"Urk... I don't think you need to-" Kaori's body was almost crushed but thankfully she was let go. "Also... Hatsuki. We're going out as a team tommorow."
Kaori was then hit at the back of the head lightly by her father. "Mind your Manners to your older sister."
"Father, you're hurting Kaori! That's too much, apologize."
A daughter con and a siscon. A great Combination, Kaori exhausted just ignored the rest of the day and immediately went to sleep.
""""""""""""
Wearing a blouse, a long sleeved shirt and a skirt that matches her blouse, Kaori finished her light make up and readied for another long day. once she exits her room the first thing she sees is her father already pampering her older sister with praises.
'Is wearing a Goth outfit really that precious? Father.' She said in her mind with malice. Jealous of her older sister who's suddenly getting all the attention she used to get.
"Oh! Kaori, come here. Father wants to take a photo of the first time we go to a mall together!" Hatsuki took noticed and immediately dragged her in.
"You two are like my precious demon and angel daughters." Their father cried as he took a picture.
"Is this something really worth the commotion? We're just going to the mall!" Protesting Kaori, looked at her father and older sister.
"Well... Considering this is Hatsuki's first time actually going outside not only that with you my youngest daughter, I couldn't be less happier than I am now."
'I swear these only happen in this family.' Kaori was fed up but she couldn't protest anymore and just waited for it to end.
"We're going now!" Kaori shuts the door rudely.
Hatsuki, went off from her vision. Turning around to see who she was greeting. She meets eye to eye with a remorseful Rose.
"Uh... Hey," Rose greets awkwardly.
Hatsuki turned to her, 'Do you know her?' Was what Kaori can understand by her expression.
"Hello, Rose." Kaori greets.
Rose shuddered.
"Kaori. I'm sorry for yesterday. When I hard the word, Father... My mind just went blank, please forgive me."
Hatsuki was confused but respectfully let's the conversation go the way it is. Interfering may just do more damage.
"I can't hate you. But what you did was reckless, don't be sorry. Be better next time." Kaori accepted her apology.
"I will!" Rose promises.
Hatsuki smiled. "Aw! It's nice for friends to get along once again!" She excitedly tugged on Kaori's shoulder.
"By the way. Meet my Older Sister Rose. She'll be our Loader." Kaori introduces Hatsuki.
"Hi! My name's Hatsuki Suzuki. Or you can call me Hatsu!" Hatsuki enthusiastically clings to Rose.
Surprised that a Goth wasn't as emo or anti-social as she imagined Rose awkwardly responded with her own introduction.
"Nice to meet you, Hatsu. I am Rozarin Ishikawa, or you can call me Rose." Rose introduced herself. "Now that's out of the way we should hurry for the train. I came here with my car, is it fine if I leave it Infront of your house?"
"Father!" Kaori calls out turning to face the house.
It seems calling out to him was useless as he can be seen in the window open listening in on us, crying with a thumbs up.
'He's being proud on something useless.' Kaori thought.
"Well let's go! Father has agreed!" Hatsuki pushes both of them in excitement.
It was still 6:30 in the morning, and right now, Kaori feels even more exhausted. The day has only started, yet it already was tiring.
"""""""""""""
Looking at her watch, a frustrated look in her eyes and an Annoyed taping of her foot. Ash, was ready to rip someone in two.
Wearing a tracksuit jacket, red turtle neck and a black short skirt, she waited for the others to arrive. The clock had already hit 7:30 and no one was in sight.
"Ma'am is there anything you need?" A waitress came over her table.
"... A Cup of Black Tea should be alright. Also add a slice of Chocolate Cake as well." Finishing her request, Ash ignored her surroundings.
"Please wait for a moment." The waitress leaves.
'We have a match by the end of the week, while it's unofficial Kaori and Rose seems to agree that they'll treat it as an official match. They should still be aware that one official match would be my stay, anything after that they're on their own.' Ash's thoughts drifted further.
The Waitress returns handing her requested dessert. She took a fork and took a piece of the Chocolate Cake directly to her mouth.
Chocolate was a boring flavour to many, Ash prefers it because it was the second cheapest in the menu right behind Vanilla.
As she took another bite of her cake, Ash began to wonder and worry for her Team. They were late, which was concerning since Rose was a racer who had her own car while Kaori lives a station away.
Finishing her slice of cake she immediately took a sip of black tea. The moment the Tea entered her lips a sudden flash emerged from her mind, of her holding a cup of tea atop her tank.
She laughs meekly. "To think St. Gloriana had taken our habit of drinking tea in combat."
Originally it was a form of mockery to the enemy, that gives the message "We're not taking you seriously." But nowadays it seems the meaning had been twisted as an important essence of elegance in Senshado.
Just as she took another sip, the door's to the restaurant caught her attention. Ash was confused, while Rose seemed regular, there was 2 Kaori's. A Goth and a Mori in a Blouse.
Squinting her eye and even nudging it, Ash couldn't focus on what was reality or not. Giving up on trying, she lets the 3 come close, and with a cold stern voice that even made employees and cafe goers feel a chill down their spines Ash scolded them.
"You're late..." Ash expresses her disappointment by crossing her legs. "Tell me what took you so..."
Ash lost her voice upon getting a closer look at the goth who almost had the same appearance as Kaori. "Hatsuki-senpai?" She blurts out.
"My, I almost didn't recognize my Kouhai~" To the surprise of Kaori and Rose, Hatsuki's demeanor changed into a dominant mommy.
"Eh? You two know each other Nee-san?" Kaori recovered quickly from the shock.
"..."NEE-SAN"!?" It seemed Ash was even more surprise than earlier.
...
...
...
...
(A/N: I'm gonna change the entire shopping story in Ashurii's pov.)
I still can't believe it. But now I think I can now grasp it. Connecting the dots I guess it makes sense, when I met Kaori I was annoyed at the begging maybe I was reminded of Hatsuki-senpai too much.
While we only knew each other for a year, Hatsuki-senpai was an admirable figure of leadership. In the 3 years she served as our School's commander, while she may not have beaten Kuro Mori Mine once, her strategies were sound and the only reason why Kuro Mori Mine emerged victorious was through luck.
"You sure are deep in your thoughts, Taniguchi-chan." Hatsuki's smirk almost feels like she was mocking me.
"Hatsuki, why choose to be our Loader?" I brought up an interesting topic she cannot avoid.
Hatsuki was beyond mere talented in anything she does, she was a great gunner, driver and commander during her Senshadou year. But it baffles me as to why she chooses to be a Loader, a significantly more difficult job than merely driving, shooting or commanding a tank.
"Isn't it obvious? It's the job that's open." Hatsuki shrugs
"Why not take one of ours?" I asked again.
"I'm not shameless." She answered honestly as she sips tea from her cup.
I can't even make her budge or hesitant. Maybe she's just too straightforward. No matter, I will just ask again later.
"Letting the conversation aside, where shall we go to first?" Kaori was the first to ask, thinking about it we never planned this through.
"By the looks of it, it seems you don't have a plan, Ashurii-chan." Hatsuki moved from Last Name basis to first name in a blink of an eye.
"Well, we won't need a lot. But here's a few we could check for." laying down a map, I began to point to locations of interest that can help modify our tank, for example the Senshadou shop can help upgrade our tank's performance, a furniture store can get us a lot of things from decorations to liven up the tank, pillows for extra comfort and an air freshener to eliminate the smell of drenching sweat and even an air-condition to help cool the crew.
"You sure we should add an Air conditioner?" Kaori looked at me hesitantly with a bit of expectation.
My guess is that she also don't wanna smell Hatsuki-senpai sweating from all the loading she'll do.
"It can work, we can put it behind the turret of the tank. With a little bit of engineering it'll be Senshado compliant." I replied and she along with the others seemed to have brighten up.
"I'll be paying for our tab." Rose stood up and brought out her wallet.
"You're quite generous, Rose, where did you get that money?" Hatsuki asked holding her hand firm. She was simply worried for Rose.
"Grandpa's favor." Rose answered and Hatsuki let's go of her hand.
"Well with that out of the way let's go to the Senshadou store."
Heading out of the Maid Cafe, Hatsuki was in the lead followed by Kaori, behind them was Rose and in the last line was me.
Of course as women tend to be we were immediately distracted and enthralled by the first store upon entering the mall, a Clothing Store.
The four of us stared outside by the entrance, I can't even object to the useless distraction, as the clothes they were selling looks like an update on fashion. Hurriedly I began to think of excuses to get us in that store however, Kaori speaks out.
"Shall we get a uniform for our team?" To my surprise she was also wanting to go in. And here I had thought she would've hurried us over.
Everyone unanimously agreed to the excuse and headed in to the clothing shop.
"Hmm." It's odd that I'm feeling this shame. But I may be judged for the clothing I choose. "...shit an Introvert's nightmare."
Glancing at the others, Hatsuki-Senpai went to the stockings section, Kaori to the "Go Back To School" section while Rose is nowhere to be seen.
I should double down on Hatsuki-senpai's intentions in joining the team. As someone who served under her, I know for a fact she never took Senshadou seriously. Because if she did, Kuro Mori Mine wouldn't have had a chance at their consecutive victories.
"..." Walking over to the Stocking section I catched a glimpse of Rose trying out Men's Tuxedos. A weird cross dressing habit, but somehow it fits her nicely.
Arriving by that section I couldn't see where Hatsuki-senpai went. But since I'm here it might be better to be updated on Fashion trends.
All of a sudden, Hatsuki-senpai made her presence known. Turning around she was behind me, while she didn't say a word nor started a conversation I knew from the smile in her face as she looks for a stocking that she knew why I was here.
"Tell me, Hatsuki-senpai." I spoke ignoring everything else.
"Call me Hatsu, my sweet Kohai and in exchange I'll call you Ash like the others do." She turned her head, smiling as she chooses a Garter belt.
"Are you just a replacement to me?"
"Now why would you think that's the case... Ash?" She's teasing me. I could tell she's enjoying our conversation. "I swear everytime we speak to each other you bring me full of surprises."
I ignored her comment and persisted in my inquisitive interrogation.
"You choosing to accept the position of Loader always stroked odd with me. Is your Sister, putting you up to this? Oh I get it. I see what's going on." At some point I failed to realize. "Is it because I'm only here for one match? Is that it!?"
I unconsciously yelled. Catching some people's attention to us but I didn't care.
She sneered at me whilst squinting her eye like she found the entire thing amusing.
It felt like I had popped a vein on my forehead. Glaring daggers, she matched me eye to eye to the point I could see my murderous gaze reflected.
"I get it~" She muses. "Ash, that pent up stress. Maybe find a way to ease up sometime?" Hatsu replies in cryptic wording. "I apologize for the misunderstanding. You might've given me too much expectations." She ends our conversation, "Here, it'll look good on you."
She handed me a Stocking. From the name it was something called Hosiery Thigh highs. I took a deep sigh, now that things have calmed down. I feel absolutely worse, But I can't change my actions now. I began to ponder her words, "She may have been mocking me." I came to such conclusion, but I don't feel any anger from such an insult. No it felt like I needed it, was it like confirmation? Probably.
God, I don't know anymore.
"Ah! There you are Ash." Kaori approached me. I guess it's good that she's no longer using honorifics.
"What is it?" I asked.
"We're having a bit of trouble." She ushers for me to follow. While you were gone me and Rose were picking for our uniform. And out of all of them I wanna ask your opinion.
She says, carrying a School Girl uniform without any school markings by her arm.
"What about this, we'll have custom Formal Attires to better fit our sense of character, while having a centralized Uniform that all of us would wear." Rose spoke to us the moment we were in ear shot distance.
"Hm, not a bad idea." I replied in affirmation.
Looking over to the uniform, I had the urge to slap my face. The first one was a blatant saint Gloriana rip off, the second, straight up was the All Star's university uniform. The third was a little more unique, a Utility Bomber Jacket paired with a white T-shirt and a black pleated skirt. The fourth was an extravagant 4 piece Military Uniform from the 16th century, last but not least is a Long Sleeved white shirt, with a vest and Pleated skirt.
In all honesty all of this are bad, but since they're combat uniforms it's better to see which had the better comfort. Out of all of them the third and fifth are the ones competing.
"Let's choose the third!" Hatsu appeared from behind me.
"You startled me." I wish she can give a better heads up next time.
"I know the Clothing Store Manager and she knows how to get a custom order for us, it'll only take 3 days for the delivery to happen if we send it now."
"So we get a priority delivery?" Rose asked. Obviously she was doubting such a fast delivery time.
"Yep! We can choose the colour and design. So I'll call her out now. You should all decide what colour and decal we'll use to signify our team." She went off in a hurry.
"Well I'll draw our insignia, any suggestions?" Rose volunteers to the art.
Honestly I couldn't care less about our image. But I certainly interfere when it's just that bad.
"A Centurion Helmet with a skull!" Kaori suggested with enthusiasm.
While it makes sense I don't wanna see the tank as Roman. Rather... "What about an Ace of Spades?"
I expected Kaori to be adamant about her suggestion, however, she turned quickly to me with stars in her eyes.
Naturally I got concerned and asked for the reason her reaction is so... Unique.
"What? Kaori, is there something wrong with an Ace of Spades?" I questioned.
"Not at all!" She said very excited.
"Hm~ Alright, we'll at least mix the Iconography of the Skull." Rose says and she begins drawing.
It didn't take long for our first Icon to appear. She had done a splendid job in making the entire thing in just half an hour, while it should be tuned down a bit, but for now we're still a no name team. Having an intense decal on our tank shouldn't be a problem for a while.
"Well done Rose!" Kaori jumps in congratulating our Racer.
"Haha~ Well at least it isn't half bad."
Rose couldn't humbly take the praise and deflects it. But I have to say it isn't bad at all, it turned out great...
The wind blew gently behind me, making my skirt flutter by the wind. I turned around and suddenly my surroundings turned white, with nothing but a Tank in front of me.
From the hull a very noticeable decal stood out from the Grey Colored Tank. "Ace..." An Ace of Spades. "I..."
The Tank before me faded and Hatsu-senpai replaced the scene. I looked around a bit surprise for a moment.
"Who are you talking to?" Hatsu-senpai tilts her head then shrugged, "Anyway meet Ms. Odehara, she's the Branch Manager of this establishment."
"You three must be the members of a new professional Senshadou Team! I'm quite honored to meet you guys before your debut. I'm cheering for your victory." She excitedly runs over.
"Thanks Odehara-san."
With our clothes out of our way. I am sure by the day our Match begins, We'll have a working AC unit. Because I don't wanna smell Hatsu-senpai's sweat.
"""""""""""""""
Prelude
"That sucks. They just took out the enemy T44." The Gunner laments.
"What's even the use of bringing 15 tanks if half of us isn't even gonna participate in the action! The Heavy Tank Unit had already taken out the bulk while the Bulldogs have knocked out the Elefant and it's Panzer 2 escorts." The Loader of the tank added.
"Everyone's equally complaining." Murmuring, Mira pops out of the hatch and looked back. "The original plan was to lure the enemy in the city and since we expected them to hold firm, us the Pattons and Pershing tanks were meant to flank alongside the Bulldogs who took the long route."
But the Plan had gone too well and immediately the enemy team, a Highschool Senshadou Team, are on their last 3 tanks.
"A Panzer 2 and a Tiger 1 for Bellwall. Then there's the team that was dragged into the match. Bet they don't even plan to take this seriously." Sighing she looks up bored.
As Mira looked above to the skies, a strong gust of wind immediately passed her. And the sound of a shell going beyond the speed of sound passes over.
Her eyes widened and when she turned around, a shot had landed to their rear. An M46 Patton (Early) was immediately billowing in smoke.
Turning her head to the front of the line she managed to see the next tank to go out. Their forward vehicle, looking around her ears blew.
As the echoes of panic ensued.
"Where is the Enemy Tank!"
"Damage Report!"
"I didn't see it!"
"All teams get out of the road!"
"There's only an open area!! We have no cove— Gyahh!!!"
"We're being taken out!! What are your orders?!"
"It's no use! The Command Structure has Fallen!!!"
"Useless!!!" Mira hits the radio and turned it off. All around her were the knocked out tanks of her Team. "Follow my orders! We'll go forward and drive to the right! Once I tell you, hit the brakes! We'll bait a shot using our knocked out team as cover—"
Mira had already guessed where the enemy is, they were located to the left and by the angle of the first and consecutive shots it wasn't far off to the middle.
"Gunner prepare to fire on my command. Loader prepare the second she'll."
Mira and her Pershing would challenge. The Grim Reaper herself,
"Show yourself!" She calls out like she was confronting a ghost.
All of sudden a Force of impact hits her tank, it threw her forwards due to the recoil of impact. "What!? Ho-How..."
She was left speechless. As another shot came from a different area from where the shot originally came from, no it was even worse that multiple flashes were coming out of the hill in 4 second intervals.
Mira couldn't believe it. Struggling to understand reality she watches as another tank that passes her get taken out from a different direction from what she had known.
"Was there another tank!?"
That was all she could question in the moment. Soon their entire tank column was wiped out, by a single tank without being able to lift a finger of defiance.
Pulling out her binoculars she was adamant to spot the enemy who had just taken their team out. "T-that Mark!?" Her voice trembled as she recognizes the mark of an Ace.
'It can't be!' She couldn't believe it. 'No, it's not her right? It's impossible. She quit Senshadou long ago. There's no way we're facing her! Even if the mark was a little different that...'
She was lost for words. "I... I see. I didn't recognized her." She mumbles being reminded of their similarities. "Ashurii Taniguchi, I thought you didn't want to do Senshadou anymore!?" She yells out frustrated.
The Forgotten Ace
"""""""""""
5010
Afterword:
Quick Hindsight to Ashurii, she is a Highschool drop out and her age is 22. The standard age for a university graduate student in Japan is 24.
Probably you: Then why is Kaori and Hatsuki considered graduates despite being younger than the age of graduation?
Kaori and Hatsuki are Geniuses who managed to skip grades and graduate early.