Authors Thoughts:
Hello everyone, Happy New Year!
And my deepest apologies! Almost a year-long hiatus was not in my plans at all, but some real-life things just made it hard to really get back to writing and really pain me to leave you all hanging for so long. I never want to do that again ever, so my hope going forward for the rest of this volume is to upload every 2 to 3 weeks till this thing is done since were literally at the tail end of it, then taking some significant time off to begin work on Volume 5.
My overall goal for this series is to have it done by 2025, bold I know, but with this upload, I've just regained my drive for this story to finally write out all my ideas and see where this goes, especially for you dear readers who have been on this journey with me since 2021 when I uploaded this story that I never thought would reach this far and become this complex.
It was really supposed to be a lot simpler, but like they say, no plan survives contact.
That being said, thank you so very much for your patience and understanding with the delay, I will have my profile updated with chapters upload dates that I hope I can reach for, with that being said, enjoy the rest of your day and I'll see you soon.
The river glows with the late afternoon sun, reflecting its brilliance. Something that gave Nishihara, leader of the Iron Kraken platoon, great pleasure to see. Currently, she was traveling down the river in her rare amphibious tank, the Type 3 Ka-Chi; the monstrous tank was base of the design of its sister tank, the Type 1 Chi-He. With the ability to sail at a brisk 10 KPM on the water, it was able to get to its destination in good time and bring to bear its 47mm gun.
For Nishihara, it was like meeting a soul mate, though in the form of a tank. Being a lady of the sea is a trait she gained from her fishing village of Ine, located in the northern part of the Kyoto prefecture where she was born and raised. Since she was small, Nishihara had always been around the water. Her family had a long tradition of fishing and sailing, man or woman; they were only on land for a short time as the sea always called to their hearts. This stuck with a young Nishihara as she grew up, but part of her longed for a deeper dive into the sea than just the coastline.
No, she wanted to be out on the ocean, sail that deep blue. Discover hidden islands and such, a product of the youthful need of discovery. Over time, her parents nurtured this want, going so far as to save as much money as possible for an application to a carrier school, which was by no means cheap. Yet Chi-Ha-Tan offered reasonable prices if the student had excellent marks in education, which pushed Nishihara to her limits to graduate from her small middle school as a top student, which allowed her to join the academy.
"Seems so long ago," Nishihara said to herself, leaning out of her tank's cupola as it sailed along the sea.
Memories began to flood her mind, thinking back to when she join the Sensha-do team had been more of a spur of the moment when she saw some girls from the 3rd year class take a Type 2 Ka-Mi, the small sister amphibious tank, out for a ride along the coast when they made port one day. Instantly, Nishihara wanted to join, never knowing that there could be tanks that could sail on water, which began her Sensha-do career, though with no prior experience.
It was here that than 3rd-class platoon commander, Taira, taught her everything about the tank. The two bonded quickly over their short time together, both sharing the same upbringing in fishing villages as well. Then came that terrible day when their team broke apart, leaving Nishihara and their first years to pick up the pieces of the club. Yet Taira, with her final words of comfort for a crying Nishihara, said that she was now the platoon commander of Chi-Ha-Tan's amphibious force. It was up to her to protect her tankery sisters on the sea.
A great honor that Nishihara pledged to do right by her Sensha-do team and Taira. Making the 3rd year very happy as she left. From then on, Nishihara built up the platoon, recruiting from the school, grabbing first any who were from fishing villages or lived on the coast, then from any who wished to join the team. Though training was still based on the old tactics of Chi-Ha-Tan, including for her amphibious force, then it happened.
Miho came along, applying a new era of Sensha-do for them to follow. Even going so far as to ask Nishihara how she wanted to employ her amphibious tanks, which endeared Nishihara to Miho greatly. The rest was history, as Nishihara and her Iron Kraken platoon were going to once again show that once her girls attacked, they were like the legendary beast itself, taking hold of its prey, and no matter its fight, it would be dragged to the abyss.
"Nishihara, I believe we are coming up on the objective," Tada, tank commander for the Type 2 Ka-Mi, spoke over the net.
Looking forward, Nishihara spotted the small amphibious tank in the formation's vanguard, then touched her throat microphone. "Roger that, once we reach the point, pull security down the north of the river."
"Roger!"
Nishihara then turned around to spot her first-year tank commander, Uenishi, who was bringing up the rear of the formation in her Type 2 Ka-Mi.
"Uenishi, when we reach the point, ease and turn to port; watch our rear," Nishihara orders.
Understood!" The energetic first-year reply made Nishihara smile, feeling great pride for her junior, who made a good showing for herself in the last match against Oarai.
Bringing her attention to the front, Nishihara felt her smile grow wider. She had a special guest aboard her craft, Miho, standing on the tank deck, along with Nishihara's bow gunner, radio operator, and loader. Each of them was going to leave the tank to perform the drill Miho had designed for them to go through; however, at the moment, the trio's main task right now was trying to keep Miho upright on the forward pontoon of the tank, as she was only just able to keep her balance.
Nishihara chuckled a little as she spoke quietly to herself. "Kind of refreshing to see our commander even has things she's not great at…will have to work on her sea legs later."
Focusing on the front again, Nishihara could see the river bank predetermined for their practice drill as she touched her throat microphone to open a net call to her driver. "Zakaza, Ease the rudder, turn to starboard."
"Roger, easing and turning starboard!" Zakaza confirmed over the intercom.
"Miho! We're turning. Hold on tight!" Nishihara called down with mirth in her tone.
Looking over her shoulder with an embarrassed smile, Miho spoke. "Than…thank you, I'll try to hang on!"
"Don't worry, we got you, commander," Yamada, the loader, said, making sure to have a good grip on her commander.
"Thank you, Yamada," Miho replied just as the Type 3 Ka-Chi began its turn.
The sudden shift made Miho wobble, but Nishihara's crew kept her upright, as they were seafarers like their platoon leader. With the turn complete, slowly, the tank approached the slightly steep bank. Nishihara eyed the distance till she called for a full stop on the rudders to allow for their tank to drift into the ground. Their front pontoon softly meshed into the dirt ground, causing a slight shake in the tank as it collided. Again, Nishihara's crew kept a good grip on Miho to keep her stable, as Nishihara herself kept her eyes wandering the river bank for any threats.
"Alright, clear!" Nishihara yells down.
The trio all nodded at that as they slowly made their way to the edge of the front pontoon of the tank. Yamada and her fellow crew members all went first, jumping off the tank confidently as they landed on the soft earth, then quickly turned around to offer their commander a hand. Miho smiled gratefully at them but shook her head and jumped off on her own, landing with equal confidence as them on the ground and making the crew members grin.
"Alright, to your positions," Miho ordered.
"Ma'am!" the girls reply and quickly made their way up the slightly steep bank.
Miho watch them go, then turn back to the Type 3 Ka-Chi for a moment. The little moment of her jumping off had made her a bit nostalgic. As the memory of the days of her childhood flooded her mind, a warm summer day as she and her sister took the Panzer 2 out to around the estate. As always, they found a nice spot to do some fishing, but as Miho climbed down, Maho, always being the protective older sister, wanted to help Miho down, to which the younger Nishizumi sister simply shook her head and wanted to be calm and strong like Maho, leading to Miho jumping off the tank but losing her balance on the landing. To the best of her abilities, Maho tried to catch her and keep her upright but did not have enough strength to achieve this. Leading the pair of them to fall down together in the mud, but they simply laugh and giggle at the foolishness.
More memories of so long ago…I seem to have been doing a lot of that this past week…remembering the past, but it's the future that I need to look to since it's in my hands now…
Miho thought, then gave the front pontoon of the tank an affectionate pat as if to thank it for reminding her of her more blessed childhood days. Then Miho pushes forward as she must as a Nishizumi lady, climbing the slightly steep bank. She found Nishihara's crew members at the edge of the rise of the bank, laying on their bellies, not caring that they were getting dirty. As ladies of Sensha-do, it was something you expected to happen, as no one walks away without getting dirt or smudges on your uniform. Even going so far as to have saying amongst the girls that if you did come out clean from a match or practice, you weren't doing your job right, which Miho knew well.
Climbing further up the bank, Miho was careful not to step on any of the girls until she stood at the top, then turned around to look down on them as she spoke.
"Alright, for the coming battle with Pravda, our usual scouting tactics will not be as effective as we want. Meaning will be looking to more unconventional ways to learn the enemy movements," Miho began.
"Sounds like the usual, though, commander," Yamada jokes, causing her fellow crew members to chuckle.
Miho smiles warmly. "You might be right, but at the same time, with what I'm planning to do, you and your amphibious platoon will be key for us to get the upper hand."
Hearing that only added to the pride of the Iron Kraken tankers, who had been in every match besides the qualifier and proving the effectiveness of their sea tanks, who had been so long unused and not given their shot to prove themselves. Until Miho arrived, who was once more about to put them at the forefront of their team's battle plan, and they weren't about to let her down.
"What you have in mind, commander?" Seno, Nishihara's radio operator ask.
"We're going to be asking you to do a lot of on-foot scouting. Using the rivers to bypass the enemy tanks on the roads, you will scout with the three of you once Nishihara finds a suitable place," Miho answers.
The trio of girls all looked at one another excitedly, and then Yamada spoke up. "Sounds like fun."
"I thought you might say that, but we need you to be more vigilant than ever before. Pravda is not above camouflaging their tanks if need be or bait us by leaving one tank in the open while the rest lie in wait to pick us off if we get too hasty," Miho explains.
"How do we avoid this?" Yamada asks.
"We train your eyes to find anything out of place, even the smallest things," Miho started, then turned slightly around. "First, examine the ground to your front."
The trio of girls did as they were asked, looking past Miho to the area in front of them. Nothing was special about it; it was the same ground they were used to seeing daily when they practiced. Green grass covered the ground, and a few trees adorned the river bank, but beyond was an open field with some large bushes with some sparse trees hanging over them. Scanning the area hard, the girls found nothing out of place.
Then Miho spoke up. "Alright, think you can remember what the area looks like?"
"Yes, ma'am!" The girls reply in quick succession.
Making Miho nod, then spoke. "Good, now crawl back down the bank till you can't see."
The trio of girls quickly did as they were told, to which Miho nodded in approval, then went about her business to conduct the drill she wanted. It only took a few moments before Miho was done, then came back to the edge of the bank, calling the other girls to climb back up to her.
With her hands on her hip, Miho spoke. "Alright, now look at the area in front of you again; try to notice anything out of place."
Quickly, the trio of girls went about their task, careening their necks up and down, left to right, trying to find what their commander was asking for. Everything about the ground before them seems the same once more, but then Yamada's eyes pick something peculiar.
"Over there, to the right, maybe 500 meters, the brush has a cannon barrel sticking out," Yamada said excitedly.
Making Miho smile. "Very good, though that is a prop-built cannon barrel, but still good eye Yamada."
"Thank you, commander," Yamada beamed.
"So you see, this is the training I will be putting your crew through for the next few days until we arrive at the port. Pravda has a deadly reputation of masking their tanks before the ambush, most times hiding in plain sight," Miho explains.
Seno spoke up now. "Why? They have powerful tanks that can bounce shells. I don't see why they would try to hide themselves, especially against us, knowing we only have a handful of tanks with punching power."
Miho nodded. "Yes, but just because they have good armor and firepower doesn't mean Pravda will rely solely on that. We've already seen what they are capable of in this tournament. They will use whatever means to win because their commander is flexible and deadly."
"Not to mention ruthless, she could have called on the surrender of Maginot at the end but gun them all down," Yamada added.
"Yes, Miss Katyusha will use whatever tactics to outfox us, so I must ensure you are ready to meet them. Also, your role in this next battle will be pivotal," Miho explains.
Seno grinned at that. "Don't worry. Iron Kraken's platoon never fails in the clutch."
"I know it; you girls have proven that in all of the wins in this national tournament, I had full confidence you'll get it done, but for now, let's make sure that we drill it till you don't forget," Miho said excitedly.
"Ma'am!" The girls replied with vigor.
"Alright, back to the tank, I will do this a few more times before we call it a day," Miho ordered.
A cry of approval went up from the girls as they stood up, ready and willing to meet the challenge placed before them by their commander. Another showing to Miho that her team may have had a misstep with Mizuko joining now, but the fire that had been built since she took over, buoyed by the success on the field, and their unbreakable bond was still here.
We can win…but we cannot do it with just our core group…. We will need everyone…everyone…
Miho thought as she looked at the bright blue sky, her mind racing with everything that had to be done. All her plans came together for this coming fight, which would be nothing like before. For she would have to place everything on her tankery family. Yet to achieve what she believed was right, to right the wrongs of the past, and now heal Chi-Ha-Tan's past tradition for not just Mizuko but for all those who wore the Sensha-do uniform, Miho would work tirelessly to achieve it.
We will win…with everyone…even if they don't want my help…
The Tigress of Chi-Ha-Tan thought once more before boarding her amphibious tanks for more training.
"You're going to need a short socket with an extension," The Chi-Ha-Tan Junior mechanic said.
"Yeah…maybe seven eights will do," Ellie said, dressed in a spare coverall given to her, grunting as she worked vigorously on the tracks of the M4E3A8 tank.
The tank was resting now with practice over in the private hangar area with the other newer German tanks and the still-broken Tiger 1.
The most important part was that it was Ellie's first official practice with the team. She had to admit that Wolverton's training under Linda was something with its precision timing and sharp drilling. Yet the girls of Chi-Ha-Tan's Sensha-do team made every movement they performed as easy as breathing. Tank formations move as one no matter the terrain difficulty; they fired with deadly accuracy, even the tanks that didn't have excellent punching power. Also, they had a sense of deep trust, evident to Ellie just by how they talked with one another.
Even the mechanics were impressive; coming from the student body themselves, they worked just as tirelessly as their tankers to make sure each and every tank was well maintained no matter how hard they were press in practice. Even if they were very understaffed from what Ellie had seen, they, along with their Chief Mechanic Himi, made no complaints about what was asked of them, just rolled up their sleeves and worked with a deep passion burning in their eyes.
"Miss Cunningham?"
"Oh, sorry, Miss Maruyama, got side track; what were you asking?" Ellie reply.
The mechanic was average height with long black hair tied up neatly into a ponytail and deep green eyes dressed in her coveralls stained in some parts with oil and grease, simply smiling warmly at the newest addition to their Sensha-do family.
"No worries, was asking if you wanted me to go bring the Air drill? We have cord extensions to reach the hangar," Maruyama said.
Leaning back a bit, Ellie took off her heavy-duty glove to wipe some sweat from her face, then peered into the inner workings of the tracks of her Sherman tank and nodded as she spoke. "Yeah, I think that might work better. I need to get this, and the other four center track guides tightened."
"Got it…. I have to say it's impressive," Maruyama said, standing so she could stretch her back a little.
Standing as well, Ellie looked at the mechanic. "What is?"
"You could tell the exact problem was just by driving the tank. The drivers can only make an educated guess at best, even amongst our veterans. Yet you could decipher it instantly down to a tee," Maruyama praised.
"Oh," Ellie began, looking to the Sherman now. "It's nothing; I was a driver before I was a tank commander. I always had a feel for when things felt off when I shifted into different gears or rotated the tank, but that might be a product of my dad. He loves working on cars a lot, and since I was his only child, I also had to learn."
"Hm, sounds nice," Maruyama said, though her tone sounded sadden.
Immediately, Ellie knew what the problem was as she spoke. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up…knowing you're an orphan."
Maruyama quickly began to wave her hands. "No, I'm sorry for making things awkward. I shouldn't be sad, not when I have this family aboard the carrier."
"It seems to be one big family here," Ellie chuckled.
"That includes you now," Maruyama added quickly.
Which now made Ellie fluster as she spoke. "Oh no, I've only been here for a few days. I don't think I have that right to that, especially knowing I was on the other side of the field, working to eliminate your team from the tournament."
"Maybe so, but the commander took you in without a second thought, right?" Maruyama ask.
Fiddling with her hands for a moment, Ellie replied timidly. "She did when she should have every right to refuse my offer."
"Well," Maruyama began, her hands on her hip, with a proud smile. "That's just our commander in a nutshell; she doesn't hold any grudges and has a good judgment of character. Miss Miho knows that you're here for sincere reasons."
Ellie smiled at the comforting words, and then she began to fiddle with her hands again as she asked something that had been on her mind since she arrived. "Does anyone…does anyone have resentment towards me? I can't believe everyone is just accepting of me."
A look of displeasure crossed Maruyama's face as she spoke. "Maybe the only ones I can think of are…well, our third-year tankers."
"I heard from Nomi and Nene that they were part of the team last year, and our die-hard followers of…I guess the old way of Chi-Ha-Tan?" Ellie asked.
A soft, sad chuckle escapes Maruyama's lips. "Yep, they are loyalist of the old way. I'm sure you've heard of what our team was well known for before Miss Miho took over, I assume?"
"Yeah, headlong charges into the enemy," Ellie answered timidly.
A nod follows from Maruyama. "Yep, want to know a little secret?"
Ellie tilted her head but remained quiet for the answer.
"I was once a follower of that old style," Maruyama said.
A gasp escaped Ellie's lips. "You were?"
"Unfortunately, yes, I was. I firmly believed Mizuko and her words, though I was a simple gunner, not a tank commander as a first year. The passion and invigoration I felt in my chest when she spoke of the warrior's way just took to me; it made me believe I could truly become more than I was, that the poor background I came from was nothing but a trivial thing to leave behind and forge ahead with my head held high," Maruyama spoke, her voice filling with intense fervor.
Even momentarily, Ellie was caught up in the mechanic's words but shook herself free to speak. "What made you turn away? More importantly, why leave behind being a tanker and becoming a mechanic?"
Bringing her eyes to the ground, Maruyama sighed. "It was after the match against Saunders after we were humiliated. I saw Mizuko strike Commander Ako; it was a cheap shot. All my respect for her went out the window since she always preaches about our team's sisterhood. Still, that moment made her the biggest hypocrite in my eyes…but I didn't want to leave behind Sensha-do."
"You could have still been with the team," Ellie argued.
Maruyama chuckles sadly. "Yeah, but I made my decision then to leave the team to the younger girls to fix; I didn't have the heart to just come back…so I decided if they can somehow fix our broken team, I'll do my part too fix their tanks up, least I can do."
Ellie nodded at the explanation. "Well, you're doing a pretty good job of it…do you miss it? Sensha-do I mean."
For a moment, Maruyama looked at the Sherman tank for a moment, then pressed her hand against the side of the hull as she spoke. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't. It's hard to explain, but maybe it's because I didn't have a choice in life to be abandoned by my parents, yet Sensha-do gave me a choice again."
"Choice?" Ellie questioned.
"Yea, a choice," Maruyama said. "I had the choice to lay down my body and mind to something, a choice to fight for the girl next to me, and a choice to follow something bigger than myself."
"That something," Ellie began before quieting for a moment, then spoke. "Was to follow the old way of Chi-Ha-Tan."
Maruyama let out a defeated chuckle. "Yes, to charge forward against any foe, to show our might, to show the resilience of our sisterhood, and leave no doubt about our courage."
"Kind of sounds extreme…for just Sensha-do…sorry that sounded a little rude," Ellie said, again feeling shame that she might have said something out of line.
"Your right…it was extreme. We believe so vigorously in this code, became so blind to what it was doing, that only when I left did I realize its faults," Maruyama replied, casting her head down.
Tentatively, Ellie reached a hand out to put on Maruyama's shoulder as she spoke. "I don't think it's bad that you believe in your style, even with its faults."
"You think so?" Maruyama ask.
Ellie nodded. "At the end of the day, it built a sisterhood. Something I thought I had at Wolverton, but when Fukushu made the mistake of punching your commander, instead of trying to reason and help her, my team turned their back."
"I'm no better-," Maruyama tries to argue.
"You are better; even now, you still care for this team and go so far as to help them in their time of need, which is honorable, and I'm sure everyone appreciates beyond words," Ellie shot back with a confident smile.
For a moment, Maruyama was too stunned to speak but found her smile returning. "Thank you, Miss Ellie. That is something I think I needed to hear."
"No problem, glad I can do this much," Ellie replied, then looked back to the Sherman tank. "Well, better get this done; the team will be finishing up their meeting soon, and then it's back to the dorms."
"Yeah, let's go get the gear to get these tracks running smoothly again. I know the commander well enough that she will ask you for some crazy maneuvers to beat Pravda," Maruyama joked.
"Heh," Ellie said while scratching her cheek nervously. "To be honest, that is what I'm afraid of; after seeing it personally on the field, I hope to match her expectations."
"I know you can," Maruyama said confidently, then gestured to the blonde to follow her out of the private hangar.
As they were just leaving, Ellie spoke up. "Oh, by the way, how good of a gunner were you?"
Bringing her finger to her lips in thought, Maruyama let a devious smile play across her lips. "Now, where's the fun in telling you?"
"Huh?" Ellie question.
Maruyama didn't reply but simply tugged Ellie on the cheek before hastily running out of the garage. Leaving a bewilder Ellie, who rub her cheek, before chuckling a little from being tease, then set off to chase down her new friend, as her time at Chi-Ha-Tan academy was only getting better and better, in such a short time.
"So that is my plan…what do you think?" Miho asked, sitting at her desk in the Chi-Ha-Tan commander's office inside their team's Sensha-do building.
Sitting in front of her in a neat line of chairs were her close friends, Nishi, Tamada, Ikeda, and Hosomi. Each wore their own perplexed look at what they had just been told by their commander, the overall plan to defeat Pravda, but that seemed to be secondary to what Miho really wanted to do, what the actual goal was to accomplish in the end.
"I..," Nishi started, still trying to come to terms with the plan.
"It's bold," Tamada muttered, rubbing her chin in thought.
"No less than we expect," Ikeda added humorously.
"Yet… it's definitely what we need…not just for us…but to confront our past," Hosomi spoke seriously.
The four girls nodded in unison, giving Miho a deep feeling of relief her friends were on board with the idea. Granted, she was asking a lot, especially with so few days left before the match, and the team was only just getting their focus back.
"Thank you for going along with this…especially since I'm asking you to keep this a secret from the rest of the team," Miho said, leaning back in her chair a little.
"Any particular reason for that?" Ikeda ask.
For a moment, Miho stared dejectedly at her desk; the very reason she had to implement a plan in secret sickened her to her core. She did not trust those who had given her everything by discarding the old ways for her Sensha-do style, but from what she had learned from a certain someone, she knew this was the best way to proceed.
A way to protect those she cares about.
"There is, but I have my reasons. Know I do this for everyone's sake, and it's for everyone's sake. I need you all to say nothing of this plan to the others," Miho pleaded.
A deep sigh came from Tamada, who leaned forward a little. "You know we trust you, even if this is a little odd, but we know you do this not just for the team but also for the scars on the past members of this team."
A round of nods from the other girls convey their same sentiments to Tamada's statement.
"However," Nishi spoke up. "What is the plan we will tell the others?"
Miho pulled open a drawer next to her, grabbed several sheets of paper, and then neatly spread them out on the desk. "This will be the base plan that we will go over with the team tomorrow, as well as assignments."
All four girls stood up to approach the desk to get a good look at the plans.
"You're spitting us into two divisions?" Hosomi ask.
"Yes, I'll command Division 1, nicknamed Ghost Division. Nishi commands the 2nd Division, nicknamed Daredevil Division. With so many tanks on the field, this is my best option for us to keep command and control," Miho explains.
"Ghost Division, eh?" Hosomi said with a smirk. "And you have my Voltigeur platoon front and center."
"I'll be keeping Tozen Company with Nishi's Division. That sounds good to me," Tamada added.
Ikeda scan to find her name. "I will be with Nishi's Division as well, with the Type 5 Chi-Ri."
Miho nodded, then spoke. "By the way, how is the new tank holding up?"
A proud smile spread across Ikeda's lips. "For a tank that is almost as large as King Tiger, it has some deceptive speed."
"Put that down to having very little armor," Hosomi teased.
To which Ikeda just shrugged. "Use to it after commanding the Type 97 Chi-Ha. Though that autoloader is a real wonder, the only problem is that the thing can only hold two shells; after that, it's faster to load it manually than trying to get new shells on the rack, especially in a firefight."
"Has it had any problems with jamming, with the autoloader?" Miho asked since the tank was experimental and Oarai didn't have any documents or blueprints to send over for the tank, meaning mechanics were at a loss about what to do if something like that happened.
"None so far, but then again, we haven't really put the tank through its paces since it only arrived today, not to mention even Oarai didn't have blueprints or manuals for the tank, so even Chief Mechanic Himi is having issues figuring it out," Ikeda explains.
"Alright, we will have to make the best of it then," Miho said, then directed her attention back to the division assignments.
Examining the list closely, she took in the names of the girls she was taking into battle against the Pravda.
Ghost Division
Division/ Team Commander- Miho- M4A3E8
1st Company
Miya- Panther D
Ichioka-Type 3 Ho-Ni 3
Junko-Type 3 Ho-Ni 3
Chiyoko-Type 5 Na-To
Ishido-Type 5 Na-To
Fukuhara-Type 97 Short Gun
Scout Platoon/ Voltigeurs
Company Commander- Hosomi- Panzer 3.J
Maita- Type 97 Shinhoto
Haruno- Type 97 Shinhoto
Nishihara-Type 3 Ka-Chi
Daredevil Division
Division Commander/ Sub Team Commander- Nishi- Type 4 Chi-To
1st Company
Honami- Type 4 Chi-To
Type 5 Chi-Ri- Hosomi
Kubota- Valentine Mk 4 (Operator Tank)
Mizuko- Type 97 Chi-Ha
Seiko- Type 97 Chi-Ha
Hozumi-Type 97 Chi-Ha
Fukuda- Type 98 Ke-Ni (Flag Tank)
2nd Heavy Company (Tozen Company)
Company Commander- Tamada- M4A3E2
Hamada- Type 1 Chi-He
Nagura- Type 1 Chi-He
Miyata-Type 1 Chi-He
"Heh, we're putting Fukuda in a tough spot, making her the flag tank," Hosomi said with a smile.
"She's up to it, I'm sure; that one has grown quite fierce, as you have seen," Tamada replied with pride.
"If anything, I think she will be a little disappointed she has to be relegated to the rear of the fighting," Nishi added.
Miho nodded to that statement. "Fukuda won't be for the entire match; if things play out as I hope, she will have the most pivotal role to play for us to win."
The girls all nodded at that.
"Well, that covers everything. Now it's just getting onto the match," Miho said, her eyes finding the battlefield map they were to contest Pravda over.
"We're ready. We'll show the champs that the Tigress Corps is nothing to scoff at," Hosomi boasted.
"Will rule the desert," Ikeda added.
"And will be onto the final," Nishi said, chest swelling with excitement.
Tamada matches her friend's eagerness. "For the first time in our school's history."
Something that was on the minds of every girl on the team. Chi-Ha-Tan had been part of the first schools to be announced for Sensha-do, yet in the long history of the martial art, they had never been to the final. They only ever came up short, even at the height of their power in the infancy of the Sensha-do, which only became more of a pipe dream as years passed and Chi-Ha-Tan's glory faded.
Now, standing so close to that coveted goal that so many tank maidens of the past for Chi-Ha-Tan could only hope to grasp, here was the chance for these very ladies to do it. Motivating everyone more and more with every victory mark for the Tigress Corps to reach that place that seemed impossible to touch but now laid bare at their feet, and all that stood in their way was Pravda.
Also, a deep wound needed to be finally closed for Chi-Ha-Tan to fully move on.
"We have to grasp this chance and never let go, not just for us, but for every tank maiden who put this tanker jacket on," Nishi spoke with deep conviction, her eyes seeming to burn with new ferocity.
"We will, I promise," Miho answered, her face smiling proudly at her friends.
Hosomi chuckled, then spoke. "Well, if we're going to meet this chance, we definitely need some sleep; it's getting late."
"True," Ikeda agreed, a yawn following to punctuate how late it was.
"Alright, you gals, head back to the dorms; I need to talk with Miho," Tamada said, waving her hand to shoo her friends off.
"Oh ho, needing some alone time? Well, who are we to get in the way of the love birds?" Hosomi said smugly.
"Been separated for a week. It must have felt like years, but remember, this is an office, not a lover's nest," Ikeda teased, making a grand gesture with arms to the two lovers.
Miho blushed madly at the teasing while Tamada began to crack her knuckles in preparation to remind her friends about the properness of talking about one's relationship. Nishi quickly played her usual role of keeping the peace and hurried Hosomi and Ikeda out of the room with a quick goodnight.
Finally having the room to themselves, Tamada turns to Miho. "You are planning to stay here longer, aren't you?"
The question made Miho freeze up for a moment, then chuckle nervously. "I'm that easy to read?"
A deep sigh followed from Tamada. "Yep, always overworking yourself, thinking I'm just going to sit back and let that happen."
"I don't mean to do that, but with how much time I've missed with the team, I need to make sure everything is squared away," Miho confesses.
However, that didn't soothe any of the anxiety Tamada felt for her lover as she came closer to Miho. Then, with a gentle hand, touch Miho's face, urging her to look up. For a moment, the two of them stare deeply at one another, their breaths becoming short, their wants being pushed to the front. Slowly, the two drew their faces closer, their lips brushing for just a moment, then clasping together in a gentle kiss.
As soon as the kiss was initiated, they broke apart, Miho taking a deep breath to savor the moment. "You always strike first."
Tamada let out a gentle chuckle and pressed her forehead against Miho's as she spoke. "Only way to get you to slow down sometimes."
"You could just tell me to," Miho joked, gently touching Tamada's face, closing her eyes, and enjoying being close to this warmth she had missed so dearly.
"When has that ever worked?" Tamada shot back, wrapping her arms around Miho's waist.
"You got me. I'm sorry; I don't mean to make you worry… I'm just…," Miho started before trailing off.
"Just what?" Tamada asked with concern, pulling back a little to look into her eyes.
Miho took a moment to find the courage to speak her fear, then said. "I just feel like this plan…It will work but cost us this match and our chance to go to the final."
The confession made Tamada's hand around Miho tighten a little, as she knew that what they were attempting did have its flaws no matter how they looked at it. Everything was riding on them, not just winning the match but fixing old scars left behind that Tamada and the other girls had tried to forget and press on from. Yet no matter how much they had tried to close their eyes to them, they had remained not just for this generation but every girl that had worn the Chi-Ha-Tan tanker jacket.
Yet Tamada would not allow this doubt to remain as she spoke. "Miho, whatever happens, whatever result comes from this match, we will still follow you. I love Sensha-do…but I love this team more, and one loss won't change that."
Hearing those words dissipated the unease, and Miho smiled, glad to have Tamada back with her. "Thank you, Haru. I don't think I could press on without hearing that."
"You know it goes, I look after you, then you look after me, and on and on it goes," Tamada jokes, making both girls chuckle, relishing in the light moment.
"Alright, I'll be a good girlfriend and won't make you leave, but please text me when you get home alright," Tamada pleaded gently.
With a nod, Miho agreed, punctuating the agreement with another kiss, which Tamada met eagerly. Then, with great remorse, they pull away. Miho watched Tamada leave, shutting the door quietly behind her, leaving the Chi-Ha-Tan commander alone with much work to do.
With a couple of light claps on her cheeks, Miho focused her mind on what she needed to finish up. Returning to her desk, her eyes immediately scanning the battlefield map.
The Western Sahara is a vast desert of mostly low, flat land with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces rising to small mountains in some parts. It was perfect terrain for Pravda to exploit their various T-34s, IS-2, ISU-152, and whatever else they were ready to bring to bear. The only cover for her tanks would be small slopes on the grounds or the varying small villages that were spread out over the battlefield.
Another natural enemy would be the many rivers that ran through the battlefield, with the desert being so near to the ocean. Kubota had already stated that there were very few natural fords for tank crossings and even fewer bridges built to allow them to cross, meaning they had to be careful when they picked their fights near them, or they could be cut off.
The Sensha-do Federation had also sent warnings to both teams to be wary of small dust storm possibilities, along with the need for teams to carry extra parts like air filters for the engines that were likely to get clogged with sand and dust from the battlefield.
All these issues to worry about, along with a trio of 3rd years who wanted nothing to do with following Miho's orders. Mizuko and her group were still causing issues even with Miho back, questioning every training regiment, refusing to do drills properly, and trying to make others see that the old way of their Sensha-do club could never be forgotten.
Miho made minimum attempts to stop them because it was fruitless. Nishi had already promised to keep them in the starting lineup, and Miho would honor it. At the same time, it would be with actions that Miho could finally make them see what could be accomplished with Miho's Sensha-do style.
I'm fighting one enemy at my front while another is at my back…I wonder if Nakano had to deal with something like this before…destiny…I have to make my own way…
Miho thought as she focused her mind, her finger gliding across the map till it found what she was looking for.
A large lake, though she didn't know if it was a natural formation or something created as it was the only large lake on the entire map not connected to any rivers. In the middle of this large lake was what garnered Miho's interest: a large town had been constructed over a natural island surrounded by the lake, with the only way to gain access to the town being four stone bridges over the deep water from north, east, west, and south.
In any scenario, this small lake town would be left alone for a Sensha-do team because if you were surrounded, the enemy could destroy all the bridges and leave you there, unable to leave.
Yet, not for Miho.
She took out her large highlighter and, with a steady hand, made a circle around the lake town.
For it would be the place to end everything once and for all, victory or defeat.
A groan escaped Miho's lips as she rolled her neck side to side, trying in vain to eliminate some of the tension that had been built after staring at maps and formations for a bit too long back at the office. She stayed way later than she had promised to her girlfriend. Still, she hoped that Tamada could forgive her when she texted her later, yet that seemed like a fleeting worry compared to the dire need for rest.
The match with Pravda was close at hand; there could be no alterations now, no path changing, and no backing down from the challenge. Even with all the encouragement from her friends, her tanker family, and her lover, doubt remains in Miho's mind, and she still refuses to accept that everything will work out. With so much that had to work in her favor, Miho thought she was asking too much from her teammates, who had, up to this point, given her everything and more.
They had shed sweat and tears to make Miho's Sensha-do style come to fruition.
Cover themselves in bruises and scrapes, but as tank maidens, they remain as tough as their iron warhorses.
And had absolute faith in her, more than any commander could ask.
Yet I'm asking them to push themselves to the edge and maybe even over for something more than just victory….
Miho thought, sighing as she finally reached the stairs that led to the second floor of her apartment and began to climb upward slowly. Every step felt like someone had tied bricks to her ankles, and she was almost unable to lift her legs to reach her small apartment. Yet, like she had done on the battlefields, Miho found a way to push past her fatigue and mental anguish to reach her door, slowly pulling her key out to unlock the door.
Something caught her ear, a sound coming from inside her apartment.
The sounds of something being cooked in a pan and the sizzling of the oil were distinct to Miho. Yet they remain perplexed about who could have gained entry to her apartment; no one had a spare key save for the apartment manager, who was a very old lady who was very sweet and respectful of her tenant's privacy.
It couldn't be Tamada or any of her teammates, leaving Miho in the odd position of figuring out what to do, thinking she might go find one of the patrolling police officers for help or contact Hidemichi. Quickly, Miho fumbled in her school bag for her phone, choosing the latter to do first until a familiar voice called out to her from the walkway.
"There you are! You realize how late it is?" The voice calls out.
Miho turns to see Aozora standing with both hands on her hips. Brown hair flowed neatly down her back, and she wore a simple grey shirt and blue jeans.
"Aozora, there you are. I heard you had taken off back to the mainland," Miho replied, dismissing the disappointed tone in the pilot earlier.
"Yeah, had to go pick something up and bring it back for you, and don't try to weasel your way out of this; it's darn near past ten; you should be home by now," Aozora scolded lightly.
Scratching her cheek in embarrassment, Miho responded. "Was trying to work out some last-minute strategies before the match but lost track of time."
Aozora rubs her forehead with a deep sigh. "Of course, you were, even after I'm sure everyone has been telling you not to work yourself to death too."
"More or less," Miho jokingly replied.
Aozora lost her stern nature, once more unable to stay even a little bit upset with the youngest Nishizumi, and then spoke. "Fine, fine, I'll let you off the hook this time."
A giggle from Miho follows the reply. "It's good to have you home, but where were you? I heard you had to return to the mainland for some reason."
"Oh, that," Aozora replies as she approaches Miho. "Had to answer a favor from someone."
"Who?" Miho asks.
Aozora did not reply but simply gestured to the door to Miho's apartment. Miho took the hint and took her keys out, quickly unlocking and opening the door. In an instant, her nostrils were assaulted by the heavenly smell of well-cooked meat and spices that filled the entire apartment. A low grumble from Miho's stomach quickly follows due to not having dinner yet, with Aozora chuckling aloud as she pushes the embarrassed girl into the apartment.
Miho took her shoes off and placed her school bag down as she made her way to the kitchen just a little further down the hall, where she was greeted by a most welcome sight. Standing at the stove, working like a well-oiled cooking machine, was Kikuyo, wearing some casual clothes and a black apron she had borrowed from Miho's wardrobe.
Sensing someone was watching her, Kikuyo turned slightly in Miho's direction with a warm smile spreading across my face. "Welcome home, my lady."
"Kikuyo? How did you get here?" Miho asks, coming over to her family's long-time maid.
"As much as it pains me, I had to ask your friend over there for a lift since my being here was requested by Mistress Shiho on short notice," Kikuyo replied, wiping her hands on a nearby towel so she could embrace Miho.
"You say pain; I say it was a nice little journey we had," Aozora smugly said, her smile as wide as she could.
This only caused Kikuyo to grimace that now she was in the young pilot's favor for the time being, but it was a small sacrifice for what she had been tasked to do.
Pulling back from the embrace, Miho spoke. "You said you have been tasked by Mother to come here. What exactly are you asked to do?"
"Ah yes, well let's not talk here, please wait in the living room while I gather something; we will have dinner afterward, as I'm sure you've been overworking and not properly eating enough," Kikuyo said, as she shooed Miho into the living room with Aozora following close behind.
Miho made herself comfortable sitting on her knees by the foot of the bed. In contrast, Aozora simply made herself comfortable by sitting on the edge of the bed. Aozora made comments about Miho's Boko bears hoarding half the room, much to Miho's anguish, but did well to take the anxiety off Miho's mind about why Kikuyo was here.
"So, any trouble from that Mizuko chick," Aozora asks, leaning forward a little.
A grimace crossed Miho's face just at the mention of the very girl who had caused her team so much trouble of late.
"Not much," Miho answered dejectedly. "At most, she has sneered at me during practice, and doesn't follow drills and other things, but so far, that's all."
"Odd, I would think she be a little more troublesome, especially after what happen that day when we got back to the Akagi," Aozora reply.
Miho nodded her head. "Yeah, I thought the same as well, but I can only be thankful for the reprieve and allow to get the girls focus."
"Pravda is going to be a tough nut to crack. They have speed, power, and armor. Not to mention they got that damn woman as their air force captain," Aozora said with an angry tone.
That made Miho raise an eyebrow. "Who is their Air Force captain?"
Aozora let out a snort. "Her name is Tamashiro, my rival of sorts. Though, honestly, she just plain hates me, always at each other throats in cadet school."
"Why?" Miho asks.
"Can't rightly say," Aozora said with a shrug. "Maybe it was because we were both competitive and I always got the best of her or maybe because she always by the book, while myself…."
"Skirt the rules," Miho finishes with an amused smile.
"You know me too well," Aozora said, then leaned back a little, looking at the ceiling. "I always wish we could get along, but she has got it out for me bad… I'll try not to get too heated in the match and keep my head. Can't afford even a single slip-up against Pravda."
"Don't worry, I have a plan that will hopefully keep everything on schedule," Miho said, though the confidence in her voice was not there.
Which Aozora could easily pick up on. "You sure sound like you're worried about something. If it's about Mizuko…look as much as a pain she is, I don't think she does something to make our team lose intentionally."
"I believe that as well…but I don't think she is above certain things….or…," Miho said.
"Or what?" Aozora asks earnestly.
The words stuck in Miho's throat, wanting to speak them but not wanting to say them out loud. The very thing she feared might happen but didn't want to admit because if she did, it would prove Mizuko was more in control than Miho wished to believe. The roots of a code long past its time were still clinging and strangling her team.
"It's nothing, just minor worries, is all," Miho answered, hoping to change the subject.
Though Aozora was more than ready to press the issue, but was interrupted by Kikuyo walking into the small living space, carrying a bundle in both arms. With careful steps, Kikuyo sat down on her knees in front of Miho with some space between them, the maid looking Miho in the eye with a determination to follow through on her orders from her mistress, who had given her this honorable task.
"Miho," Kikuyo started, her solemn tone instantly grabbing the young Nishizumi's attention.
"I came here at your mother's request to fully accept your ascension to the role of heiress of the Nishizumi style," Kikuyo stated.
"Mother?" Miho said in a whisper.
Kikuyo nodded. "After achieving all your accomplishments at the head of Chi-Ha-Tan's Sensha-do team, seeing to your sister, and saving Mistress Shiho from her shatter state. You've done all that can be asked to prove that you are the best of your family and will take care of the name Nishizumi, but even so, many trials lay ahead and some more difficult than what you have experienced."
"With that in mind, words alone can't be what makes you the family's heiress. Your mother believes there is a need for something more that no Nishizumi has held in a long time. The Nishizumi name is now in question; most have abandoned it, and all our schools have been shut down. Were at the bottom, only scraping to survive now, the same situation your ancestor Nakano Nishizumi found herself in so long ago, having nothing but her strength, courage, and something else to help guide the Nishizumi clan to prominence."
Miho listens intently, burning every word into her mind. For she knew of what her ancestor had faced in her own trials to fight for the Nishizumi name; though their paths were quite different, Miho understood they both shared the same fate of fighting to save their family name.
Leaning a hand down, Kikuyo touches the bundle-up item, unlacing the strings that help keep it covered. With delicate touches, she removed all of the bundle to unveil what was to help the young tigress push forward.
With eyes completely glued to the spot of the item in question, Miho's breath became short, her heart began to pound in her chest, and her hands tightened on her knees. Laying before her was a katana; its saya or sheath was surrounded by white cushion cloth, and the hilt of the sword was covered in an intricate web of Tsukamaki black wrapping, speaking to the care its maker had taken to wrap it around the handle.
On the saya itself, it had a set of three kanji words etched into the wood: Duty, Strength, Family.
Aozora, who had been silently watching the entire scene, let out a low whistle. "Now that is a beauty. You have to hand it to whoever made that for you."
"It was not made in this present day," Kikuyo corrected, giving the pilot a slight glare. "This katana traces its origins back to the Sengoku era."
That baffles Aozora. "You mean to tell me this is a five-hundred-year-old sword?"
Kikuyo nodded. "Don't let its age impress; it's what it represents, for who carries it is what matters."
"This…this was Nakano's sword," Miho stated in disbelief.
"It is my lady," Kikuyo replied, leaning both hands down to pick the sword up gently, then lowered her head as she held the blade out to the Miho. "This sword carries all your family's history, all of its triumphs, and all of its scars. It carries with it what it means to be a Nishizumi, what you must do not just for yourself but for those who follow you; this is the way of the Nishizumi."
Feeling emboldened by the words, Miho gingerly held out both hands to take the katana. The instant her fingers brushed against the polished wood, something came over her, a feeling of calm. All her worries and concerns seemed to be pushed away, and she just left with a resolve to see whatever face she would meet head-on.
The goal is that our family finally drop the past for a future in which no one fights for power or glory but simply for each other, for your own happiness that you determine, not a creed or code that demands you follow with blind obedience. For you will follow your own path; that is my hope with you, Miho.
Suddenly, the words from Miho's dreams back in the hospital came to her, the very words Nakano had spoken to her.
"My own path," Miho quietly said as she slowly unsheathed the katana from its saya only a little.
The metal from the sword gleamed from the overhead light, looking polished and sharp. Yet it was another set of the kanji words etched into the metal itself that caught Miho's eyes now.
Brave, Warrior, Guardian.
I must do this for my family…and for Chi-Ha-Tan…for everyone who has put their hope and trust in me…I can do this…I will do this!
Miho thought, every fiber in her body bursting with pride and resolve to see this journey to the end.
Sheathing the blade back into its holder, Miho looks to Kikuyo. "Thank you for doing this, for everything you have done for our family all these years. If you weren't there through those difficult times…I might not ha-."
"You would have found a way, lady Miho. That is what you do best; I am only glad to have had you lean on me when you needed, as I will do for this family always," Kikuyo said with a bow.
Smiling with gratitude in her heart, Miho bows back.
"Well, now, we got our Tigress all fired up!" Aozora excitedly said, with a fist pump into the air.
"And I see you have no tact when it comes to such delicate matters," Kikuyo said with an annoyed tone.
"Ah, come on, you were a tank maiden as well. Don't you feel that fighting spirit just wanting to burst out," Aozora questioned with a teasing smile.
Which earned her a hmph from Kikuyo, who spoke. "I do, but I don't act in a matter that does not befit the Nishizumi name."
"Oh," Aozora slyly said, her smirk growing. "How about a few drinks then? Might finally let that hair down of yours."
A blush crosses Kikuyo's face at the suggestive request. "How dar-."
"Ah, how about we eat now?" Miho interjected before the situation escalated.
"Sounds great; all this talk of duty and such has got me hungry," Aozora agreed as she stood up. "Shall we set the table?"
"I wonder if that is asking too much of you," Kikuyo shot back as she rose and followed the eccentric pilot back to the kitchen.
A nervous chuckle left Miho's lips, hoping they could be cordial enough to serve dinner. Then her eyes were drawn back to the katana, her family's precious heirloom, and her responsibility to care for it. She wrapped both arms around the sword, holding it close to her chest, feeling that calming effect she desperately needed before the coming storm of iron and fury.
"Please lend me your strength…not just for me…but for my tankery family as well; their scars must be healed if we're ever going to fully move forward," Miho asks gently.
Plans were in place, and tactics were discussed in detail, with hopes and dreams riding on the wind of the coming battle. No more could be done, as the Tigers of Chi-Ha-Tan were left with only one thing left to do.
Fight to achieve the impossible.
