Anzu Kadotani, smile at hearing Miho remember who she was, speaking in a cheerful tone. "Heya Miss Tigress, we need to have a chat."
Before anything else could be said, Aozora spoke up frantically as her ear was being twisted by her tormentor. "Major! I get it! I get it! Let up!"
The woman in question didn't let up, wearing a JSDF Airforce officer uniform of a double-breasted black military jacket with golden buttons, with a matching black skirt, with her officers cap tuck under one arm with white gloves on. The woman had long hair that was jet black that was bundled up in a braid, which went well along with her deep reddish eyes. Her face show no signs of real aging, a testament to her strict diet and active living, which gave her some rich tan skin.
"You're lucky this the extent of my punishment, I atta have your wings right now for one, taking a plane worth millions off the carrier and land onto a small airfield, two, you took a teenage girl half across the nation to see her mother while getting into all sorts of trouble. The colonel is having all kinds of fits right now and I'm the only reason he isn't about to keep you grounded for good," the officer then again gave a tug on Aozora's ear.
"I get it, Major Nasik, I get it!" Aozora complain, trying to keep herself stable.
"Um, excuse me," Miho spoke to get the rooms attention.
All eyes turn to her.
"I was the one to ask Miss Aozora to take me, if theirs any punishment, I wish to share it with her," Miho said.
Aozora's eyes sparked. "Miho, coming to my res-."
"Don't think that's going to get you out of anything," the female officer growled, while giving her subordinate another tug, then focusing her attention on Shiho and Miho. "I'm very sorry for the intrusion. Let's get introductions going, my name is Jun Nasik, Major in the 54th Wing Division. I like to apologize, Miss Shiho Nishizumi, for my pilot here taking your daughter from her academy without permission and putting you in this situation, when you have a case against you."
Shiho finally spoke up. "It's quite alright, even though this will not be making my lawyer happy with me, I'm glad that my daughter was returned to me without harm. Your subordinate even defended my daughter from some craze reporter I hear."
"Hmph," Jun huff, while looking at her distressed subordinate still in her death grip. "That doesn't make up for the trouble she cause."
"Teaching my lady, how to ride a bike doesn't help matters," Kikuyo added in.
"Oh come on!" Aozora fought back. "I just wanted to Miho have some fun, sitting backseat all the way is boring. Plus she's a natural, should have seen her take a tight turn at full speed!"
"And I'm about to turn your ear full speed for putting someone's daughter in that kind of position," Jun shot back.
"We wouldn't mind," Kikuyo spoke with an amused look.
"Kikuyo!" Miho cry out to the maid, who just chuckle and shrug.
Still feeling the effects of her hangover, Shiho rub her head, then spoke in a calm tone. "Miss Nasik, I understand military regulations were broken, but I myself feel no need for an apology. Though I have to wonder what the meaning of this visit is."
Seeing there was no more need for disciplining, for now, Jun let go of Aozora who rub her ear in distress, then turn back to Shiho. "Well, you can put that down to Miss Kadotani here, she needed to have a chat with you and your daughter."
"Both of us?" Miho ask.
"Yes, the both of you if you can spare me the time," Anzu spoke with a nod.
Shiho nodded back. "Very well, allow me to talk to my lawyer and then freshen up. I believe this a conversation not for me to have in my sleepwear."
"Are any of you hungry? I still have leftover breakfast that I can serve," Kikuyo ask their guest.
There was a round of agreements besides Shiho's lawyer at getting some food, to which Kikuyo obliged by getting them seated and setting food out once more. Shiho nodded to her lawyer Eijiro Murata, who had been silent through the whole affair, but had an annoyed look the entire time, speaking to his anger that his client had broken the rules of the investigation of having no contact with her daughters. However, he remain silent as the two walk off down the hall to put some distance from the guest.
Once they reach a safe of enough distance, Shiho turn to her lawyer. "Mister Murata, I apologize for the trouble this has caused you."
Fixing the collar of this grey business suit, the proud lawyer spoke. "More than trouble, Miss Nishizumi. The ramifications if word were to get out would be detrimental to the case. Did you have any notion your youngest was coming here?"
"No, it was a surprise for me when my maid caught her sneaking in through the forest at the back of my estate. I did order her to leave, but I was in a less than…stable state when I did. Afterward there was nothing I could do," Shiho stated.
A sigh escape Eijiro's lips. "Luckily, the security of Federation Investigators is lax, since they been busy dealing with the press who are hounding them about what happen in that last match with your daughter."
"Mmm, that doesn't explain why you're here with Miss Nasik and that other girl," Shiho examine.
"That," Eijiro began, while rubbing his slick back hair with a little nervousness. "Could be accounted to the simple saying, it's a small world."
Shiho raise an eyebrow at her lawyer.
"Nasik or rather Jun is my aunt," Eijiro stated with an embarrassed look.
"Really?" Shiho ask.
Eijiro nodded. "Yea, she is my mom's older sister. My dad died during a construction accident and my mom became sick trying to work two jobs to support us. Jun, who was already a pilot in the JSDF, practically spent any of her free time helping us with money or house duties even with her own family, allowing me to focus on my studies to become a lawyer."
"That sounds…nice. Having someone in your time of need," Shiho said, with a little smile on her face, which surprise Eijiro since he had never seen Shiho smile at all.
"It can be, but she can be a bit pushy sometimes. Practically drag me out to drink with her flying buddies when I came of age whenever she could, but no matter what, I owe her much for saving my mother and allowing me to get into my dream job so I can support my mother as well," Eijiro explain, with a warm smile at the memories of his aunt.
"Miss Nasik sounds like an amazing woman, though that doesn't explain the other visitor," Shiho prodded.
Eijiro sigh. "That girl is Oarai Academies Student Council President. As you know, Jun was assign as their pilot for their Sensha-Do, so when that girl ask to see your daughter, my aunt contacted me. I was going to tell her no, for obvious legal reasons, but when she told me your daughter was coming to see you…well….I had no other choice but to see if that was true."
"I do apologize for that. I know my daughter being here puts our case into jeopardy," Shiho spoke while bowing to Eijiro.
"There's no need Miss Nishizumi," Eijiro said, making Shiho bring her head up. "Of course, this puts my career on the line, yet seeing the results of being near your love one, I think it's alright that we broke a few rules."
"Is that so?" Shiho question.
Making Eijiro smile at his client. "After that initial meeting with the Federation Investigators, I had worried that your mental state might make our defense case hard to proceed with. However, now you seem to have a clear head. Almost, happy in a way."
"I guess I am happy, probably for the first time in a long while," Shiho said with a small huff of amusement at the obvious reason why.
"Kids can do that for us sometimes, I know, trust me, have two little ones at home who are my pride and joy," Eijiro stated.
"They really do, well, I'm more than ready after this little talk with the Oarai girl to get back to working the case with you and your team," Shiho spoke with her iron determination all over her face.
Good, she's back to her old self, well mostly. With her fortitude back, means we got a good chance of seeing this through, have Miss Miho to thank for this, it had to be no easy task facing Miss Shiho in such a state before
Eijiro thought, then spoke. "I look forward to working together, I'll allow you to go get freshen up."
"Thank you," Shiho gracefully spoke, then turn on heel to head to her room.
From there, Shiho call on Kikuyo for a bath to be ready and that their guest were looked after, to which her loyal friend did with elegance and efficiently, as Kikuyo always did, even more impressive doing it on her own now with no other maids to call upon. Shiho was grateful for the warm bath that was to follow, which alleviated some of her stress from her body over all that had happened in the short time since she had gotten up. Thinking the day was only going to get longer with whatever this guest from Oarai had to say to her.
Yet, all and all, today had been refreshing compared to the last couple, where Shiho was lost in her anger and resignation, today had been nothing but the opposite. Feelings of optimism were taking hold of Shiho, giving her hope, a word she never felt familiar with in the past decade could be coupled with her. Having to change so drastically for the sake of keeping with traditions had felt like nothing but a script that she had been reading since the day she could understand how to read.
Though, even if things were at least given a spark of hope, there was still much Shiho had to answer for she knew. The only good thing going for her was that she had time, a lot of time actually with her Sensha-do schools closed down. Leaving the usual busybody with not much to do and having a hard time finding things to do in her spare time. Though with naming Miho her heiress truly, there was going to be a lot of time to spend showing her how to run the family and what it entails.
Not to mention the thoughts of finding Miho a suitable husband when the time came, not something Shiho wasn't too thrilled about, since it was her daughter she have to hand off. While also she wanted Miho to experience what she had, being with someone who make her happy, as any parent would. With how exceptional her skills in Sensha-do had been to this point, there was no doubt any daughter conceived would have the same traits as their mother.
Maybe I'm thinking too far ahead, right now Miho should just enjoy her youth, not follow the same path I did. It was only some strange fate I found Tsueno when I did, so maybe it's best to let things play out naturally
Shiho thought, as she exited the bath to dry herself off. Then she dress herself in the clothes left out by her maid, neatly press and a stable of the Nishizumi family headmistress to wear. The black single-breasted blazer, white dress shirt underneath, and the black jodhpurs pants to finish it off. Putting on the clothes that Shiho wore most of her life had always felt like a chore, like there was a heaviness that drag her down every time she put them on. As the weight of the family prestige seem to be sewn into the fabric, which was always a reminder to Shiho of her duties, even during her happier times with her children and marriage, with more times than not wanting to never wear them again.
However now, putting these very clothes on that she had disdain for, Shiho found them light. A sense of release from that colossal need to perform as a headmistress was gone, replace with something akin to freedom that she couldn't quite explain.
With her clothes fitted on, Shiho look to a mirror in her room to see herself. She had to admit, her stoic face was still looking back at her, with over a decade of doing it there was no changing from it even with everything going on. There were some deep bags under her eyes, a result of the past couple of days of barely any sleep, with her skin paler than usual. This was the look of not the Shiho that was needed to regain her lost honor, to which Shiho made sure to take a good look at herself, knowing this sort of thing will never happen again.
All that she would strive for, was the love of her daughters and righting the wrongs of her past.
Feeling more ready than ever, Shiho left her room. Kikuyo was waiting for her with a warm smile and then directed her mistress to the meeting room. When they arrive, Miho was waiting outside the shoji sliding door for her, she had changed her outfit for a blue blazer, with a matching blue long skirt, and black leggings. The more professional look made Shiho proud, as it was showing her that Miho was ready to take her duties seriously, and showing up to even this small meeting in plain clothes was in bad taste.
With no need for words, Shiho gestured for Miho to follow as she open the door of the room. It was a simple room with tatami flooring, a single low table already adorn with a fresh pot of tea and cups. To the left of the room, the sliding door had been open to a garden that was shining with the morning sun, making for no better place to have this discussion.
Anzu was seated on a pillow on the other side of the table, with Eijiro beside her as well. Shiho took her seat at the center of the table, with Miho to her right and slightly behind. As Shiho settle herself on her knees, she took a quick glace to her left, but not for the sight of the beautiful garden outside, but instead at the empty spot where her other daughter Maho would be seated as well. A reminder once more that she wanted Maho back more than ever, to hopefully reconcile years of burdening her with the family name, making her become the very thing Shiho always hated that she was.
A slave to tradition.
Worse, she took it all on, not because she had pride in the fact of her skills, but to protect Miho from me…I understood that the day she sent Miho to Chi-Ha-Tan, to get her away from the monster of a mother I reduce myself to…never again…but there will be time for that later, right now I need to focus on the here and now
Shiho thought, then turn her head to her guest to speak. "Right, let us hear what you have to say Miss Kadotani."
"Well," Anzu started off with her bright smile all over her face. "First I like to thank you Miss Nishizumi."
"Thank me?" Shiho said with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, yes. I learned the only reason my school is being given a second chance is that you stood up for us at a Federation meeting a week or so ago," Anzu explain.
"Really?" Miho ask, turning to her mother with a questioning look.
Shiho pull the memories of the meeting before the Chi-Ha-Tan and Oarai match. She had been called on to be present at a board meeting with Director Kodama, MEXT Director Renta, and the other board members, with Chiyo Shimada and Shiho's protégé Ami Chono.
During the meeting, the situation of Oarai had been brought up as they were scheduled for shutdown by MEXT the following year. Shiho didn't know why she lash out, maybe a little of it being that Ami, who had instructed the Oarai team before the tournament, had a deep affection for them. The other was the Renta was insulting the very girls of the Sensha-do team who he claim had won by pure luck, which Shiho could no longer tolerate.
For no matter the team, if you win you win, there was no luck involved from Shiho's perspective.
Recollecting the memory fully, Shiho then spoke. "I did ask if there was anything we could do to keep your school open, but that was as far as my involvement in the matter went. Nothing more than that was offered in regards to keeping your school open."
"This is true, but it's all the same. Your reasoning seem to inspire the other board members who ask the head of MEXT to look into the matter of keeping us open, which is why I'm here," Anzu stated.
Shiho nodded. "Which somehow pertains to our family?"
"Precisely," Anzu started, gesturing her hand in Miho's direction. "Miss Miho, sorry to be informal in using first names."
"It's quite alright," Miho said with a bow.
"Thank you, now originally you were supposed to come to Oarai, am I right?" Anzu question.
Miho shifted uncomfortably under the gaze of Anzu. "I was, but when my big sister came to tell me you were closing down, I had to find a new school. I like to apologize for being selfish in that regard for my own sake, knowing your home was being taken from you and your friends."
"Don't mind," Anzu calmly spoke, waving on her hands. "Honestly, if I was in your position I would have done the same thing. Not like your responsible for what is happening to our school, though to be frank, if you had come to our school I definitely would have made you do Sensha-do."
"That sounds like you're enforcing your will on someone, not the actions of a student council president," Shiho challenged, her eyes squinting, her voice carrying all the conviction of a tigress looking after her cub.
"Mom," Miho whispered in a soothing manner.
Though the challenge was met by Anzu with a grin. "Your quite right, not the actions of a student council president. Yet I was fighting for survival, being a president was not going to save us, being someone who can find a way to win no matter how I achieve it, was what I had to be."
Shiho look ready to argue the case, but Miho spoke up. "Knowing how very fond you are of your team and your school, I can understand. You had to win the final to keep your school open?"
"Yes, as tall of task that was for a bunch of rookies. Luckily we had Yukari, but…," Anzu trailed off, as the guilt of not telling her junior of the shutdown still wore on her mind, but finally found her voice again. "There was only so much she could do, getting us to the second round was a miracle, and almost taking down you and the Tigress Corps was only made possible because of those girls who gave me their all, not knowing the fate that awaits them."
"Even when I won, knowing that I had doomed your school was a bit much. I wanted to tell Yukari, but I was too exhausted," Miho lower her head to look at the floor, her fist clenching in her lap.
Anzu sigh. "I grateful you didn't, since that be a poor showing from me not to tell Yukari myself. Matter of fact, it's my duty, but not before I give her another chance to win our school's right to sail the sea once more."
"So, what is it you need from us" Shiho ask.
Anzu turn to Eijiro, speaking with their eyes, then Eijiro turn to both Nishizumi. "I must ask for an oath of secrecy from both of you on the matter. For this is absolute, from the contract that Miss Kadotani sigh with the MEXT Director."
Both Miho and Shiho look at one another, then nodded, agreeing with the secrecy of this proposal.
"Good, then we're all settled," Anzu said, then clear her throat. "Now, the new proposal made to me by Mister Tsuji, was that in order to keep our school open, we must win our place back in the carrier fleet."
"Win your place back?" Miho question.
"Just so, as your mother might know, the Japanese Federation is expanding its horizons, wanting to bring in foreign academies to take the place of failing schools like ours," Anzu explain.
"I've heard on the news that the information has been leaked to the public, who aren't too please by that notation," Shiho stated.
Anzu shrug. "Guess it has to do with what happened with that American Nishizumi girl in the match."
There was no reply from Miho, as she knew that her half-sister would always have to live with that on her shoulders, but there was always a chance for redemption. This journey home for Miho had proven that fact true, so she remain optimistic her half-sister could find her way back.
Wanting to move on, knowing that was a touchy subject, Shiho spoke. "Most likely, but let's get back on topic."
"Yes, as I said, we must earn our place and by earning, I mean winning a Sensha-do match. The Head of MEXT has given us the task to head to America to take on one of their newly created teams, fill with what they believe is all-star talent," Anzu explain.
"A match in America?" Shiho ask.
"Yes, apparently there are some large sponsors waiting to back this team that will join the Federation, but our popularity has not just touched hearts in Japan, but across the world as well, making us quite popular. The deal is that if we can beat this team, we can garner some sponsors who will help offer a large donation to our carrier to make up for our school's funding that was cut back," Anzu clarified.
"That seems a bit much, having to garner foreign investments into the school when that is MEXT's job," Shiho spoke in an irritated tone, thinking this was a cheap way for Renta to have someone else pay for the carrier's expenses.
Anzu just chuckle. "Oh, it gets better. The American sponsors for this match have made some request as well, since they want to use this match as a way to promote the sport in their own nation, they want to make it a large scale tank battle with some new perks, don't ask me what they are as I'm still in the unknown about it."
"Meaning you're going to be outnumbered?" Miho ask.
"Exactly, not that we're not used to it. Yet, this match could see a need for forty or fifty tanks and a significant number of planes, which is again why the sponsors our worried of its being too unfair for us to go it alone. Making an alternative means to match numbers more evenly being put forward," Anzu said, then look intently at Miho for a long moment.
It didn't take Miho long to understand what was being asked of her. "You want me to join you?"
"Well, you and all the girls of Chi-Ha-Tan's Sensha-do team. We're being given the chance to combine our school forces to take on this task, though will still be a little outnumbered, it should work fine," Anzu proposed.
"Is there a catch?" Shiho interjected, wanting to make sure all details were known.
Anzu made a face of discomfort, then found her words. "Besides the fact that if we lose, my school will close. There is also an agreement on Chi-Ha-Tan's part, that they will have to participate in a match later in the year against another foreign team that will be announced at a later date. However this match you will fight in by yourself."
"That seems…weird. To have that be the catch for us if we join you," Miho replied, her face scrunching in thought.
"I thought the same, but this was what was laid before me. The sponsors for this tournament wanted not only to make this match on a larger scale, but they also wanted a name behind us, which I don't think I need to tell you who," Anzu explained.
Shiho spoke up now. "What makes our name so special? We have no ties to America besides my cousin Konomi and…and her protégé Nishizumi."
"I don't know, maybe because of Miss Miho's exploits on the field with only Japanese tanks. Maybe a secret admirer or any number of things, the fact remains that they want her to participate in this next match, which is why I am here to appeal to both of you for your help," Anzu pleaded, bowing her head to both Nishizumi.
Miho wanted to speak on the matter more, but even as an heiress, she answer to the head of the family. She turn to look at her mother, who was in deep thought, which Miho knew might mean she was considering allowing Miho to help. Yet, at the same time Miho felt there was still too much of an unknown factor to this large-scale battle in America, not to add to the fact that it was being held in an entirely different country. Add on top of that, the match her own team would have to fight in later in the year against another unknown team.
I don't want Oarai to close down, I may have no personal attachment to the school, but I can tell their team loves Sensha-do. Yukari is a brilliant commander and…she is my friend as well, so as her friend I should do everything I can to help her
Miho thought, knowing there was no reason to hesitate any longer, she simply spoke a single word. "Mom."
Hearing her daughter's call, Shiho turn her head slightly to look at Miho, who was eyeing her with a firm look, speaking to her want to help. There was no indecision, no hesitation, and no wavering in her conviction to help this school that had no ties to Nishizumi's name. Miho would put it all on the line for practically strangers, but then again that was who her daughter was Shiho understood. Selflessness was part of Miho's character, something that made Shiho quite proud and would not look past her daughter's traits, that made her better than her mother.
Turning back to her guest, Shiho spoke. "I understand your plight, Miss Kadotani. I see my daughter wants to help you, but as a headmistress, I feel there is some imbalance in this deal."
Anzu nodded with a smile. "As expected, I didn't come here with just a want to make you help us without something given back."
"I'm listening," Shiho replied with curiosity.
"I know due to circumstances surrounding your family, all your youth schools for Sensha-do have been closed, not to mention Kuromorimine has cut ties with your family name," Anzu started, seeing Shiho grimace about that fact, then spoke again. "That being said, what if I offer your Sensha-do school a new home."
"Oarai Girls Academy?" Shiho spoke with a sidelong glance.
Anzu snap her fingers. "Exactly, as you know, our school is without any style. Freelancing you could say when it comes to Sensha-do, but I believe having some direction would really help us in the long run. So how about you help us with that Miss Shiho."
"I can't," Shiho instantly said. "With the investigation into the grievances of past members against me and of the case against me with custody of my daughters, there is no way for me to help in that regard."
Eijiro now spoke up. "You can if these grievances don't hold up."
Looking to her lawyer, Shiho spoke. "What do you mean?"
"As your defense lawyer, we are allowed to have pre-meetings with those with the grievances, which if you can believe, are not holding up. Most of the girls are claiming that training was tough under your direction but never got out of hand to the point of hazing. Well till last year, when you told me something like that happen to one of your students," Eijiro explain.
"Koume…yes she was haze somewhat, but Maho put a stop to it," Shiho reiterated.
"Yes," Eijiro spoke, sounding pleased. "Which only helps put you and your daughter Maho in a better light. The Federation investigators are throwing a fit about probable falsified evidence, which only hurts their case. If we go so far as to take this to court for a hearing, they will have to dig deep to find someone to testify against you."
"That seems all too convenient to me," Shiho sounded unconvinced she would be let off so easily.
"I thought the same, but this is the reality of our situation. If these grievances don't hold more weight behind them, the Federation investigators will have trouble dealing with our appeal for these allegations to be dropped. This means you will be free to pursue this course of action of opening your Sensha-do school on Oarai's carrier," Eijiro explained.
Shiho went into deep thought about the whole situation, seeing the light at the end of this tunnel, but still felt skeptical. "Even if these grievances are proved mute, that will not do anything for my tarnished reputation. Are you sure Miss Katadoni, you want to take on this style?"
"Of course, as this will only help the future of my school who can garner many applicants due to our Sensha-do team for next year. Having the Nishizumi name behind will only help, since Miss Miho's actions on the field have become quite popular with the nation," Anzu soothe, hoping it was enough to secure this deal.
Giving it some more thought, Shiho could only see positives with having another avenue for her family's style to thrive once more. Though it be with an odd school, to say the least, but with the amount of talent they already had, with some direction from Shiho they might turn into a real powerhouse as the years go by. Not to mention it give Shiho another chance to find her own way back to Sensha-do and find the love for it that had been missing in her life.
Feeling no reason to argue the point anymore, Shiho spoke. "Very well, we can make a formal agreement of this after we win this match to save your school."
"Great! Can't wait to have you aboard. Now I have another sweetener for this deal, regarding Miss Maho," Aznu started.
Miho instantly perked up at her sister's name. "My sister?"
"Yep," Anzu spoke, looking to Miho with a pleasing look. "I know currently she is banned from any participation in Sensha-do due to her bribing, however, becausese our school's will be fighting in America under its own sports direction, she is being granted a chance to participate in the match."
"Why would they do that?" Shiho ask with skepticism once more.
"Beats me, I'm just relaying what I was told," Anzu said with a shrug. "So those are the cards you been offered to your family, as a way to make this deal balanced."
"What about her bribery case?" Shiho ask her lawyer, who was also working on that case.
Ejiro nodded to Shiho. "Were lucky in that regard that Maho is still considered a juvenile criminal, due to her being seventeen and her birthday isn't until July 1. As you might not know, our country is lighter in terms of punishment when it comes to juvenile criminals, putting them through a rehabilitation course."
"That simple?" Shiho question.
"In a way, I have already begun to work out the paperwork with the courts to pursue this, though of course there are some who want a stronger punishment, we can skirt anything major. At most Maho will serve time in a classification home, but we might even be able to have her serve time on a carrier to monitor her status as she finishes school," Eijiro explain.
"Have her come to my school!" Miho instantly shot in, surprising the room, then realizing her outburst blushed madly with a mumbled apology following suit.
After a few more moments, Eijiro spoke up. "You know, that wouldn't be a bad idea. In these cases of juvenile rehabilitation, they want the accused to stay with close relatives or someone know to them. I hear Mister Hedimichi is close to your family."
"He is, was my instructor back in the day," Shiho replied.
Miho continue. "He's practically family to us, he's helped me, my sister, and mother whenever we needed it."
"That sounds perfect, then let us put that on the table. I'll contact the Federation to see if this deal can work out," Ejiro said with a pleased tone.
"Well, now that is out the way, what you say? Will you join us on this crusade to save Oaria?" Anzu ask, though her jovial look was gone, replace by a determined one, knowing everything was riding on this.
Shiho was about to reply to this, but suddenly stop herself. As she remember this wasn't just her decision anymore. Her daughter was putting herself in the line of fire, against unknown forces that were unsettling even for her. Though Miho's skills were growing still, there was still too much they didn't know about why this chance was being given to them.
Like someone was pulling strings and they were just the puppets dancing to their tune.
All of this feels wrong to me…Yet, if Miho can win this match, our future for our Sensha-do family can be secured and under Miho's direction when she comes of age, will only prosper…meaning I can't look a gift horse in the mouth
Shiho thought, even with her feelings of being restless over asking her daughter to take on an imposing task, there was confidence Miho would meet it head on, because she wasn't someone who would run from things like before. Miho had found her strength to rise to her feet, unlike Shiho had in her youth, which gave the proud mother the push needed to accept this.
"I agree to the conditions, but I will only support this fully if my daughter feels she is up to the task," Shiho said, then look over her shoulder to Miho who met her mother's eyes.
They once more spoke with nothing more than a look, with Shiho nodding to Miho to speak.
Taking a breath, Miho spoke in a calm voice. "I accept these terms. My Tigress Corps will help Oaria keep their carrier open."
Anzu let out a deep breath of relief. "I can't thank you enough Miss Miho and Miss Shiho. I know I'm asking a lot of you, but together we can help each other reach our goals."
"Your goal in saving your school and the families aboard your carrier is honorable, you should take pride in your actions to do all you can for them," Miho comment, with a bright smile.
Though Anzu just let out a sad chuckle. "I wish I could feel some pride in my actions, but honestly, I put everything on Yukari to get us where we were. Guess I didn't really realize the extent of it till we lost, knowing I did nothing more than order her to do the impossible."
Miho could understand Anzu's guilt over that. "Yukari I'm sure will forgive you when you come to tell her. Actually, now that we had a chance to talk, I was hoping we could schedule a day for our team's to come together. We never did say our thanks for the game after the match, it doesn't feel right not to end a match without a bow."
"Ah, your right. Well since I'm pretty confident you're going to win against Pravda, I say we can schedule it afterward," Anzu confidently spoke.
Though Miho scratch her cheek with an embarrassed smile. "I'll do my best, Pravda will be a definite challenge for us going forward, but will be ready to meet it."
"I'm sure and since we're on the subject of Sensha-do, we never discuss what you want for your capture reward," Anzu stated.
"Oh," Miho replied quickly. "In all the confusion after the match, we never were able to decide that. Well, I like to have your Type 5 Chi-Ri tank please."
"You sure, your Tiger 1 took a bad tumble in that match, right?" Anzu asked.
Miho simply nodded. "I'm sure Himi can work her magic, if not, will figure something out."
"Alright, I'm sure it's going to be tough to get the tank to you since its owner is quite taken with it, but should arrive in a day or so," Anzu said.
Eijiro now spoke up. "Well, I believe that concludes our business. Now I hate to have break up your reunion, but I actually came here early because the Federation Investigators are coming by early afternoon to ask more questions of Miss Shiho. Meaning Miss Miho, you need to be on your way home to your carrier, sorry."
A look of displeasure crossed Miho's face, as she didn't quite want to leave her mother just yet. Having finally come to terms with the past for the future they both wanted, Miho simply wanted to stay and talk more. To hear her mother maybe laugh again, to smile, and just show all the positive traits that Miho remember so fondly from her childhood.
A warm hand was placed over hers, making Miho look up to see Shiho looking at her intently, her smile a little awkward, but conveying the relief Miho wanted.
"It's time to go Miho, you had a long journey home. Yet now it's time to go back to your other home that I'm sure has some girls who miss you dearly," Shiho spoke soothingly.
"Yes," Miho said, with an amused huff. "They aren't going to let me off the hook for sure, for being away so long."
"I can imagine, besides the fact you have a lot of homework to catch up on," Shiho teased.
Miho groan. "That's going to be less than pleasant to deal with."
"You'll find a way, you always do," Shiho said, then rose to her feet. "If you excuse me, I have to see my daughter out."
"Yes, do have safe travels back home, Miss Miho," Eijiro said with a bow.
"Definitely looking forward to our teams hanging out, take care," Anzu added with a wink.
Miho stood as well, bowing to both of them, then exited the room to follow her mother. The two headed back to the dining room, where Kikuyo, Jun, and Aozora were sitting talking quietly to one another, but the minute both Nishizumis came in they rose from their seats.
"We have come to an agreement," Shiho started, earning pleasing looks from the trio. "However, I must ask Miss Suzua….Miss Aozora to now escort my daughter home, if that is ok with you Miss Nasik."
Jun nodded to Shiho. "Fine with me, I scolded her long enough about it."
"Longer is alright with me," Kikuyo icily added.
"Ah, you're going to miss me when I'm gone, don't have to play hard to get," Aozora said with a wink.
"There is a difference between playing hard to get and having no chance at all, I'm sure you can figure out which one your at right now," Kikuyo bit back.
Which only made Aozora grin devilishly. "Don't worry, give it time, my charm always works in the end."
"With your permission, Miss Nasik, may I teach your pilot a lesson in humility," Kikuyo ask, barely holding back the growl in her voice.
"As much as I love Aozora to learn her place, I think we can bypass the need for such a thing, at least till a later date," Jun said with a chuckle.
Shiho clear her throat to grab the room's attention. "We don't have much time to waste, my daughter needs to get back to her carrier. Miss Aozora, please take care of her as you have done already, that has my gratitude."
"Heh, I will and then some. We're part of the tankery family of Chi-Ha-Tan, we look after our own, so know Miho will get home safe and sound," Aozora confidently spoke.
"Know I'll be doing my part as well. Their A6M Zero has been transferred to a nearby airfield, so they can fly back to the Akagi that should be in range after a stop at another private airfield along the way," Jun added.
Thought Aozora made a face. "What about my bike?"
"Don't worry, will transfer it back to Narashino city afterward, jeez, I'm not your superior for nothing," Jun bit back with an annoyed look.
"Right, right, don't need to be so snippy Major. I know your still tick about me shooting you down last match at the end," Azoroa boasted.
"You know what? Humility training starts now," Jun chastise as she show no mercy to her eccentric subordinate.
Miho let out a nervous laugh, hoping Aozora would be alright in the end. Then came over to Kikuyo who was watching on with glee, but quickly turn her attention to Miho. The two share a longing look, knowing once more they were going to be separated, but it only be temporary this time around unlike before.
Kikuyo bow to Miho. "I'm very much indebted to you for helping Shiho."
"It was really nothing," Miho said embarrass by the sudden praise.
Raising from her bow, Kikuyo shook her head with amusement, as it was just like Miho to downplay her success against tough situations. "It was more than nothing, all I could do was pray that your mother would come back from her dark state and you were that answer. Though, that's just who you are, my lady, a soul that can brighten others from their dark paths."
Now Miho's blush went full tilt. "Oh no, that's thinking too deeply about it. I just wanted to help by whatever means I could, for the most part, I didn't really have a plan."
Reaching a hand out to gently rub Miho's cheek, Kikuyo spoke softly. "Sometimes improvisation is the best plan."
"I guess that's sort of my thing," Miho chuckled.
"It really is, though I have to worry recklessness sometimes, then again with how much trouble you and your sister were as kids, I should know that already," Kikuyo joke.
Making Miho giggle a little. "We didn't mean to be, but sometimes it was the only way to get you to come to play with us."
"Ah, now that explains a lot," Kikuyo smile at the memories, then spoke. "Well, this is goodbye, for now, my lady. I'll be watching your next match with the usual anxiety, but I know that you will prove something I've always known."
"What's that?" Miho ask.
"That you're the best Sensha-do commander in all of Japan, just like you always dream to be," Kikuyo replied.
They both smiled warmly at one another, knowing that was the boast Miho had made as a kid over and over before the change. Now Miho was making good on her confident remarks as a kid, with her love for Sensha-do return to her, to which do all she could to make Kikuyo who had been a big part of her life, proud of her actions going forward.
Reaching a hand out, Miho took Kikuyo's hand in hers. "I will make you proud Kikuyo."
"You already have, now go on, my lady. I'll be here waiting for your return home, as I always do," Kikuyo replied happily.
Miho nodded, then move to her mother who was waiting for her. Both look at each for a long moment, seeming to struggle with what to say, when both weren't ready for a goodbye just yet. Being separated for so long and only to now find the moment to come together after a decade of being kept apart by traditions and family demands. All they wanted was to be together, to work to find the spark they once had as mother and daughter so long ago, but that would have to wait.
"Mom…I…I…," Miho became lost in her words she wish to speak.
Shiho seeing her daughter struggling with the goodbye, begrudgingly push forward. "Miho, I'm very proud of you."
Looking up, Miho said nothing but just stare at her mother.
"You overcome so much when I stray from the path of being the person I wanted to be," Shiho started, having to pause to collect her thoughts. "No amount of apologies will ever make up for the fact that I put so much pressure on you, taking your smile and your laughter. I went so far as to think that winning was more important than people's lives, something that I will never come to forgive myself for."
"Yet I know you never wanted to be that person, in the end, you're the mother I always know for her compassion and care in my childhood. I know you don't feel worthy now to be my mother," Miho began, as she reach out to take her mother's hands in hers. "But one day, you will find that moment when you remember why I and Maho love you so much."
Hearing those words, only lifted Shiho's heart. "I hope so, I will strive with all my heart to be the mother that you deserve, for both of you. Know you can come home Miho, when this is all over. I'll be waiting for you, as you did for me."
"I look forward to it," Miho said, while bowing her head, with Shiho returning it.
As Shiho raise her head, she eye her daughter over for a moment. "Though, before you leave, best to get out of those clothes, I don't want my daughter riding a motorcycle in a skirt."
"Ah," Miho let out, looking down at her formal clothes. "Your right, I'll get change back into some casual clothes."
"Please do," Shiho replied with a small smile.
After getting dressed into some pants and a light jacket, Miho said her goodbyes again, leaving her home through the back gate with Aozora in tow, going to travel through the woods again. They passed the guard at that gate, who bow to both of them, as his loyalty was to the Nishizumi family, making Miho grateful her mother had good protection around her.
As the pair travel down the path with the sun beaming down on the woods, breaking into small rays of light through the branches and leaves, Miho's mind began to wander. Thinking of the hut in the woods that she had visited the previous day, like she had been drawn to it by fate and to the black box that she had found in the hidden door that she didn't have to time to open. Part of her wanted to go find it, but with time not being on their side, Miho would have to forgo this for now.
"Hey Miho," Aozora spoke up, dragging Miho from her thoughts.
"Oh, sorry spacing out, need something?" Miho ask, looking at the older woman.
"Well, more like I'm being a little nosey," Aozora replied.
Making Miho chuckle. "It's alright, just ask."
"Well, you didn't tell your mother about you dating a girl did you?" Aozora ask.
Miho went quiet for a moment, making Aozora think she overstep on something that wasn't her place.
"You know what, just forget it. That was rude of me to as-," Aozora try to frantically apologize.
Waving a hand, Miho spoke. "No, it's alright. I didn't tell my mother about Tamada, since I don't want her to stress about it."
"Or are you worried she won't approve?" Aozora press on.
Fiddling with her fingers a little, Miho spoke. "That too, knowing that as an heiress I will one day need to have an heir to the family. Yet I don't want to leave Tamada because of that, not after all we have been through."
"Yea, that would be a tragedy to break you two apart. I'm sure it won't come to that in the end, your mother might come to accept one day, plus that is something worry later in life, your teenager, enjoy your youth " Aozora said, tapping Miho on the shoulder.
"Your right," Miho chuckled, glad to have Aozora to vent to. "Will come up with something later on, we need to focus on getting home back to our other family."
"No kidding," Aozora said, stretching her arms above her head. "My squad is definitely going to raise hell after me duping them to get the Zero off the carrier."
"While my team isn't going to be happy I left without a word," Miho added.
Causing Aozora to wrap an arm around Miho, speaking in a joyful tone. "Us two rebels got a lot of explaining to do, but at the end of the day, there just going to be jealous that they didn't get to have a fun road trip as we did."
"Heh, I don't think fun is the word I use," Miho replied.
"Spectacular, jaw-dropping, exciting, maybe those fit the bill," Aozora continue, trying her hardest to get the answer she wanted.
"Now you're just digging for a way to make this sound better in front of the others," Miho admonish with a chuckle.
"Ah! Your no fun, time for some payback!" Aozora announce, then before Miho could reply, Aozora scoop her up into a bridal carry, causing her to yelp in distress.
"Aozora!" Miho whine.
"No complaining till you agree we had the time of our lives!" Aozora yell with excitement, taking off down the path at a full jog.
"Never!" Miho played along, making both of them laugh, filling the air with their melody.
Seeing there was no point fighting back, Miho just settle herself into Aozora's arms as they made their way for home, after a long journey that had taken Miho away from her tankery family, now she was ready to be back with the warmth they provided, back on the Akagi that was her home away from home. As they had another tough opponent on the horizon to face, but Miho had no doubts they meet it as they always did.
As thoughts ran through Miho's mind, as this journey was over and the journey up the Sensha-do mountain was resuming.
I'm coming home girls, we have more challenges to face, but I know you will be by my side through it all, nothing can break us, I know it.
We are Tigresses not held down by traditions but held up by each other.
That is what our tankery family is and will always be.
Though unfortunately, the proud Tigress commander, didn't know the trials awaiting her, for a group of forgotten warriors weren't about to let their traditions die, no matter the cost.