The Tigers of Chi-Ha-Tan ReRise Volume 4: The Scars of a Warriors Past

by Nazz11

With Miho leading the charge, the Tigress Corps have shown how deadly their fangs and claws are, as their roars of defiance echo across the land. Yet, while they rise, the Nishizumi family falls into disgrace, leaving Miho with a difficult choice. While a group of forgotten warriors returns to exact their revenge, and their target is the Tigress herself no matter what the cost.

17. A Damnably Long Day Part 1

Author Thought: Hello dear readers, been a minute, huh?

That is partly due to me getting Covid, which suck and sap all my energy while recovering. Yet I'm luckily over it now and on the mend, with some more free time from work to get back to writing. As were getting to a big confrontation in our story and we haven't even got to the match.

While the scale of the confrontation got so large I had to spilt this chapter since I didn't want to dump so much reading in one sitting on you, as sometimes you gotta find a limit.

That being said, thank you, thank you, and thank you again for your patience with this volume that has taken longer to get done.

I hope to see you again soon, as were getting close to battle, but some minor skirmishes have to be settle before it. Thanks for dropping by and giving my story a read and being awesome readers as well.

Till Next Authors Thought.

P.S. Credit to Dive-Bombers, who sent me an article that help now make a background for a character that I didn't really give one too, but will play a factor later in this series, thanks man.

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An early auburn morning glow shine on the ocean below, as another day was dawning. White clouds move slowly across the orange sky, as the waves below move as they naturally did. It spoke to another beautiful day on the sea that was to be, with the sun that would rise ever higher, giving its waters it shining sparkle that make any photographer stop just to catch a glimpse and capture the moment or even an artist having to find a good spot to sketch it.

Add in the longer days coming to be, meant one could enjoy this as long as the sun provided its warmth even to its embers and night came on. Just another day coming to be on the ocean surrounding the nation of the Rising Sun, but something about this day would be different for a group of people who would soon be rising to meet this day. As this day was to be a challenge, this day was to be damnably long, and all the enjoyment they should have, would only be dream and this reality.

Though one such person was already up and for her, at least she could enjoy the rising sun on the sea, though her mind would not relax, as this damnably long day was about to begin.

As Konomi Nishizumi, look down at the sea from her window aboard a transport helicopter that was flying over gently over the vast ocean. She was heading for her destination in Saunders school carrier, the USS George Washington after receiving a call from her former headmaster of Wolverton Girls Academy in Johnson that he was onboard and wanted her to meet him there. It was a shock for sure to hear from him that he was taking on the job of being headmaster for Japan's wealthiest school, in due time.

However, at the same time, she was extremely happy for him, as Johnson had been quite supportive of her when the two worked together to bring Sensha-do to America. In the end, even after years of hard work to finally building a Sensha-do Academy, even if it was partly thanks to Chiyo Shimada's help and finances she had offered, it call came to an end so abruptly.

Due to Fukushu punching Miho on camera during the match all but sealed the academy's fate. Even if things could be forgiven, Chiyo who was their main supporter withdrew her funding and no respectable American companies or potential investors would want to touch the taint of that academy, as they were the first American Sensha-do team to compete in Japan and the poor result reflected on its nation in a bad light.

I'm to blame for her actions, but people will just go after Fukushu…I just let my anger over the past cloud my mind, I didn't see how she was really hurting, that she wanted just to be loved like any child wants from her parent…even if we aren't really mother and daughter, I should have understood that at least….

Konomi thought, continuing to look out the window of the helicopter. As the sting of never truly loving Fukushu as she should have wouldn't leave her. However, things would be different going forward, of that there would be no doubt, as things needed to be fixed and wounds finally closed if the both of them were to move on with their lives.

Though I rather be by Fukushu's side, especially now with her going to Chi-Ha-Tan Academy with Linda. I can only hope Miho can keep things calm between the team and her, but my nephew's got a pacifying gift to bring others together, so I shouldn't worry over that.

Another thought that pass through Konomi's mind. As she had been informed by Linda about her taking Fukushu to the Akagi for both of them to face the team and ask for forgiveness for what happened. Of course, that sent Konomi into a small panic, but was calm down by Fukushu who was adamant Miho wouldn't let anything happen to them and things would work out. Which Konomi saw reason, but was left in an anxious state, due to not hearing anything about Miho as the Nishizumi family was in a crisis after Shiho's case against her and Maho accused of bribery.

Making Konomi wonder how her niece was dealing with all this, which couldn't be easy in any way you look at it to cope. Though judging by how fiercely loyal Miho's team is and their familial like bond, they probably be the ones to keep her level through it all and gave Konomi confidence that her nephew would rise above all this.

You're here, because you still answer to me. You are holding onto a hope that I might change my ways, be the loving mother you remember, how amusing I find that I still have your loyalty after all this time

Suddenly the memories of the last conversation Konomi had with her mother began to break through. She had been called to talk with her mother, Asami Nishizumi, once the headmistress at one time for the Nishizumi clan before losing a duel against Nayoko and putting Shiho on the course to rule as her heiress.

Though, even with all the terrible things that had happened to Konomi as she lost her duel and her mother showing her true colors, there was some hope their final talk would be a closing wound. Instead, Asami just wanted Konomi to be her puppet once more, taking advantage of the Nishizumi's dire situation and taking Miho under Konomi's care.

You damn daughter of mine! The gall of you to stick your nose up at me! Like your any better me!...Ahahaha….ahahahahahah! You're a bad joke if you think yourself so righteous now, especially after what you've done.

Asami's scolding voice screeched now in Konomi's mind, like someone taking their nails to a chalkboard, making Konomi wince in her seat, trying to get a hold of herself. While she also brought a hand up to touch the side of her face where her mother had slapped her just before that tirade. Though it had been over a week since it happen, there was a phantom pain left in its wake, like a brand that reminded Konomi of what she was, a pawn meant to be used for power back then and even more so than now.

As it didn't take a genius to figure out that Chiyo had used her to get to Shiho. Knowing that the two of them would be at each other's throats, while now the headmistress of the Shimada clan was left with no rivals when it came to Sensha-do families. It had to be a matter of time before she asserted her dominance that could no longer be overlooked.

The only question was when it would happen, which only fill Konomi with much apprehension on top of everything else going on.

"Yet, I have to press on, for my family if were to drag ourselves from this mess," Konomi said quietly to herself.

"Miss Nishizumi, the carrier is in sight, were making our final approach," the helicopter pilot said over the intercom.

Konomi touch her headset with a nod. "Thank you."

Looking outside the window once more, Konomi caught sight of the largest carrier in all of the MEXT Fleet. The USS George Washington, once part of the United States Navy, had been gifted to Japan to use as its school carrier for Saunders, who represented their armor forces of World War 2. It was improved upon to make use for creating a community onboard, but in reality, it felt like a small city almost.

Konomi could make out several two-story office buildings, along with large housing areas. Some even said that some of the girls with top grades in Saunders school could be given their own house in their last semester to live in as a reward. Which made Konomi baffled over thinking how a teenage girl could cope with having their own house at such a young age, and if the stories are true of Saunders parties that were always going on, those houses would definitely be the place to happen.

The helicopter slow as it approach a landing pad in the small airfield built aboard, where several other planes were on the runway or sitting under open hangers. Konomi instantly picked out the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, a huge military aircraft that was part of the package deal with the carrier. There were rumors that some of the students themselves learn to fly the bemouth plane, but Konomi instantly shot that down as there was no way they let teenage girls fly that thing.

Though there was some doubt that hung in her mind over it.

Softly and with great percsion, the helicopter touch down, with its propellers in a wind down. Once they were completely shut down, did a servicemen come up to the door to open it, with Konomi offering her thanks as she was helped out. Quickly she notice a pair of people line up near the landing pad as she made her way to them, with a Willys MB jeep nearby.

Instantly Konomi pick out from the group in her friend Johnson Fitzgerald, an imposing man of African-Ameican descent, wearing a rich green and gray business suit, with large brown eyes, a clean shave head, and a long neatly trim black beard.

Johnson came forward first to greet his friend. "Miss Konomi, it's good to see you after so long."

"You as well, how have you been while being aboard?" Konomi ask

Taking a look around the airfield, Johnson just had a big smile on his face. "More than good, just the honor I've been given to actually be aboard one these carriers, it's a marvel to see that they built a living community aboard, not to mention the food is just…well…American style."

The two of them share a laugh over that, then Konomi spoke up again as she saw someone else coming up to them. "Ellie?"

Ellie Cunningham walked up slowly to her former instructor with a bright smile, wearing Saunders school uniform, but due to her height made the skirt she was wearing a bit short on her, while her arms were a little longer than the sleeves.

Konomi move to meet her young student with not a handshake, but an embrace that surprised Ellie, but accepted it graciously, even if she was a little taller than Konomi. This was a product of the two of them being closer than most thought, as Konomi had a special place in her heart for the blonde girl, though she never like to play favorites even with Fukushu among the girl tankers, Ellie had won her over the first day of Wolverton.

Walking the halls going over her practice schedule, Konomi found Ellie who was sitting on the ground curled up and crying. Konomi immediately came over and ask what happen, worrying someone had bullied her, yet it was none of that. It was quite the opposite, as Ellie then was quite shy and had trouble talking to people. Which show when some girls try to befriend her, but Ellie was so frightened by trying to speak ran away and already wanted to quit the academy out of embarrassment.

Yet Konomi wasn't about to let that happen, while helping the girl stand up on her own two feet. Giving her a lesson about knowing how scary it was to open yourself up, as Konomi had the same problem when she came to America, though left the grisly details about her past out as best she could. Konomi gently prompted Ellie to try and find out who she really was, because that was what Sensha-do could teach her and Konomi would be with her all the way.

Though still having trouble opening up, Ellie took her tentative steps and soon became a leader that all look up to for guidance. For the first time in her life, Ellie felt confident in herself, all because of a talk and oddly enough with some help of some World War 2 tanks, which made Konomi happy to know that she could help other girls find themselves through Sensha-do.

A chance she never got, but that was the past and this was the present.

As Konomi pull back to look at Ellie. "Are you ok?"

"I'm quite fine, Miss Nishizumi. I'm glad you're ok and I could see you again," Ellie replied with a longing look.

"Me as well, though I thought your father would definitely want you home after what happened," Konomi questioned.

A sheepish look came over Ellie. "He did, but he agree to my request for the benefit of my country and you."

"Request? What request?" Konomi said with a baffled look, then look at the uniform Ellie was wearing and spoke again. "Do you mean to join Saunders?"

"Oh," Ellie said with a blush, looking down at the uniform she wore. "No, I had another team in mind."

"Another?" Konomi ask.

"Yes, Chi-Ha-Tan academy," Ellie started, looking right into Konomi's eyes fiercely. "I want to join their team and help make up for Fukushu's mistake. Also for our two nations to mend any bad blood over what happened."

Konomi became too shocked to speak. While she had learned from Johnson that pretty much all the ex-Wolverton tankers had practically turned their back on Fukushu because of her actions in the match, she had assumed Ellie be among them as well, but here she was standing tall and wanting to help her friend out in any way possible.

Even leaving her home country to do so, not to mention join a team that if Konomi's memory serve correctly had never had a foreign student join their ranks in history, while other schools around the league were more than welcoming to other nations' girls joining as long as they could speak fluent Japanese.

"I…I don't know what to say…but thank you, Ellie. I know Fukushu appreciates knowing someone has her back," Konomi said, then bow her head to the young girl in gratefulness.

"Oh…oh…oh it's nothing. I just want to help her as you help me," Ellie said bashfully.

Johnson came up to the two of them. "Yes, as I do as well. Ellie, could you bring the gift I mean to give to Chi-Ha-Tan, so we can show it to Konomi."

"Yes, sir," Ellie said, snapping off a salute, then got in the Willy Jeep and drove off.

Konomi turn to Johnson now. "I hate to ask, but are there any other girls wanting to join Ellie from Wolverton?"

Johnson slowly shook his head. "I'm afraid not, she's the only one."

Konomi bit her lip, then spoke again. "What about this new academy you told me about over the phone?"

"This Academy in Texas, I'm still in the unknown, but I know it's my own former commanding officer leading it. Also that he's recruited all of our ex-students to his team," Johnson said, his voice sounding ready to snap.

"Everyone?...even your daughter?" Konomi asks aghast.

Johnson nodded while rubbing his beard with a distraught look. "Yes, she is like her late mother, strong-willed and deeply loyal to those she is close with. My wife was a fiercely competitive college athlete, and those traits are in Jasmine as well as her love of Sensha-do, which makes her want to get back in a tank. Though I think she blames herself for what happens and for the disgrace her teammate laid on our nation."

"It's not Jasmine's fault, it's mine. If I were to talk with her, we could talk her out of joining this academy," Konomi instantly shot in.

"I wish that was possible. Yet her heart is made up and there isn't anything we can do…at least for now," Johnson said sadly.

Konomi shook her head. "This is my error, I never wanted things to play out this way, especially for your daughter. Jasmine was such a natural leader and tanker, she would have gone very far in Sensha-do. Yet my need for revenge has caused all this pain and taken her away from you."

Placing his hand on Konomi's shoulder, Johnson spoke with a gentle smile. "My girl made her choice. I'm to blame just as much, since I was focused so much on bringing Sensha-do to America, that I didn't think of the possible consequences only results. I'm sure Jasmine will come around one day."

"Still…she is one of my students. Morena too, to think that Ellie wouldn't follow her friends knowing it might hurt their friendship," Konomi said sadly.

Johnson made an amused huff. "Ellie surprise me too when her father told me she wanted to join Chi-Ha-Tan. With her Japanese coming along, it shouldn't be too hard for her to transition."

"I hope s-," Konomi started, before a large roar of an engine caught her attention, with the familiar sound of tank tracks rolling over the tarmac.

As a freshly painted M4A3E8 in a solid green color roll forward towards the adults. Poking her head up from the driver's area, Ellie was all smiles as she drove the tank with an expert touch, while on the top of the turret of the tank four Saunders girls were wearing equal smiles. Soon the American tank was position alongside the two adults, then all the girls climb down from it and form a single line in front.

Ellie spoke first in Japanese now. "Allow me to introduce the girls who have been quite kind to me on my stay on their carrier, first is Miss Kay."

"Heya, have to say you have the look of a real Nishizumi. Looking forward to hanging out," Kay said with her usual excitement giving a hearty salute.

Ellie nodded and move on to the next. "This is her second in command Rosie."

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Nishizumi. Ellie has only good things to say about you and I wish to learn about Sensha-do from you, if that is alright?" Rosie said with a bow.

"No worries, I will be honored," Konomi replied happily.

"My name is Alisa, we're very glad to have you on board," Alisa added, bowing her head to Konomi as well.

Then Ellie move on to the last girl. "This here is Miss Naomi, the ace sniper of the team."

Naomi bowed her head, then spoke as she rose up. "Were grateful for your visit, know will provide all we can while you're aboard."

"Thank you, I heard you took in our tanks, I hope they serve you well," Konomi replied.

"Oh yea, that M36B2 has my girl Naomi in a state of love, while more M4 Shermans is always welcome, especially the Easy 8, M24 Chaffees, and M18," Kay said jovially, pointing over her shoulder to said tank.

"Kay," Naomi moan, with a blush on her cheeks over the announcement of her feelings for her favorite tank.

Kay simply wave her hand. "My bad, my bad, though our Easy 8 here isn't going to be onboard too much longer for our enjoyment."

"What do you mean?" Konomi question.

"Mean's I'm the real Santa Claus this year and handing out all the gifts to all the good girls of the Sensha-do world, though the headmaster says this is the final one, with Mister Johnson's approval," Kay explain with a cheeky smile.

Looking at her friend, Konomi spoke. "Who is intended for this gift?"

"While your niece of course. Heard they been having some trouble with their Tiger, so thought our pride and joy might help them for the next match," Johnson answered.

Looking to the M4A3E8, Konomi nodded, then something hit here. "Wait, are we going to be Akagi itself?"

"Yep, we're going to dock with them tomorrow since they finally reach the port of Shichigahama in Miyagi District. Will be visiting them and getting this tank to them, while I believe will give you a chance to talk with Miho," Johnson explain.

Konomi felt her heart stop for a moment. As she was the first time going to be able to talk with her niece, the very one her revenge tour had begun and also ended with. She would have a chance to amend with Miho, while also hopefully forge a bond so that their family could come together for the first time in years. Shiho had given her blessing before they parted to talk with Miho, so that was covered, but there was also the nagging feeling that Konomi had no right still.

It was her fueling Fukushu's head with revenge that had led to the punch, there was no denying that. Leaving Konomi just as guilty as her surrogate daughter and wanting forgiveness from the very girl she had thrust this on.

Not to mention Fukushu would be there and Konomi could finally be reunited with her as well as Linda.

"Good, thank you Johnson for giving me this chance to talk to Miho," Konomi said gratefully.

"Think nothing of it, so till then how about we have some breakfast," Johnson added.

The Saunders girls let of cry of joy, as they were going to personally make their future headmaster a hearty meal and for their guest. Konomi just chuckle as she was ushered by the young girls who bombarded her with questions, as a reunion was on the rise for Konomi, to finally press her demons down and regain the family she had always wanted to be a part of.

---

"I want…strawberry short…cake…all for me," a voice called.

The request echo through the small hotel room, adorn with generic art, a small table for eating, and a t.v on a dresser. Blinds were closed, keeping the sunlight out leaving nothing but shadows, as the lone occupant was blissfully sleeping the early morning away. Something that had been welcome, compared to the nightmares that had been plaguing her before, as this dream was filled with nothing but sweet wants and joy.

However, that was not to last.

As there was a sudden soft click at the front door, then it opened with a young lady walking in. Her long black hair was a little messy, unkept, and begging for some treatment, while her dark piercing blue eyes look towards the bed that held the sleeping occupant, with a shake of the head as her companion was oversleeping on such an important day as well.

"Damn girl, told her not stay up so late and worst she had the bright idea to have a pillow fight with me, like honestly," Linda Sickle complain to herself silently while rubbing her forehead.

However, a smile tug on this once ruthless young lady, as she was slowly opening herself up. All due to her young companion, Fukushu Nishizumi. The bastard daughter of the Nishizumi family, who was her protégé and now friend. If Linda were honest, but never admit openly, her only friend in this whole world, after having kept so many others at arm's length, including old teammates at Saunders who never reach out to her after they graduate.

Not that I blame them, I treated them like tools for my own ambitions, not comrades. God, I hate thinking about it.

Linda thought, then spoke. "Well, no use feeling sorry for myself, for today is a day for making things right."

Then Linda move over to the bed that Fukushu slept in, who was curled up under the large blanket. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Linda look over Fukushu who continue her mutterings in her sleep about sweets, causing an unusual gentle chuckle from Linda who hadn't done such a thing since she was a middle schooler. Moving a hand over to lightly stroke Fukushu's head, she got a good look at her, seeing her features that were just like her half-sister Miho, save for the slightly long hair with blonde at the fringes.

Which made Linda's heart squeeze, knowing she have to face Miho too and apologize for filling her younger sister's head with such malice when it came to Sensha-do. Though Linda would never concede that her discipline training was wrong in any way, her philosophy was the error, thinking that the strong were always meant to crush the weak.

Chi-Ha-Tan had shown that was not the case, along with Oarai. Even with not the strongest tanks in the league, it was a matter of heart and grit. Of truly being a team, knowing everybody would give their all for each other to achieve victory. It was these traits that Linda could no longer overlook and was also a reason for her questioning herself as of late, which she needed to change.

"Linda…you can have some shortcake too," Fukushu mumbled in her sleep.

A small amuse huff escaped Linda's lips looking at Fukushu whose face was forming into a smile. While a reminder that this young brat of hers, was the other reason for the change. This young girl whose fire burn bright, never able to be existiguish as much as Linda tried when she was made the personal trainer for Fukushu to mold into an effective tank commander.

"You didn't know the word quit, even as cruel as I was," Linda spoke quietly, rubbing Fukushu's head gently.

"No…not too much…cake…Linda…you might get a little fat," Fukushu mumbled again in her sleep.

A vein popped in Linda's forehead.

Her face turn into a cruel smile.

"Fat huh? Guess you telling me how you really feel, I'll make sure that doesn't go unpunished," Linda said with a quiet menace, then deadly percsion deliver a hard flick to Fukushu's forehead.

"Ow!" Fukushu yelped, eyes popping open, shooting up in her bed while holding her forehead with both hands that had a small red mark now.

Looking for her attacker, Fukushu instantly caught sight of Linda sitting on the edge of the bed. "What you do?!"

Linda play with her fingernails to feign innocence. "You wouldn't wake up no matter how many times I call, so I had to find an alternative means."

"Pain is not an alternative!" Fukushu while, her grey eyes glaring at her aggravator.

"It seems to have done the trick, so stop your griping and get up, sleepy head, the Akagi came into port last night and we need to get on," Linda explain, then got off the bed to walk over to the dresser to sort out the clothes they were to wear.

"All you make me do is gripe. I mean who hits that hard with a pillow like you did last night," Fukushu bemoan, as she got out of bed, rubbing the sleep dust out of her eyes.

"Remember, it was you who sucker hit me with a pillow to start the fight, I just got even is all," Linda boasted, finding the agreeable clothes she wanted.

"That sounds like how a child acts, not an adult getting sucker in," Fukushu shot back, coming up to Linda with her tongue stuck out in a taunt.

Making Linda growl. "It's too early for your childish games."

"Say's the one who flicks me on the head," Fukushu continue to fight.

"Only because you bring it out of me, I swear, it's like you get a kick out of getting on my nerves," Linda replies with annoyance in her tone.

"Hmm, it does have its benefits. Seeing the great and mighty Linda Sickle, queen of calamity and terror of all trainees of Sensha-do, falling victim to my taunts does bring me great joy," Fukushu said with a wink.

"Ugh," Linda said, rubbing her forehead again. "I need to make better choices for my friends."

Fukushu replied with a jump and wrapped her arms around Linda's neck as she continues to torment her friend. "Nah, I'm all you need, a package that only comes once in a lifetime."

"Don't remind me," Linda said, having to keep her balance with Fukushu latching onto her, but the playful mood was about to be put on hold as Linda spoke again. "Are you nervous?"

"Ah…no, I'm good," Fukushu said quickly, letting go of Linda.

Turning her body fully to her young friend, Linda cross her arms as she spoke. "Look, I know you better than you think. You're only this jovial right now because you're scared."

"I'm not scared!" Fukushu fought back.

Shaking her head in frustration, Linda spoke. "You are because you'll have to face your sister head-on. Thiers nowhere to run, no one to hide behind, it's just going to be you and her. Not to mention all of her team, who I hear have great affection for their commander, even their team's mechanics idolize her."

Slowly, Fukushu brought her hands together, fiddling with them nervously. "I know that, her crew member who pummel me in the match before Nicole got her off was my first understanding of how far they will go for my sister. Miho has their loyalty not just on the field, but off it, they really are a tankery family."

"Meaning we got a host of girls who will want to string us up. Yet we aren't running, are we?" Linda question.

However, Fukushu remain quiet. As all the day's waiting for the Akagi to make port in Shichigahama in Miyagi District, where they were currently located, Fukushu had been trying to keep her spirits high. Yet the gnawing feeling of anxiety was always in the back of her mind. Knowing that she had to make things right, but how to go about that was the real question. A simple apology wasn't going to fix things, she wasn't naive enough to believe in that, actions would also need to follow to make sure the sincerity was there for everyone to see in Fukushu's want to be a better person overall.

While another part of her really did want to be family with Miho, to be the sisters they should have always been in the end. Supporting one another and having fun above all, while another part of her wanted to meet Maho and make good with her as well, since she was her half-sister too. Though that was all just dreams at the moment, nothing more than a wish that so far hadn't been fulfilled.

"Fukushu, look at me," Linda call out, dragging Fukushu from her internal worries as the two looked at each other. "I'm scared as hell too."

"Huh?" Fukushu ask.

Linda turn to the dresser, looking at the host of clothes inside. "I'm scared, because of my actions, and what I've done. It just can't be enough to say sorry, like that will take away the misery I've caused them. If they wanted to beat me to a pulp, they have every right. Hell, if it were me, it's what I do."

Reaching a hand out, Fukushu places her own over Linda's. "They won't do that, I know my sister won't let them."

"They still will want to. They're not going to just be happy I tried to make nice, I will be lucky if they don't just spit at my feet when they walk past, things aren't quickly mended, even with their newfound prestige. Old wounds like that, don't close for a reason," Linda spoke solemnly, her hand gripping Fukushu's back tightly as if trying to find comfort.

"I understand…," Fukushu started, then finding something that might her friend. "Konomi has old wounds she's been carrying since she was a teenager, that have not fully healed even now. Sometimes I heard her cry out in her sleep at night."

"Really?" Linda question.

"Yea, knowing what I know now of her past, I understand why she did. Before I just climb into bed and hold till she calm down, but never would Konomi tell me why, because she carried her old wounds for so long with no one to help that I realize now she fear opening up," Fukushu explain.

Linda felt a want to ask what Konomi had gone through in her youth, but felt it wasn't her place to know something that traumatic.

Fukushu spoke up again. "Yet, just by talking with Shiho, airing out her frustration, but also her wants, seems to have healed that wound. Meaning, if my mother can do it, after all, she has endured, I shall too, even if it frightens me to death. That goes for you too."

"Alright, can't believe you're pepping me up. Guess your growing up finally," Linda now tease, wanting to down the sour mood in the room.

"Psh, I've matured more than you think," Fukushu boasted with her hands on her hip.

"Say's the girl who has a Boko bear in her room back at Wolverton, or did anyway," Linda said with a roll of the eyes.

"What! How did you find that?!" Fukushu whined, with a shocked look.

Linda simply shrug. "Went snooping around your room, trying to find out what makes you tick so I could help with your training."

"That's a blatant abuse of power you weirdo!" Fukushu shot back.

"It also was kind of cute, I kinda figure you to be a total tomboy, but guess you can like cutesy things too. Though that bear is totally lame," Linda said calmly, grabbing the clothes she plan to wear.

"Boko is totally awesome, he's the reason I get back up all the time no matter how hard he's knocked down!" Fukushu explain rapidly.

"Still, isn't hard to find an episode since it's a Japan exclusive?" Linda question.

"Kinda, but I just find some illegal downloads online," Fukushu answers casually.

"Oh, brother…ok get your clothes you want and I'll take a shower first, we have to get on the Akagi soon. We're lucky they've just dock, so a lot of their residents and students will be away, while we get onboard with no foot traffic," Linda said, heading for the shower.

"You got," Fukushu said, grabbing some clothes, then turning to Linda as she was walking away. "Oh, we should save time and take a shower together."

"Oh dear god! I'll be quick, stay out here!" Linda yell, with a blush on her cheeks.

"Just teasing ya, jeez," Fukushu said between her giggle fits.

Soon both were done with their showers and ready for the long day ahead of them. Linda went casual with a black and blue flannel shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes. While Fukushu wore a black long sleeve shirt, with yellow high-rise shorts, with black shoes as well.

Making sure she had her wallet and watch on, Fukushu look over to Linda. "I actually haven't asked you before, but how are we getting on the Akagi? They aren't letting people enter because of the media outlets wanting to get the scoop about the Nishizumi family drama, or so I heard on the news."

"Well…for that, I had to make a call to someone to get us a special pass onboard," Linda said meekly.

"Who?" Fukushu ask.

Before Linda could reply, there was a knock at the door of their hotel room. Fukushu became a little perplex, knowing it was too early for room service, but Linda wave her worries away. Then proceed to the door and open it without even asking who it was. What greeted them both was the sight as a beautiful young woman in her mid 20's with bright blue eyes and brown flowing hair, wearing a grey single-button blazer with a white dress shirt underneath, with a matching grey skirt, with black heels on.

The women didn't say anything at first, looking at Linda and then at Fukushu who cower a little behind Linda, as she didn't know who this woman was.

It didn't take long for introductions, as the women talk. "Hello ladies, my name is Suzuko Yasumi, secretary of Chi-Ha-Tan Academies' Headmaster Hidemichi. I'm here to escort you to the carrier and the private platform we prepare to get you on board."

"You called on the headmaster himself," Fukushu whisper in astonishment to Linda.

Though Linda ignore her and remember her formalities as she bow her head to the secretary. "Thank you, Miss Yasumi."

Seeing she was being rude, Fukushu follow suit with a bow. "Thank you, Miss Yasumi."

However, the secretary's face seem to hold a quiet annoyance looking at the two, but whatever internal loathing she had for them, she kept to herself, as Yasumi was a professional after all.

"However, before I take you to our team's Sensha-do building, you will have talk with Mister Hidemichi himself, this is absolute, is that understood?" Yasumi said with no hint of compromise in her voice.

"Understood, I'll talk with him, the both of us," Linda agreed.

Yasumi nodded. "Good, however, don't mistake his kindness. If there is any disrespect of him, I will drag you from the ship myself, and don't think I'm not serious."

The secretary's tone was enough to send a chill down both girls backs, making them nod rapidly, which appease Suzuko's wrath. Then told them to come along, as a car was waiting outside the hotel to drive them to the carrier. Both Linda and Fukushu walk down the hall in silence, each preparing their heart for the day that would could good or poorly, but no matter what, they wouldn't run. They had to face their demons if they were pushed on in their dreams in Sensha-do.

Yet, they wouldn't do it without the other.

As both of them, without the need for words, nodded to one another to know they had each others back, as the young wolves walk to their own battle that was there to win or lose.

---

The Chi-Ha-Tan school grounds were empty, save for some teaching staff going about some last-minute paperwork for their upcoming test and lectures. While the students themselves were off today since it was Saturday and to make things better, their carrier had made port, meaning shore time for the girls to go out and enjoy themselves a little.

All save but the Sensha-do team, who once more had to stay confined to the ship, due to the controversy surrounding the Nishizumi family and with reporters roaming around like sharks who smell a lead from whoever they could talk to, especially the teammates who fought alongside Miho, made the headmaster enforce these constraints on the girls. Though much to his own regret, as Hidemichi knew that doing so only made the team somewhat bitter, who was dealing with internal strife due to Mizuko coming back to the team and was already hounding home the ideals of old on Chi-Ha-Tan squad.

"The past can't ever be left, it just sticks to us like a bad scar," Hidemichi said to himself, as he sat on a bench along one of his school's walking paths, shaded by one of the few Cherry blossom trees aboard the ship.

Looking up, Hidemichi took in the sight of the lovely pink petals dancing with the slight breeze, giving a calming effect for the old headmaster. Which was welcome, as he was about to put events into motion that might fix or cause more pain, the latter making his heart squeeze every time he thought about it. Knowing he was about to bring the very past back onboard that had cause his Sensha-do team so much suffering, that had torn them apart and left them hanging by the edge of collapse had it not been for the leadership of Nishi in those early gloomy days.

Nishi…the poor girl. Everything was left to her, a mountain of responsibilities to hold a team together and only as a first-year then. Yet at her core, she cares for the success of everyone, which only makes sense why she wanted to win and bring Mizuko back…till Miho came along….

Hidemichi thought, still finding himself baffle over learning of the former suspended member being on the team again. For it was he who had suspended Mizuko for the first round the following year, after the disastrous loss to Saunders, when Mizuko herself in a fit of rage at then commander Ako, threw a punch at her. Hedimichi saw it himself as he had been informed of the heated yelling between the two, which prompted him to break it up and suspend Mizuko.

It was the first time he ever had to do that to a student under his care in any capacity. Hidemichi could boldly claim out of any of the school carriers, he had the lowest in terms of infractions on or off ship. He had a very steep need for discipline, even amongst the less fortunate girls he had adopted into the school, as they could be unruly due to their more dark backgrounds. Yet, most would get on board with how things were run, while at the same time not want to disappoint their father figure he provided for them, and a home as well.

The Akagi was just that, even for those who graduate and move on. Though, this ship was not the original one that fought in the war, due to being sunk at the battle of Midway, it was a replica design and the first to be used as a carrier school. In an attempt to start bringing their nation out of its depression and give something in the form of hope, even with their economy only recovering. Other nations protested against this, thinking that Japan was only trying to bring back its Imperial crown over its head once more, but when many foreign diplomats were invited to see the ship, they were marveled at the creation of a living carrier to call home.

Thus an agreement was met with the United Nations to allow Japan to build carriers for only use of academics and their new sport of Sensha-do, but with materials in short supply, they only had enough to build one more, which would be Akagi's sister carrier, Zuikaku, the home of Oarai Girls Academy. Making them the oldest ships in the carrier fleet to this day, who would sail the waters alone as other schools would reside to the mainland until 1992, when the United States wishing to forge more good relations with Japan, donated their decomissioned carrier the USS George Washington which would become the home of Saunders naturally.

It wasn't long before other schools received ships to call home, Kuromorimine a newly constructed Graf Zeppelin from Germany.

Great Brittan with a reconstructed HMS Ark Royal, a royal gift from the Queen of England herself for her favorite team.

While Russia who were originally going to sell their decommissioned Kiev Carrier to China opted out and sold it to Japan as they wanted Pravda, who repersted their proud tankers of old, to have a home with the top four.

It wasn't long before other ships were sold or constructed by Japan for all schools.

With Hidemichi bearing witness to it all, though his initial time was spent on the Akagi and later on with the Graf Zepplin as he instructed their Sensha-do teams in basic tank operation. Yet the reason he had a wealth of tank operation knowledge still haunted him to this day, because of his past which made him a prime need for the then infant Sensha-do Federation who wanted to produce fine tankery girls.

A reason that would stay with him to his final days.

"To think I was oppose to ever being near any sort of military facility after the war, but life is strange….and upertubally cruel," Hidemichi spoke to himself.

Suddenly he was pull his dark thoughts as footsteps pattering down the stone path caught his ear. Turning in the direction of the noise, he was a trio of people coming towards him. He instantly recognize his secretary leading the way, though her lovely face was pull into a silent scowl, which Hidemichi knew all too well was because of the orders he placed on her. Knowing she had no love for what he had planned to do this day, but whatever the case it had to be done.

Even if it causes the Chi-Ha-Tan Sensha-do a fit, even more so than now.

Quickly the trio was standing in front of Hidemichi, as Suzuko spoke with a bow. "Headmaster Hidemichi, I have brought the girls to you."

"Thank you," Hidemichi said with a grateful nod, then turn to the young ladies. "I hope you'll forgive this request of me."

Suzuko made a small growl, as she saw no need for her headmaster to ask for apologies, especially of these two girls who both had caused harm to their Sensha-do team. Though, she would not say anything openly, as she had been a student in this academy and had seen how Hidemichi was a man who look after souls that society had chew up and spat out like bad food, but he would nurse them back to their feet, her included. If he meant to talk to these girls he meant to do some good for them, even if they didn't deserve it.

"Speak up ladies," Suzuko said, keeping her tone even as best she could.

Linda spoke up first, bowing to the headmaster, motioning for her companion to follow, using her great Japanese speaking to talk. "Good morning, Headmost Hidemichi, I'm Linda Sickle."

"I'm Fukushu," was all the young Nishizumi said.

Hearing that made Hidemichi frown a little. "My dear, you have a last name, please say it."

Fukushu raised her head, looking to the side seeming to be uncomfortable with the request. "I don't have a right to that name."

"Hmm," Hidemichi cooed. "Understandable, the weight of your guilt is pressing down you, making you think abandoning that last name will make things better."

"Well…maybe…I don't know," Fukushu said, wrapping her arms around herself as she was being put on the spot.

"I think you do, but I understand your anxiety. While Miss Sickle, you seem to carry your affliction in a box locked away for good. Yet, it's clawing to get out, having been repressed for so long, am I right?" Hidemichi ask, turning to the American girl.

Though Linda said nothing back, finding the ground more interesting.

He's only said a few words to them and has them both reeling from their truths…Our Headmaster is truly a extraordinary man and why I will ease his workload no matter the cost to myself

Suzuko thought with admiration in her eyes.

Hidemichi seeming please with his examination, motion with his hands to the open spot on the bench. "Please be seated, don't worry, this conversation I hope won't be too long, the Sensha-do team isn't in their building yet, which is why I brought you here."

Both girls obeyed, with Linda taking a seat next to the Headmaster, while Fukushu sat as close as she could to Linda seeming to cling to her instructor. While Suzuko step off to the side, as she would stay by her Headmaster, but let them have some space, as she found a bench a little always to sit down herself, her eyes watching the trio like a hawk ready to throw the girls off the carrier if they disrespected Hidemichi in any way.

A soft wind pick up, making the cherry blossom tree wave with it once more. Its pink leaves seeming to dance with the melody of the wind, giving Hidemichi once more a soothing feeling over this natural marvel. He look over to the see the pair of girls still with troubled looks, not taking in the calming effect of the tree, only staring forward as if they were contemplating their choices up to this point, or were waiting with trepidation over what the Headmaster might say.

Guess I need to start things off

Hidemichi thought, taking a breath for courage then spoke. "What is your propose here girls?"

The question made both of them turn in his direction with surprised looks, till Linda spoke up first. "Isn't it obvious? We came to ap-."

"Do you mean to truly apologize or soothe your conscious?" Hidemichi questioned.

"Huh?" Linda said with a hint of anger in her voice, though Fukushu touch her arm to calm her down, with Suzuko about to get up from her seat, but was waved down by Hidemichi.

Hidemichi let a few moments pass to let things cool down, then spoke. "I ask again, do you mean to truly apologize or soothe your conscious?"

"Of course we came to apologize," Linda said, unable to keep her voice even.

Again Hidemichi had to calm his secretary, as he could understand why his question was causing the young girl's ire, or more to the point, it was his want to press her and make her snap back.

"Will that help your wounded conscious? Is that all you want and then go back to your lives feeling free of your guilt?" Hidemichi continue the questionnaire.

"No," Fukushu spoke up quietly. "We want to right the wrongs we did to others, Linda just didn't understand the way to phrase the question is all Mister Hidemichi, please forgive her."

Hidemichi nodded. "Is this true?"

"Yea," Linda said with an apologetic look. "Sorry, I have a temper that I'm trying to learn to control. I haven't had many people question me openly, that it's still taking me adjusting to."

"Good," Hidemichi said.

"How is that good?" Linda ask with a befuddled look.

"It means your truly want to change is genuine. If it were so easy to change years of character in a few weeks, all of us might be better people. Yet change does not happen in such a short time, it's like an open wound that needs time, as I'm sure Fukushu has things as well taking adjusting too," Hidemichi stated.

Fukushu grimace as the light was on her now. "I don't know what you mean."

"Ah, youth have so much contain within themselves. Never revealing much due to not understanding their own self, allow me to simply state something that even you might have realized, my dear," Hidemichi stated.

Getting Fukushu's full attention looking at him with wide eyes, full of curiosity.

"You still hate the Nishizumi family? Or in some capacity, which is why you can't truly acknowledge your last name, am I right?" Hidemichi press.

Fukushu said nothing casting her eyes away, gripping Linda's arm to keep herself level.

"It's alright if that is the case, no one would blame you, even your half-sister Miho," Hidemichi spoke in a gentle tone to soothe the girl.

Hearing that seem to loosen the stiffness in Fukushu, who turn back to him and spoke. "Your right, a part of me won't let it go. After what happened to Konomi, knowing the horrors she suffered and none of them help her, especially Shiho, and now not being able to take over and forge a better path leaves me with some resentment still, much to my shame."

"Hm, I thought as much. Then please hate me as well if that is the case," Hidemichi said.

"Why?" Fukushu questioned with a stunned look.

"I knew of Panzer Kettō and what it entail when I first got into instructing Sensha-do. Yet I did nothing to stop it, just carry on in my duties because I was chained to the fact that it was a tradition of the Sensha-do families back then and was not to be questioned," Hidemichi answered, with a solemn look.

"Can't believe that was a thing back in the day, making young girls fight each other to rule their clans," Linda added.

"Yes, a terrible ordeal that broke more girls than I can bear to count. Yet we value Sensha-do as a great part of our culture, that help bring the nation out of its depression after the war, making this turn of the cheek to its darker deeds more prevalent back then before it was disbanded for good," Hidemichi explain.

"Yet before it was, Konomi was beaten in her duel with Shiho, then kick out for her failure. She may have forgiven her, but I don't think I ever will. Which is why I can't rightly take the last name Nishizumi, not to mention punching my sister in a fit of rage, that isn't what family should be doing to one another," Fukushu said solemnly.

Hidemichi nodded. "Yes, your need for revenge clouded your reason, that cannot be denied. Yet all that anger was broken by Miho, wasn't it? A simple set of words that made you question everything."

I love you

Words that Miho spoke to Fukushu after saving her from the river. Words Fukushu couldn't stand to hear, not because she didn't believe them, but for the fact that in an instant she felt her anger washed away. Replace with a need to accept these words, because they were being said with sincerity towards her, this love being extended to a girl who was doing all she could to take the Nishizumi family down for good.

A simple set of words that destroy all her hard work to avenge her surrogate mother.

"I couldn't believe she would say that to me, to a stranger no less, even if we have the same blood. I wanted her to be my enemy, just as I always view Miho, her sister, and her mother. There was such power behind those simple words, I felt myself lose the will to fight and it scared me that someone in an instant could do that to me," Fukushu confess.

"Yes, that is our Miho for you. She has an ability to bring those with hatred and pain in their hearts together, even if they don't want to at first. It's how she brought our team out of its slump and away from old traditions," Hidemichi said.

"Yet, we didn't make her life any easier," Linda said, looking to Fukushu who was downtrodden, and giving her a pat on the head to calm her down, with Fukushu leaning her head into Linda's arm for comfort.

Hidemichi smile, seeing that from the two girls' actions could tell they both were genuine in their want to change and it was having each other that was making it happen.

However, things needed to be addressed to truly know if they wanted to face things head on.

"Yes, Miss Sickle, you didn't make Miho's life easy with how you train Fukushu. Yet before her, there were the girls of my Sensha-do team, whose lives you upended in that match last year," Hidemichi stated, his tone firm with accusation.

This started with me, so no use getting angry over it, even if I don't like the tone he's taking. I need to face him, because he is testing me, this whole conversation is a test, and I can see that now. If he doesn't think we really want to apologize truly, he won't let us see the Chi-Ha-Tan girls…he is a sly old fox…I think I understand why I hear stories of how fiercely his students love him, he gets out of you what you fear and makes you face it head on…which is what I need to do here.

Linda thought, then took a deep breath, turning her eyes back to the old man. "No, I didn't make their lives easier. I cause them immense grief because I treated them not as an opponent, but just a nuisance to be wiped away."

"You did, causing two of my girls to get into a fight and had to unfortunately suspend one of them," Hidemichi replied.

"They fought each other after the match?" Linda ask in astonishment.

A nod follow from Hidemichi. "Yes, as our former commander then was trying to change things around for our team, but her second in command was a traditionalist of the old code for our Sensha-do team, and losing in the humiliating fashion only amplify the animosity she had for her commander, resulting in the fight."

"I never knew….I had heard there been some internal strife, but not to that extent the team was imploding at such levels," Linda said with a horrified expression, her hand coming up to her mouth.

"Yes, though to be honest, it was always at the edge with those two. One wanting to change and the other wanting to stay with what was comfortable, I'm only saddened I could never intervene," Hidemichi replied with a deep sigh of guilt following.

Fukushu spoke up now. "I've always heard Chi-Ha-Tan was grounded in their belief of some warrior code in their team, but you sound like you wanted it to change just as much as this former commander, so why not change things as the headmaster?"

A small chuckle follow from Hidemichi, making both girls give him an odd look, then he spoke up. "If only it were that easy. To want to change is not something that should be forced, but to let happen naturally. As a headmaster, my job is to nurture young minds, but not condense those minds to whatever I want them to be in life, I must allow them to grow and change as they feel is right, do you understand?"

A few moments passed, as Linda brought a hand up to her chin, pondering over what Hidemichi stated to her. It didn't take long for her to understand what he was getting at, as she brought her eyes back to him.

"You wanted them to abandon the code on their own and change as they wanted," Linda answered.

"Rightly so," Hidemichi reply with a nod. "If I had forced my want for them to change, it only harden the resolves of the others to keep their code. For two decades I watch this with nothing but pain in my heart, but finally last year someone wanted that change naturally, but it all ended before it began."

"I ended it and only made things worse…I can't say how sorry I am for that. Hearing you talk about it, I can tell how passionate you are about your team and I beat them down to sate my own wants to be on top," Linda said, her voice grave as she recounted that match in her mind.

"Linda," Fukushu said, gripping Linda's arm for comfort once more.

"I'm sure you had your reason for this, as I'm good at reading people. You were once a kind soul, competitive for sure, but never cruel in your means to win, am I right?" Hidemichi ask.

"Your right," Linda answered, unable to look him in the eye.

"Then tell me about this time before Saunders, if it's alright?" Hidemichi gently said.

After a few moments of collecting herself, Linda began to recount her tale about her life back in America and in her home state of New York. Where she once was an aspiring soccer player with national-level aspirations, but fail in the end, with her teammates turning their back on her because they thought she was using them for her own goals, which led to Linda becoming bitter and wanting to humiliate others as she felt back then.

Leading up to her joining Saunders and working her way into the leadership role, where she hatched her plan to destroy Chi-Ha-Tan and set in motion everything that was to be.

After she was done, Linda watch Hidemichi remain quiet, seeming to think over all that she had said. It was definitely a lot to take in, while not trying to sound like Linda herself was making excuses for why she had done what she had done, as that was the last thing she wanted. For she was here to change for good, or at least be a starting point.

"I see," was all Hidemichi said.

"That's all you have to say," Linda questioned, earning a glare from the secretary at the tone.

"It's all I need to say, as I know a lot more about you now. Thank you for sharing that with me, Miss Sickle," Hidemichi replied, bowing his head to her.

"But…don't you want to light into me or something? Chastise me? Get angry...Just anything at all?" Linda questioned, feeling baffled this man could just remain calm through this whole thing.

"Would you like me to be angry with you?" Hidemichi ask.

Linda felt at a loss for words, then spoke. "I honestly don't know…I came here with just my mind running wild on how to absorb the angry words I'm sure you and the team would have for me when I came here."

"Mmm, is this how you prepared yourself as well, Fukushu?" Hidemichi turn his question to.

"Sort of, but I guess I hope my sister could keep things…relatively peaceful," Fukushu responded shyly.

Though that sentence made Hidemichi grimace, knowing the very girl wasn't here, but had to press on to deal with this situation. "Anger is such a powerful emotion and at times quite destructive. It drives us to do things we probably wouldn't have done before, and commit acts we are disgusted with later, but when the acts pile up, sometimes we lose sight of when to let this anger rest, as I believe the case is with you two."

Fukushu and Linda remain quiet thinking over the words.

Prompting Hidemichi to speak up again. "Anger that cause your father to not want you to be in Sensha-do, am I right Fukushu?"

Hearing that made Fukushu become shocked. "Yes…how do you know?"

"He told me himself, as he was here on my carrier a little while ago," Hidemichi explain.

"Is he here now?" Fukushu said, looking in every direction in a panic, as she still didn't have the courage to face him after leaving home.

Waving his hand to calm her, Hidemichi spoke up. "No, no, he left some time ago. After he had a chance to talk with his daughter Miho."

"He talk with my sister?...I guess that makes sense, he always wanted her and Maho more than he ever wanted me," Fukushu said sadly.

"Please don't say that, your father, even with all his faults loves you dearly. He had a difficult time loving Sensha-do because he knew of Shiho's dark path in it and did not want his daughters to be slaves, which is why they had a falling out," Hidemichi reply.

Yet the words didn't comfort Fukushu at all as she spoke. "It didn't make it right for him to yell at me, to look at me like I was doing the most evil thing on this earth. All I wanted to do was make him proud and for that he just hated me."

Hidemichi simply shook his head. "There is a saying, good men mean well, we just don't end up doing well. Tsuneo wanted his daughters to choose their own lives, not be told what to do. Any parent should have that in mind, which was extended to you Fukushu though not in the right way, it was only because he lost so much in his mind to Sensha-do and the Nishizumi tradition that he fear you lose your own freewill."

"Yet doing Sensha-do was what I wanted! To be a part of the Nishizumi family!" Fukushu said angrily, then went quiet realizing she had confessed her secrets and wants out in the open, prompting her to grip Linda's arm to try to contain her rage.

Hidemichi simply smile at the response, not perturbed at all. "I think Tsuneo is slowly understanding that. This is why he is trying his best to amend his ways, knowing now that he has lost two families to his wants and does not want that to ever happen again. Fukushu, you must speak with him again, even if you won't forgive him now, anger will fade eventually. You don't want to live your life with regret do you, if you never talk to your father again?"

Fukushu seem to struggle with coming to terms with finding it in her heart to forgive her father.

"Well, I can't force you and will leave that your judgment to talk to him. Now I believe we need to move on to the final part of this conversation. I ask you ladies, knowing your past that has led you to this moment, do you truly mean to change? To right your wrongs you've done to others?" Hidemichi ask, his eyes becoming very serious looking at the pair.

Linda and Fukushu look to each other knowing this was again a test by this Headmaster, to ascertain if they were truly ready to blossom anew and leave their hate behind. To find a new perspective on life and push forward to obtain it. Starting here with the very people they had hurt the most and only then if they could truly face it, would they obtain this new lease on life.

Linda nodded, with Fukushu nodding back.

"I believe will not disappoint you, Mister Hidemichi," Linda said, turning her eyes to him, her face showing all the conviction that was needed for the headmaster to see, with Fukushu following.

Hedimichi kept looking at them for a long moment as if he was searching their very souls to find the truth of this remark. Then slowly, but surely, his smile formed on his face. His fears of this pair only trying to soothe their hurt conscious were unfounded, they were here to truly change and be better, to grow from their mistakes.

The very thing he instill into his school culture when was awarded the headmaster role. A place where those who had been given a raw deal in life, a chance to better themselves, to not sit in the darkness that had consumed their start. Hedimichi wanted them to grow from their bad experiences whether an orphan, a bullied soul, or just wanting to find that place they belong, he wanted to them to have it here the place and sisters that would help them grow into women that would take the world on with a vigor that could not be kept down.

It truly is a beautiful thing, when the soul can be reformed from the shadows that bind it and see itself shine…I should know better than anyone else…

Hidemichi thought, then spoke in a jovial tone. "I see the conviction that cannot be question. You have my blessing to meet with the team tank commanders first, as if they are sway to your side, their crews will surely follow."

"Thank you, Mister Hedimichi, I can't thank you enough," Linda said with bow of the head.

"As I feel the same, you are truly a man to be respected. I thank you for all you've done, not just for me now, but for my family…and my father," Fukushu added with her bow of the head.

Hedimichi nodded happily to the praise and thanks. "It is I who should thank you, listening to an old man you've never met and at least hearing him out is a blessing. Many want to brush us off when we try to put some wisdom on others."

"I know I'll blow off any elderly ever again, that's a promise," Linda joke, making the trio chuckle, with even the secretary having to cover her lips with her hand to hide her smile.

"Well now, there is one other thing I will mention before you go," Hedimichi said, his face becoming serious once more prompting the two girls to listen in.

Hedimichi spoke again. "You will find that out of the group you are to face, there is someone missing."

"Missing?" Fukushu asked with interest.

"Yes," Hedimichi said with a nod. "Mainly the most important one you wish to me I believe. Being Miho herself, as she is currently away."

The blood drain from Fukushu's face, while Linda scrunched her hand into fist in her lap. Both of them were counting on the Tigress Commander herself being present, knowing she had a very forgiving soul and had the absolute loyalty of her team that would allow them to speak without getting an earful from the other Chi-Ha-Tan tank commanders.

"Why…why isn't she here?!" Fukushu said, her heart racing in her chest.

Hedimichi sigh sadly. "As you know, the Nishizumi family name is facing a very dark time."

"The bribery charge on…Maho Nishizumi and Shiho Nishizumi facing child abuse and grievances of past members of Kuromorimine, it's been all over the news, you can't miss it," Linda stated.

Hedimichi nodded. "Yes, an event that has left me sleepless most nights, as you know I'm quite fond of their family having been with them so long. That being said, Miho herself was recovering in the hospital when she found this out, from Tsuneo of all people. Which prompted her to sneak off to what I assume is to see her sister and mother."

Fukushu felt her heart drop at the statement. "She was in the hospital?"

"Yes, due from heavy exhaustion from the match, though luckily it was only for a couple of days. However, after hearing the news of her family upon waking up, she convinced our fighter pilot, Miss Suzume, into taking her off the carrier, from there I do not know where she is at present," Hedimichi explain.

"Oh no," Fukushu said in quiet distraught, bringing a hand up to her mouth, feeling sick to her stomach over the news. For she had a very good idea why her sister was in the hospital as she spoke again. "Is it because of the punch?"

"That and swimming in that treacherous river to save you from drowning, but she's come through all right in the end, as you can see from what I told you, she got back into action rather quickly," Hedimichi said with a light chuckle.

Linda made a low whistle. "A girl of some fortitude that one, I can see why she is so respected."

"Miho wasn't always that way. She was timid and downtrodden by her experiences of what she perceived as not being able to keep up with the Nishizumi style. Make no mistake, she has talent, but she needed help to get to her feet once more," Hedimichi explain.

"By the very girls of this school, I presume," Linda ask.

"Yes, quite so," Hedimichi spoke with a small smile. "Just as you both must find your feet again…and if I'm not mistaken, you've found it with each other haven't you?"

Linda and Fukushu look to one another, then smile, for that was the truth. They had started off as teacher and student, which didn't make them friends. In fact, they plain hated each other, but again that was due to each other still trying to come to terms with their past, but in the end it was each other who were helping the other up.

"Unfourtently though, she is still a bit of headache to deal with," Linda joke, wrapping an arm around Fukushu and bringing her close causing the young Nishizumi to groan at being teased.

Hedimichi smiled at the two, then spoke again. "Well, I believe you two best be off now. The tank commanders will be in a meeting about now."

"Yes," Linda replied, standing up and then walking to stand in front of Hedimichi, with Fukushu by her side.

"Thank you very much," Both girls said in unison, bowing to the headmaster with deep respect.

"Thank you ladies," Hedimichi said, then motioned for his secretary to come over and guide them to the Sensha-do building.

Promptly they were led off, leaving Hedimichi alone to enjoy the peace under the cherry blossom tree. He turn his head up to look at the bright blue sky hanging above, but suddenly he felt none of the pleasantness of the day as he should. Instead, he began to feel his stomach twist, as his mind began to play back memories of his youth, but they were not happy ones.

"I send them off with such words, yet I must be the biggest hypocrite. They've made mistakes, but they are not grave, they are not unforgivable, and they can be mended. My mistakes can never be forgiven….." Hedimichi trailed off.

He spoke to himself once more. "Yoshihama, Shinkai, and Yokota….I wonder if you were here to speak to me one last time, could you forgive me?"

Suddenly voices of his dead comrades spoke to him.

What you worried about Koto?

Will give those yanks a real thrashing!

Our duty to the Emperor will give us the courage to throw these devils into the sea, don't you worry….leader.

"You all believed in me…we all believe we were going to win…yet what did it get me but this bloody guilty conscious to live with…because I sent you to die…leaving me the only one able to go home…while your families wept and wept…yet I speak of forgiveness so lightly when I have blood on my hands, the blood of my comrades" Hedimichi spoke to himself.

Memories of cannons roaring, the raging flames, and worse of all that deathly high pitch screams flooded his mind.

Their once proud tanks that they believe to be invincible were nothing but metal coffins for the final rest for their crews.

While all this was done by a single enemy…

It had all been a lie…

A lie that had cost the lives of Hidemichi's friends and some of his own sanity…

Only for his life to be saved by the very enemy he wanted to kill…an American who in spoke in Japanese to him…

It's alright…it's alright… it's over...please…it's over…don't die when so many have already...

Had it not been for those words, Hedimichi with nothing but his Type 95 Shin Gunto katana in hand to fight his foes who had their guns trained on him and would have died all in the name of his crumbling Empire and its fortunes that once were considered invincible.

Yet the veil had been lifted from Hedimichi then, the lies exposed, and the awful mistake he made in the name of duty.

"Yet what can I do now?...I must do what I have always done, press forward to make sure I do enough with this life to make up for that terrible day…that will allow this Imperial Solider to rest when my time comes…that is my goal…if only I can thank that American who saved my life," Hemichi spoke in a solemn tone.

Again he went quiet, looking to the ground that was much more pleasant to take in for the moment. A part of his life he desperately wanted to forget, he wanted to have the same amnesia his nation seem to have whenever the subject of their Imperial past was brought up. Hedimichi, even if he had briefly participated in this quest for their ambition of the Empire of Japan, it had been a lie.

A lie about their invincibility, about their ability to win. Sending young men like Hedimichi to their deaths to keep the Allies from their homeland, or at least that was what the commanding officers had beaten into their minds in their short training before deployment. Everything was long past the need to fight, all it was at that moment was a meat grinder to see who could send the most to their deaths until it was too much.

Ko…Ko…Koto…was…I…a…a…a…good soldier?

Those dying words of his friend, as Hedimichi, held him close, crying all the while. Yet was able to meet this question with a few final words.

A few words that seem meaningless to a young dying man, who wanted nothing but to go home to his family.

You were…you were…

"I swore after that I never join any military arm ever…has to be the strangest thing in the world I decided to take the offer to be a Sensha-do instructor. Yet all my efforts have led me to this point, to take over the school that still has a hold on the memories of our Imperial past…I only needed to see it slowly change to the modern way of thinking…all but the Sensha-do Club," Hedimichi spoke, his tone grave.

"I needed someone to fix it, I could not, as I had no right due to my own past…but I just needed that one girl to see reason…Miho…you are a blessing…and yet I have to ask you do so much for me, putting you in the line of fire to see my Sensha-do club Rerise from the old to the new…," Hedimichi continue.

"Yet, I must ask you to do more. To be the one to face Mizuko…to deal with this warrior code that must end…or maybe find a way to coexist with the Nishizumi style…I can only hop-," Hidemichi was suddenly cut off his open thoughts.

His phone in his pocket began to ring, prompting him to quickly dig it out and answer. "Hello…yes Captain, is there something wrong with the carrier?...no…Are you sure?...very well, please have a car sent to the airstrip…you already have?...thank you very much, goodbye."

After hanging up his phone, Hedimichi smile warmly, feeling a weight lifted in the form of worries. "So, your home, my dear. If only this homecoming could be more welcoming, but I'm afraid you'll find things are not what they were and only you can help fix that. I can only hope she forgives me later…even if I don't deserve it."

With nothing more to do, the Headmaster and veteran soldier simply closed his eyes and let the tranquil day wash over him, with his prayers being sent to protect the girls of his Sensha-do club, as they were about to have their greatest trial place before them.

---

"So, with our usual targeting drills, will be adding in platoon movements with Ghost company acting as moving targets. The goal will be to identify and get our guns on target, Hosomi will be overseeing this. Daredevil company will go first, with Tozen and Iron Kraken following, then will switch things around for the remaining time," Nishi announce, as she stood at the commanders podium, reading the papers of the practice schedule.

The Chi-Ha-Tan tankers who were listening in were seated in their lecture hall designed room for the tank commanders of the team, with a tiered seating arrangement that had those in the rear rows sitting higher than those in the front row, so everyone could see the commander.

"Yes, ma'am," the response came back to the practice schedule being heard, though it had a great lack of enthusiasm with it.

Which made Nishi frown, because the mood among the tank commanders was not the usual upbeat as it should be. That could be credited to the division that was forming and obviously couldn't be ignored by anyone at this point anymore. With Mizuko and her cohorts causing more interruptions during drills about the warriors code, chastising the new Sensha-do style their team follow, and how it was disgracing the teams of the past.

At first, there was opposition to this, but slowly some second-years voices began to quiet and listen to their upperclassmen. There was a standard that all teams in Sensha-do had a hierarchy, with the upperclassmen having a duty to provide tutelage to their young upcoming tankers, but another part of their job was to make sure the team's culture is maintained around their Sensha-do teams. It was a staple that all teams around the league follow without question.

Which in turn, as hard as it was for Nishi to admit, was that Chi-Ha-Tan had all but completely pushed aside the old ways of their club, this warrior code that had been a tradition of the club since its founding at the birth of Sensha-do in Japan, something only three others teams could match in terms of length. It was because of this long treasure tradition that was now coming back to the surface and making the second years conflicted on how things should be, even with all the success they had found under Miho.

As traditions didn't die easily.

"You know, I would have thought you all would be more cheerful, because at this point I can boldly say I've seen more cheer in a graveyard," Mizuko spoke in a smug tone from her seat, causing her other 2 third-year tank commanders to snicker.

Nishi felt herself clench her teeth at the remark, but remain cool on the surface. "Be that as it may, we have a practice to run today and with the second round now officially done, our match with Pravda is a week away now."

"Oh, I haven't forgotten, but I have to ask, how's a team with this kind of energy going to beat the champs? It seems to me that this fight is already over before it began if this is the kind of attitude we got going into this match with," Mizuko added, a sly smile sliding along her lips, knowing she was tugging the right strings.

In most cases, the entire team might have risen up in challenge against this callout, but instead nothing but silence ruled the room. For what their upperclassmen had said was the truth, as their energy in practice was next to nil, just going through the motions, but their none the excitement or enjoyment was there like before.

While Nishi herself could see that Mizuko's words were finding sway with some of the tank commanders in the 2nd year group, but thankfully and due in part to Miya, the 1st year tank commanders were not giving in. Miya had mentioned to Nishi that she keep the 1st years away from Mizuko, which made Nishi grateful the influence wasn't spreading to them, but nothing could be done for the 2nd years at this point. While Nishi didn't like the fact that such things needed to be done just to keep the 1st years safe, as it only amplify the distressed state of things for her.

The 2nd years were still branded with the warriors code, they were still loyal to it even with all the success they had enjoyed up to this point. If anything, Nishi understood that it was also a feeling of guilt that was eating at many of her 2nd years, because Mizuko had been forgotten in their minds as they serve under their new commander in Miho. It was only now that they were realizing to their shame they had pushed Mizuko and the other upperclassmen from their minds and left them feeling dishonor.

Why?...Why can't I find the courage to stand up to her?...I thought I had changed…but maybe I was just fooling myself…I'm no leader…not like Miho…I can't stand up to my own past…I'm just a coward at heart..

These morbid thoughts flow through Nishi's mind, as her hands grip the podium tightly, hoping it might take some stress off her mind. Looking up, Nishi try to find someone among her peers who might want to say something to Mizuko, since she had no courage to do it now. Yet all she found were faces contorted into deep thought over Mizuko's words.

Worse of all Tamada was seeming to be completely dejected and aloof from the situation, just sitting at her seat with her arms crossed, as if she were trying not to be noticed at all. It was disheartening for Nishi, since this was how Tamada had been for the last couple of days, seeming to have all the fight taken out of her, but when Nishi ask about it, Tamada uncharacteristically snap at her to leave her alone and walk off.

Maybe she wants Mizuko in charge instead of me…maybe she's lost faith in my abilities….

Nishi thought, feeling as if she might collapse in place from all this bearing down on her.

To which Mizuko now rose from her seat, feeling it was time to push harder as she spoke loud for all the room to hear. "Well now, is this the famous Tigress Corps? Who fears no foe? If ask me, that seems to be just a myth!"

"Miss Nonaka, this out of line," Nishi replied, but the confidence in her voice was lackluster.

Making Mizuko smirk as she walk up to the podium, with no one challenging her. "I'm only speaking the truth. I mean if all it takes for this team to disintegrate is for their commander to be away, then what kind of team culture is that?"

"It's Miho's culture that has gotten us this far," Hosomi spoke up, trying to do anything to stop what was happening.

That made Mizuko frown for a second, then smiled deviously. "Is that so? Then why can't you keep that culture when she is gone, even you can't deny that."

Hosomi open her mouth to argue, but found no words, knowing that was the truth, as they seem a bit lost without their commander. Slowly she settle back in her seat, feeling ashamed she couldn't muster a fight against her upperclassmen, and worse she believe in her words.

Nodding happily at her little victory, Mizuko turn back to the whole room, while Nishi watch on petrified about what was happening.

"Listen to me, ladies of Chi-Ha-Tan! I was once part of this team as you know, witness to the disgracing of our club last year! To which I will not look past that you have avenged it, but at what cost?…not one of you seem to remember us who once guided you in the way of this club and the of the sisterhood we had," Mizuko preach.

Tamada brought her eyes up to Mizuko, knowing she should say something, anything, but could only listen to these words that stir her heart, which was matched by all the other 2nd years.

"I left this club not in the right fashion, but I held no respect for Ako our former commander who lost that match before it started," Mizuko continue.

Whatever fire was left in Nishi came out in defense of her former commander she respected greatly. "Ako, did what she thought was best for the club. She wanted to win just as much as you."

"While hoping to use me as a decoy in her little plan, without telling me so till match day," Mizuko snarled back.

Silence grip Nishi now.

"Oh," Mizuko began in a joyful tone. "Ako never told you that, did she? That her whole plan was to use my platoon as a sacrificial lamb for her new era. That's why I lash out the way I did and I got my just deserve. Yet here we are now, with me nothing more than a forgotten warrior to you, is this my reward for caring for you!"

Tamada, Hosomi, Hamada, Nishihara, Kubota, Nagura, and Ikeda all perk their ears up along with their other 2nd years.

"Is forgetting the founding principles of our club worth some wins? Is forgetting the ladies who fought under this banner since Sensha-do came to be worth some wins? Have you no pride in our long history to see that is carried on as others have done!" Mizuko roar to the room.

Again, there was to be no arguing, just a storm of emotions flowing through all those who could not deny these words.

"No matter what you try to follow, our code is absolute in this club! It is what makes us who have been neglected, or have suffered, or are just plain lost, the hope to rise to our feet once more! It is what makes Chi-Ha-Tan academy what it is, that cannot be denied by anyone of you, including first years!" Mizuko continue her speech to win over these girls.

Yet Miya had enough, feeling like everything was slipping out of control, and even as a first year, her loyalty was to Miho and Nishi, which gave her the strength to break a taboo rule of challenging her upperclassmen. With that fortifying her will, she stood from her seat with her eyes locked on the adversary against their club in her mind.

"It is true, Miss Nonaka, we all have benefited from what Chi-Ha-Tan has offered us, whether orphans or us with a troubled past. Yet how can you say such things, when you haven't even met our commander. Even our upperclassmen fought back when she first made suggestions to them, but they saw in the end that Miho was only helping because she wanted us to succeed and is the reason we are here now," Miya argued.

Mizuko smiled, knowing this was going to be where she get the most fight back, but only cause the first year was to wrap up in her commander's veil of glory to see reason. "Oh, that might have some truth to it. Then where is the commander? Maybe she can change my mind."

"Well…she is in the hospital," Miya said, though with little confidence.

"You don't believe that, do you?" Mizuko taunted, knowing that was something that was on everyone's mind.

The room became quiet, as Miya found no words to respond with.

"See, maybe you should think about what you really should be focusing on at this point. Like where is Miss Tigress herself, with the match not long away now, how about you answer that Nishi?" Mizuko said slyly, turning her head in the direction of her prey.

Nishi felt her heart jump into her throat, knowing Mizuko was trying to twist the situation into something that would only further cause the team to tear apart. Looking around the room, she found curious eyes, as many of the team were silently questioning before where their commander was. Only Nishi, Tamada, Hosomi, and Ikeda knew she had left the carrier and were under oath to keep things silent, but because of the note Miho left behind that somehow Mizuko got a hold of, now she knew of their secret.

"I…I…," Nishi try to speak, but words were lost on her, and the now growing accusing eyes in the room were becoming too much.

Seeing everything was in her hands now, Mizuko began to speak again. "Well you see here, this is fragile nature of this new era, it's a lie, just like the lie that your commander is at the hos-."

Suddenly a knock came to the door, grabbing everyone's attention. The door slid open revealing Hidemichi's secretary Suzuko walking in, though her eyes quickly darted all over the room, as she had heard the yelling earlier as she was coming down the hall and judging from the mood that she could pick up on, that things were in a tense state.

This isn't a good start for our guests, but there's no turning back now and Hidemichi told me I cannot interfere and must let them figure this out on my own

Suzuko thought, then clear her throat to speak. "Ladies, you have guests visting today. I want you to hear them out and this a direct order from your headmaster, is that understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," the room replied as one.

"Good," Suzuko said, then turn back to the door. "Come in girls."

Every Chi-Ha-Tan girl eyes were glued to the doorway with great interest in who their guests was to be, till they got a good look. As the pair of girls enter, silence took over the whole room, so quiet a droplet of water falling on the floor might be heard. With this silence, a whirlwind of anger and pain began to grip these tigresses' hearts, as they were coming face to face with a pair who had each hurt their team in their own way.

Mizuko herself, felt every fiber in her being ready to fight as the very one who caused this situation was there. For no matter her hatred of her old commander, Mizuko still greatly blame the black hair harpy who had sent her team into the void of humiliation and dishonor. Yet here she was now, at of all times, standing right in the very room as if the universe was lining everything up for Mizuko.

To which she wasn't about to miss out on a golden opportunity.

While every eye was glaring at the pair, Linda steeled herself for the fight in front of her that no Sensha-do match before could prepare her for. Yet, something slip into her hand, and looking down she found Fukushu had taken hold. The poor girl was trembling, because she could feel the animosity towards her that was warranted, but still frightened her.

"I know you're terrified, but stay with me and will get through this, ok?" Linda whisper.

"Ye…yea, I can do this," Fukushu reply, as the Tigress Corps were baring their fangs to the wolves that had scarred their team.

For Tigers never forgot the scars left on them by any challenger and were ever ready to exact their vengeance.

---

P.S.S: It was Hedimichi who now has a new background!