Authors Thoughts:
Hello, again dear readers, back again for the final part of this damn long day. Took some time to get this done, but glad to have it over with as now we're moving on to the final set of chapters before the battle, but lots of problems face our young Heiress and how she overcomes them is not so cut and dry.
Thanks again for your dedication for coming back to read this story and will have another update for you soon. Enjoy the rest of your day!
Till Next Authors thought.
"The commander."
"Miho."
"She's here."
"I can't believe it."
"Oh no, this couldn't have worse timing to come in, right?"
"Was she really in the hospital this whole time?"
"Don't question that."
"It's a credible question."
"Doesn't matter, right now, we need to support the commander, that is all that matters now."
"Kind of hard to do that, when she just saw Miss Tamada about to punch her sister."
"This is bad."
The distressed voices of the Chi-Ha-Tan tank commanders whisper to one another, astonished to see their absent commander return to them finally, after a little over a week away, but to them, it felt like an eternity. Though what should have been a happy moment of having their missing family member back, was now just plain awkward and troubling. For Miho had just seen Tamada punch Linda and now was about to give Fukushu the same treatment, only to be stopped by her lover's voice.
A voice of someone who had been betrayed and was hurting.
While many in the room, wanted nothing more than to rush Miho to hug her and ask if she was okay. Yet none moved from their seats, only did they look on with dreading anxiety as Miho just stared in disbelief at what was transpiring in the room.
Miho was also not alone, as standing behind her was Chi-Ha-Tan's beloved air force captain, Aozora Suzume, who was wearing her usual fight suit for matches, but the pilot look to be on her last legs. A set of deep bags were under her eyes, a testament to her flying through the entire previous night to get the Akagi early in the morning, having to push herself as she wanted to get Miho home to the team, even at the cost of her health.
Yet now with the unbelievable situation in front of her, Aozora now was fully awake and relying on her last bits of adrenaline, as she look on in disbelief at what had just happened, that was gut-wrenching to see the usual go happy girls of the team, have this aura of anger and rage radiating around them. It was disturbing, reminding Aozora of how the team was when they had drawn Saunders in the opening round, though that mood was soon broken by Miho, however this right now was different and it was deeper than just avenging an old debt.
What the hell has been going on since we left?
Aozora thought, then look to Miho who look to be on the verge of having a small panic attack, prompting Aozora to reach out a hand to touch Miho's shoulder as she spoke. "Hey, Miho, you alright?"
Aozora's voice pulled Miho out of her shock state, looking back to her pilot. "Ah…oh…I don't know…what happen?" Miho ask, looking back to the room, with all eyes on her now.
Reaching down to pull on her last reserves of energy, Aozora spoke. "I don't know, but what I do know is that you need to take control, probably best if you get the room clear and talk to Nishi, as well as that new girl."
Miho mulled over the advice, which made sense to her. Even if her heart was breaking at the sight of her team, which at the moment was like looking at a complete group of strangers compared to the girls she had known and bonded with over these past couple of months. With Tamada having just about punched her half-sister had she not called out to her, with that anger in her lover's eye that she knew all too well. Miho had experienced it herself when Tamada had lashed out at her for suggesting different tactics when Miho attended one of their practices before the qualifier, which felt like a lifetime ago.
Things had changed since then.
Yet, here now, Tamada and the team, look like their old self once more and it scared Miho to see them revert back to this state, for even the first years had the same rage in their eyes as their seniors.
Add on the fact, there were three girls in the room that Miho didn't recognize, with one of them standing behind Tamada, who seem to have egged on the situation. Almost like she was in control of the team, which was strange to Miho who had never seen the new girl in her entire time at Chi-Ha-Tan. This only added more trouble for an already out-of-control situation, though Hidemichi had been kind enough to give her a quick explanation of things before she ran over here.
What exactly happen? Did this happen because I wasn't here? Is this my doing?
Miho thought, feeling instant guilt, even if this situation wasn't her fault. She had taken on a deep feeling of responsibility when she had taken over the commander role of Chi-Ha-Tan, knowing how deep their traditions were and she had changed them. They were changing on her orders, which meant she had to do right by the girls who place their absolute fate in her.
At this moment, it seem that she had failed them, and nothing hurt worse.
I can't lose heart…I'm an heiress now…I can't feel sorry for myself anymore…I have a duty to uphold my family name, to press on…to advance…not retreat…That is the Nishizumi style…but I will do it my way….my style will be the way forward…Just as Nakano hope I do…that is my path…
Steeling herself, Miho took a deep breath, her heart calming, her nerves icing, and her willpower returning. First, she look over the room, letting her mind run over what was happening, as her tactical assessment abilities were looking for the solution to this battlefield. Quickly Miho found what she needed to do and knew the path forward, even if she didn't like it.
Looking over her shoulder first, Miho smiled at Aozora, as once more the pilot, no, her big sister was once again keeping her level, then spoke. "Thank you Aozora."
With a cheeky smile, Aozora spoke with a wink. "It's my personal job, I just hope you got a big payday for me, wont' take anything less."
"No worries will go flying as much as you want," Miho assured, making Aozora grin like a fool at the prospect of flying with her again.
Yet the sweet moment was interrupted by Mizuko who spoke up. "Well, well, welcome home commander. Hope you been enjoying your time in the hospital….if that's where you been."
Instantly Aozora growl at the condensing tone of the new girl, but Miho raise a hand to stop Aozora from lashing out.
"I haven't been in the hospital, I've been away," Miho answered truthfully, which caused a round of gasp in the room.
As those Chi-Ha-Tan tank commanders who weren't told about that were now learning of the deceit of being lied to by those in charge.
"Wait, I thought she was in the hospital."
"Were we lied to?"
"Why would they do that?"
"They don't trust us?"
"That can't be it."
"Were a team though, a family….this doesn't make sense."
"Ah, yes, this the truth!" Mizuko announce loudly. "You were lied to, what a pity when this is supposed to be such a close-knit team! What a tragedy, when you all were so invested into this style, but it was a lie…Yet a warrior never lies to their comrades, just like our forbearers who birth the true style of Chi-Ha-Tan's Sensha-do team. Something that has been forgotten, just because you've won some matches."
The statement resonated with the Chi-Ha-Tan tank commanders, who were already dealing with the change of heart at Mizuko's words from earlier, now were finding themselves questioning their team. Even with all their success, all their triumphs, and the elation they felt when victory was achieved. For the first time since the start of Miho's take over at command, were questioning what was right.
"We did that to protect the team!" Hosomi spoke up.
Yet Mizuko just spoke with her confidence still fueling her voice. "Protect what? A family never lies to one another, we relay all of our fears, our worries, and open our very souls to one another. Have you forgotten that lesson I once taught?"
Hosomi open her mouth, but words failed her, for she couldn't find the will to argue. For she had been one of those who was close to Mizuko, who help her find her strength and courage. Teaching her that her past was nothing but the past, as she had a future with this Sensha-do team, this family of sisters who would look after her and make her stronger.
Feeling ashamed, Hosomi lowered her head, trying to keep her tears in check, while Ikeda place a hand on her shoulder for comfort, but as well remain silent, for she too, like many 2nd year girls in this room could not deny that Mizuko had been their guardian and teacher who help mold their fighting spirits, that was causing this mix of emotions in them, as well as loyalty.
Feeling now she had everything in check, Mizuko look to finally assert her power and take back her spot as leader of this team, as she turn to Miho who was looking on with horror. "Well commander, I see that things are in quite a disarray, maybe there is a need for new leadersh-."
"Everyone listen to me!" Miho announced, her voice steady, with power behind it.
In an instant, whatever hold Mizuko thought she had, was almost utterly erased. Just by a small set of words, yet it was because of the tone behind it that caused a sudden change in the mood in the room. Every tank commander besides the third years, snap their backs upright, their eyes locked on their commander that now had their full attention.
They had never heard Miho yell at anyone, berate them, or chastise them for anything. Her kind voice was a constant, a reminder that they were allowed to make mistakes, but to keep trying. It was that voice that made them push harder than ever before, putting their bodies and minds through rigorous and intense training. No matter how many shells rocked their tank, no matter how many hours they spent in a humid tank interior, or how many hours they hone their bodies in the gym to operate their steel beast at peak proficiency, they do it without complaint for that very kind voice that ask them to keep pushing for success.
That voice wasn't what they just heard.
It had a small jump in octane to it, which instantly spoke volumes.
It demanded their attention.
It demanded they listen and block anything else out.
It was the voice of someone who was disappointed.
Was it at them?
They didn't know, but would listen to this voice that was new to them, that commanded their attention without question.
"I beg you to forgive my leaving without saying," Miho began, bowing her head to the room, then brought her head up to look at every one. "As you know, my family is in a rather distraught state. My sister's life was in jeopardy and my mother was accused of things that I wish to never hear again. Which left me with no choice, but to see them and do whatever I could for them."
The room remain quiet, as no one intercede with the explanation.
Miho continue. "Knowing this, Hidemichi inform me that it was he who ask that it would remain quiet about my leaving, for if the media outlets knew I left, they come to question all of you because I'm your commander. This was something that I had to do and he didn't want you to be dragged into something that you didn't cause and didn't deserve to be subjected to."
"Sounds to me like you don't trust them," Mizuko questioned, causing some in the room to stare daggers at her.
"No…I was protecting them. The only reason I have any strength that pushes me to do reckless things, is because of the girls in this team who have helped me stand on my feet," Miho replied, her eyes staring right into Mizuko, who growled at the conviction behind them.
"That being said, the very girls I've come to know and cherish wouldn't do something like this," Miho spoke, gesturing to Linda who was still on the ground, nursing her bruised face.
Which sent Tamada into a trembling state, as her fist that had connected with Linda was shaking at her side.
"Whatever has happened, I know the girls I've fought alongside have been through a lot and suffered beyond words. Yet to allow this to be what we have fallen to, when all the good we done is heartbreaking," Miho spoke, looking to the room, finding herself connecting with each eye.
An instant regret filled every Chi-Ha-Tan tank commander, their fists tightening at their sides, as they had let down their commander, someone who they respected beyond words. Someone who didn't look down on their team's failures of the past, but simply ask how she could help. With her repayment now, being their breaking with her teachings just because she was gone.
Miho spoke up once more. "I won't sit here and berate you, that isn't who I am. So, for today, practice is over, please return to your dorms, and will sort things out tomorrow, is that understood?"
"Ma'am!" the tank commanders roar back.
"Wah," Mizuko said in complete disbelief, of how her hold had been all but diminished in an instant.
"However, I want Nishi, Fukushu, and her companion to stay behind. As well as our new teammates," Miho ordered.
Another round of affirms came from the Chi-Ha-Tan girls, as those who hadn't been called to stay began to trickle down from their seats to make their way for the exit. Again, that feeling of guilt and disappointment in themselves was raging. Many were unable to make eye contact with Miho as they left, but Miho herself could not do the same, as she was conflicted with herself at her sudden change, being so forceful with her team.
It was something that Miho didn't feel comfortable with, even if she needed to do it.
"I'm sorry," Hosomi said quietly, walking by Miho, feeling sick to her stomach that she had been swayed to go against her friend.
This was followed up by every girl mumbling out something to their commander, feeling the same regret and sadness at having let things get to this point. With those who Miho had first relied on as her support for their team, the leaders who had taken to her style and at this moment had failed to uphold it now walk past her.
"I'm sorry, this isn't the thing we wanted to happen, but we didn't fight against it either," Ikeda added, walking by.
Hamada, touch Miho's hand as she walk by. "Your daughters were very restless without you, I'll have them come by when you're done. I'm sorry for the trouble."
Miho nodded gratefully to her.
"You have every right to be cross with us, I should of remember who you wanted us to be and remember who I owe for bringing us back up," Nagura quietly added, unable to make eye contact, as her cheeks were adorned with tear streaks.
"Sorry, I wasn't strong enough to stand up to this, we failed as your leaders," Kubota mumble out, as she made her way past Miho.
"Know, I will do all I can to make up for this disgrace, I swear it," Nishihara spoke with assuredness in her voice.
Fukuda was next to come up, as she fiddled with her hands in discomfort. "I…I wish I could have done more…I just want everyone to be like we once were before."
A warm smile spread on Miho's face, looking down at the small first year who had been at the front since the start. Who had become fiercer and fiercer as she fought on, always wanting to learn, and a great example to the first years. Not to mention Fukuda had been the first to come to Miho besides Nishi to learn new ways of Sensha-do, which if Miho were honest was the first step to getting herself back into the saddle as she found herself very eager to teach.
"Fukuda," Miho started, leaning down to her height. "Things will be as they were, we just need to sort things out. Don't worry, our family will be whole again, I promise."
The words filled the young tanker with confidence, as Fukuda spoke. "Thank you, I'm glad your home."
Miho patted her head, then let her pass on. Now the other tank commanders trickle by, each offering their own sorry and apology, each one only making Miho's heart feel heavier and heavier, as she didn't like this. They didn't need to be punished, but right now Miho needed to get a hold of the situation, but found it harder and harder to meet their eyes, as she was their leader, and even if they felt they had let her down.
It felt to Miho, like she had let them down.
Miya finally came by, but stop as she saluted Miho, as she served under her in Ghost Company, a huge honor for the first year. "Glad to see your back, commander."
A nod from Miho followed, as she saluted her subordinate and second in command of her company. "Thank you, I'm glad to see you."
Miya then came closer to whisper to Miho. "Know, I've kept the first years away from that new girl and were behind you, as we always been."
That surprised Miho hearing that, but nodded. "Thank you again, please continue to look after the first years and I promise I'll fix this."
"I never doubted you would," Miya said, patting her commander on the shoulder, then left the room.
It wasn't long before the rest of the team were now leaving the room, till finally, it was down to the last girl. Which would be the hardest to face for Miho, as Tamada came up slowly, her head hung low, her posture all but telling of her resignation and fear. Looking down at her hands, Miho could see Tamada's right hand was red along the knuckles from the punch, which only made her stomach turn to see someone she cherish so much do something like this.
Why Haru?...This isn't you…This isn't the person who grab my heart…
Miho thought, looking at that her distraught lover, trying desperately to find the words to speak, but nothing was coming to her. As this was all new to her, having to feel for lack of a better word, upset. An emotion Miho wasn't accustomed to going through with anyone in her life, yet now this foreign feeling was gripping her mind. Making it hard to even want to be around Tamada at this moment, even causing it to be immensely difficult to try and even look into Tamada's eyes, as well as challenging to even want to talk things out.
"Miho…I'm…I didn't…I just…," Tamada meekly said, bringing her eyes up to Miho. "I never wanted...this isn't…you have to believe me."
The ramblings of Tamada only made Miho's chest feel tighter, as those red eyes of her lover were frantically looking at her, searching for a reply, for forgiveness, or just anything at all. However, Miho just stare back with no emotion on her face and could not find her will to want to reach out. The image of Tamada almost punching her sister was still playing in her mind, when Tamada knew that Miho wanted to never seek vengeance against Fukushu.
All their time together, Miho had thought maybe she had helped Tamada overcome her aggressive side. Trying to give back, after Tamada had helped her to her feet, been her support, her anchor, her best friend, and her protector.
Yet, it seem now to Miho that she hadn't done anything in the end for her lover, she hadn't helped her overcome anything, just enjoyed the warmth Tamada provided. An imbalance had been made evident now, their relationship had its flaws, and right now Miho didn't know how to fix or address them. Another challenge for Miho, added to the already mountain of problems that were already hanging over the young heiress.
All I wanted, was her arms around me when I came home…yet I can't look at her...I hate this…I don't want to be this way…no…there will be time to figure this out….just not now…
Miho morbidly thought, turning her head away from Tamada, unable to meet those red eyes.
"No…," Tamada mutter, her eyes beginning to well up, her breaths short, her hands reaching out for that warmth that she had treasured.
And betrayed.
"Tamada," Miho spoke, her tone even, though her lip was quivering all the while. "Will talk later, please see to the team."
The order was gut shot for Tamada, as her reaching hands now fell to her side. Her eyes went hollow, her face contorting into frustration. All her pent-up emotions wanted to be let out, wanting to argue, to make Miho look at her, to tell her it was going to be alright. However, that wouldn't be happening, as the small sentence had all but confirmed that there was nothing to talk about right now.
Turning her head away as well, Tamada spoke through clenched teeth. "Fine."
Then she walk past her lover, each step was forced, but Tamada made her way to the door. Though Aozora reach a hand out to pat the young girl on the shoulder, not bothering with any comforting words, as that would not help alleviate any pain, but hope that by this small action, Tamada would know that things would be alright later on.
Tamada look to Aozora and with no need for words, she nodded to the pilot, then left the room closing the door behind her.
Tamada didn't get far before she had to take her frustration out on a wall.
Taking a deep breath, Miho turn around to Aozora. "Thanks for getting me home, please go get some sleep, I know you're on your last legs."
Aozora didn't like the sudden light change in her little tankery sister's tone that felt a bit forced, as she replied. "That was rough, you going to be ok?"
"No...If I'm honest, but I will work things out. Please go get some rest, I'll see you tomorrow," Miho said.
Giving Miho a once over, Aozora's protective instincts were on high alert, knowing there was a lot to sort out, but had to trust that Miho would get through it all right in the end. As the young Nishizumi had been doing that ever since they left on their journey, dealing with all kinds of situations that probably harden Miho a little, as much as Aozora didn't want Miho to lose a part of herself, she understood this was part of growing up. While being an heiress of her family had placed a lot on her shoulders, so Aozora would do all she could to keep supporting her, especially now.
"Alright, call me if you need, I'll be right there," Aozora replied with a wink.
"You always are," Miho said gratefully, then watch Aozora leave the room.
Right, now on to the last parts.
Now Miho turn back to the last people in the room, the first in line was her sister and her friend. Miho quickly close the distance, seeing Fukushu's eyes light up at her approach, giving Miho some relief that at least after everything, right now she could see her half-sister.
Yet, before any sisterly reunion could happen, Miho stop in front of the girl who was still sitting on the ground, nursing her bruised cheek, with Miho reaching a hand out. "Are you alright?"
Linda look up and smile at the offered hand, then took it as she spoke. "Eh, it's nothing. Just a nice bruise to show off later."
After helping Linda to her feet, Miho then bow. "I'm sorry about Tamada doing that to you, that isn't how our team deals with things."
"Ah," Linda started, rubbing the back of her head in discomfort. "Don't sweat, really kind of push my luck with how I worded things. I kind of lost my cool and made things worse in the end."
"That's an understatement," Mizuko taunted, making Linda want to retort, but Fukushu place a hand on her shoulder to calm her down.
Miho knew she had to keep things calm for the moment, as she spoke. "May I have your name?"
"Linda Sickle, former commander of Saunders and also former Vice Instructor for Wolverton Academy."
"It's very nice to meet you, Miss Sickle. Your tankers I met on the match field were quite the tough opponents, it reflects your training," Miho praised.
The statement made Linda raise an eyebrow in a questioning manner. "How can applaud me? When those tankers were set out to take your team down, not to mention I train your sister to be well…a little more ruthless than she should have been."
"That may be true, but we leave that behind on the field when it's done. I'm grateful for the experience of taking on Americans, who I know will continue to make Sensha-do better. As well as looking after my sister, the situation that happened between us does not reflect on your training, that was something we have to figure out together," Miho explain.
For a moment, Linda was a little shocked, by not just the words, but by this feeling of her guilt being instantly lifted. After all the heated words shared before, by just a smile, some praise, and thanks from this young girl, Linda felt like she could let go of the horrid things she has done and now press on as she had been wanting to be better.
Their something special about this Miho girl…heh…if we were teammates in another life, I think I follow her with no question...
Linda thought, with a small chuckle escaping her lips, then look at Miho with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Miss Nishizumi. I'm sorry for the trouble earlier with your team, but know I wish to make up for what happened before with your team, by whatever means I can."
"You will, I promise. Please have a seat, I'll get someone to take you to the nurse's office to get look over," Miho said, gesturing for Linda to take a seat.
With Linda making her way over, now Miho turn to her half-sister, who was looking at her with hopeful eyes. Closing the distance, Miho look over her sister for a moment, once more taking in the features that almost made them look like twins, if not for the difference in eye color, along with Fukushu's longer hair with blonde fringes.
"Hey…Miho," Fukushu said a little timidly.
"Hey Fukushu," Miho replied, then reach out to bring her sister into a hug.
Fukushu instantly clung to her half-sister, enveloping into the warmth that had teared her from the path of revenge. Had broken the chains of past grudges that had made her realize her first dream. Being a part of the Nishizumi family, to meet her sisters and do Sensha-do with them. That was all Fukushu wanted, to revive this first dream no matter how hard the road to redemption took.
She travel it, to have the right to stand by her sister's side.
Pulling back some, Miho brought a hand up to push some loose hair out of Fukushu's face. "You ok?"
"Yes and no, I didn't mean for things to get out of control like they did," Fukushu answered.
"All that matters is you're here and know I'm really happy too. I thought I might not ever see you again," Miho said.
Fukushu fiddled with her fingers as she spoke. "Me as well, I thought we be separated again, like before. Yet I made up my mind that I will be here for you, just like you were for me."
"Good," Miho replied. "However, will have to cut our reunion a little short."
"Huh?" Fukushu questioned.
"Let me take care of things here, see to your friend. Afterward, you'll stay with me at my apartment, so we can talk," Miho explain.
Instantly Fukushu nodded, but look to Mizuko who was watching the pair with annoyance, then look back to Miho and whispered. "Be careful of that new girl, she was the one who antagonize your team into a frenzy like that. She's dangerous, sister."
"I understand, thank you for the advice," Miho said, then let her sister go look after Linda.
Now Miho move on to Nishi. It was gut-wrenching to see the once stalwart girl, the very one who had been desperately trying to keep Chi-Ha-Tan's Sensha-do team together, who had been Miho's first friend since she came to this academy, look now so downtrodden. It reminded Miho of the day Nishi had been told she be out for the qualifier due to the concussion she received in the practice match with Kola Forrest.
The hopelessness.
The resignation.
The fear.
The despair.
All those emotions Miho saw then, were here now. Emotions Miho never wanted Nishi to ever feel again, not after all the good she had done for Miho and others. That had been a small goal that Miho had carried in her heart since she had joined the team, to always bring Nishi up as she had done for her.
That was what made them family.
"Nishi," Miho said gently, standing in front of the distressed girl.
Slowly, Nishi brought her head up, her lovely brown eyes were devoid of life, her long hair dishevel some, and her once rich skin was pale.
"Miho, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for this to happen," Nishi spoke softly, making Miho strain to hear her.
Reaching her hands out, Miho took Nishi's hands into her own, holding them firmly and gently. "Nishi, don't apologize. Mister Hidemichi explain to me before I got here what was happening. I know you made this promise to your former third years, because you sincerely wanted to win, not just for your club, but to bring them back."
Nishi raised her eyes in astonishment. "Yet…I let things…get so out of hand. I failed you as your second in command, I lied to the girls about where you been, let things go on without trying to find a solution, watch our tankery family that you brought together fal-."
A hand on Nishi's lips stop her from continuing her ramblings, as Miho smiled warmly at her, then spoke. "Nishi, you brought this tankery family together, help me find my way back to Sensha-do, and have supported me through it all. You have a big heart, I've always known that, and just by your actions here, have shown us what I sure other girls can respect."
"Miho," Nishi whisper out, gratitude oozing from her voice.
"Now, we need to work together to see this through. As you've done for me already, you have my full support in bringing your upperclassmen back," Miho added.
Finding no words to speak, Nishi simply nodded her head. As once more, Miho was helping her keep her mind intact, as she had done when everything look so hopeless before the qualifier. Nothing but relief grip Nishi now, knowing she had a shoulder to lean in this dire situation.
Looking at her commander, Nishi for the first time in days smiled genuinely. "Thank you, Miho. Thank you."
"It's what family does, now could you do me a favor?" Miho ask.
Straightening herself up, Nishi nodded. "What can I do?"
"Please take my sister and her friend to the nurses, tell Miss Miku sorry for the trouble on my behalf," Miho ask politely.
Though Nishi hesitated at the request, looking to Mizuko for a moment, then back to Miho. "Are you sure you want to be left alone with her?"
"I am, don't worry, as the commander I need to personally welcome them to the team properly," Miho confidently said.
Everything Nishi's mind was screaming at her to resist this, knowing that Mizuko was not above challenging even the commander when she wanted to, with the situation with the former Chi-Ha-Tan commander Ako was all the evidence Nishi needed. With the dreading thought of leaving them alone, without any of the girls to back Miho up, just scream a recipe for disaster, and Miho of all people would be the benefactor of that disaster.
However, as Nishi continue to scan into Miho's eyes, she found herself thinking something had changed in her friend. Like some fire had been set alight, making Miho seem a little more steadfast than she usually had been. Maybe Nishi was overthinking it, but it was nagging at her now, like the aura around Miho was a bit more imposing than before, making Nishi wonder what had happened during the time she was gone.
Finding her resolve finally, Nishi nodded to Miho. "Very well, commander. I'll see our guest get to the nurse's office."
"Thank you, have them stay there till I finish some other business. Have you been keeping reports on practices?" Miho ask.
"Yes," Nishi answered. "They're organized and filed in a folder I left on your desk, that I had ready for your return."
Miho let out a small chuckle. "As always, your dedication and hard work as second in commander never ceases to amaze me or make my job easier. Ok, once you see our guest safe, please stay with the team in the dorms, will resume practice tomorrow at eleven in the morning."
"Yes commander," Nishi said with a salute, her confidence, her fire, and her mood at an all-time high, even if Mizuko might have been right in some way, that she needed Miho to keep her spirits up, Nishi could care less if she needed this shoulder to lean on, because it was what had helped her tankery family find the light.
Miho returned the salute, yet as Nishi started to walk away, she turn around with a warm smile. "Welcome home, Miho."
"Glad to be home," Miho replied, then watch as Nishi lead Fukushu and Linda away, closing the door behind them.
Now Miho turn her eyes to Mizuko, along with her two other tank commanders. Their eyes were unwelcoming, telling Miho all she needed to know about how they felt about her. Only making things worse was Miho didn't understand their motives for wanting to be back with the team now, as Hidemichi had only been able to explain briefly about the newcomers before Miho bolted for her team.
No matter what befalls us, we advance
Miho thought, letting her family's motto guide her will and make it iron, as she proceed over to her new teammates. "Hello, I'm Miho Nishizumi, commander of Chi-Ha-Tan's Sensha-do team, I'm glad to meet you." Then Miho bow to the trio.
A scowl cross Mizuko's face as she replied. "You mean the fake commander of Chi-Ha-Tan's Sensha-do team."
"Huh?" Miho question, raising her head only to be greeted by the hostile yellow eyes of her new teammate.
"If you're going to try to place the nice card with me, you might as well forget it. I'm going to let you know exactly who I am and what I'm here to do," Mizuko replied, her chin raised in contempt for the young Nishizumi.
Even with her heart resolve to meet this head-on, Miho still felt intimidated by the statement a little, but remain quiet to listen.
"My name is Mizuko Nonaka, these are my fellow warriors in Seiko Tsuga and Hozumi Sueoka, followers of the old way, the right way, the only way of the club," Mizuko started, then narrow her eyes at Miho. "The true way of Chi-Ha-Tan's Sensha-do, something you've been trampling all over since you came here."
"I understand the tradition of this club is very importan-," Miho try to explain.
"You don't understand a damn thing, I know you came here to get away from Sensha-do, it was only a whim you decided to join our Sensha-do team and if I hadn't been suspended, I would have never let someone like, Nishizumi or not, who doesn't have the resolve to fight without others telling her to do so, ever be part of the team," Mizuko argued.
Flinching from the sharp words, Miho quickly got herself under control to reply. "You may be right, I never chose at first to do Sensha-do, it was only by the events transpiring that I finally decided I wanted to join. Yet, my resolve to win was something I had to find on my own."
A shake of head conveyed all of Mizuko's disappointment in the words. "That just makes it worse, it was dumb luck. Meaning this team never truly cater to your style, they only believe in it because they didn't have me to remind them what our way."
"I don't believe that," Miho calmly said.
With Mizuko's anger building at the reply. "Want to elaborate, commander?"
Miho brought a closed fist up to her chest as she spoke. "This team is unlike any of I have ever been a part of. I know most teams that can't match the firepower of better schools mostly subject themselves to a losing mindset, I've seen it before at Kuromorimine where they resign themselves to losing against our tanks even before the match started. Yet, when I look at these girls, there is a fire to win, no matter the opponent, no matter how outmatch they are, they just want to win. A courage that has made this journey possible."
"Don't butter me up with words, this winning is by a coward's way. You retreat, you show your enemies your back, and it's disgracing every lady who fought under this banner. Our style is to meet the enemy with a fury they can't contend with, show Japan the fearlessness of our ladies, but you rather cower in the shadows, like a rat," Mizuko shot back.
"Commander Nishi, I respect your view, but we can't break from our tradition. Our Chi-Ha-Tan principle tactic is to charge at the enemy no matter how fearsome they are. We must show the world our fighting spirit!" Tamada said passionately.
"We can't hide from the enemy like rats that would disgrace our tankery spirit!" Hosomi said.
"Our charge will break any enemy team, we just need to believe in our warrior's code to guide us to our goal!" Ikeda said as well.
Suddenly Miho remember the heated words during the first practice she attended as an advisor before she became the commander. They were said after Nishi try to instill new tactics based on Miho's suggestions, which completely backfired as many thought it was cowardly. That same passion that had made Miho realize how deep their warrior code for meeting the enemy head-on was built into many girls of the team.
Miho had thought that she never feel that burning passion against her style again.
However, here it was, in the form of the third years who had been humiliated the previous year, but hadn't forgotten their roots.
It made Miho realize that traditions don't go away, they linger even in their embers only waiting to catch fire once more.
My mother didn't let her traditions go either, she use them to keep herself together, even though she was suffering inside and changed because of it…I can see it…Mizuko is suffering, just like my mother…this tradition she feels like is all she has left in the world…I need to change that…but, how?...
Miho's revelation of thoughts swirled in her mind, but could see a bit of light in this dark tunnel and would do what she could to seize it, but like before, she couldn't do it alone.
"I never meant to trample on your traditions, Miss Nonaka," Miho started.
"Doesn't matter if you intended or not, you've done as you please and made my girls forget about what makes our club what it is…your just a damn outsider here, if I had my way I just make you leave and go back to your powerhouse school," Mizuko angrily replied.
"Do you wish to command, then?" Miho ask.
A huff of annoyance came from Mizuko. "I do, but after what I saw it might be not worth the trouble of trying to wrestle that position from, as I know there be some backlash now if I try to take over, so don't worry, I'll allow you to lead all you want, but know I'm going to be hammering home the ideals of old till I make sure this team remembers their roots."
"We have a tough opponent next in Pravda, we need to be unified if we're going to stand a chance," Miho try to reason.
Yet was met with just a disapproving look from Mizuko. "That's all you care about, huh? Just winning…makes sense that is your family's way, winning no matter the cost."
"Miss Nonaka, I ask that you don't talk about my family in such a matter," Miho said, her voice even, face neutral, but a hidden tone of aggression was there.
Which Mizuko pick up on, her face drawing into a smile. "Oh, guess I touch a nerve there. Though I am right, your thoughts are all about winning, damn whoever else's traditions are in the way, am I right? Well, that is over, commander, from now on I'll make sure to be that reminder to you that warriors never go quietly."
Instead of meeting this retort with any hostility, Miho took a breath to calm herself. "I look forward to working with you."
"Hmph, whatever you say, best keep that Linda girl away from me or I'll give her another bruise worse than Tamada's, because she deserves no forgivness for what she has done," Mizuko said, then walk past Miho with her friends with her, though not without a final shot, as she bump shoulders with Miho almost causing her to fall over, but remain standing.
"Oh, commander, one last thing," Mizuko said, as she was about to leave the room with her friends, looking over her shoulder at Miho. "You may think you know Tamada, but you don't, she is a warrior at heart. She was my protégé who was going to carry on our traditions, but you trampled on that too, know I'll never forgive you for bringing her down to your level, a coward's level, and mark my words you will pay for that."
Then without waiting for a reply, Mizuko left the room, leaving Miho all alone with her thoughts.
With her legs feeling like jello, Miho found a seat and began to ponder about what she was to do. For another challenge had been laid at her feet, this time it was her tankery family that was in trouble, but how to solve the issues of Chi-Ha-Tan's warrior code, that had been part of their club since its founding wasn't such an easy matter to solve with words or actions.
Add on that Miho was now at odds with her lover, someone who seem very important to Mizuko and at the same time seem to be easily influenced by the 3rd year made Miho feel completely dejected. She never wanted to fight with Tamada, but this situation made her feel that Tamada might be swayed to Mizuko's side no matter what she said.
An ugly allegation that made Miho feel sick to the point she might throw up.
"What do I do? I feel lost...I'm an heiress now, but I'm still just lost…," Miho whisper to herself, bringing her hands up to wipe the tears from her eyes.
"Remember, never stray from who you are. For it is what makes you fight for what you wish to hold close."
The sudden words playing in her mind, made Miho look up, her voice coming out in a whisper. "Nakano."
The words from a dream, words from her ancestor, that ask her to get up, to fight, but under Miho's terms, by what made Miho the way she is.
Suddenly, Miho wipe her tears away, for they were not needed now. Right now, only her conviction, her strength, and her iron will were needed to overcome this. Chi-Ha-Tan was her home and it had provided her with warmth and acceptance from its Sensha-do team. Now it was Miho's time, to once more heal this old wound not just for her tankery family.
Also for Mizuko and her third years, that was Miho's challenge she must solve.
"I won't run…that time is over…I'm an heiress with the Nishizumi style behind me, my style that will heal this old wound, even if Miss Nonaka doesn't want it," Miho spoke, standing from her seat, her courage burning in her chest and ready to solve this warriors code with the only way she knew how.
With Iron and Fury.
Suddenly the door to the room open once again, with Miho looking up to see four faces she knew all too well. The faces of her crew members, her pride and joy, who had been another reason she had come to love Sensha-do once more.
"Miho!" Nene cried out, running into the room.
"Your home!" Nomi followed after her twin.
"Mo…mo…mo…mom!" Watabe stuttered, running into the room as well.
"Girls!" Miho yelled in delight, quickly coming around the desk to meet the hard-charging cubs.
They came together, with Miho wrapping her arms around all three and for a moment forgetting all the bad that had happened earlier. Just relishing in the affection of her surrogate daughters who she had missed dearly in her time away. While her cubs just cried happily to have their tank commander home, feeling lost without her by their side, guiding them and loving them.
Though Miho quickly realize that she was missing one cub from the group, as she look at the door to see Moteki who was on crutches with a walking boot over her right ankle. The sight made Miho's heart drop, as she had feared what the cost had been when the Tiger 1 flip over and caused a shell to drop on Moteki's ankle.
"Moteki," Miho whisper out.
Though before Miho could go over to her, Moteki drop her crutches and began to hop on one leg to Miho, who instantly went into full panic at the rash behavior of her driver. Prompting Miho to break out of the group hug to go to her last cub, but just as she reach Moteki, the girl jump into Miho's outstretch arms sending both of them crashing onto the floor, with Moteki laying on top of Miho.
"Moteki! Don't do such dangerous things like that!" Miho cried out, leaning up a bit with her arms around the injured girl, but then notice that Moteki was shaking in her arms.
Then Moteki look up at Miho, tears streaking down her cheeks. "Mom, please don't leave without us again! It was hard waiting for you! Not knowing you were safe! Not knowing if you were coming home!"
It was at that moment, Miho realize why Moteki had done such a thing. She had left her crew without a word, when they had been together practically every day. Whether during practice or outside of school, these orphan girls had been at Miho's hip since they had been introduced. They had endured trials of the enemy fire together, met it together, and conquered it together.
A bond that could not be put into words or described to someone who had never done Sensha-do. For a crew became a close-knit unit within their metal beast they drove, putting everything on the line for victory, and it was only together they could achieve it.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Miho replied, holding Moteki close.
Once more Nomi, Nene, and Watabe join in the mass hug that was on the floor now, surrounding Miho with their warmth, glad to be together once more. Then they just stay like that for long moment, just holding each other close, fearing if they let go they be separated once more. Yet that wouldn't ever happen again, of that Miho had made a silent promise of, for now, she would need these very girls to help her achieve the plan she was about to embark on achieving.
"Are you all alright?" Miho finally said, pulling back, so she could look at her crew members.
"We're alright, but what about you?" Nomi asked.
"I'm fine, had a bit of a long journey to go see my sister and mother. I'm sorry for leaving without a word to you," Miho apologize.
Watabe shook her head. "N…n…no...w….we...und…understand you…we…we…were doing…wh….wha...was best…f…for your…fa…fa..family."
"Though, that won't excuse you from pampering us to make up for it," Nene teased, making the crew chuckle.
Moteki calm down first and spoke. "She's right, we're not letting you out of sight till we're satisfied."
"Sounds scary, but I guess it can't be helped," Miho said with a defeated smile knowing her cubs were ruthless when they wanted things from her, then Miho turn to Moteki. "How bad is your ankle? It's not permanent?"
"Nope, just a minor high ankle sprain, should be ready for the final for sure," Moteki affirmed with a confident look.
Yet Miho didn't care about that possible future match, she was just glad Moteki would walk ok when it was healed. "That's a relief, but please just don't do anything reckless, your health is more important."
"Don't worry," Moteki said, nuzzling her face into Miho's chest. "As long as I know your home, I can finally relax."
Nene spoke up now. "I heard your sister was here."
Just hearing that made Miho's crew tense up, as they had been in a bit of tussle with Fukushu and her crew during the match, after finding out about the punch. While they didn't have any warm feelings for the very one who had sucker punched their tank commander and left her in an unconscious state, even if Miho pleaded with them to forgive Fukushu, cubs were just as vengeful when anyone hurt their mother tigress.
"She is, but she came to make amends for what happened. I know you girls don't have a good opinion of her, but please try to give her a chance," Miho pleaded to them.
The crew look around at each other, talking with their eyes about what they should do. Slowly they all nodded to one another, knowing that they took after Miho, her immense compassion for others, the deep care she provided even to her enemies, and her fighting spirit. Each of them had taken a piece of this and allowed it to help mold them into the young ladies they were becoming. All because Miho had shown them what having a parental figure in their lives could do for them.
"Fine, fine, will play nice, mom's orders," Nene said, feigning annoyance with a cheeky smile.
"Can't disappoint her, so will make sure to give your half-sister a chance. Yet we get to tease her all we want," Nomi added to her twin's statement.
Miho chuckled, but relented. "Very well."
"I'll apologize for hitting her when I get the chance," Moteki said seriously.
"We…well…a…al…all…apologize," Watabe added.
Feeling her heavy heart swell with pride, Miho brought her crew into another group hug. "Thank you, thank you. I can't imagine my life without you girls and I will never leave you behind again, I promise."
With the group hug over, Miho help Moteki up to her feet, while Watabe brought her crutches back over, so she could stand on her own.
"Alright," Miho started. "I know you girls want to probably go out and eat, but I have to do my duties as the commander."
Nene place her hands behind her head, making a clucking sound with her tongue. "Our mom is home and she already wants to work herself to death."
"What can we say? I be surprised if she did want to relax," Nomi teased.
Making Miho blush in embarrassment. "No, no, there is just a lot of work I need to do. However, I wanted to have you, girls, with me still."
"And now she wants to work us to death," Nene moan in a joking tone.
"What can we say? I be surprised if she didn't want to work us to death," Nomi teased again.
"Wah! I never intended to be tha-," Miho try to explain, but was cut off as her crew began to chuckle at her.
It was then Miho realize they were just messing with her, making her begin to chuckle as well at the whole thing. Glad that her crew could make her forget about her worries just by their teasing alone, though she was the upperclassman, it was just a part of their camaraderie in the end.
"I'll…g…get…so…some food…re..re..ready," Watabe said happily.
"I'll get the papers in order," Moteki added.
"I'll get the snacks," Nene announced, with her hands proudly on her hip.
"And you'll get fat," Nomi now teased her twin.
"You really want to start with me!" Nene growled ready to pounce on her twin.
Nothings change…if anything these girls have proved to me that nothing has really changed…the same with the team…will overcome this, I know it
Miho thought, then played her motherly role. "Alright, alright, no time for horseplay. I need to get this paperwork done and look after my sister and her friend."
"Ah, ah," Nomi said, waving her finger.
Nene crossed her arms with a smirk. "We haven't heard the words in a while that get us fire up to move out, so how about it?"
"It's the only way I know how to get a tank moving when we're storming onto to the match field," Moteki said, equally wanting to hear those words that always lit a fire in her heart.
"N…n…n…n," Watabe stuttered, but soon found her voice. "No one says it better than you."
For a moment Miho took in each of their smiling faces, which were like torches that were lighting her own soul's flame and helping it keep burning brightly.
Then Miho raise her fist in the air, her voice coming out loud and proud, carrying the weight of passion to move forward. "Panzer Vor!"
With her cubs roaring with their Tigress. "Yeaaaaaaa!"
A deep orange glow of the late afternoon settle over the port city of Shichigahama, as the day was coming to an end. Many of its workers were leaving for home or for a drink at the bar to burn off the day's worries, others were about to enjoy the night out with lovers or friends, while many students of Chi-Ha-Tan Academy who had been out and about, were now returning to their carrier the Akagi, after enjoying some time shopping, eating, or whatever other fun they could find.
Yet for Miho who was walking home to her apartment, she had been facing more challenges than she wish all at once since she came back to her carrier. As she had just left the academy grounds after spending long hours at her desk in her commander's room, going over the notes of the readiness of the Sensha-do team for the next match, that Nishi had been keeping a record of.
Luckily her crew members had help with the process, though more times than not she had to keep the twins from their bickering, but Watabe and Moteki were a great help with the organization process. Though it was sad to have to leave them at the dorms when it was done, even though they beg to stay with her at the apartment, Miho convinced them that they be together all day tomorrow.
Though now on the way home, Miho's mind was occupied solely by what the practice reports told her.
Findings show her team was not in a good state all across the board. Dips in every category that made a team effective for a Sensha-do match were checked off, low fire rate, low percentage targeting, maneuvers were taking longer to form, many drivers were overworking their transmissions because of bad shifting, and even the machine gunners were too antsy in their shooting, basically, blind firing with now aiming, instead on the precision they were known for.
The only thing that was good was their ability to charge the targets down, but that was it, showing that Mizuko's influence had spread to most of the team or was in some form making things harder to conduct an efficient practice. Add on that there was less than a week away from meeting Pravda on the match field, adding pressure to get things under control in a short time.
"Damn, can't believe your Tiger 1 is going be out of the fight," Linda said, dragging Miho from her depressing thoughts.
Looking over, Miho was reminded that she wasn't alone, as Linda and Fukushu were walking with her. Miho had picked them up from the nurse's office and invited them to stay at her apartment, though they left the carrier to grab some clothes from the hotel they were staying at before they came over.
While also Fukushu met with Miho's crew who apologize to one another and promise to be on friendly terms in the future, much to Miho's delight.
"You're going to need it badly if you're going to face those Russian tanks too, I mean the Tiger was basically designed to take them out in droves," Fukushu added, walking close to her sister.
Miho smiled as she spoke. "True, I had hoped it could be repaired, but the report from our Chief Mechanic made it clear it's going to take some time and we don't have the budget for it either with all the extensive repairs needed."
"That sucks, but at least you got some hope, I mean what are the odds that a Panther tank was just lying aboard the carrier," Linda reminded.
Fukushu nodded. "And a Panzer 3 too, it at least gives you some needed firepower, though that Panzer 3 isn't going to cut it when it goes head to head with a T-34."
"Not totally true," Miho started, getting the attention of the pair. "A study from the Soviets from June 1941 to September 1942 on the losses of their T-34 tanks show that over sixty percent of them were knocked out by the Panzer 3's 50mm gun. Though some argue that can be attributed to better communication and coordination of the Panzer 3 crews over the Soviet tanks in the early war."
Linda let out a low whistle. "You're really smarty pants when it comes to tanks, aren't ya?"
A blush flushed over Miho's face. "Oh no, just basic things we learn at Kuromorimine."
"How is that basic? We were just taught how to operate our tanks, not their whole backstory and statistics," Fukushu said in surprise then turned to Linda. "Guess were lacking in good training."
"You little bra-," Linda began, then realize that Miho was here and change her verbiage. "You little gremlin, what good would it have done to teach you the history of the tank, you barely could stay awake in class when we were teaching you how to operate it."
"That's cause I'm more of a hands-on learner," Fukushu proudly said, swaggering in her stride to make the point clear to her teacher.
Linda let out a groan and look at Miho with a tired expression. "You see what I have to put up with, can you trade spots with her? I think you make for a better student."
A small graceful giggle left Miho's lips. "I think my sister is in the right place and with a good teacher as well."
"Good teacher is a bit of a stretch though," Fukushu replied with a smug grin.
"Ah, so that's how you feel then," Linda said, then wrapped her arm around Fukushu as she ruffle her head playfully, while Fukushu whined.
Making Miho just chuckle at the two's antics, then spoke. "I'm glad you were looking after my sister, Miss Sickle, I'm very grateful." Then Miho bow her head.
The statement made Linda stop her roughhousing, letting go of Fukushu who quickly went to work fixing her hair. Though Linda began to feel guilt once more build up in her, knowing that it was her training that had made Fukushu into the aggressive tanker she was, because Linda was passing down her destructive teachings as she had done at Saunders. Yet instead of chastising her, Miho was grateful, a completely opposite reaction compare to what happened earlier with the Chi-Ha-Tan tank commanders.
Leaving Linda with a need to make sure she clear the air with the one person that needed to know the truth.
Stepping in front of Miho, Linda bow her head. "I know you forgave me before, but I don't think I'm worthy of any gratitude, I was the one who put those horrendous ideas in your sisters head. I even went so far as to hit her to make my point, those are actions that cannot be forgiven, but I wish to do all I can to make up for my behavior."
"Is this true, Fukushu?" Miho ask, turning her attention to her sister.
Nodding regretfully, Fukushu reply. "Yea, but I hit her with a cheap shot in the end. It's my fault as well, Linda never wanted me to strike someone in a match, but I took things literally and let my emotions get the best of me."
Miho ponder over this revelation for a moment, knowing that she had every right to chastise Linda, but remember that wasn't who she was. While hearing the deep regret in Linda's voice, made it clear that she was trying to change, and that had extended to Fukushu as well.
"Miss Sickle, please look at me," Miho said.
Bringing her eyes up, Linda was captivated by the warm smile from Miho with the resting glows of the late afternoon sun behind her.
"I know you never wanted to become the person that you were before, Hidemichi gave a brief explanation of it. I've dealt with the same pressure to produce results for my family name, though I ran from it in the end, becoming lost in my own self-loathing, like you, I found my way back. It's because we share a similar past in a way, that I understand you," Miho stated.
"Re…really? Linda question with astonishment.
"Yes, I don't seek vengeance. While seeing how much your regret your actions and the bond you have with my sister, I think I can say everything happen for a reason and we all will be better people for it in the end," Miho said with a confident smile.
For a moment, Linda just stare at Miho. Captivated by the words spoken to her, she couldn't understand why, but were alleviating all her guilt in an instant once again. While also reinforcing it to her that this girl was something special, with just her words she could command your attention, not by yelling them, but with a soft firm speech.
Linda nodded to Miho happily. "You got a way with words, Miss Tigress. Know you got a comrade in me if you ever need it."
"Glad to have you," Miho said, then turn to Fukushu. "As I'm glad to welcome you to our family."
Though that didn't make Fukushu happy, as she began to rub her arm in distraught. "I don't know if I deserve to have that last name, sister."
"Because of what happened in the match?" Miho ask.
"Yes and no," Fukushu spoke, then found her resolve to get things off her chest. "It's a lot of things, but it trickles down to the point that I still have some lingering hatred about what happened to Konomi, that your mother caused that makes me not want to carry that last name truly."
A sad nod of understanding came from Miho. "That is the truth, it's a demon that still haunts my mother. It's haunted her for years, but she wants to make amends."
"I respect you Miho and I'll do whatever I can to be by your side. Yet Shiho, she can feel bad all she wants, but there isn't anything in this world she will ever do to make up for the horrors Konomi went through, that she caused to happen after that Panzer Kettō match," Fukushu said, the belief in her feelings laid bare for Miho.
"I understand, I'm not expecting you to forgive her…at least not yet. However, if we are going to build our family up again, it will take all of us Fukushu. Were Nishizumi, we know how to fight to the last, to keep advancing against the odds, and find victory," Miho stated.
The words move Fukushu, who brought her eyes to stare deeply into her sisters that conveyed her own iron belief.
Miho started again. "My mother is going to fight for her own victory, just as you must as well."
"I don't know how to," Fukushu said quietly.
Prompting Miho to walk over to Fukushu and gently take her hands, then Miho press her forehead to Fukushu's with a smile on her face that made Fukushu's worries melt slowly away.
"I didn't either, I was scared as you are now, feeling like nothing in the world would help me rise back up, but you know what help me realize I can rise once more?" Miho said with a quiet passion that was building up.
Feeling her heart beating fast, Fukushu was buying into the words spoken to her. "What?"
"All we need is a helping hand to bring us up in the end, we won't win fighting our own separate battles, only by doing it together can we achieve more than we ever thought," Miho stated.
I…I don't have to fight on my own anymore…I don't need hatred to guide me…I need my…my sister…my family…that's how I'll win…
Fukushu thought, realizing her way forward, as she lean against Miho. "Will do it together, right?"
"Yes, I am the heiress of the Nishizumi name and I need every Nishizumi to help me if were to win. You are a Nishizumi, you are my sister Fukushu, and we will find victory together," Miho said, feeling like she had gotten through to her sister.
Fukushu nodded. "Thank you, sister. I'll be by your side, I'll learn to forgive Shiho in time, and we will win."
"Good, now come on, I will be a poor host if I didn't make dinner for you two," Miho said, turning around, but grabbing Fukushu's hand as they walked together down the street, laughing together as they always should have done.
As Nishizumi sisters.
Linda watched on for a moment, knowing that things were going to be alright as long as they followed Miho. Things hadn't gone all to plan and there was still some things to sort out that were going to take time, but they had found the starting point for their road. All they needed to do was navigate its treacherous bends and turns and they reach their goal of redemption in the end.
"Linda!" Fukushu called out. "Hurry up! Miho says she has the whole DVD collection of Boko Bear! We're pulling an all-nighter!"
"Oh great, that sounds like so much fun," Linda huffed in joking annoyance, but she still cracked a smile as this damnably long day was at least going to have a good ending to it, as Linda jogged to catch up to the Nishizumi sisters.
As this trial of the day was coming to an end, but more of them were waiting in the days ahead for the Tigers of Chi-Ha-Tan to conquer.
"Da, we have arrived at the hotel. The Akagi is still in port and reports say it will be setting out to sea the following night," Klara spoke into her phone, leaning against the window seal of her hotel room, dressed in a white t-shirt and loose-fitting pajama pants.
Down below she watch as cars and people went about their business as night descend over the port city of Shichigahama. It bored her to be in this city, even though she had a full day to explore it, but nothing excited her about staying here, as there was only one place she truly never wanted to be away from and that was her home carrier the Kiev.
All Klara wanted was to be by Katyusha's side night and day, pamper her and help her. Follow behind a commander who held Klara's heart without question of loyalty. Not to mention being with the team, who had become her family, taking place of the one she left behind in Russia when she made the move to join Pravda. Now she was away from both precious things, but she had a job to do and it was on Katyusha's orders, so she execute them to perfection.
"Good Klara, remember your mission is important to our future operations. We need to know the state of their Sensha-do team and if they have any new tanks they mean to bring against us," Nonna replied over the phone.
"I understand. Do I have permission to steal any vital documents? Maybe find documentation about the tactics they mean to employ?" Klara ask, feeling excited at the prospect of using her espionage skills to full use that she learn at the military academy she attended back in Russia.
"Nyet," Nonna replied in Russian, then switch to Japanese. "That is not your objective, we aren't going to cheat to win, that would only besmirch Pravda's honor as well as Katyusha's."
Klara chuckled, her blue eyes shining like a predator. "I hope that be your response Comrade Nonna, I be disappointed if you said yes."
"You are quite devious at times, but that is what I like about you as a tanker," Nonna replied, a slight amusement in her tone.
"It plays to my nickname, the Ledyanaya Gadyuka, don't you think?" Klara ask with an equally amused tone.
"Hmph, you are right. The Ice Viper is what you are on the battlefield, striking without warning and without mercy, choking your opponents to their demise," Nonna replied.
"Tsk, tsk," Klara started. "Don't make me sound so scary, it terrifies all the first years. They think that if they don't perform on the field, I will come for them in the dead of night."
"It makes for good motivation in the end, though I know you never hurt any of them, your motherly aura is assuring to them," Nonna said.
Looking back to the room, Klara smiled at the two first years who had accompanied her on this very mission. "Yes, I do believe you are right about that, I had my young brother and sister I had to take care of back at home, practically raising them at times since our parents were always busy."
"Just as you have many battle sisters here who look to you for guidance and who are missing you. Make sure to wrap this mission up quickly and report to Katyusha of your findings immediately," Nonna ordered.
"It will be done, Poka ya ne uvizhu tebya snova, moy drug," Klara said.
"Yes, till I see you again, comrade," Nonna replied, then cut the call.
Klara put the phone back into the pocket of her pajama pants, then cross her arms as she once more look to the city below. Finding herself antsy to get aboard the Akagi and get this mission over with. It still shocked her that Katyusha would go so far as to order her to spy on Chi-Ha-Tan when she didn't even do this for their last two opponents. Whether this was being done over quiet fear or respect for the strength of this Sensha-do team, Klara didn't know. Yet even she could feel some uneasiness when she watch the matches of Chi-Ha-Tan, who had against all odds scrap their way to the semi-final.
They were the type of opponents you hated to tussle with because they never knew when to quit.
This has been proven true this entire tournament, as against every obstacle placed before them, they just kept fighting and clawing. Making their nickname the Tigress Corps that much more meaningful, because these ladies didn't show any fear to whoever stepped in their path and never backed down when the odds were against them.
Klara, my goals are absolute, I cannot fail. The slander against Pravda must be destroyed in the one way we know how and that is by complete victory. We must obtain our own Operation Bagration, obtain victory so overwhelming no one will question our might, and you will help me achieve this with this mission
Those were Katyusha's parting words to Klara, which were seared into her mind. That they needed to win the Victory Flag once more that would make sure Pravda was never to be questioned ever again. No one would wonder if their win the previous year had been nothing but a fluke that had all but disregarded the work of Katyusha who had reformed Pravda to never again be ok with being 2nd place to anyone.
"I won't let these tigresses stop us here, nothing will stop us, I promise you, Miss Katyusha," Klara said quietly to herself.
Suddenly a voice rang out that grab Klara's attention. "Oh wow!"
Turning back to the room, that had two beds, one of them was occupied by two young girls. Each of them first years that were sent along to help Klara with her mission and who Klara herself trusted to get things done, of course with her training.
It was the loaders of the KV-2, who had returned to their original tank after commanding a T-34/76 in the last battle as gunner and loader, in Alina and Nina.
They were both dressed in nightgowns, leaning back on some pillows on the bed, and were closely cuddled up to one another. Nina had a tablet in her hand and was quickly scrolling through it as something had grabbed her attention, with Alina looking on as well. Looking at them, Klara smiled then proceeded to walk over to the bed and climb on. Then settle herself next to Nina who was entrance still with her tablet.
"Something catch your eye, Nina," Klara ask.
"Oh, Klara, they just released the second round report!" Nina said excitedly.
"Hope they sing my praises about the last battle!" Alina added.
"But I was the one shooting the gun," Nina whined.
Alina shrug. "Says the one who miss the first shot, only making the rumors about us always missing first true."
"Hey!" Nina complain.
Klara interjected now. "Alright, alright, let's not start pointing fingers. How about we read it together?"
"Yea!" Both girls said happily.
Klara then repositioned herself on the bed, putting herself between the two first years, who cuddle up to her sides, as Klara held the tablet out front so they all could see.
"Now let's see how the second round went, shall we?" Klara said, as her eyes ran over the events and battles of the intense 2nd round of the 63rd National tournament.