Authors Thought:

Hello dear readers. Been a minute since we last uploaded. Well, I am trying to figure out how to write this last build-up to the battle. With how things work out, the chapter was getting too long I felt, so I had to split again so as not to be cramming it all in one go, so next chapter is a good part already written out, so I can get out to you by the end of the month.

Thank you again for your continued support; for now, what is a series that has been going on for 2 years...damn I never thought it even make it past 1.

Also, I'm uploading a Thank you chapter next since we've hit an insane milestone, but I need to make sure to properly write this out for you readers who I can't say this enough...you make this story happen by all your support for it, by reading, reviewing, favorites, and follows. I be nowhere without all of you supporting this series, so again from the bottom of my heart, thank you, and I will see you again.

Till then, be well and be safe.

"Was the woman who chased Alina and Nina harmed in any way when you intervened?" Nonna asks, dressed in the Pravda school uniform, as she walks along the halls of her team's Sensha-do Headquarters with a folder in one arm.

"Nyat," Klara replied, walking alongside her fellow Vice commander in a similar dress, carrying an M32 officer leather field bag strap over her shoulder, carrying the documents and pictures for her commander, a boon from Klara's successful infiltration mission into Chi-Ha-Tan, with a little excitement to boot to end the mission.

"Good. Katyusha was concerned when I made the full report of your mission to her. She doesn't want us incurring any penalties before the match for what the Federation would see as foul play," Nonna stated.

"Ya by nikogda ne opozoril nashu chest'(I would never disgrace our honor)," Klara instantly replied, her emotion getting the best of her, making her revert to her native tongue.

"Ya znayu, chto ty nikogda tak ne delayesh', moya sestra-tanker(I know you never do that, my tankery sister)," Nonna answered her friend's worry, then switched to Japanese. "The matter is done with, and you are home. That is all that matters now."

Klara nodded. "Yes, it's good to be home. The welcome party was quite the spectacle. It was nothing but a little spy work, nothing I think required the party."

"It's more than that. Knowing our enemy increases our chances of victory. We must not take Chi-Ha-Tan for granted, they are not in the position they are by luck, but by skill," Nonna complimented, her eyes narrowing as her mind was already picturing the battle against her next foe.

Klara said nothing at first, taking in the normally emotionless face of Pravda's ace gunner as they continued down the hall. Having spent time getting to know the stoic girl, Klara had been able to pick up on the physical cues that let Klara know how her friend was feeling. It was an emotion Klara had seen when Nonna was awaiting the results of the Chi-Ha-Tan versus Oarai match while caring for a sleeping Katyusha.

The unmistakable eagerness was burning in Nonna's cold eyes, from what Klara could tell then and could tell now. Nonna always seemed to be collected, never getting too high or low, she always was the center balance for the team from what Klara had observed in the months of training they had been doing. Yet for the first time, Klara could see Nonna was yearning for this fight to come to a head, against a team with only a handful of tanks that could compete with the might of Pravda. Yet Klara could see Nonna was more excited for this than any other match they had fought in up to this point.

Is it because of that Nishizumi girl?…I almost pity the poor girl, since my dear Nonna is already deadly as an ice blizzard when she sets her sights on you…Now, this Nishizumi will be facing a storm unlike any she has known… Veshchi vot-vot stanut zakhvatyvayushchimi(Things are about to get exciting)…

Klara thought, smiling widely, while turning her head to the left, where the large window was displaying the outside world. Wanting to take a moment, Klara stop without a word, with Nonna taking a hint and stopping as well. Both girls took in the outside world from the second story of the Pravda Sensha-do Headquarters.

Their carrier, the Kyiv, was sailing proudly across the Philippine sea, heading for the destination where their next battle had been decided by the Sensha-do Lottery System, which chose battlefields at random, so there be challenges to any team to fight not just their enemy, but the elements if need so. Though the current battlefield that would be for Pravda's match against Chi-Ha-Tan was definitely going to be a first for every team member, including Katyusha.

"Do you believe the team is mentally prepared for the next match?" Klara couldn't help but ask.

Nonna watches the sea for a moment, then turns to Klara. "Katyusha has done all she can to prepare them for the vigorous conditions ahead. It's up to us to keep their focus. We're on the cusp of greatness that Pravda has not seen for many years, all because of Katyusha's hard work…it must not be wasted."

"Da, we cannot waste our Chamomile's effort. She must bloom fully and show the might of her Sensha-do style for everyone to kneel to once again," Klara agreed with a small huff of amusement.

A small smile graced Nonna's lips. "You remember her favorite flower."

"Oh, course, I must know everything about my dear Katyusha, so that I can make her happy," Klara affirms.

Now Nonna's small smile curled into a sly smirk. "What of her birthday?"

"Ty tak malo dumayesh' obo mne?( Do you think so little of me?)," Klara playfully challenge back, crossing her arms and tilting her head.

"Then do tell me," Nonna pressured.

Making Klara sigh in annoyed delight. "Our world was grace by Katyusha's presence on January thirty-first."

Though Nonna said nothing to this simple answer, she only continued to stare at her Vice commander, wanting more than just a simple answer every girl in Pravda should know by heart.

Klara picked up on the wanting of more, then chuckled lightly, knowing what she was missing. "Ah yes, it's significant due to what happened on that day when German General Paulus surrendered to the Soviet army at Stalingrad, with the rest of the Sixth Army following suit shortly after. A lucky day to be born, I say, for our dear commander. I heard she made Bonploe surrender to her in last year's tournament."

"In a way," Nonna replied, sighing simultaneously.

"Meaning?" Klara ask.

"After we corner Bonpole, Katyusha pass out due to overworking herself the week before to prepare us for Nationals. It was up to me to finish what she started," Nonna explained.

Klara's eye twitched at the mention of her commander having suffered from mental exhaustion, especially during a match. "How did you get Bonpole to give up?"

"A bit of theatrics goes a long way. I made them a false surrender under the pretext of Katyusha's kindness and mercy. Still, I demanded they fight on so we could batter them into nothing, watch them futilely struggle under our might, if only to give me pleasure," Nonna said nonchalantly.

A cold shiver went down Klara's spine as she spoke. "I never know you to be so…so…so ruthless before. You simply do your job, but never make open threats like that."

"Again, it was theatrics. With Katyusha out, I was in command and was hesitant to make any mistake with our remaining forces, so I chose fear as my weapon. I took no pleasure in it. Besides that, it ended the match quickly so I could be by Katyusha's side," Nonna explained.

"I see our commander's deviousness has rubbed off on you. This is good; we will need that for this coming match," Klara said with approval in her tone.

Nonna nodded at the statement, then motioned with her hand for both of them to continue their journey to Katyusha's Office. The two made their way down the seemingly endless halls, looking to either side as the walls were adorned with famous tankers of old from Pravda's ranks. Each was used as inspiration for the incoming tankers to admire and hold themselves to want to be up to their standard, which had only been amplified now by Pravda's victory in the final last year.

Soon the two Vice commanders rounded the corner to come to their destination. A large double oak door awaited them, which had the Pravda's school insignia beautifully cut into its oak across the two doors, in the form of two overlapping steel squares crossed with a T-square and small scissors on top, imitating the hammer and sickle design of the flag of the Soviet Union.

Coming closer, the pair of girls notice two girls waiting outside, to which they both smile as they recognize the first-year tankers in Alina and Nina, also wearing their school uniforms. It was easy to tell that they were nervous as they fiddled with their hands, but stopped when they heard the footsteps of their upperclassmen coming towards them.

"Vice commander Nonna and Klara, it's good to see you," Alina started, offering a salute.

"It's good to see you," Nina repeated, following up with a smart salute.

"As its good to you see you, malen'kiye detenyshi(little cubs)," Klara answered.

"You did well on your mission," Nonna praised.

Though Nina didn't take the praise in stride, returning to her fiddling with her hands. "If that is the case, why did Miss Katyusha summon us to her office in such haste? Have we done something wrong?"

"How could we have done something wrong?" Alina quickly argued with her arms crossed and a smug smile coming across her face. "We got all those pictures of Chi-Ha-Tan's arsenal and their new tanks."

"I know…but Miss Katyusha hasn't said a word to us since we returned…she's been cooped up in her office and didn't even come to the welcome home party earlier," Nina meekly replied.

"Have no fear, Nina," Klara interjected, wanting to put these fears to rest. "The commander has been working furiously because of the new information she has received thanks to our recon, formulating a foolproof plan to crush the Tigress Corps."

"However, she is neglecting her sleep again. I will have to remind her of her health. We cannot afford something to happen to her before the match," Nonna said, her voice etched with worry for the little blonde who had her undying loyalty.

"We shall have a discussion later with her, do not fret, comrade," Klara soothe, giving Nonna some pats on the shoulder.

Suddenly the double oak doors leading into the office open slowly, revealing a young woman who was in her early 20s, wearing her Imperial Japan Flight suit, which was colored dark green to match Pravda's Sensha-do uniform, along with the school insignia sewn onto both shoulders of the uniform. She sported a pixie cut with her light brown hair that was neatly combed over, her skin smooth and radiant. Yet for all this beauty, what was most important about her to the girls of Pravda, was that she was the Captain of their air force, looking to keep her ground-pounding girls safe from the enemy air.

Though unfortunately, had not had the chance to tangle with the enemy fighters due to the first round match being fought in a snowy landscape with dense fog that grounded flight operations and then the next round where Maginot's operator tank had been taken out before they could call in their air support leaving the Pravda Air captain to subject the Maginot tanks to a rocket barrage from her Zeroes, but doing nothing else but suppressing them.

"Well, hello there, ladies," the woman said, smiling slyly at the four before her.

"Miss Tamashiro, a pleasure to see you," Nonna started, bowing to the air captain, with her action followed by her subordinates.

Placing a hand on her hip, Tamashiro spoke with mirth in her tone. "Come now, you know I go by Lydia here. Let's keep it that way."

"Uh, excuse me," Nonna reply, then corrected herself. "It's a pleasure to see you, Miss Lydia."

Nodding in approval, 'Lydia' spoke. "As it is to see you. The big day is approaching for our big Tiger hunt."

The comment made Klara grin. "Yes, a day that shall not be wasted."

"I hope not, and I've been itching for a dogfight. Especially with my old friend Aozora, I have a debt to settle with her," Lydia explains.

"Is she like a…rival?" Alina ask.

Placing a finger on her chin, Lydia thought about it for a moment, then spoke. "You could say that. To be honest, I've never really liked her. Since she seems to have the devil's own luck, being able to get away with skirting the rules while anyone one else in the 54th Wing gets a scolding for even the smallest offense."

"She's a favorite then?" Nonna added.

"Yes, a favorite with our superiors, within our class of cadets, and now is a favorite of every fan of Sensha-do who sees her fly. Utterly infuriating for someone like me, who's done the right thing and put my head down and worked hard to become a pilot," Lydia stated. Though her voice was light and playful, there was resentment deeply hidden within it.

Klara picking up on this, leaned towards Nonna a little to speak in a hushed tone. "Zvuchit kak revnost' dlya menya.(Sounds like jealousy to me.)"

"Hush," Nonna reprimanded her friend quietly, then turned to Lydia. "Miss Lydia, I'm sure our commander has plans to give you a chance to rectify this…rival of yours."

"Oh, of that, there is no doubt. Especially after the air operation, I've put forward to our darling Katyusha, which will give you all the edge in this coming battle," Lydia said with a devious smile spreading across her lips.

That made Klara raise an eyebrow. "An air operation? Even though we're only allowed to call you in for air strikes or air cover."

"Oh, the rules can be slightly bent if you think outside the box. This is why I put forth the plan to crush Chi-Ha-Tan before they even know what hit them. Then the rest is up for you to enjoy," Lydia explains.

"Oh wow, your so cool, Miss Lydia!" Nina exclaim.

"Oh, and your so cute," Lydia reply, while coming over to give the small girl some head pats that made Nina giggle.

"Well," Lydia started again, looking to Nonna and Klara. "Don't want to take up to much of your time. I'll be taking my leave. I look forward to helping you girls finally skin the Tigress Corps for good, show that a Bear is equal to them in strength and tenacity, do svidaniya devochki(goodbye girls)."

The Pravda Air Captain saunter down the hall, leaving the Pravda tankers to watch her. Klara, out of all of them grimaced at Lydia's departure as the last line the pilot said made it known that she knew Russian and might have picked up on what Klara had whispered early. For the most part, in their time spent with Lydia, she was never really around the team, basically keeping her and her pilots in their barracks or on the carrier enjoying themselves. Sure, Lydia did want to win, but it was not for Pravda but for her own glory that Katyusha had made known to both Nonna and Klara.

With that knowledge, Katyusha had done her best to bring Lydia in, even suggesting an alternate name to help build a bridge for the Air Captain to meld with the team, as the first name belonged to the famous Soviet female ace pilot Lydia Litvyak. Though even with the attempts at gaining cohesion with the pilot, only so far had been marginal gains for Lydia's attention, yet Katyusha remained patient. It seemed the fruit of the Pravda commander's labor had been that now Lydia was coming around, even going so far as to put forth a plan to win the air battle, though the little whisper early from Klara now might have regressed the trust between the air and ground forces.

Nonna sighed a little in agitation that things might be strained now, but decided it was best not to dwell, giving Klara a couple of pats on the shoulder for comfort, then motioned for the group to head into Katyusha's office and not waste any more time.

Entering through the doors, the four of them were greeted to Katyusha's personal office. Like everything the little blonde did, it had to be large and voluminous, which applied to her office. Hanging from the ceiling was a pair of glass chandeliers lit up like a Christmas tree illuminating the office that would be covered in shadows since the green silk drapes covered every window in the room with the Pravda school insignia sewn in red.

A fireplace lay near one end of the room that was not alit at the moment, with a large comfy couch to pair with it. Above the fireplace, a single large, heavy framed artwork hangs from the wall, a portrait of the first commander of Pravda's Sensha-do team in school history, who, like all girls of Pravda, abandoned her Japanese name to take up Russian one. A product of the World War 2 veteran Russian tankers who came to train Pravda's Sensha-do team in the infancy of the martial arts humble beginnings, who had trouble pouncing Japanese names even with interpreters on standby, so they decided to call the girls by Russian names which stuck as the years went on, even after they left the carrier.

Said girl, painted in great detail in the artwork above the fireplace, had been given a special name, Samusenko, the last name of the famous Soviet female tank commander Aleksandra Samusenko, who fought all the way through the war but unfortunately was to die in its final year of 1945.

Yet, like the fierce tanker's name she had inherited, the Pravda Commander Samusenko led Pravda to its first Victory flag in the 3rd National Tournament of Sensha-do. After she graduated, out of respect for her accomplishments, no other Pravda girl took the name for their own. The only name not to be used again, and for every girl who joins the Pravda Sensha-do team, all dream of honoring that first Iron Lady of Pravda.

As the four walk in, they all eye the portrait, then stop to bow to it from across the room in respect. Then turn to walk over to the desk where their current commander sat, who herself had gained immense fame for her victories and who these four girls would do all they could to honor that enjoyed fame and add to it.

Katyusha, though, sitting at her large oak desk, didn't seem to notice them walking in. Sitting in a chair that dwarfed her small size only seemed to make the poor girl look smaller, even causing Katyusha to have to sit up as tall as she could or else she sank too far down. Yet this was the same seat that the great Samusenko sat in so long ago, meaning Katyusha would not make changes because of her height. She did what she always had done, adjusted to the situation, and dealt with it.

Though, dealing with it had its problems, no matter how determined the little blonde was.

Coming close, Nonna could see that the top of the desk was covered in a mess of reports on their tankery team, from club expense papers, repair orders for tanks, and other essential information about the team. Mix in with them was a large map that covered most of the table, showing off the chosen battlefield that the Federation lottery system had decided at random. With the said map being the sole object of Katyusha's attention, her eyes scanned left to right, taking in each detail with a precise eye.

She's deeply immersed…not a good sigh. She'll be up all night if Klara and I don't keep a close eye on her

Nonna thought as she finally reached the front of the desk. She cleared her throat loudly, then spoke. "Commander Katyusha."

Slowly Katyusha raises her head. Her large blue eyes took in the sight of her subordinates, but not a flicker of excitement washed over her face. Only that single-minded focus was present, still wanting to look over the map again, but she knew she had other duties to attend to now. Leaving a bit of annoyance in Katyusha's expression, now bubbling to the surface that the four girls could instantly pick up on, but said nothing.

"Took you long enough," Katyusha started, leaning back in the chair to stretch her back, then look to the first years in the room first. "Alina and Nina."

Quickly both first years straightened up as much as they could, with arms behind their backs, and spoke as one. "Yes, commander?"

"You did well to bring me these photos," Katyusha said, motioning to Klara, who came forward to take the M32 officer leather field bag strap over her shoulder off, handing it to the Pravda commander. Then Klara stepped back to her original spot among her comrades.

"It was nothing, commander. Just doing our duty," Alina quickly spoke up.

"Nothing," Katyusha spoke in a quiet tone, but the annoyance behind it was evident, making both first years tense up, as Katyusha placed the field bag down near her and opened it.

Katyusha pulled some of the photos out and began to look them over for a moment.

Once she was satisfied with what she saw, Katyusha spoke. "This is more than nothing. You've brought the Great Katyusha vital information…information that will be pivotal to our battle plans. I had thought Chi-Ha-Tan would not be having any more surprises for us, but with this Panther D and Panzer 3 in their arsenal, just might have given us some serious trouble had I not known about them."

"It is strange, though. How could they have procured such tanks? It begs me to wonder," Klara spoke, rubbing her knuckle against her chin in thought.

"Maybe…maybe Kuromorimine is providing them tanks?" Nina said timidly.

"I don't believe so," Nonna said, pulling out a paper from her folder. "From what reports we have been able to gather, thanks to Klara's Intelligence Bureau, Kuromorimine has cut all ties with the Nishizumi family, and their new Headmaster has sent a statement to the Federation themselves saying as much."

"Wow, Miss Klara, you're amazing!" Aline praised.

"How did you get that information so quickly? I've never heard anything like that come out in the news, only the speculations about what would happen after Maho Nishizumi was suspended," Nina said in astonishment.

Though Klara only gave the girls a cheeky wink, then spoke. "Sorry, my girls, but that is a trade secret from my days at a military academy back in Russia. Can't be blurting it out to anyone, even trusted comrades."

"Ahhhh!" Both girls complain, earning a chuckle from Klara.

Katyusha cleared her throat to get the attention back on her. "Whatever the case, knowing not only about these new tanks but also that their Tiger 1 is out of commission, and for some reason that Sherman Jumbo being downgraded to that M3 75mm gun, gives us all the advantages we need."

"Yea, those other German kitties they have aren't going to be able to match up with us in the long run," Alina boasted.

"Yes, even more so now," Katyusha said, leaving a hint of mystery in the air.

Which made Nina tilt her head. "What do you mean?"

Not answering right away, Katyusha nodded to Nonna, who understood what was to be done, as she walked away to grab the items that her commander needed from a large oak file cabinet against the wall to the left of the desk. Then Katyusha got out of her seat, walking around the desk now to come up to the first-year pair, who each tensed up at how close Katyusha stood to them. Her large bright blue eyes took in every detail of the pair as if the Pravda commander was searching into the very souls, only making Alina and Nina that much more nervous.

"The Great Katyusha is not a leader who looks past those who do great deeds, nor do I not award those great deeds they achieve in the name of Pravda," Katyusha said, looking to each girl.

Just as Katyusha finished her sentence, Nonna returned to the scene, carrying a small wooden box. On its surface, a set of words had been neatly carved into its wood, which read The Order of Truth. Both Alina and Nina's eyes instantly widened in surprise to see the box that every Pravda girl knew of and what it contained inside. It only made their hearts beat faster, if that were even possible.

Nonna, without need for orders, lowers herself to Katyusha's height. The little blonde gave Nonna a nod of approval as the case was held towards her. Katyusha gently opens it, revealing two golden medals inside. Etch into silver metal was a T-34/76 charging across a battlefield in great detail. Taking one medal in hand, Katyusha turned to Nina first, who kept her eyes forward, waiting with bated breath to hear her commander speak.

"This is the Order of Truth, an award given to those ladies of Pravda whose strength, commitment, and determination is not false. It is proved to be true by their own actions. For you, Alina, this Truth has been made known to me, gathering intelligence on our foe, and for your hard work since the day, you signed up for our Sensha-do team. Now, none can deny this truth bestowed upon you by the Great Katyusha," Katyusha spoke in a steady tone, coming over to gently pin the medal to Alina's school jacket.

"Thank you for this great honor, commander," Alina said, her eyes glossing at the reward she had received but keeping her proud tears in check.

Katyusha only answered with a nod, then moved over to the next recipient in, Nina, who was toe to toe with Katyusha as the two girls share the same height. Again, Katyusha took a medal from the box, then slowly pinned it to Nina's school jacket, doing a double take to ensure it was properly put on.

"Nina, this reward was to be given to you after your great showing in the battle against Maginot. Not only did you help cut off their retreat by leading that small force, but you also took down the flag tank. I placed you an in a difficult position, by having you leave your loaders role to be a gunner, but you made no complaint and did your duty for the team's benefit. Your drive and fighting spirit are the Truth I see," Katyusha praise.

"It…it's nothing, commander, just doing my part for your glorious return to the top," Nina quickly stammered out.

"It's not my glory. It's our glory, which you're going to help even more with, thanks to the newest modification we purchased," Katyusha said, a sly grin crossing her face.

"What do you mean?" Alina ask.

Klara walked over to Katyusha's desk, pulled out a drawer to grab the blueprints that she neatly folded open, and then handed it to Alina. "This is what our dear Katyusha means."

Quickly shuffling over, Nina stood shoulder to shoulder with the loader comrade to scan the blueprint over. Which made both girls go wide eye, as they couldn't believe what they saw on the paper. Their gawking only made Katyusha even more pleased that her little surprise had the reaction she wanted from the pair, even making a little grunt of self-satisfaction of her own generosity.

Finally finding the strength to pull her eyes away from the blueprint, Alina spoke in a surprised tone. "You're not serious, commander."

"The Great Katyusha does not make jokes," Katyusha reprimanded, making Alina wince.

"So..sorry," Alina mumbled.

"Hmph," Katyusha snorted, then spoke. "So yes, we're upgrading the KV-2 with a new gun. The ZiS-6 107 mm cannon will make you tank killers instead of the suppression role you are used to. Even that new Panther of theirs is going to be no match for you, with the new designation KV-2 ZiS-6"

"Wow! The gun is so long as well…but is this a bit of an overkill for their Japanese tanks?" Nina couldn't help but ask.

"Obviously," Katyusha said, throwing her arms up in a shrug. "Yet they're the ones who are picking the fight with us, and we aren't going to hold back just cause they have those tin can for tanks, besides this is a great opportunity for you and your crew to get some experience, so when we go into the next match against Kuromorimine or St. Gloriana, you'll have a better understanding of your gun."

"Understood. Thank you, commander, for this gift. We won't let you down," Nina said excitedly.

"No enemy is going to be safe now from the Demon of the Crossroads," Alina added with a wicked smirk on her face.

"I have no doubt. Now you are dismissed. Get some rest for today, there are some extra portions of Solyanka soup ready for you in the cafeteria, along with some Black tea to enjoy afterward," Katyusha stated as she made her way back to her desk.

"Thank you, commander!" both Alina and Nina spoke at the same time, then added a salute, before leaving the room in a giddy state, unable to contain themselves as they ran down the hallways laughing and jumping for joy for their new tank they were going to tell the rest of their crew about and the hot meal waiting for them.

Klara watches them go with an affectionate smile before slowly closing the double doors. Turning back, she saw Katyusha returning to her office chair, readying to begin reading the map again in earnest. Nonna was already at her side, leaning on one arm against the desk, studying the map with great interest, leaving Klara feeling a bit left out, so she made her way over to see what the fuss was all about over this battlefield they were to be fighting over.

"Klara," Katyusha said, her eyes leaving the map and coming up to stare at the Russian-born lady.

Stopping in her tracks, Klara snapped to attention under Katyusha's intense gaze, then spoke. "Yes, commander?"

"Don't think I've forgotten that you were the one to lead this infiltration mission, leaving it mostly up to you to plan out yourself. It would not have been successful without your help," Katyusha spoke with a rare genuine smile reserved for her close associates.

Klara felt her heart swell with pride to hear the praise from her commander. "Thank you, Miss Katyusha. I was only doing my duty, is all."

"You were doing more than that since the day you arrived. You have given everything in the name of Pravda. That can't be denied, along with your achievements in the first two rounds and the help with the training of our youngest recruits," Katyusha said, gesturing to the door where Alina and Nina had left. "The prime example being those two's remarkable progress."

"You honor me greatly, Miss Katyusha," Klara replied, bowing her head.

A nod from Katyusha followed this, then spoke. "Then I will honor you more, as I'm placing you in command of the newly formed Wolf Guard Division."

Hearing that made Klara freeze up, her mouth unable to find the words. So far in her short career at Pravda, she had been mostly in command of a platoon size of tanks, being 3 or 4 under her command. While Nonna would have more control over all the units, not that Klara minded. She only cared about making sure she did her part to ensure victory was obtained by any means necessary for her team. Yet to hear she be put in command of a Sensha-do Division size unit was a bit much to handle at the moment.

"I…I…I… Eto ne mozhet byt' real'nym(This can't be real)," Klara mumbled to herself.

"No Russian, Klara," Katyusha lightly scolded, making the blonde girl snap to attention. Then Katyusha spoke again. "You'll be in command of fourteen tanks. You may choose from this list of tank commanders only to make up your division."

Nonna came from around the desk with a folder containing the profiles of each tank commander of Pravda from 3rd to 1st year. What their strengths and weaknesses were to make Klara's choices that much easier.

After handing the folder to Klara, Nonna smiles warmly at her comrade. "You've done well, my dear friend."

"Thank you, Nonna, and thank you, Miss Katyusha. I won't let you down. If you excuse, I'll get to work right away to have my Division list to you quickly and get them to training," Klara stated with a jovial smile across her lovely face.

Making Katyusha smile, knowing her trusted comrade was not one to waste time and wanted to get underway as soon as possible, which is why she wanted to place Klara in such a position. Leaving Katyusha free to make sure her overall strategy was in place for her team to follow.

"See that you do. When we make it to the final's it will be the Wolf Guard Grand Division you command," Katyusha added to the pot, being a devious way to motivate her subordinate more with a bigger prize to be gained.

Which worked its wonder, making Klara salivate more over the prospect of a larger command given to her by the only one who commanded her heart. "Yes, Miss Katyusha, I shall not let you done, glory to Pravda!"

Finishing with a salute, Klara left the room, leaving Nonna and Katyusha alone for the moment. Though Nonna knew that there was no reward coming her way, no shining medal, or nice new command. Yet Nonna did not need any of that. Only did she need Katyusha's respect and friendship. That reward was given daily, not in one special moment. It was a reward that Nonna was allowed to enjoy over their now almost 3 years of navigating the Sensha-do world together, and it was only together that they had achieved the impossible task of toppling the proud girls of Kuromorimine.

A victory, though, that to this day was stained by ridicule and accusations.

"Katyusha, you need your rest. I can tell your pushing yourself too hard," Nonna said lightly, wanting to make her worries known.

Though Katyusha paid no mind, one elbow lay on the desk with her fingers running through her hair, while the other arm was tracing a finger over the battlefield map. Already Nonna could tell Katyusha was running through every possible angle of attack and defense, every counterattack, every place that could lead to a misstep and defeat. Many saw her as a vicious commander, but Nonna knew better. Katyusha got into Pravda due to her high marks in the mock exams that even beat her own by a large margin.

Katyusha's ability to foresee issues, process them, and react was not something to take lightly.

Though right now, Nonna needed to get the little blonde to get some rest.

Coming over, Nonna places an arm on Katyusha's shoulder, making the blonde turned her head toward her. "You need to rest. You've been up since well before dawn."

Instead of a rebuke or a snarky remark, Katyusha sighed as she reached a hand up to place it over Nonna's as she spoke. "I know, I know, Nonna. Yet were on the cusp of finally squashing those who still call our victory last year hollow. That we usurp the throne with only luck, not by our grit and sweat that got us there."

"I understand your frustration. At the same time, I want to win as badly as you do. However, we will not be able to achieve this if you're not in proper health. Especially since we're going to be battling in an unknown environment, that will be a far greater challenge than the jungle last round," Nonna stated.

"Yes, the Sahara Desert…well, to be more accurate, the Western Sahara Desert," Katyusha said, now turning back to the map.

Forgoing any more protest of sleep for the moment, Nonna also turns her eyes to the map. They were going to fight in one of the few nations that allowed Sensha-do to be played over their soil due to the Agreement of Nations in 1994. That nation was Morocco itself, which offered its Western Sahara as a battlefield for the Federation. It had seen many Sensha-do matches over its desert ground that the Moroccan government specifically zoned out to use.

"The terrain works to our advantage for the most part, lots of flat lands that will maximize our guns," Nonna said, leaning a hand on the desk while tracing a finger over certain areas.

"Yes, but that Tigress of Chi-Ha-Tan is cunning. She'll most likely draw us into a fight over the uneven ground like the dunes here and here, trying to play against us that all of our tanks have terrible gun depression. She will want to avoid a fight on open flat ground," Katyusha counters, quickly conveying her concern to Nonna.

"Even if that is the case, they will be without their Tiger 1 and they have only one Panther D, whose turret traverse is terrible. It's no better than a self-propelled gun and will be powerless if we attack from multiple angles," Nonna added to try to ease her commander's worries.

"That may be the case, but it's not that tank that gives me restless nights. It's their Type 97 and Type 1 Chi-He tanks," Katyusha said, her teeth grinding together as she finished, as she was known to do when she was frustrated.

The answer made Nonna do a double take, unsure if she had heard Katyusha right. Yet press forward to get her answer as she spoke. "Their Type 97 and Type 1 Chi-He tanks? They can't penetrate our tanks at a distance besides the BT-7, and if they do want to have any chance against with our other tanks, they have to be at an extremely close distance. What's to fear about them?"

"The one thing they do better than our tanks is they have almost fifteen degrees of gun depression. So they can fire from extreme hull down positions if they want without us knowing where the initial shot came from," Katyusha explains, still eyeing the map with great interest.

"Hmm, if that is the case, how do you believe Miss Nishizumi will deploy her forces?" Nonna ask.

The question only made Katyusha snort. "It is easy enough to see, based on how that Nishizumi dealt with Maple, Saunders, and Oarai. She'll use those tanks to distract us by firing from multiple angles from hidden hull-down positions, making us turn our turrets or the entire hulls to them. At the same time, she brings up her other Japanese tank destroyers to hit as at critical points since they got some good stopping power."

"You mean the Type 5 Na-To, Type 3 Ho-Ni 3, and Type 4 Chi-To?" Nonna questioned.

Katyusha snaps her fingers. "Exactly, it's plain as day how she will go about it. So we need to give this Nishizumi girl a nice little surprise to she won't see coming. Lydia will handle the air operation that will throw Chi-Ha-Tan off their game, and Klara will handle the initial thrust to get them focused on one spot."

"Which leaves me to hunt the Nishizumi herself," Nonna said, a smile spreading across her face.

"Yes, this is your reward for your loyalty, trust, and friendship all these years. Take down the Nishizumi girl. I'm also making you the operator tank for this battle for our plan to work fully," Katyusha announced.

Nonna nodded. "Understood, Nika can coordinate the artillery, resupply, and air support without fail. I've trusted her as my tank commander and gunner for all these years."

"I know her worth," Katyusha replied, then pressed on the last thing. "Are the Huntresses ready for deployment?"

"Yes," Nonna replied with a nod as she leaned back. "I've trained the tank commanders and their crews well. They can act independently and will wreak the havoc you require on Chi-Ha-Tan."

"Good. Are they clear on the orders I have given?" Katyusha ask.

"Yes, they will not hesitate to take down the flag tank if the chance presents itself," Nonna confirmed.

"Good, now I must get back to study-," Katyusha try to say.

A firm grip on her shoulder made Katyusha look back to see Nonna stare down at her with a serious expression. There was no need for words to pass between the two, as Katyusha may be the commander, and never did Nonna overstep her bounds in any way as second in command. Yet, when it came to the matters outside Sensha-do, Nonna had more control and say over matters, to the point that Katyusha had learned not to dismiss her friend's worries and wants because she cared.

"Alright, I'll take a nap, but only three hours, and if you let me sleep longer, I'll really be angry with you," Katyusha said, but her tone had only a little bite to it, as her tiredness was taking its toll now even as much as she fought against it.

"Good, now let's get you to bed," Nonna said with her happiness oozing from her own tone, then kneeled down to take a knee.

Not needing a hint at what her friend was doing, Katyusha lifted herself off the chair and came over to Nonna. Carefully the little blonde climbed so she could settle herself onto Nonna's shoulders as she usually did. Once Katyusha was secured on her shoulders, Nonna stood to her full height as she ensured Katyusha was secured by holding onto her shins and proceeded to leave the room.

As they traverse the hallways, Katyusha leans forward, her small hands lightly place on top of Nonna's head, going so far as to play with a little. Though once again, the bond between the two girls played a role once more, as Nonna could tell something was bothering her comrade, as she never played with her hair unless something was bothering Katyusha.

"What is the matter, my dear Katyusha?" Nonna asks in a gentle tone.

Not trying to hide her problem anymore, Katyusha spoke. "I know I've said this a million times…but we can't lose Nonna. Everything is riding on this. Our only chance for us to destroy the notion that we were lucky, that we are nothing but usurpers and no better than thieves."

Nonna's eyes narrowed, as she could hear Katyusha grinding her teeth again. "Da, we cannot lose, I know, and you can tell me another million times to remind me what is at stake. We did not work all these years to stop being content with being lambs for Kuromorimine to feast upon anymore. No more were we content with being called Second Place Pravda behind our backs."

"We rose to become hunters, to take down those cats who only sneer at those beneath them and laugh at their attempts to fight back that was nothing but futile in their eyes. You and I didn't let them laugh anymore. We made them gawk at our power and made them kneel," Katyusha finished, a low growl reverberating in her throat.

Nonna nodded a little. "No matter what comes, we will reach the top again, Katyusha. Your legacy will not be questioned again. I'll make sure of it as I've always done."

The passion of Nonna's words made Katyusha blush a little because she knew Nonna would do everything to make it happen and not let her down.

"Thank you, Nonna…I…I could not have asked for a better friend," Katyusha said timidly. Her usual proud and determined voice was gone, sounding like a little girl needing comfort.

Though Nonna did not offer comfort, she chuckled, even having to go so far as to bring a hand over her mouth to keep them from leaking out too loudly.

Making Katyusha blush in embarrassment and anger. "Are you mocking me?!" Returning to her angry form.

Nonna soon got control of herself to speak. "Do you remember that night when we had a fight during our first year?"

"Yeah, why are you bringing that up now?" Katyusha asks in a questioning tone.

"After we made up and truly bonded, you said that we are friends, but remember I told you we are not friends, and that holds true even now," Nonna answered.

"Eh…?" Katyusha reply, fearful that the one closes to her was not her friend.

"We both faced similar pain before we came to Pravda, and we both had the same goals we wanted to achieve when we came here. To which we were ready to lay everything down to achieve those goals, which has forged our iron bond that the word friend is not enough to describe us," Nonna explained, stopping for a moment as she tilted her head up to catch Katyusha's eyes.

Then Nonna finished her words to her commander. "Katyusha, society would call that…comrade."

In an instant, Katyusha smiled happily as small tears formed in her eyes as she spoke. "Yes, my comrade. We shall continue to give everything to our goals together and leave with no regrets…comrade…will be together forever."

"Yes, forever," Nonna repeated, as she brought her head back down to continue their journey to Katyusha's room to get only a short rest before these warriors of Pravda would rise again to ready for their fight with a tigress.

"Phew, that was a brutal practice," Hirai, Fukuda's gunner, said as she was sitting on the top of the turret of the Type 4 Ke-Nu, unstrapping her tankers helmet to let her head feel some fresh air while wiping some sweat away.

"Yea, but I understand the commander is trying to get us back into shape, is all. But, unfortunately, it means she can't be gentle," Fukuda answered, leaning out her commanders cupola.

"I don't mind," Hasegawa called up from her driver's position with the hatch open so she could see better. "She can have us work from dawn to dusk, and I wouldn't complain a bit."

Hirai chuckled. "Says the girl who was dead tired after that Oarai match."

"Hey! That was an intense battle with them, the first time we had to fight a long continuous battle. Still, my stamina is way better now," Hasegawa argued as she steadied herself to keep their tank moving steadily.

"Yea had to do some pretty crazy maneuvers to boot. At least we got a takedown, though I feel bad it had to come from taking down that Type 89. May have been an enemy, but it's a Japanese sister tank," Hirai said, raising her arms above her head to stretch a little.

Fukuda spoke up now. "It's too bad we didn't meet with the Oarai team after the match. I would have liked to have met the girls who command the Type 89. They fought pretty well using even an older Japanese tank than we have, not just in that battle but the whole tournament."

"Yea, they even took on a platoon of Matilda tanks alone in that qualifier match against West Kureouji," Hasegawa added.

"And took on a whole platoon of Koala Forrest tanks as well, could learn a thing or two from them," Fukuda said with a chuckle.

"And that Duck insignia on their tank was kind of cute…maybe we should do something like that for our tank?" Hirai asks, looking to Fukuda for an answer.

For a moment, Fukuda ponders over the question, looking down at her little tank as it travels over the dirt ground heading back to the tank garage to be handed over to the mechanics to work on. It had been a gift from Miho for Fukuda's hard work in the qualifier and training before the Saunders match. It embodied all that Fukuda saw in herself as a tanker now. They may be small, but they were fierce and would not back down from a challenge.

"I think Oarai has their own kind of culture within their team…something that they do that makes them special. Yet we have our own way, too. We don't need to do the same things as others because I think we know how fierce our tanks are," Fukuda replied, looking to her gunner now.

Hirai just shrugs with a smirk. "You got me. I can't argue with that kind of words."

Fukuda was going to reply, but a sudden net call came through to her via the throat microphone.

"Fukuda, come in Fukuda."

Quickly Fukuda recognized the voice, and she promptly touched her throat microphone. "Yes, Vice commander Nishi, I'm here."

"Good. Are you on your way back?"

"Roger, we finished with our extra maneuver drills. Sorry, we took so long to come back…we wanted to go through the course a couple more times after that," Fukuda replied, feeling her cheeks warm with embarrassment.

Hirai saw this and gave Fukuda a couple taps on the shoulder to reassure her friend and tank commander. Since it was the whole crew that wanted more time on the maneuver course, even staying while the rest of the team had already started their clean-up duties before reporting back to the tank garage. Yet Hirai and Hasegawa had begged Fukuda to let them keep going a little more, wanting to push their limits as they knew the battle against Pravda would be no easy feat to overcome. They tried to help their tankery sisters in whatever way they could. They had to get stronger.

"No worries, Fukuda. I figure you girls want some extra training. So now that you're returning, please head for Garage Number Five to meet with Commander Miho," Nishi ordered.

Both Fukuda and Hirai gave each other a funny look, then Fukuda touched her throat microphone. "Understood…we aren't in trouble, are we?"

A soft chuckle could be heard over the net before Nishi replied. "I wouldn't say that. Now head to the garage to meet with her, dinner is going to be finished soon, and I don't want you to miss it, over and out."

With that, Nishi cut the net call, leaving Fukuda a little apprehensive. Yet there was nothing to do but follow the orders, as Fukuda ordered her driver to make for the tank garage. All of the crew wondered what Miho wanted to meet with them about.

The drive to the garage passed by in a flash, and soon Fukuda's tank was pulling into the Tiger Garage area. The crew was greeted by the sight of a few of their teammates just leaving having help with some maintenance on their tanks since Chief Mechanic Himi was short on staff for junior mechanics, so the tank crews would stay behind to offer some support where they could, till eventually they would be shooed away by the Junior mechanics who wanted to go about their task that was their job for the team.

As Fukuda drove past some of the open garage areas, she was greeted by waves from the junior mechanics, who heaped on their praise of Fukuda and her crew for their hard work and the achievements they had gained in the tournament. Then, of course, Fukuda and her crew gave back their own praise, as they were eternally grateful to the hard-working girls who kept their tanks in prim and proper condition after all the stress they put them under.

This only adds to the saying around the league that the mechanics are the lifeblood of a Sensha-do team, for without them, no matter how powerful your tanks are, you aren't going far without good mechanics.

A saying Fukuda could agree with wholeheartedly. She may have picked up a few things of tank maintenance in her young Sensha-do career. Yet the complex nature of engines, suspensions, radio wiring, and many other things was lost to her. While the junior mechanics could do a once-over and would be able to diagnose what is troubling their tank and what future problems there might be. Even with their extensive workload, they go out of their way to give a few pointers to Fukuda on things that would help her keep her tank running smoothly.

We are just one big family, whether as tankers, mechanics, or even pilots… I'm so glad I came here. I'm happy I found my courage again, thanks to my tankery family….

Fukuda thought, feeling her heart swell with great pride for everything she and her team had done up to this point, yet there was more to be done. She knew and had to get focused.

Finally, the crew arrived at the designated garage area, which, unlike the others, was quiet since there were no mechanics around going about their everyday work. Fukuda calls for a halt outside the garage and then for a dismount. As they climbed down their tank, Miho came out of the garage to greet them.

Instantly the crew noticed that their commander was stained with sweat, grease, and black smudge stains on her skin and white shirt. They also see that Miho isn't wearing the usual skirt that was part of their uniform, instead just plain yellow Khaki tactical shorts that stop just above her mid-thigh, long wool thigh-high brown socks, with black boots. Instantly the young tankers took in the odd uniform their commander was wearing, and for some reason, they liked it.

"Hey girls, sorry to keep you after practice like this," Miho apologize, using a spare towel to wipe some sweat from her face.

"No worries, commander, you call and will always be there!" Fukuda declared, which her crew members echoed as they saluted as one.

That made Miho smile as she walked over to the three. "I know. I still owe you for saving me in that Saunders match from that Jumbo tank."

Hirai places her hands on her hip proudly. "Nah, don't worry about it. We only did what everyone else would have done."

"Yet, not anyone could hit the barrel just right to throw the aim of that Saunders tank off. That is something special," Miho praised.

"Oh…uh…yea…no biggie," Hirai muttered, playing with her braid as she blushed, making her crewmates chuckle at her.

As they calmed down, Fukuda spoke. "Um, by the way, commander, why are you wearing that outfit? Seems like a tanker uniform, kind of."

Instantly Miho looked down at herself, now blushing herself, then gave Fukuda an embarrassed smile as she spoke. "Ah, yeah, I forgot to take this off after practice since I was hoping to keep this secret. Was doing a test run of our new uniforms for the upcoming match."

"New uniforms!?" Hasegawa yelled in delight, who instantly began to circle Miho to take in every detail of their new uniforms.

"Oh, yeah, our next battle will take place in an area that will need something more comfortable for us to wear, so it was a good time to start. The sewing club offered to help, and our working hard to have these ready for the next match," Miho explained as she tried to keep up with Hasegawa, who was circling her in awe of the uniform.

"Shorts, huh? Kind of like it, sometimes feel a little self-conscious about skirts, especially climbing up and down in the tanks, even though we're all girls," Hirai admitted.

"Plus, it looks really comfortable," Fukuda added.

"And super cute! Thanks, Miss Miho," Hasegawa explained, then hugged Miho around her waist since the 1st year tanker was so small.

Miho was surprised by the hug but soon chuckled as she gave Hasegawa a couple of head pats. "I'm glad you think so, but let's keep this between us, as this is a surprise for the whole team."

"Got it," Hasegawa replied with a cheeky wink, then turned to her friends with a finger to her lips. "Shhhhhh."

"Shhhhh," they replied, making all four of them chuckle together.

Miho calmed down soon enough, then motioned for Fukuda and Hirai. "Come on, I need to show you why I call you girls in."

The trio of first-year tankers followed Miho into the garage, lightly illuminated by overhead lamps. Though the surprising part was there were no other tanks in the garage, leaving Fukuda puzzled about what Miho wanted to show them. Yet the Chi-Ha-Tan commander continued until they reached the back end of the garage, where the sounds of heavy grunts and screeching of a bolt being tightened could be heard.

It didn't take long to identify who it was as the four girls walked up to Chief Mechanic Himi, the leader of Chi-Ha-Tan's mechanic force. The mature woman was down on a knee working on a tank, but upon a closer look, Fukuda instantly could tell it was not a tank from their main arsenal or even one she had seen taken out on the practice field or match field. Instead, it was new for her, raising the young tanker's curiosity and her crew.

Himi seems to notice the footsteps coming up behind her and stops her bolt-tightening work. She stood up and, for a moment, stretched her back, which was stiff from the long hours she had been hunching over, trying to make sure everything was ready for the surprise for her little tankery girls. Then, turning around, Himi took out her small towel to wipe the sweat from her face and neck. Her brown coveralls were stained, some from sweat, grease, and oil. Yet even in her tired state, Himi smiled brightly to see the girls.

"Well, hello there, you got here just in time," Himi said with building excitement in her voice.

"Hello, Miss Himi," Fukuda began, bowing to the Chief mechanic, followed by her crewmates.

"Ah, good to see you three. Now then, you girls ready to meet your new tank?" Himi bluntly said.

"New tank!?" All three 1st year tankers blurted out together.

Making Himi and Miho chuckle. Then Himi spoke up with her hands on her hip. "Yes, a little upgrade Miho wanted you to have for the next match she had me start just before the Oarai match. This was another pet project I had in the works, but I had to put it on hold to get the Chi-He, and Chi-To tanks put together first but finally found time to finish this."

"You had that already planned out that far back, commander?" Hirai asked, dumbfounded.

Miho scratches her cheek in embarrassment. "Ah, yea, your Type 4 Ke-Nu was basically us taking the Type 97 Chi-Ha turret and putting it on the Type-95 Ha-Go. So I thought it was time to find you a proper tank as a reward for all you've done for our team."

A deep crimson blush formed on all three girls' faces, as they were pretty proud of their achievements up to this point. Yet to hear that from the commander herself always made their pride as ladies of Sensha-do rise to another level since it was because of Miho's belief in them and her training that had gotten them to this point, and honoring Miho's hard work for their team was what they strive to do every day.

"You know we do anything for you, commander," Fukuda replied with another smart salute, followed by her tankery sisters.

"I'll take on even a Tiger 2 if you ask, we may be small, but Tigresses never fear any foe," Hirai said with a determined smirk.

"I'll drive till my arms want to give way because I know you'll be fighting just as hard for us to win," Hasegawa added.

Miho nodded at them, then spoke. "I know you will, which is why I'm so proud of you. Now I can make sure to honor all you've done."

"Yep," Himi said. "Even better, Miho here herself help me finish the last of the work. So now you can say your commander herself really had in hand in making your reward."

"Really!?" All three 1st years blurted out at once as they turned in Miho's direction.

Quickly Miho raises her hands to wave them frantically. "I just help with the finishing touches, that's all! Nothing to praise me for."

"Honestly," Himi said with an amused sigh. "Why can't you just take some praise for your work, dear?"

Now Miho fidgeted in place, making Himi chuckle. "Guess some things will never change, but that's what makes you who you are. Now then, let's get to know your new tank."

Himi turns slightly to the small light tank, giving a couple of affectionate pats. "This is the Type 98 Ke-Ni light tank, made specifically to replace the Type 95 Ha-Go, but due to the Imperial Navy taking up all the metal for their ships, this was only made in small numbers."

Now walking around the tank, Himi points things out for the new crew to understand. "Alright, I'll keep this short. First and foremost, this is an all-welded front armor, much thicker than the Ha-Go, but even better, it's lighter. Got a more powerful engine in the Mitsubishi V12 that will get you up to fifty kilometers per hour. The wheeltrain has been overhauled for a smoother ride, and Hawesga got something special for you."

Hasegawa tilted her head. "What's that?"

"This bad boy uses a steering wheel to maneuver the tank," Himi said with a proud smirk.

"Are you serious? That's going to make it so much easier to drive," Hasegawa said, her mind already picturing making some crazy maneuvers with the tank she was going to try to pull off.

Himi chuckled at the girl daydreaming, then moved on as she pointed to the turret. "Now we got Type 100 37mm anti-tank gun, which is much better than the Ha-Go tank. Though you still aren't going to puncture most tanks, this gun gives you great gun depression at fifteen degrees, so nice for hull-down positions. Also, a nice little feature is this thing has the Type 97 Heavy tank machine gun as a coaxial machine gun, one of few Japanese tanks to do so."

"Nice!" Hirai replied, already loving the new gun she had.

"Yep," Himi nodded, then spoke again. "The gun still uses a shoulder stabilizer, so moving shots will be easier to do, though you will need to do some extra training to get used to the muzzle velocity, which is much higher than your current tank, so keep that in mind."

"Will make sure to do so next practice on the firing range," Fukuda replied, coming over to touch the hull of her new tank. "We're going to make sure to get all we can to get out of this tank to honor all you've done, Miss Himi."

"We're going to show Pravda why you don't ever mess with Tigress Corps and why we got the best mechanics in the league!" Hirai exclaims, coming over to touch the hull of her tank with a wide grin at Himi.

"Oh, you girls are just too cute!" Himi said, leaning down to swoop both girls up. With her strength, the two-pint size first years were easy to carry together. Although both Fukuda and Hirai yelped in surprise to be pulled into the hug, Himi just laughed loudly as she swung them around effortlessly.

It reminds me of what happened when we first awarded Fukuda a new tank before the tournament. At least this time, her crew can be here to enjoy it…

Miho thought, then felt something warm touch one of her hands, which made her turn her eyes down to see Hasegawa had come to her side to take her hand as the first year looked up at her.

"Thank you, Miss Miho. For working so hard for us even with everything happening, you never fail to amaze me with your selfless acts for us," Hasegawa said with a joyful tone.

Miho returns her smile with her own as she grips the first year's hand tightly. "It's all of you working so hard that never fails to amaze me. But, no matter the trials, I know I can always rely on all of you to give it your all."

"Just as a Sensha-do family should," Hasegawa replied.

"Yes…a Sensha-do family…even those who have been forgotten," Miho said slowly, her tone losing its volume as she fell into deep thought.

"Commander?" Hasegawa said, picking up that something was troubling her big tankery sister.

Miho quickly snapped out of her daze and looked at Hasegawa as she spoke. "I'm sorry, I was thinking about things. Oh, dinner should be about ready. Miss Himi! We should wrap things up. Everyone is waiting for us."

Hearing Miho's words, Himi stop her playful torture of the little tankers in her grip and gently put them down. "Alright, you three, get on back to the dorms, Miho and I got some last-minute stuff to do."

"Ahhh, but you should be coming to have dinner with us!" Hasegawa whine.

"Don't worry will be there shortly," Miho reassured with a chuckle.

The three young tankers wanted to protest more but could see that there was little point. So they left the hanger, but not without mass hugging both Miho and then Himi, thanking them for all their hard work, and then took off in a sprint to be the first to the dinner table, their laughs and cheerful voices echoing until they were too far to be heard anymore. Yet, nothing was sweeter to hear for Miho.

"Well, guess we should make the final checks on the Type 98 before we call it a day," Miho said, turning to Himi.

"Yep, the girls aren't going to eat till you're at the table. That includes the pilots," Himi agreed with a chuckle as she leaned down to grab a tool to get back to working out the final bolts of the tank tracks.

"Speaking of pilots, I didn't see Aozora today in training," Miho questioned.

"Ah, I thought you knew. She left the carrier for something but was going to catch up to us again before we got far from the mainland," Himi answered while leaning down to start her work.

Odd, I wonder why Aozora left without a word to us…maybe personal reasons, since we did break a lot of rules when we left the carrier before…well, I hope she gets home soon. We have to be ready for Pravda…

Miho thought, then focused her mind on finishing her task as she grabbed her own tool to go help with the last of the work to make sure the newest tank to the family was ready since Miho was going to be asking a lot of Fukuda which is why she wanted this tank ready to go. If Miho was going to see Chi-Ha-Tan achieve their first trip to the finals in their school's history, they would need to ask every single sister to go beyond their limits.

Since to win this fight, Miho had to ask her team to do something that would either make or break them.

Miho only hoped it would not be the latter since it would be on her orders.