After the short holiday, training grew more intensive and time-consuming. Though not all physical there were still harsh lectures, briefings, and reviews over the previous battles and training sessions.

The most recent had been an avoidance of field practice to review and quiz over the Pravda match, though in actuality it was an excuse to give the mechanics team time to repair the vehicles from the overuse they were seeing. Some feared their barrels would wear out before the next match.

A darkroom packed with the cadets held Kaiser, Virtanen, and Knight at the front while the rest avidly took notes. The Transcendence symbol stood next to Pravdas as the comparisons were listed off. Soon this factual listing transitioned to a harsh critique and observation of every frame of footage they had of the match and personal statements of the crews and their performances.

Though pride was clear amongst the cadets as they saw the final few slides listing their circumstances for victory and mistakes, it was the last image that unnerved more cadets than not. Oarai's school symbol.

With a dismissal and order for individual reflections on the slideshow, the staff officers retreated to the staffroom to catch up on their paperwork. The normal idle chatter and bickering that occurred between them had slowly shifted to more combat-oriented talk. Even O'Diveley, the few times he was present, voiced concern and curiosity about appropriate actions and measures.

Signing a series of papers off, Kaiser finished his thought aloud. "I fear our armament may weigh us down. Oarai has lighter vehicles and an exceptional mechanic team. I wouldn't put it past them to have their engines modified to perform better."

With a groan, Virtanen filed away his stack of papers. "Is there a cause for concern over speed? So long as we don't expose a flank-"

Kaiser interrupted him. "The venue has been decided, it's on a mountain".

With a deep sigh, Virtanen slammed the cabinet shut, his head hung low. Knight jumped at the sudden noise as Sokolov chastised him, demanding he continues helping. Virtanen shifted his head, glancing at Kaiser.

Kaiser continued explaining his worry. "They have close ties with Anzio as well. It would do us well to believe they took a page out of their books. Let's not forget about the rumored Nishizumi sister."

"Miho, was it?" asked Virtanen. Kaiser nodded. Virtanen shook his head as he trudged back to his seat. Rubbing his eyes he bemoaned their luck. "Really?! Oarai?! I thought we'd face them in the finals!".

Life's not like fiction, things don't play out how one would wish" responded Kaiser dismissively.

"And if it does?" asked Virtanen. Because it seems like we're in line to be stepping stone number two for Oarai's second championship."

"Is that how a commander should be speaking in front of his subordinates?" Kaiser asked not looking away from his work.

Virtanen looked over to the other three in the room. Knight had been watching their discussion with interest but quickly returned to his work. Sokolov was uncaring while O'Diveley was fast asleep. As if he knew what Virtanen was thinking Kaiser defended his statement. "It's the principle of the matter, Virtanen".

Laying his head on his desk, Virtanen continued to argue. "They know me well enough, besides I'm not the only one who feels like this. First Pravda and now Oarai?"

Kaiser stood and lay another stack of papers onto Virtanen's desk. "Are you going to complain every time we have a match? Oarai was a minor power last year and with their introduction, even other schools like Chihatan and Blue Division are growing in strength."

Rolling his face to the side, Virtanen posed a hopeful question. "Are you suggesting Oarai may be weaker than last year with these power shifts?"

Dashing his hopes, Kaiser shook his head. "I never said or implied that. What I meant was that they will all grow stronger with our introduction as well. We're juniors, there's another year of this for us so you may as well buckle up and clench your teeth. There's far more ahead for us. Although I will admit we probably have some of the worst luck in match setups that any school has had in years."

Returning to his seat, Kaiser did offer some comfort. "All we can do is prepare and train. I haven't stopped gathering info or coming up with contingencies since we defeated Pravda and learned we were facing Oarai". To support his claim he raised a small binder full of documents and request forms.

Curiously Knight asked to peer inside and walked over to Virtanen with Sokolov, also interested, in tow. Some were expensive requisition orders for new encryption gear and training for ROs while some were as mundane as equipping ladders and climbing equipment for the tanks so crews could commit reconnaissance from treetops. Worryingly some were documents of communication with the federation labeled "Permissive tactics" most of the wording of which was redacted.

As no one wanted to pose a question about what trickery he may have been planning or ludicrous requests he made, Virtanen waved a hand so Knight would return the binder. "I suppose that is somewhat of a relief, though you may be overdoing it with the training. Just today Sokolov blew off my track mid-practice with a bad shot.

Kaiser looked over his shoulder with a raised brow. "Sokolov's crew doesn't miss. I've put them under some of the most stressful training next to my own crew and whereas Belle would risk missing to get a round-off, his gunner wouldn't fire until she was sure, for better or worse."

Virtanen sat up and looked at Sokolov who returned a lazy look. Sokolov shrugged "That was for the cafeteria last week".

Astounded, Virtanen's mouth fell open. "I took a single fry" he commented, amazed.

Kaiser corrected him. "It was more along the lines of your loudmouth. You got him to open up about the Katyusha incident and nearly announced it to everyone."

Virtanen shot a glance between the two, confused. "You're exaggerating, I'm not that tactless". No one responded, even Knight avoided eye contact. Feeling awkward Virtanen defended himself further. "I-I was just messing with him a bit".

"He almost brought up Piper in front of everyone before I calmed him" informed Kaiser.

Virtanen bowed his head slightly to Sokolov. "I'm sorry for irresponsible actions".

Without any tell to his expression, Sokolov nodded and sat down. Kaiser brought a few more pages to Virtanen who whispered to his comrade. "Has he always been so petty?".

"More than me at times" responded Kaiser.

Virtanen hissed to himself at the thought. Getting his mind off the subject he pointed at Kaiser's desk. "Speaking of information, how are you gonna go about spying on Oarai?"

"I'm not" he replied.

"Virtanen seemed disbelieving, before throwing a fuss. "What do you mean?! Didn't you say you were coming up with contingencies and everything? Are we just going in blind?!"

Kaiser raised a finger. "Hush, you'll wake the annoying one," he said pointing at O'Diveley. Once Virtanen sat back down and took a deep breath he explained.

"I've dug around for what information and public information over their past performances there are but unlike with Pravda, there isn't much opportunity. We don't have a spy network like most major schools and break just ended meaning there was no chance to witness their practice during the break. It's a small school ship and there were so few people aboard, I'd be spotted immediately."

"So what then?"

"Believe it or not they reached out to us"

"What?" asked Virtanen as his, Knights, and Sokolov's eyes darted to him.

"They requested we meet them for a 'pleasant meeting'. They continued saying that as a new Senshado team, they understand what struggles we may be enduring and would like to show good faith towards us by having a meeting aboard their ship. Naturally, I accepted."

"You what?!" demanded Virtanen.

"I accepted, we'll get to meet the infamous Miho Nishizumi and her team with no demerit to us. The only worry is what the former student council president of theirs added to the end of the message."

'Rather than waste time trying to sneak around each other, let's just speak on even ground, you won't find any answer's here anyways".

Virtanen seemed stunned. "That's… rather condescending".

"As I said, the message was poised by their student council which has new members but is most likely influenced by the former head. Anzu Kadotani is known for being conniving and I'm sure she played a part in the addition. However this is a good opportunity, it will be an exchange of sorts. They'll be presenting the anglerfish team to meet with us to have them assess our leadership. We meanwhile can assess their best crew. Little is known about us and I've been keeping a tight hold on any info slips, so they may be trying to get a last-minute assessment".

"What about that gossip blog? They've been leaking info" asked Virtanen.

"I've got plans for them but they will have to wait until after this meeting".

"Hrmm, fine but who's going?"

"Same three as last time, someone's going to retain command while we're gone and I am not leaving O'Diveley alone."

Unanimously everyone nodded in the room nodded as the local wildcard continued sleeping atop his papers.

-Transition-

Gaining permission to leave class early, the three commanders, Virtanen, Knight, and Kaiser changed into their formal dress uniforms and left for the airfield. This time they were given a lift in a Junkers Ju 52 piloted by a friendly aviation student who was more than happy to have the flight hours and be out of class. After a short ride in which they walked about the plane speaking to the pilots, the school ship of Oarai came into view.

Upon landing, thanks were given to the student pilots as well as instructions to wait for their return. With portable gaming devices already out the two happily accepted. Once they arrived at the terminal they were received by three strangely similar-looking girls.

The head of the three identified herself as Midoriko Sono, the head of the public morals committee advisor and boastfully, the commander of the Oarai's Char B1 Bis. Both sides blinked at each other in surprise. From the boy's side, they were looking at three clones with black hair, eyes, uniforms, and even heights. Only their haircuts and attitudes differed.

The girls all looked up at the taller boys, dressed in black with fancy awards, headwear, and shined boots. Virtanen offered a kind smile as he introduced himself with a handshake. He gestured and introduced Knight who timidly watched and Kaiser who was looking at the surroundings.

"Ms. Sono?" asked Virtanen as the girl in question seemed to freeze at Kaiser's sharp glare. Virtanen seemed to catch on as he turned to his peer and chastised him. "Kaiser, we've talked about this. Don't go glaring at people and scaring them".

"I didn't do anything" defended Kaiser as Knight chuckled understandingly.

While the group of guests spoke amongst each other, one of Sono's friends whispered in her ear. "Sudoko, Sudoko, shouldn't we escort them now?"

Snapping to the realization she scolded her friend. "Don't call me that! And I know already! You three! Follow us!" she ordered.

Calling their attention Kaiser took the first step to walk alongside the girls. "Excuse us, please show us the way Sodoko" he grinned walking past her and following her peers. The girl was stunned temporarily at the taunt. With an embarrassed expression, she glanced back disbelievingly at his commander.

Virtanen smiled apologetically. "He's usually not this bad at first," he said, knowing that it was impossible to explain his acquaintances.

They were escorted on foot to the school building itself. When Knight asked why they were met with a recently composed sudoku, explaining that their school didn't have the luxury for pointless vehicles or wasted fuel. Kaiser complimented them calling them modest and humble only to receive a shunning "humph from the girl as her peers apologized for her. Kaiser only snickered as his peers apologized back.

The three cadets were escorted around Oarai and garnered quite a few stares once more amongst the ongoing classes and see of white and green uniforms. Even Knight had grown used to the looks and perhaps even stuck his chest out a bit in pride. Kaiser and Virtanen chatted with their escorts as they were taken around until an unexpected change. They had left the school, returned to the city once more, and stopped at a cafe.

"I understand your student council didn't wish to meet with us but why show us your school and then take us here?" asked Virtanen.

"Transparency" declared Sodoko. "We have nothing to hide from you and there's nothing to gain from sneaking around our school" she clarified.

"And that's why the pride of Oarai shows up late to their own meeting?" countered Kaiser.

Sudoku struggled to maintain eye contact but snipped back. "You're lucky you get what time they spare! Especially for the likes of you!"

"The likes of me? A guest that they invited out? I see how far Oarai's hospitality and opinion of themselves go. Why even Pravda was kinder".

"That's! We aren't!" she turned to her peers who waved their hands showing they wanted no part. Frustrated she turned to Kaiser who snickered into his hand. Sudoku turned red at the realization he was taunting her. "Good day!" she declared as her entourage nodded farewell and followed.

Taking their seats at the window booth before them, Virtanen sighed deeply. "Why did you do that?"

"Honestly, I don't know. Just seemed fun" answered Kaiser.

"I'd say it's a little out of character for you but maybe those rumors from the grapevine are true. You being a danger to women and all." Knight sent a panicked look at Kaiser upon Virtanen's insinuation.

"Stop looking at me like that and for the last time quit listening to those damn gossipers. Your heads more full of useless hearsay than actual information of use" insulted Kaiser.

"Yeah, yeah" chuckled Virtanen. "I wonder where the other party is".

"Perhaps they're just leaving class?" suggested Knight. "We are a bit earlier than expected after all".

"Then that gives us time to discuss a game plan," said Virtanen.

"That's reasonable of you, what's with the change?" asked Kaiser.

Virtanen smiled shaking his head. "You see, I'm nervous beyond hell" he confessed. "We're meeting the Oarai and this! It's like a mixer or something" he said anxiously tapping his foot.

Kaiser's glare instantly returned with a tinge of annoyance. Knight fiddled his fingers mumbling to himself. "I-I shouldn't be here then, I don't want to worry Diana…"

Kaiser stood and slapped the back of both their heads so loud the staff glanced in their direction. "You two annoy me to no end" he grumbled. If you're going to be like this, just return to the plane".

"I was just joking" defended Virtanen. "For the most part," he mumbled averting his eyes. Knight meanwhile hushed himself and rubbed his sore head.

"If you're done then I'll explain the situation. That girl wasn't lying. They aren't hiding anything. With all the limited info on their tactics, the lack of tradable info between schools on them, there are several factors to their secrecy. But it boils down to two things. First, everything is by word of mouth, any documents to tactics are closely kept to their team members or guarded by their student council I imagine."

"Second, they just mesh well together. They train but not the same as I make you. They focus on lateral communication and bonding. Covering each other's weak points"

"You saying they got the power of friendship on their side?" interrupted Virtanen.

"Worse, they have admitted skill and talent but I'd say they have the luck of the devil himself. Or perhaps herself in regards to the anglerfish team".

A soft-speaking voice interrupted their conversation. "That's a rather astute and mean-spirited observation" The boys turned to see five figures standing before them, none other than the anglerfish team. The voice that interrupted them was none other than Hana Isuzu.

"They're not exactly wrong either" laughed A fluffy-haired girl.

Kaiser took the opportunity to stand with his peers and introduce themselves. "Apologies, I meant no insult. It's just that your reputations proceed you" he said with a nod. Extending an arm to his left. "I am the Vice commander of Transcendence Academies Senshado team, Adam Kaiser. To my left is my peer Alexander Knight and our commander Austin Virtanen."

The girls seemed surprised by the sudden professionalism in the introduction. Hana, however, was quick to reply. "I am Hana Isuzu, student council president and member of the Panzer IV. Behind me is Yukari Akiyama, the Vice president, Saori Takebe our PR manager, Mako Reizei, and I'm sure you've heard of Miho Nishizumi" she explained with a flowery smile and warm tone.

Virtanen and Knight's eyes lingered momentarily on Miho who fidgeted under the attention as the shortest member of the group, Mako, stepped up to Kaiser and stared him in the eye. "Teasing Sodoko is no good" she scolded lethargically.

Kaiser raised a brow before apologizing once more. The girl was ushered to her seat by her companions with apologies for being late as Hana ordered drinks for everyone. The meeting had begun but was off to a very rough start.

Kaiser had expected shrewd professionalism with Pravda. A battle of reading the other's subtle gestures and words, to him the environment selected was just a step to trip them up. Instead, he felt as if he had completely misread their intentions.

What he had expected to come of the previous student council president Anzu Kadotani and her peers he saw none of. Hana was trying to make polite conversation as her peers seemed intent on awkwardly remaining quiet.

Saori fidgeted about seemingly antsy and was unable to focus or speak coherently. Yukari seemed intent on keeping her lips sealed as she looked down at her lap. Mako was dozing off next to her drink and Miho simply sat there with a polite smile as her friend did all the talking.

Virtanen and Knight were no better. "Knight sat with a lost expression, no doubt his worry's about what Diana would think clouding his mind. Virtanen at the least spoke professionally with Hana but seemed somewhat distracted by her looks and kind demeanor.

Kaiser realized quickly that he wouldn't have to watch Virtanen as he had to with Nonna and Katyusha and changed gears quickly. From his cold and Kurt business mindset, he switched to his usual public pleasing act. He softened his expression into an easy smile and slackened his posture somewhat. If this was a genuine meeting of good intentions, then it'd be best to capitalize on it rather than burn a bridge too early.

As silence returned once more, Hana seemed to be struggling to keep the conversation going. Kaiser turned his eyes to Yukari who quickly noticed and began to sweat under the gaze. Before she confronted him he called her name. "Excuse me, Miss Akiyama?"

Yukari stiffened up, her eyes darting to him as he called her attention. "Y-Yes?"

Kaiser gave a light chuckle at her tension which she embarrassedly mimicked. "I'm sure you know Kay from Saunders, correct?" Yukari nodded slowly at the strange topic. "She told me to say hello to a sergeant Oddball for her. Does that ring a bell?"

Yukari's face reddened. She nodded in embarrassment as Hana asked what he meant. As Kaiser explained Yukair began to panic, begging "Ms. Nishizumi, please help!" as she clung to Miho. Miho chuckled at her expense as the atmosphere began to lighten somewhat.

Though at Yukari's expense, Kaiser made up for it as he explained his acquaintanceship with Kay and that she fondly remembered Yukari's spying incident. From there conversation became a little easier between the groups even as Mako rarely contributed dozing on and off.

The topic of uniforms drifted by when Miho mentioned the amazing details and design of their black Senshado uniforms. As Yukari added her observations of the inspirations behind their uniform, Hana mentioned that they could have come in their school uniforms or even casual wear. Virtanen and Knight gave uneasy looks to Kaiser who ignored them. "We were under the impression that this would've been more formal, I seem to be saying this a lot today but my apologies".

Hana was quick to intervene stating that they all looked great in their dress uniforms. Kaiser thanked her with an equally kind smile as she recoiled somewhat at her outburst. Virtanen and Knight were too happy with the confidence boost to pick up on her sudden embarrassment.

Talks continued gradually from simple topics to more confidential information. From the girls stating they mistook Kaiser as the commander at first to the differences in their school structures

"So why are the three of you present rather than a team like us, or your student council?" asked Hana.

Kaiser and Virtanen exchanged glances, ensuring each other it was okay to answer. "You see, Transcendence runs things a bit differently from other schools" began Virtanen. "Kaiser can put it into words better than me".

Taking his cue, Kaiser began to explain. "Our Senshado team is uniquely structured. We're independent of the student council in all facets, including funding, PR, and standards. While they run the school, we run the team. That's because we represent Transcendence as a whole. That leaves Virtanen here in total control of everything in regards to the team".

"Not that I could handle it all alone" Virtanen modestly responded.

"That's for certain" growled Kaiser. "Besides, you're unique in your way as well. I don't think any other schools have their student council president and Vice president as starring members on their Senshado teams".

Hana raised a hand to her cheek bashfully. "I wouldn't know about 'star' members but it sounds as if you two are in the same shoes as Yukari and I".

Kaiser'seyes drifted to Virtanen who nervously looked away. "I'm sure you don't give Ms. Akiyama nearly as much trouble".

The girls seemed confused over the irate comment as Virtanen gave a nervous laugh and Kaiser continued with his explanation. "Our team also introduces ranks and grades for each member, which also includes the awards you see on our chests as well. So business requires us to be with those of similar rank rather than friendship or status."

The girls seemed satisfied with his answer, giving interested responses. Hana posed another question that seemed to be wearing on her mind. "How has co-ed integration been going for you then?"

Taking a short sip, Kaiser gestured for his peers to answer. Jittery at first, Knight gave a prompt answer. "T-there's been no problems other than some awkward circumstances and tension. But once they got used to working with each other it settled down."

Virtanen continued his statement. "Some have naturally built feelings for others as you'd expect and we mitigate issues by ensuring there is a clear line between professional life and personal, if they don't then they're off the team without a warning. Some get lucky in regards to a relationship, however, like this guy here" he said wrapping an arm around Knight as he gave a timid grin.

"And some don't," said Kaiser, his words biting into Virtanen's mood.

Saori seemed starstruck by the talks of relationships and inner drama as Hana seemed unsatisfied with the answer.

Miho stepped forward and asked for clarity. "How do you… prevent such uncomfortable situations?"

Kaiser sat back in thought for a moment before answering. "Though it's not the most flattering thing to say, despite being teenagers, you can only be so attracted to someone who is covered in sweat and smells like a car shop. If any feelings do emerge then they tend to be slightly more genuine than other school relationships. It's a self-curing problem I suppose? Although I make sure I get my point across".

Catching the sinister tone behind his words Hana posed a final question. "If I may ask, how did you recruit so many boys into your team? We have had some male applicants but not many were interested in the sport as with the number of girls present…"

Miho nodded somberly. "It has even diluted our cohesion somewhat".

Yukari then commented "Some have complained about feeling excluded and there not being enough vehicles for them to train as well"

"Saori and the freshman couldn't pay attention either" muttered Mako from her resting spot as Saori hurried to hush her.

Kaiser snickered at their reactions garnering surprised looks. Virtanenleaned forward with a laugh. "I suppose we have been more successful than I thought. We had a decent amount of males because of Kaiser and me. We were the first two members."

"I joined solely because I saw them announce that they were recruiting" added Knight. "I don't have the best record with sports nor my first attempt at Senshado but they gave me an opportunity".

Virtanen nodded proudly. "As for the ones who joined with less reputable intentions, Kaiser was sure to weed them out". The girls seemed confused and curious about what he meant. Seeing their faces he ushered them to lean in and presented his phone. "This is one of our most recent training sessions, all devised by none other than him," he said pointing to Kaiser.

The girls watched closely, even Mako rolled her head over to watch before her eyes widened in surprise as the video rolled. Their reactions shifted through a myriad of expressions as the short video seemed more akin to an action movie.

It showed the cadets dressing in full MOP gear and then running to their tanks. A short montage began showing them securing their vehicles as smoke canisters erupted around them. Coughing, wheezing and choking erupted from those too slow to put on their gas masks. Then training finally began. A timer started in the bottom right showing how long they had been training in each of the montage clips. It switched from loaders ejecting shells and heaving new ones to commanders giving orders and gunners landing their targets in the hazy, fog-covered masks. At the end of the video, it showed they had endured the training conditions for just over two hours.

As Virtanen gave a weary chuckle at the memory of the exercise, the girls looked up disbelievingly at Kaiser. In a pristine uniform, he slowly sipped his drink, no hint of the man who had devised such a devilish training course could be found.

Surprisingly, Miho was the first to comment. "That's some of the toughest training I've seen. We mainly use repetition and focus but that, it's certainly something else".

Kaiser gave a satisfied sigh as he lowered his cup. "Unfortunately I don't trust others as much as you do. So I have to ensure they get trained on my time rather than their own. May I ask you all one thing?" The girls seemed suddenly wary of his presence now and sat upright all but Mako who still faced him hunched over the table with crossed arms.

"Can I trust you all to give us a good match?" The tension seemed to dissipate at his request. "You've been so polite to invite us here and treat us so kindly. I can't help but think now that Oarai isn't under threat of closing, you could enjoy a match along with us". Kaiser extended a hand in the open.

The girls looked at each other, wondering who should react. One by one, all eyes turned to Miho as they nodded for her to respond. With her friend's affirmation, she smiled and grasped his hand. "We'll do our best!" she declared.

"Go easy on me" quipped Kaiser as he gave a firm shake.

Soon the meeting was wrapped up as time had all but disappeared. Farewells and good lucks were given as well as Virtanen, under the urge of Kaiser, extending their contact information to Hana. With this, another connection to a fellow school had been achieved.

The Oarai girls accompanied them to their plane at the runway and saw them off. Thanks were given as well as a final invitation to visit Transcendence anytime. Virtanen was even 'generous enough to offer Kaiser as a taxi service which earned him an irate glare.

Waving as the plane took off both sides ended their day, looking forward to the oncoming match.

"So what did you think Miho?" asked Hana.

There was no response as Miho held a finger against her chin, her eyes lost in thought.

"Ms. Miho?" asked Yukari.

With a quiet "Ah" Miho snapped to reality. "I'm sorry. They were intriguing people, to say the least" she replied with a soft smile.

"Something seems to be on your mind" noted Saori.

Miho held her tongue but under the pressing gaze of her close friends, relented. "They seemed nice but I'm just not used to reading males" she explained. "For instance, their commander seemed a lot like Katyusha right?"

Hana raised a finger in thought. "Ambitious yet innocent?"

Miho nodded. "And in contrast to her, well, I don't want to be mean but he seemed somewhat cowardly as well. Then the younger boy, Knight. He reminded me of St. Gloriana's students with his manners at the table and only spoke when spoken to. He trembled when spoken to yet he was firm and steady in his actions. In how he moved and walked, even if he held his head low".

Her friends looked on impressed. Despite her saying she couldn't read them very well, Miho had certainly observed them in fine detail. Amidst their impressed silence she continued.

"Then there was that vice commander Kaiser. He was unreadable. His words, manners, it was all too perfect. As if he was acting". Her friends showed intrigued and urged her to continue, not that they needed to. Recalling their meeting, she was once again lost in thought.

"He reminded me of my family somewhat".

At the mention of the dreary topic, her friends jumped to change subjects. Hana took the initiative "Speaking of him they certainly looked sharp in their uniforms didn't they? I'm surprised Saori controlled herself so well".

"Hey!" Saori protested but knowing the intent behind the jab, continued with the topic. "W-well they go to another school after all. But long-distance relationships are also romantic aren't they?! Besides, that Kaiser boy was sure strict with his friends. They almost looked like they were afraid to make a mistake in front of him!" she laughed.

Mako rubbed her eyes and stifled a yawn. "As if you can be picky… still single after boys were let on ship…"

Seeing Saori's embarrassment peak, Yukari intervened next. "I'm surprised he mentioned Kay and Nonna! What if he goes after Miho next!" she joked.

Hana laughed into a raised hand. "What if he's after you? He talked to you quite a bit after Yuakri".

"R-really?! I hadn't noticed!" Yukari responded in a panic, the topic was practically taboo for her.

Miho laughed at her friend's consideration. She had already told them of her family growing closer once more after last year yet they still went out of their way to put her at ease and avoid the topic.

"Let's get back, we have a lot of work ahead of us," said Miho as her friends happily followed her bright smile.

-Chapter End-