Kaiser slowly grasped the affectionate pup's leash and wrapped it around his hand. Still nuzzling his spare hand, the dog put up no resistance as his other hand slid under and picked it up beneath his arm. He peered down at the small copper tag on its neck as he stopped petting it to read. The pet then began fervently wagging its tail and squirming for his attention.

For once, Kaiser fought to stifle a laugh as he held the Akita-Ken tight. The name was in foreign lettering but the address was readable. He did have a mission to do and limited time. It was unlikely Anna or Alice would gain any more info than what he had. In terms of efficiency, he was best letting the small creature on its way as he continued.

Yet small eyes and a panting smile tugged at him internally. He could only groan internally, loathing himself for the choices he made at times. Pulling out his phone he checked the image of the "Graf Zepplin" Kuromormines ship. It added salt to the wound in that he was now using it for a lost dog rather than its intended use. Finding the street needed, Kaiser set off with the dog still in his arms, not willing to let it try to escape lest he wasted his time.

Waste his time he did. He drew soft gazes and smiles as he walked the streets in the local school uniform, dog in hand. To make it worse, the small dog was friendlier than anyone he knew. Struggling for attention whenever anyone passed by, drawing their attention and making him stop as he lied about being its owner and trying to move on while it received pets and an occasional treat from the older residence. It was a small reprieve school was still ongoing and most students were in class. He was able to get by acting as a high-scoring student with free class periods and so went unquestioned.

With another pit stop at a convenience store to grab a small bottle of water, some canned meat, and a styrofoam cup to feed it on this hot day, the two finally arrived at their destination. Turning onto "Panzerstraße" Kaiser read the numbers of each home as he walked with the ever-happy dog wagging its tail beneath his arm.

Halfway down the expansive street, Kaiser was confronted by a strange man. In a blue set of coveralls with a bearded face and long bushy hair, an average build around his own height, the man charged from the other end of the street. Kaiser was content to let him pass but it was soon clear he was charging at him. Preparing for a fight from the seemingly homeless man, he lowered his center of gravity and pulled his left arm back, shielding the dog in case.

As the man closed in, Kaiser tensed, ready. Suddenly the man stopped and began speaking in baby talk. Kaiser was mentally flash-banged as he felt the dog struggle. Looking down, he saw the dog wriggle violently with its tail beating up a storm as it began barking happily. The dog ran in circles around the man as he laughed in relief, playing with it in turn. Though still confused, Kaiser began piecing it together. This man was clearly the owner and he chided himself for his prior thought. How could a homeless man end up on a schoolship?

"You shouldn't frown so much youngster, girls like a fella that can smile." Snapping out of his thoughts, Kaiser realized the man was talking to him, lifting his dog and kissing it on its forehead as he glanced at him from underneath his lengthy bangs.

Snapping into a false personality, Kaiser smiled politely. "I seemed to have been caught off guard by you charging me" he laughed.

The man realising how he must have appeared bowed his head and apologized. "Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to appear suspicious but you've saved me here. My wife and daughter would have my hide if they found out he escaped under my supervision." The man laughed at the worrying prospect.

Kaiser joined him and asked a follow-up question. "Just to make sure, without looking, what is the address on the dog's collar? Just so I know you are the owner."

The bristly-faced man cheerfully laughed at the question, momentarily halting at seeing Kaiser's serious attitude. Seeing his concern, He placed the dog down with a pat and grasped the leash firmly. "1985 E. Panzerstraße, this street and eight houses down and on the left."

Kaiser's glare relented as he took a short breath, closing his eyes. "That's a relief to hear. Your dog has also been watered and fed, so please keep a closer eye on him. For my concern and your health regarding your family."

The man laughed loudly at the remark. "You're an interesting kid! I'll do just that and thank you for taking such good care of him."

"Then have a good day sir, Apologies for treating you so suspiciously."

"Ah wait a minute son, why don't you come over to my place and have a drink? It's a sweltering day after all."

It was indeed hot as he had long since felt a thin layer of sweat under his uniform but Kaiser refused the invitation. "Thanks but I should get going. I have other obligations."

The man smirked deviously beneath his hair. "Such as ditching class?"

"Not at all. I have good grades so I have free periods at the end of the school day." He lied naturally without any hint of deceit yet the man pressured him still.

"Then you won't mind if I call the school to see if that's true?"

Kaiser was trapped. As much as he hated to admit it, he was tripped up by his own web of lies. If he accepted at least his cover wouldn't be blown. "On second thought, I would love to have a drink."

Kaiser smiled the same false smile while grumbling internally. The man meanwhile laughed heartily. You look like a star student but "I was bluffing boy! But now that you've accepted, no going back! I could tell under that clean uniform was a troublemaker. Though you got a good heart taking care of a stranger's dog."

Kaiser could only deceitfully smile, his only form of retribution as the man's words struck him one after another, feeling both mocking and taunting while he followed him to his home.

Shortly the two arrived at the destined house. It was peculiar just like its owner, standing out from the European-style houses around it. Brightly colored trees and an Eastern style of architecture lay before him as the man opened a smaller wooden door within the large wooden gate. Ushering him to follow A query arose in Kaiser's mind. 'Perhaps this man is someone notable aboard Kurmoromine?' he wondered.

Stepping into a small path that led to the back of the house, Kaiser noted a series of tarps draped over waist-high objects. At the far end of the row he a few were uncovered revealing them to be engines, transmissions, and other various pieces on stands.

"Ah, I hope you don't mind the mess in the backyard. It's both my job and hobby." explained the man as he set his pet off its leash to run around the stony path. "I work off ship if that wasn't obvious. I brought the family pet however for my daughter since my wife and I were asked to drop in."

This pretty much confirmed Kaiser's suspicions. The man couldn't maintain such a house if he were not important especially if it were not his main residence. For now, he assumed he must have been the main supplier of mechanical parts for the school and its machines, perhaps even the school's tanks.

The man guided him into a sun room past a sliding door that held a scenic view of the backyard, excluding the oil cans and engine parts off to the side. The man took off his shoes with a quick kick of his feet and jotted inside as Kaiser sat on the wooden walkway. 'Maybe I can get something out of this after all' he thought as the man returned with bottled Ice tea.

Both of them took quick swigs from their bottles before speaking any further. "Would you like some help with a few of those?" Kaiser asked.

The man seemed surprised as he wiped a few stray drops of tea out of his stubbly beard. "You know how to work on engines?"

With the same disarming smile, kaiser nodded. "My father used to be a mechanic himself. I picked up a few things. If anything I can help with anything that requires an extra set of hands.

The man's eyes seemed to glisten as an idea rose to his head. "I was actually thinking of calling in sick since I couldn't find the time but this is perfect-" the man froze then rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Sorry, here you are offering to help me again and I don't even know you're name. So what are ya called?"

Kaiser had gotten ahead of himself as well and forgotten introductions due to the man's friendly demeanor. "Aiden, Aiden Junkers. May I know your name as well sir?"

Hopping off the small deck, the man gestured for him to follow. "You can call me Tsuneo. Come along Aiden, I don't want to hold you too long and it'll only be one thing I promise."

Placing down his drink, Kaiser took off the top layer of his uniform so as not to dirty it and followed Tsuneo. The man pulled a rusty shed door aside and fanned away the airborne dust. Flicking a switch a small tarped vehicle lay in the spotlight with a disassembled engine splayed out before it.

Kaiser squatted down and checked the engine block. "A six-cylinder Maybach?"

Tsuneo whistled as he turned to Kaiser. "I'm impressed kid, you're fitter than I thought and you know your engines. Was your old man a Senshado mechanic too?"

'Not at all' thought Kaiser. "Not really. I'd chalk it up to boys my age just liking anything military-related even if they aren't capable of playing combat sports.

Tsuneo then grabbed a stained long-sleeve shirt and tossed it to Kaiser to prevent him from staining his uniform's white undershirt. Further preparing himself for the work he made small talk as Kaiser dressed himself. "You're telling me you don't play Senshado? Not even regular sports? I find that hard to believe."

Kaiser laughed politely. "I'm not that outgoing, besides isn't Senshado for female students?"

"Agh, for a youngster, you're behind the times kid. Boys can play now and I even hear that there's a team or two tearing up the tournament this year. I've even heard it from my wife, complaining about some Virtanen and Kaiser kids."

Kaiser flinched instinctively at his name being called. Thankfully Tsuneo had not seen his reaction. "Though I understand If it's not your thing. I'd imagine you'd fit in great. They're definitely missing out on not having ya. You'd be surprised how many of those new boys join for the girls and don't even know how to change their tank's oil"

Rolling his sleeves, Kaiser chuckled at the comments. "I don't imagine that's the most pertinent information for most boys in their youth."

Another loud laugh escaped the man as he stooped low and began laying his tools out. "It is if you want a good woman! That's how I met the love of my life after all! Never would have met someone so kind, caring, and beautiful if I wasn't the one changing her oil and washing her tank." The man laughed as he recalled the fond memories.

Kaiser allowed the man to reminisce as they began their little project. The man confessed the engine was indeed for a Panzer II, the same vehicle covered in a blue tarp next to them. He was repairing it for his wife and daughter as a surprise. When asked about the occasion he simply answered that he simply felt like doing it for his family.

A few compliments and family discussions passed as he further revealed he never found enough time to reassemble it and surprise them especially as he and his wife's visit was drawing to a close.

"It's a shame you have no sons to help you," commented Kaiser as he wrenched a few bolts tight.

Tsueno laughed in agreement as he placed chains atop the engine and linked them. "I suppose I'll have to wait till I have a grandson for such a privilege" he lamented.

Kaiser snickered as he helped the man raise the assembled engine by a short hoist. "You seem a rather doting parent. Are you sure you can let go of your daughters so easily?"

The man let a groan akin to a hiss escape his lips as they pushed the engine over to the Panzer II. "I wasn't fond of it when my wife brought it up a year ago but it is inevitable. As much as I dislike the idea of sending them off, The idea of grandkids is a guilty pleasure." With a grunt of exertion, the engine now hovered over the open Panzer II's rear. Kaiser laughed at the man's apparent readiness for his life's next trial.

Wiping the sweat off their foreheads, they lowered the engine down and began connecting it to the vehicle. Soon it was topped off on all liquids and started. The vehicle gave off a satisfying rev as it idled. The two shook hands as they took off their oily shirts and returned to the scenic patio after closing the shed.

Tsueno wiped his hands and went to steep a cup of tea as thanks once more. Kaiser wiped himself down with the outside hose and dried with a towel provided by Tsuneo. Fixing his uniform once more, he sat in the small room adjoining the back patio while awaiting his host to return. Waiting in the silent and cool room he realized he had made an error.

In enjoying his talk with Tsuneo, he had neglected prying for any relevant information. Assuring himself he could recover from this before taking his leave he looked up at the sliding door with his smile before freezing.

Tsuneo greeted him, placing his tea down and excitedly speaking. "Good news! My daughter just returned home, I want to introduce you two since you've been such great help to me today. Since you two are classmates I'm sure you know her but let me introduce you."

"Maho, come and take a seat."

Kaiser's eyes clung to the short-haired brunette with a calm demeanor and stunning presence. A black Senshado uniform fit to her form and stern eyes laid upon him. Kaiser fought to maintain his composure as Tsuneo proceeded with the introductions. "Aiden Junkers, meet my daughter Maho Nishizumi."

Maho bowed her head slightly. "Hello, Mr. Junkers. Thank you for taking care of my father."

Kaiser's mind raced unsure of what to do and so stuck with his persona. With a laugh and a wave, he played humble. "Oh no worries, I was glad to help. Both your father and dog were wonderful company."

Tsuneo took the reigns as he laughed along slapping Kaiser on the shoulder. It took restraint on Kaiser's behalf not to glare at the apparent father of the famous Nishizumi sisters. Suddenly Tsueno stopped and pulled out a cell phone. He excused himself momentarily, leaving the two alone in silence before reappearing only to apologize and leaving no room for either to get a word from either edgewise.

Thus Kaiser found himself sipping tea in silence while the piercing glare of his future combatant bored through him. Maho Nishizumi was certainly standoffish and curt with her words to him. Despite his best attempts at feigning humility, kindness, or trying to turn the conversation to where she could speak of herself, he was only rebuffed with short answers and the same persistent glare.

The only kindness he received was when she offered to refill his drink for him. Sitting in the open room with only her he was desperate to find a reason to leave. The only hitch was that it would be suspicious. He couldn't think of an adequate excuse and whenever he came close, her glare would convince him that she was onto him.

He couldn't remember the last time he had been on the receiving end of such contempt, the idea almost laughable that she was pressuring him so. Displeased with his failure to deceive her, he ceased any pretentious acting and casually how he comfortably would.

His back straightened, no longer slightly slumped as he sat formally. He did away with any pretense of being a simple fan that attended the same school. Scrapping the pleasantries, he held onto the sliver of cover he had as a fellow student and sat tall, his face contorted from the natural smile he held. His impassive expression made its first appearance on Kuromoromine. With firm half-lidded eyes, he waved a dismissive hand. "You can stop scrutinizing me now, I only helped your father. If I had known he was related to you I wouldn't have taken his offer for a drink nor gave him any help."

Maho's glare relented, her eyebrows raising a fraction at the sudden change in his demeanor. It was a welcome break in tension. Now she seemed doubtful of his words somehow. Perhaps she didn't believe him and thought he was lying, perhaps after her in some way.

Convincing himself she was still suspicious, he insisted. "I just got along with your old man. Don't tell him I snitched but he lost your dog." Maho's face shifted slightly again, deadpanning as it seemed not too far-fetched to hear.

"I found him and returned it. He invited me as thanks and I gave him some help."

"With the Panzer II?"

Kaiser looked up suddenly seeing a lighter expression on the formerly stony girl. "You know?"

She closed her eyes and took a sip other own drink before nodding. "Father's terrible at hiding secrets. I've been trying to give him more time to finish his surprise."

Kaiser stared at the girl, a sense of awe taking him. This situation felt familiar, like when he had met Miho. Perhaps she would go on to surprise him just as her sister had. Watching her from above the rim of his cup, he gave a slight bit of flattery. "I see why Tsuneo talks so fondly of you.

With a small smirk, Maho lowered her tea. "He's always been a hard-working and doting father."

"I'm aware, he talked a lot about his family."

"Did he?"

With a taunting tug of his lips, he nodded. "He told me his oldest daughter was always playing in the mud. I never would have imagined it was Maho Nishizumi."

Maho didn't react violently but instead took another drink from her cup. Clearing her throat she changed the subject promptly. "How are you enjoying the school year? Are you following the Senshado season?"

Kaiser hummed in thought. Pretending to think over her questions, he was internally deliberating over whether she hadn't caught on to him or if she was feigning ignorance. He gave an uncaring shrug, rather than lying only omitting key information. "I have no issues in school, it's rather easy. As for the second question, you could say I am following it closely.

Maho silently accepted his answers. "What do you think of our performance this year?"

'A trick question?' he wondered. He continued with vague answers. "You all never cease to impress. While one could say that it was expected of you to come this far, I must say the changes you've implemented and your performance this year are breathtaking."

Maho nodded gladly. "Thank you but how do you know of any changes we've implemented?"

Not missing a beat, Kaiser replied immediately. "Isn't it obvious by the way you perform on the field?"

Maho gave a small smile, cocking her head curiously to the side as she took another drink. Lowering her cup, her eyes opened a fraction, falling onto him scrutinizingly.

She cast a graceful image, sitting there with perfect mannerisms and intriguing eyes in the evening light. Kaiser felt as if she was mocking him, enjoying their word game when she already knew the truth.

With a sigh, Kaiser's head dipped. Bringing it back up he apologized first. "I'm sorry for lying. There's no point in pretending any longer. Maho Nishizumi, let me say first it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance formally. My name is Adam Kaiser, VIce-commander of Transcendence Academy."

Unphased Maho watched him in silence as he took another breath, relieved at no longer lying or acting. After a moment of observation, Maho began prodding. "I hadn't expected this. Isn't it risky to be speaking to your future opponent and sneaking on their ship?"

Kaiser snickered. "You don't have to pretend with me. I know you've sent spies to my school as well. I didn't think the moral high ground would matter here but seeing you in person, I didn't want the truth to come out when we met later on. Just like with Miho, I want to face you person to person, with nothing detracting from our match."

Maho seemed satisfied with his response he nodded her head, staying silent for a moment. As Kaiser watched her, he would have been surprised to know what she was thinking. In reality, she had no idea he was a spy. Usually expressionless and clueless as to how to interact socially with others outside of business, Maho had just acted as she usually did. The final straw that had drawn his confession forth was just her cocking her head in confusion, wondering how he had deduced their changes. Maho's earnest and hard-working personality had one fault. She was sometimes airheaded.

Not lingering on the fact she had been fooled, Maho perked up at hearing her sister's name. "Miho? She had mentioned she had made a male friend. You can imagine the family's shock when she misspoke and said Boyfriend at first."

Kaiser coughed as he swallowed his drink. It would have been funny if it weren't regarding such a prestigious and troublesome family. Maho's grin seemed to widen a fraction at his reaction, leading him to believe now she was teasing him. "You have a surprisingly playful side" he grimaced, wiping his lips of tea.

"Miho has told us of her new friend but not his name. She can be reserved at times so I don't imagine many would speak of her unless they knew her personally, let alone a boy. I assume it's safe to deduce you're this new friend of hers?"

"I'm flattered if she thinks as much but we haven't spoken much aside from our match."

"True friendships don't require persistent time together. Only understanding and kinship. You're perhaps the first boy she's talked to so freely."

Kaiser brought a finger to his chin, recalling how Miho acted. "She did seem rather receptive to our meetings after the match even when her curious friends caused commotion."

Maho gave a look of serenity at hearing of her sister. "She's always been curious and devoted. She told us how intense your match was and how polite you were afterward. The complete opposite of our expectations. Especially after your Pravda debacle."

Hearing of his moment of infamy once more, his grin took on a bewitching manner as he leaned forward onto one arm, smiling in a satisfied manner. "I'm not worthy of such constant flattery from the Nishizumi heir."

Maho cocked her head once more in a curious fashion. "You're personality is just as interesting as she said as well."

Surprised at her comment he straightened once more, raising an eyebrow. "I'm starting to worry about how she described me. It wasn't unflattering was it?"

Maho shrugged a single shoulder. "Let me ask you first. How do you see Miho?"

Kaiser crossed his arms and glanced up at the wooden ceiling in thought. "I don't usually call others friends, ask around and anyone will tell you I'm not the friendliest. But it would be rude to refute her kindness behind her back after hearing what you've told me. If I had to say, she's not my first female friend nor my first from another school in Senshado but she is one of very few. Perhaps the first I've ever related to so quickly."

Like a bird, Maho cocked her head to the other side, assessing his answer. A charming smile finally broke her stiff demeanor as she took a satisfied sip from her cup. "That is relieving to hear. I'm sure you can understand there are constant reasons for us to worry for one another."

Kaiser watched the picturesque girl before him, recalling her sister's words. He couldn't help but chuckle aloud at the realization as she watched in confusion. She was a doting sister same as their old man. Something he related to with his own expanded family. Calming himself he explained. "First let me tell you this, I've talked to Miho quite in depth. You're one of the main things she ever spoke of. She knows you're protecting her. She didn't go into detail but she mentioned you bearing a burden and protecting her freedom."

Maho's eyes widened, whether at being seen through by her sister or the realization that an outsider knew, she was unsure how to respond.

"Second, she told me she never knew how to say it but as I'm already here and worn out my welcome, a bit of rudeness wouldn't hurt. She thanks you. With every fiber of her heart, she is glad you're her sister."

Maho seemed slightly choked up. There were no tears nor strain around her eyes, no blush, nor aversion. She kept her eyes steadfast on him but Kaiser could see the slight tremble in her hands as she lowered her cup. The slight gulp in her throat. Placing his chin atop his hand he smiled, "No matter what my mother says, I wished my siblings and I were as close as you two. They just seem to take delight in fighting with me."

His familial rebuke garnered a small chuckle from Maho who nodded in thanks. "I am happy to hear she thinks so. Contact has been sparse since she left home."

Kaiser gave a loud seemingly sarcastic laugh. Maho looked up, surprised at such a reaction it being the first she ever experienced directed at herself. She saw Kaiser with a natural expression, sharply contrasting with his acting from earlier. "She said we were a lot alike. I'd say frighteningly so in some regards."

"Alike?" she asked curiously.

"Alike" he confirmed. The pressure we take on ourselves, our peers, familial matters, sports, and success. Though different in detail, alike in the premise. Dedication was something your sister constantly mentioned."

Maho seemed to soften again at the mention of her sister's compliment. Though passed on through Kaiser, its effect still held greatly on her. "It is… reassuring to know that there is someone so close to my sister and is familiar with how it feels to be in my shoes. As Miho's friend and fellow commander, I suppose I can let your transgression of sneaking aboard go this once."

"Don't give me too much credit, I'm sure you'll learn to hate me, same as all the others." Maho giggled at his remark. It was so unexpected that Kaiser couldn't help but feel his ego rise slightly, not that anyone would believe him if he told them.

The two then conversed comfortably with each other. Casual smiles and a relaxed atmosphere allowed them to discuss matters public and private without any worry, comparisons of her small family to his much larger group of siblings, growing up, and experiences in school though both were sure the other left out more embarrassing or troublesome stories. Even more outlandish claims were exchanged.

One such was Maho describing how strict their childhood training was that she and Miho grew to sense incoming shells. Baffled Kaiser called her bluff to which she swore honesty. Kaiser thought momentarily before asking aloud "Then ambushes work on you since you can't hear the vehicles." Maho didn't choke on her drink as he had but hesitated, allowing Kaiser to smirk tauntingly. For once she remained silent unwilling to confirm his query.

With his smug expression, he played along stating that he had learned under similar strict circumstances but never gained such a useful skill, only gut instincts if he had to name it.

"Along with that foresight came a thirst for danger, no? I'm told you are rather vicious at times."

He had given her an inch and she promptly turned the tables, now she seemed smug as he avoided the claim. The two would go back and forth speaking like this til a door was heard closing.

Tsuneo must've returned and so the two continued speaking of future careers. Maho spoke of College overseas and furthering her Senshado. Kaiser nodded expectedly at her answer. "You'll surely excel there as well. Don't forget that your sis will worry you're overworking yourself though."

"I'll keep that in mind. What of you?"

Kaiser pondered. He hadn't thought too deeply as his immediate school and family matters preoccupied him. I always assumed I'd join the military outright. I wouldn't dismiss college if there was something interesting to keep me there. Then again my mother says I should start a family young just as she and my father did."

Before he could let a light laugh out at the memory of his mother's jests, the room's door slammed open. A figure in all black with a white undershirt stood with an empty expression. Her disapproving eyes drifted to Kaiser as Maho addressed her presence.

"Ah Mother, welcome home."

"Maho, who is this?"

-Chapter End-