Strum Von Das Kettenantrieb (Assault of the Tracked Vehicles)

by mazinkaiser

A teenaged girl was trying to escape her troubled past only to confront them (along with her old and new friends) in the only way she knew how – The Way of the Tank.

4. A Piece of Pepperoni Pizza

And now, Ooarai-Bellwall bumps heads with Anzio. But before that, Yukari needs to do some reconaissance first, the team needs to do some practice and even gets a team of mechanics that would not only help Leopon Team fix the tanks, but also help them train.

Read and enjoy.

---

Chapter 4 – A Piece of Peperoni (and Anchovy) Pizza

After a few days had passed, the Zuikaku had finally arrived in Ooarai. The first thing that Miho Nishizumi had done was take her friends plus the Abrams to visit the Mitosekijujibyoin hospital where Missus Hisako Reizei or Mako's grandmother was presently interred.

By Miho's own request, Second Lieutenant Zacarias Wycoco had transferred himself to the laptop that she was carrying to meet Mako's grandmother as well after the modern main battle tank was parked.

The sextet (well, septet actually) had gotten to the tenth floor where the patient was staying. Out of the group, Hana Isuzu was wearing a white sundress and a pink cotton undershirt that made her look really elegant as she carried a bouquet of flowers that she had arranged herself, a sunhat with roses at its brim, and a handbag.

In comparison, Miho was wearing a simpler spaghetti strapped white blouse and white skirt along with loafers and her light green laptop bag. Yukari Akiyama was wearing a pink T-shirt with TTP encircled in front along with suspenders and khaki pants while carrying a shoulder bag plus sneakers.

Chihiro Yusa was wearing a light green romper suit and black court shoes. And finally, Emi was wearing a dark blue T-shirt and denim jeans along with sneakers.

The girls had reached the room where Missus Isuzu was currently recuperating from her malady (Rm -1029). Just as Hana was about to knock on the door, they had heard a raspy voice shouting.

"Enough of this! Leave!"

The voice was then heard adding. "I'm not sick so stop treating me this way. I'm fine so go back to school."

After a pause, she had yelled. "Don't you dare be tardy. What's wrong?"

"Are you even listening?" the voice had not slowed down, making the three girls nervous as well. "Good grief, you're always so quiet and aloof."

Finally, they had heard Mako Reizei's voice say. "Yelling like that will make your blood pressure rise."

Seeing that it was certainly not the right time, Yukari then asked. "Sh-should we leave?"

"No, we didn't go all this way here just to turn back now." Hana had answered with a shake of her head. "Let's go in."

"Isuzu-dono, you really are fearless." The shaggy brunette then added. "How about you girls?"

"Of course, we'll go." Emi answered for her and Chihiho. "Nothing left to lose and all."

"It's a matter of willpower," the raspy voice added.

"No, it's not." Mako answered with a little defiance as Hana had opened the door and went in.

"Yes, it is."

"Excuse us," the elegant Panzer IV gunner said with a melodic tone upon entering.

"Oh, Hana." Saori Takebe exclaimed upon seeing one of her teammates come in. "Thank goodness, you've arrived."

"What is that supposed to mean, girl?" The old woman laid down on the hospital bed growled. "You think I'm not good company."

"Of course not, Grandmother." Hitomi answered for her good friend who had given her borrowed clothes for the time being. "It's just that we would like you to meet our team members in sensha-do."

"I'm not your grandmother, youngling."

"Sorry."

"Would you all introduce yourselves?" the old woman then added with a more controlled tone. "Especially the young man in the little screen."

"Well, Madam." Zack then said with a respectful bow as Miho had placed the laptop on the steel chair facing the patient. "I am Second Lieutenant Zacarias Wycoco of the US Army's 185th Armor Regiment and now co-instructor of the Ooarai/Bellwall sensha-do team along with JGSDF Captain Ami Chono."

"If you're in the US Army, why are you in that whatchamacallit?"

"It is called a laptop, Madam." The digital soul answered as he had remained in attention. "Well, it is a long story with the simplest explanation is that I was turned into a tank."

"Ah, you must one of those missing people that were turned to into armored vehicles."

"Yes, Madam." Zack answered with a polite nod. "With me are my students – Miho Nishizumi, Hana Isuzu, Emi Nakasuga, and Chihiro Yusa. Also, your granddaughter – Mako, and her friends – Saori Takebe and Hitomi Yuzumoto are also my students."

"Ah, you're the one that whips my granddaughter into shape, eh." The old woman said with a smirk. "Reizei Hisako."

"Yes, Madam." The digital instructor had chosen to ignore the shocked look on the younger Reizei's face. "Miss Ami and I give them sufficient drills to improve their bodies and minds for the stress of the tournament."

"Mako, you should emulate your instructor as he doesn't talk back and is very polite."

"Grandmother…"

"It was thanks to the Lieutenant and his crew here that we won the first round of the tournament," Yukari then said with glee, seeing that Missus Reizei has defrosted enough for them to talk to. "That Abrams is one tough tank."

"Winning the first round is nothing impressive," Hisako said in return. "And you should not just depend on the modern battle tank to win the next rounds either. By the way, what are they all doing here?"

"After the last match ended, I got a call that you had collapsed." Mako had answered for everyone else. "They got worried and came to see you."

"They were worried about you, not me." The elderly Reizei talked back. "You got it backwards."

"I know."

"Then go ahead and thank them for coming here."

"Thanks for coming all the way here," Mako then told her instructor and teammates. "We are both really grateful."

"At least try to sound sincere," Hisako then added harshly.

"Thank you."

"That wasn't any different."

"As I said, your blood pressure would rise again if you continue yelling."

"She was unconscious until yesterday morning," Saori was telling her instructor and teammates. "But as you can see, she has regained her pep until now."

"I can't afford to sleep the rest of day away," Hisako explained with a bit of irritation. "I have things to do and stuff to fix. I'm going home tomorrow."

"No, Grandma." Mako said with raised palms. "As I said, it's still too early as you should at least rest for a week."

"What are you saying?!" The elder Reizei was certainly not happy with the development. "A week doing absolutely nothing?!"

"Grandma, everyone is watching." The younger Reizei then added. "Please calm down."

"Well, I won't get better here!"

Hana then thought to leave the flowers she was carrying as everyone had agreed that both Reizei's need some time alone. "Do you have a vase?"

"Humans are meant to spend their day doing things," Hisako then explained to her granddaughter. "Not spending it lying down in bed."

"Nope, but we can borrow one from the nurse's station." Hitomi answered, ignoring the argument. "Follow us."

With that said, Hitomi had led both Saori and Hana out of the door towards the nurse's station a floor below. As for the rest, they had watched the argument between grandmother and granddaughter with amused smiles or shaking heads.

Turning to the remaining visitors, the elder Reizei then added. "Don't try to pour oil in troubled waters. Use that oil in your tanks instead."

Turning back to her granddaughter, Hisako then added in a calmer tone. "You get back as well, though I'm sure that you're just dragging all of them down anyway."

"Oh, not at all," Miho finally found her opportunity to speak. "Mako is always calm and supportive in our matches."

Yukari then added. "And her tank driving is top-notch. I admire her skill."

"It was through her driving that had gotten their Panzer IV out of tight spots," Emi then added. "I'm glad that she had joined the team."

"Yeah, she's indispensable to the team." Chihiro then added. "Thus, we are all proud of her."

"And what's your verdict, Mister Wycoco?"

"The girls had said all that I could have said," the digital instructor answered with a slightly amused tone. "But Mako is certainly an asset to our team and I myself am proud of her for it."

"Driving tanks won't pay the bills."

A little later, after the borrowed vase was placed on the bedside table, it was time for the visitors to go.

"Well Grandma, see you later." Mako said before leaving the room as well.

The only ones remaining in the room were Miho, Emi, and Zack with the latter about to use the hospital's wi-fi in order to transfer back to his physical self before Miho would turn off the laptop.

"She's always so distant," Hisako then spoke suddenly. "Please take care of her."

"We will," all three said in unison with smiles before Zack had left through a portal and the rest had left the room through a door. "Goodbye."

-oOo-

After getting on the tank, the Abrams then left slowly towards the pier where they would go their separate ways. Since Mako needed her morning nap, she was given the driver seat with Zack actually doing the driving and Emi sitting on the commander's seat.

Along the way, Miho then quipped as she and the others had sat on the turret. "I'm glad that Missus Reizei is in much better shape than we feared her to be."

"I agree," Hana then said.

"No wonder, Mako really needed those attendance credits." Yukari then opined. "She needs to make sure that she won't have to repeat a grade."

"It's all to comfort her grandmother," Hana then added.

"Yeah, Mako wants to graduate as soon as possible so she can stay by her grandmother's side even more." Saori then said.

It was just as they were nearing the pier that the Abrams had moved slightly differently. It was then that they realized that Mako had taken her chance to drive the modern main battle tank even for a brief time.

-oOo-

Once the Abrams had arrived in the ferry port, the teens had gotten down with Zack driving himself to the motor ferry that he had ridden earlier back to the Zuikaku.

Along the way, Miho was seen leaning on the ferry's railing as she had watched the motor ferry that only had one vehicle within it – the Abrams itself when Saori had walked behind her.

"Found you, Miporin." Saori sang as she had greeted her commander. "What's up?"

"Nothing much," Miho answered with a shake of her head. "Where's the others?"

"All of them are asleep in the benches," the ginger-haired radio operator replied. "Good thing, I put on my sweater and pants today."

Indeed, Saori was wearing a pink sweater over her T-shirt and yellow pants plus sneakers. Hitomi Yuzumoto was wearing a yellow T-shirt and a denim skirt along with a back pack with loafers that she had borrowed from Saori's mom that her friend had outgrown.

"Something wrong?"

"No, nothing really." Miho answered with a shrug. "Just thinking that everyone has their share of worries."

"Like Mako?" Saori then pried a little bit.

"Yeah."

"You know, Mako used to worry about you quite a bit." The ginger-haired girl then added. "Seeing how you left your family and came to Ooarai alone."

"Why's that?"

"That's because her mom was a lot like her grandma," Saori then let her new friend learn the truth about their driver. "She and Mako had a big fight before the accident. Mako regrets that she never even had a chance to apologize."

"I understand."

Once they had boarded the Zuikaku, they had all made their way to their respective homes.

-oOo-

That night, Miho had a dream, no more like a memory of the time she was called by her mother to meet in her common room after Black Forest's disastrous defeat in the 62nd National Sensha-do Finals.

Said common room was as spartan and neat as would have been expected for one that emphasized precision and power. Some of the shelves were either half full or just empty and behind the incense burner was a rolled slogan in katakana reading – "Forward ever, backward never."

"You too are an heir of the Nishizumi name and style," Shiho Nishizumi was telling her youngest daughter while her eldest had stayed on her left and slightly behind. "It's our custom to roll forward, no matter what may stand in our way. Our tradition is to uphold strength and conquest."

"B-but Mom…" Miho had tried to interject.

"With great victory comes great sacrifice," the matriarch of the Nishizumi family continued. "I'm sure those students would have gotten out somehow."

This time, Maho had lifted her head slightly as she too was curious as to how their own mother would see the result of the loss.

Back to the present, Miho had realized that the lieutenant was indeed correct, her mother may had been misinformed of the students' safety as did Maho leading to her own assertions against the former soldier in their earlier argument.

-oOo-

The next day, Miho had slowly walked to school. Her mind was still filled with doubts if they could continue winning if they had barely won their last match.

"Miporin," someone had said behind her. "Good morning."

"Saori!" the Ooarai/Bellwall overall commander exclaimed upon seeing her friend carrying another friend of theirs – Mako over her back.

"Like…" Saori was trying to say despite her fatigue.

"Are you OK?" Miho said as she ran to her two friends. "Here, let me help you."

"Thanks," the ginger-haired student said as she had lowered Mako from her aching back. "Let's go."

At the gate, Midoriko Sono was waiting for them as she was guarding the gate and ensuring that no more latecomers would try to crash it to get to school after it was closed at nine in the morning.

"Coming to school asleep," the head of the Disciplinary Committee said after seeing the trio. "What a carefree life you have."

The three friends had stopped walking with Mako again trying to troll her former childhood friend to try and get the other two off the hook…and for her own private enjoyment. "Oh, Sodoko. I'm awake alright."

Saori and even Miho had to smile at how the diminutive driver of the Panzer IV had let go of both of them before slowly walking towards Midoriko and hugging her senseless.

"Hey," Midoriko said in surprise while being embraced. "I told you not to call me Sodoko. My name is Midoriko Sono."

During the amusing "argument" between two former childhood friends, Miho and Saori had noticed the banners and balloons that were displayed for all to see the first tournament win of Ooarai for twenty years now.

"Wow are we the center of attention now!?" Saori exclaimed in excitement. "That's so cool!"

"No, that's just the Student Council having fun." The short brunette said with a sigh. "Anyway, just get Reizei off me as this is embarrassing."

"Oh c'mon," Mako thought to troll Midoriko even more as she had continued to embrace the poor disciplinary committee head who was now the recipient of funny looks from the other students. "We both know you like it."

"Shut up!"

-oOo-

Come lunch time, Miho had gone to the garage to eat her lunch in relative peace and maybe even have a brief chat with the armored and tracked instructor parked nearby.

"Good afternoon, Lieutenant." She had greeted the Abrams that was using its generator to operate its computer as Zack was reviewing the battle between first round match between Anzio and Maignot. "Are you busy?"

"No, I'm not." Zack replied as he had paused the video. "So, how can I be of help, Commander?"

"Lieutenant, you actually outrank me." Miho answered with a giggle. "Please call me Miho from now on."

"Alright, Miho it is then." The Abrams corrected with a slight mirth in its tone. "Still, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

"Considering that we're the heroes of the day, I'm surprised that none of the students had swarmed over you."

"One of the few good things about being a tank is that everyone gives me some space," Zack then added with an amused tone. "I guess you and the others wanted some peace and quiet, eh."

"Wait, others?!"

"You'll see."

"Nishizumi-dono?"

Miho had turned around to see Yukari carrying a packed lunch in a box. "Yukarin?"

"Oh, there you are." Saori then said as she had emerged through the door with Hana, Emi, Chihiro, and Hitomi following her, a paper bag on her left hand. "I've been looking all over for you."

"We were looking for you at the classroom or the cafeteria," Hana then added she had closed the door. "So, we figured that you must be here."

"We brought you some bread," the ginger-haired radio operator then offered the contents of the bag she was holding. "You must be a little hungry."

"Thanks," Miho said with gratefulness.

"You'll be eating your lunch here too, Yukari?" Hana then added as the group had sat down on their respective tanks.

"Yeah," the bushy-haired loader answered quietly.

"Then let's have some lunch together," the black-haired gunner concluded to the delight of everyone inside the garage.

A voice was then heard echoing in the Panzer IV before someone had popped out of the command cupola. "Share some with me."

"Hey, did you skip class?" Saori yelled in surprise.

"She did," Chihiro answered quietly.

"I call it taking a voluntary break," answered Mako with a glare at her classmate who only shrugged in response. "Also, the Lieutenant already gave me a lecture when I came here earlier."

"Jeez, I'll tattle you to your grandma."

Mako was caught completely by surprise before answering Saori with fearful face. "That'd cause problems."

"I'll have to agree since Missus Reizei is very concerned for you, Miss Mako." Zack then put his own two cents in. "You can ask for leave to your instructor if needed but cutting classes may be a reason for your grandmother to be called by the faculty."

"You win."

"Alight, let's eat." Emi said just before her stomach rumbled its agreement. "I guess I'm hungry, after all."

Minutes later, the girls had group together and sat on their tanks with said tanks being laid with blankets to sit on.

Yukari's packed lunch was opened to reveal a tank shape made from nori, slices of eggplant, and even a Japanese flag for national fervor. There was even spaghetti and meatballs plus a single tomato and finally, two butter cookies as desserts.

"My mom said that it's supposed to be a tank," Yukari was telling her friends. "I guess it does look like a tank if you squint."

"Wow, it's a character lunch." Saori exclaimed with glee.

"It's almost too cute to eat," Hana then added.

"Oh, did you look at the announcement board?" the bushy-haired loader then added. "The newsletter got a special issue."

"I-I did," Miho answered hesitantly.

"It was a big headline," Chihiro commented while eating some tonkatsu along with Emi and Hitomi.

"We won against Saunders University, after all!" Yukari then exclaimed.

"It felt more like we won by coincidence though," Miho then added. "If it wasn't for Hawk, we may have lost anyway."

"Coincidence or not, the fact that we didn't fall apart is a sign that we are strong by ourselves." Zack then interjected. "I'm sure you would have still won without us."

"Despite the underwhelming response to our heroic participation in the match, I agree with the Lieutenant." Emi said in agreement. "We all did our best out there and even the Anteater team had gotten some kills along with Tiger and you girls along with us."

"Yes, and victory is victory." Yukari crowed enthusiastically.

The mood had suddenly changed when Miho had said with a somber tone and a bowed head. "Yeah, I guess."

"Winning's the only thing that matters, huh?" the brunette commander continued with a tone full of regret.

"Is it?" Yukari then said as the others had gotten down from the Abrams. "We had a lot of fun, right?"

"She's right," Emi said with confidence. "If you remember, despite our close calls in the match, we still had fun. I even heard you girls joking around at times in the radio sometimes."

"Right," the Anglerfish loader said with a nod. "The match against Saunders, the practice match against St. Gloriana, the training battles, the time we had customized our tanks and then hanging out after practice. All of it was fun."

"Indeed," Saori added with a nod. "At first, I hated it since everything is so cramped and my butt hurt sitting on the commander's chair, but now I enjoy riding tanks."

"See, Miho." Hitomi said like she was teaching her friend a lesson. "Winning isn't everything and we have more friends to have fun with."

"I guess," the Anglerfish commander said with a look of understanding. "I used to only think about winning, but that was after I met you girls."

"Yeah, back then we didn't think too much about winning since we're just kids." Miho then reminisced back to when she had ridden a tank with the Abram's crew. "The Panzer IV was our Abrams and I was the Lieutenant."

"It was while I was in Black Forest that my competitiveness came back," Miho then added with a slight sniff. "I wanted to make Maho proud of me back then and I do miss Hitomi, Chihiro, and Emi despite making so new friends there. So, when I lost, I wanted to run away from sensha-do."

It was then that Yukari had interjected. "I watched that match on TV."

"Me too," both Hitomi and Chihiro said in unison. "That was quite a close match."

"And yet, you didn't see what really happened out there when we were trying to cross that mountain pass near the river to safety."

"Please tell us, Miho." Zack then said as he was not given the whole story by Miss Ami. "At very least, all of us would listen and not judge."

"I know none of you will," Miho then said before telling her story. "There I was in the middle of a three-tank column as flag tank crossing the mountain pass to meet up with Maho and the others during a rainstorm."

"A Panzer III was in front of me while Panzer IV was behind me to keep myself and my crew from trouble," Miho then continued. "We have been told of one or two of the Pravda tanks had separated from the rest and may engage us. I naturally acknowledged the transmission and passed it along to my fellow tank commanders guarding us."

"What happened then?" Hitomi then asked. "We didn't get to see much from the screen."

"We were ambushed by the Pravda tanks with our lead Panzer III falling in the river as the ground gave way," the Anglerfish commander added sadly. "The tank floundered in the waves before sinking and I was forced to stop our Tiger I and the following Panzer IV then run down the slope as if on instinct to try and save the Panzer III's crew."

"I was told later that Pravda had found us and despite the valiant efforts of the Panzer IV to go in front of us, my tank was still hit by a T-34 shell and we lost."

"So, you did abandon the line of battle to save the Panzer III's crew, didn't you?" Yukari then asked. "No wonder, your sister got mad."

"Yes," Miho said with a slight nod. "But I never thought of that as I jumped in the icy water and dived so I can open the loader's hatch with all of my strength. Thankfully, I was there just in time for all of them to get out of the tank and we all swam ashore."

"Personally, I would have chosen to save my fellow tankers than bask in the glory of ten consecutive tournaments won." Chihiro then commented. "But that's just me."

"I would have done the same," Emi then spoke up. "Then again, I'm sure all of us would have done the same."

"Yeah, I third that." Hitomi then chirped. "Who cares about getting ten consecutive wins if some of my team members wouldn't be around to celebrate it."

"I'll fourth it," Saori then added with a big smile.

"Same here," Hana said with a gentle smile. "Lives are important."

"You've got my vote," Yukari then quipped. "Besides, I'm sure the tankers you saved are grateful to you."

"So is mine," Mako said after eating some of the melon bread given to her by Miho. "And for the same reason."

"As President Lincoln would say, the ayes have it." Zack said with a bit of mirth in his voice. "See, Miho. All of us here are willing to support your decision to save the Panzer III crew despite what your sister and most of the Black Forest faculty and maybe even Student Council would say."

"Thank you, thank you everyone." Miho tearfully responded while hugging a grateful Yukari. "Maybe they were just cowed to be silent by the powers that be, but at least, I have all your support."

After being released from the hug, Yukari just had to spaz out by saying. "Oh, I can't believe it. You, thanking poor little me."

The poor girl had gotten everyone else giggling or in Zack's case, snorting a bit in an attempt to hide his own laughter as she had rubbed her head with her hands.

"Wait, wasn't that the second time?" Yukari had stopped spazzing out as she had realized something. "Didn't you also do it after we came back from recon?"

"Yes, she did." Mako answered for her commander. "Sergeant Oddball and Lieutenant Schmidt."

Both Yukari and Emi replied by saying hotly. "Don't remind me of that."

After everyone had a good laugh, Hana then commented. "There's more than one way to sensha-do, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yeah, our ways of tanking will turn into our sensha-do style." Saori exclaimed with pride as she had pointed up, showing that they will succeed.

Miho had also looked up, thinking that with this group supporting her, she could do anything.

-oOo-

In the Student Council Office, the six Student Council members were talking while making some needed paperwork.

"Do we stand a chance in the quarterfinals against Anzio High School?" Yuzu Koyama was asking her friend – Momo Kawashima as the others were too deep in their paperwork to dwell about the coming match. "I mean, we now have a new team and that Midoriko did say that she had gotten the other Disciplinary Committee members to take over temporarily while she and two others man the Char B1 bis, but are they enough?"

"We'll have to win at all costs," Momo replied with her left fist slamming her desk. "Or that's what I was supposed to say, but even now, I'm not sure."

"Wow, you've changed."

"Yeah, I'm not so hot headed as I once was." The Public Relations Officer added with a wry smile. "Still, with Anteater Team actually getting better from what I can see as with the rest of the teams, we may have better chance of winning this."

"That's good to hear, Momo-chan."

"D-forget it," Momo said in defeat. "Let's just practice some more."

"You know," Anzu Kadotani said as she slid her chair to where her teammates were sitting. "If anything else, Anzio's tankers are an eager and energetic team. Not to mention, their school had gotten out of the red recently as well."

"I'll have to agree with you," the monocle wearing brunette said with a nod. "For all we know, they may have new tanks, or they would have fixed their old ones."

"In that case, we have to take them seriously or we'll be in for it." Yuzu said in seldom heard serious voice. "At the moment, we only have eight crews that have experience and two new ones."

The other two could only nod in reply.

-oOo-

After lunch, Momo had gotten everyone back to the garage for another round of practice. "We may have won the first match, but this isn't the time to slack off. We must win again and advance to the next round."

"Is that understood, you cowards?!" She added with her known intensity.

"Yes, Ma'am." The whole Duck Team replied in unison.

"We'll do our best," Aya Oono answered for Rabbit Team.

"Don't blow your own horn till the battle's won," Ceasar responded for Hippo Team, complete with Roman salute.

Karina then cheered. "Ei, Ei, O."

"We'll do our best, Ma'am." Emi said for Hawk Team.

"So, will we-nyaa." Nekota answered for Anteater Team.

"Yes, Ma'am." The newly minted Mallard Team composed of three of the Disciplinary Committee.

"W-we'll give it our best shot," a suddenly nervous Youko Minami said for her new team.

"Good enough, let's start." Momo said with a sigh before Anzu had interjected.

"Let's do our best," the red-headed SC President said to raise the morale even more.

"Everyone is in good spirits, aren't they?" Hana then told her commander.

Miho could only say. "Uh-huh" in reply.

-oOo-

The tanks were then driven to the practice range in a line with the Panzer 38 (t) in the lead. After arriving, everyone had lined up to practice their shooting skills, evasion skills, and overall maneuverability.

This was much more important for the new teams – Mallard and Panda teams that were manning the Char B1 bis heavy tank and the newly bought T-44 medium tank respectively. Not only that, the practice battles were important for the crew and even Miho to figure out their roles for the team.

The Mallard Team's Char B1 bis had a picture of a swimming Mallard duck on its sides as its symbol/mascot. Panda Team on the other hand has a picture of Panda going Rambo on its turret.

Once the sun set, practice was over, and everyone was sent back to the garage for refueling and slight repair.

"Good work, everyone." Everyone said to signify the end of the practice, and thus could now leave their tanks.

With Anglerfish team, Yukari was repeating the phrase to show that they had done well.

"I lost weight after I started riding tanks," Saori then bragged as she was proud of her figure.

"Yeah, I think my blood pressure had gotten better as well." Mako then added with pride.

"Maybe it improved your circulation," Hana then opined. "You did exert a lot of effort in driving the tank during maneuvers."

"Maybe it got your blood running," Miho then said with a big goofy smile. "A lot of sensha-do players are hot-blooded after all."

"Are you sure that's important?" Saori then said. "I don't get it."

"Well, sensha-do being a competitive sport, I'm not surprised." Emi then said as she and the crew of the Abrams had come over. "I mean, I'm hot-blooded myself as you can see and it's mostly because of sensha-do."

It was then that Momo's voice was then heard from the direction of the Panzer 38 (t). "Nishizumi, let's discuss tactics for the next match."

Miho then looked at where Momo and Yuzu were standing. The pony-tailed girl then added. "And I want you to help me put together a list of replacement parts."

"Oh, sure." Miho answered rather unsure.

"Senpai, how can we improve our steering?" Akebi Sasaki was asking her commander with her team's driver- Shinobu Kawanishi.

Shinobu then added. "We keep trying, but curves are hard."

"Oh, just a moment," the brunette commander was telling both members of Duck Team while trying to keep them and herself calm. "Not everyone at-"

"Commander, how can we fire on the move?" Erwin then asked her commander.

"When I ride the tank for a while, the shaking hurts my butt." Caesar then added. "What do I do?"

Ayumi Yamagou just had to ask a few questions of her own to the fray. "Commander, is there no way to install air conditioning in a tank?"

Aaya Oono then added. "Guys started to avoid me whenever I bring up tanks in the conversation."

Yuuki Utsugi had added even more fuel to the fire by blurting out. "My boyfriend dumped me!"

Wait a minute…how does a break up relate to tanks anyway?

"I ask myself the same question, Mister Author." Zack mused to himself inside the tank so as not to be heard.

Poor Miho was slowly being overwhelmed with the attention. It was good thing that Emi finally spoke up.

"Alright, alright." The red-headed driver/co-commander of the Abrams said while waving her hands as she was approaching her good friend. "Break it up, break it up. One question at a time, please."

"Um, if there are questions with mechanical issues, Hitomi and I could be of help." Yukari then said hesitantly. "In between us, we could answer any and all questions about it."

"Both Chihiro and I could be of help in organizing documents," Hana then added with the Abram's gunner nodding in agreement.

"Miss Emi and I would answer any questions about driving," Mako then volunteered herself and her fellow driver to the cause. "Right, Miss Emi?"

"Of course, Miss Mako."

"And I've got relationship and other issues covered," Saori said proudly. "Plus, I can even get the Lieutenant to join me."

"Wait, what?!" the Abrams then exclaimed in the loudspeakers to everyone's amusement. "I said I'll try to console you girls, but relationship issues are out of my league."

"But you said that you've been in some relationships yourself, am I right?" The ginger-haired radio operator then turned towards the modern tank. "I'm sure you would give some sound advice."

"Not always," the Abrams answered curtly.

After a minute, Zack then added. "Alright, I'll help out as much as I can."

"Yay, thanks."

"So, let's divvy up the work." The Panzer IV's gunner than added to give some comfort to her commander.

"Yeah, you don't have to everything by yourself, Miporin." Saori then added. "Between all of us, we could do all the work.

"Thank you," Miho answered with a small smile at how her friends would be there for her.

-oOo-

Thus, Yukari was discussing with the Hippo Team on what the StuG III really is while Hitomi was with Asuza Sawa and Noriko Isobe to explain more about their tanks and how they work.

"Oh yeah, are StuG IIIs really tanks?" Saemonza had asked the fluffy-haired tank expert.

"Eh, no." The Panzer IV's gunner answered quickly. "They're actually armed infantry fighting vehicles handled by the infantry. Thus, they're more like support vehicles."

Caesar then interjected. "So, they're like light artillery then?"

"You mean self-propelled guns like that Paladin we fought?"

"That's it," all of the History club exclaimed as Yukari who the History Club would give the soul name - Guderian got it correctly to her surprise.

-oOo-

We now turn to Hitomi who was explaining what part of the tank does what to both of her students.

"These are the tracks that push the tank forward or backward across the ground," the blonde was telling both tank commanders. "Inside these tracks are the wheels that turn them, and those wheels are run by the engines and controlled by the levers you use. Unfortunately, we can't use those tracks to run sideways, just turn by stopping one set of tracks while still running the other."

"I did wonder on how a tank can turn if its tracks don't move to the right," Azusa then said. "Now, I know."

"Yeah," Noriko said with a smile while putting a hand over her junior's left shoulder. "I am thinking of training Shinobu on how to turn fast using volleyballs that we'll serve. It wouldn't be too much, right Miss Hitomi?"

"No, and I think I'll ask Miho if she could permit you to do that as additional training." The Abram's loader replied with a big smile. "You're quite a trainer there, Miss Noriko."

"Aw, shucks." The Duck Team commander blushed at the compliment. "Just call me, Noriko. Same with Asuza here."

"Alright, M-Noriko." Asuza then said while trying not to blush. "I think I'll get my team to do some volleyball to learn some new maneuvers as well."

"Sure, we'll teach you that and guts."

-oOo-

We now turn to Mako and Emi as they were demonstrating to Duck and Mallard Team on how to drive their tanks. Their differences being that Mako had relied more on the manual while Emi had relied more on instincts after studying the manual briefly.

Mako had managed to do a ninety degree turn in reverse using the Type 89 after a few minutes reading the manual, stopping just short of the boxes placed at the back gate. Duck Team had come running along with their tank commander.

"How can you drive it so well?" The brunette volleyball captain then asked her fellow schoolmate.

"Just read and follow the manual," the Panzer IV's driver answered with nary a change in tone. "It's no big deal."

"It is for most people," Shinobu answered for herself and the other drivers.

Mako's flabbergasted expression is certainly priceless.

As for Emi, she had gotten Moyoko Gotou or Gomoyo to stand behind her to observe how she had moved the gearshifts and steering wheel to move the tank as the Char B1 bis had gone outside slowly before coming back to be parked at its slot.

"It's not that difficult," the red-headed haifu had told her student for the day. "You'll just had to know where to turn the wheel or in other tanks, which lever to pull."

"Thank you," the Disciplinary Committee member answered with a slight blush. "I want to prove myself to the school like Miss Midorino is and I can only do it if I know what I'm doing."

"Don't we all?"

Muffled laughter was heard outside of the tank a second later.

-oOo-

Finally, we have Saori and Zack helping Rabbit Team on their relationship problems. Of course, it was the Anglerfish radio operator that had done most of the talking with the former human hesitant of discussing his love life when he was still younger as she sat on the glacis front of the M3 Lee.

"I think that relationships are just like tanks," the ginger-haired teen was telling her kids…I mean younger classmen with the appropriate gestures and I am currently ignoring her glare in my direction as well. "You have to move forward."

"Wow, she's a true love guru." Asuza was fangirling on her older classman.

"How many boyfriends do you have?" Yuuki Utsugi then asked her new idol.

"Huh?" was all Saori could utter before her world came crumbling down.

Rabbit Team was trying to console the poor girl as she had sneaked once more into the author space and... ow! Yeow! Hey, watch it with those plier-like hands of yours! That hurts, you know! At least, let me tell the story and I'm sorry.

"Oh, don't worry." Aya said in panic with her left hand raised to raise her idol's morale. "Also, please don't hurt Mister Author too much."

"You have the tanks," Yuuki added in the hopes of being forgiven.

"Yeah, cheer up." Karina Sakaguchi then said to help her friends out.

"Ok, that's enough kids." Zack finally said to bring things back on track with Saori coming out of author space. "It doesn't matter if Miss…sorry Saori did not have any boyfriends…yet she is quite sincere in what she preaches. Personally, if someone loved you, then it doesn't matter if you're practicing sensha-do or even be in the military."

"Wow, you should be married with Miss Chono once you're back to being human." Ayumi then had to open her mouth. "We'll be your kids' honorary aunts."

"Eh, no." the Abrams had gotten into serious mode. "Let's not meddle into my non-existent love life and also that of the Captain's as she is my friend. Also, this is about you not me, alright."

"But you two are so made for each other," Yuuki cried suddenly. "I mean, you're both a cute couple and your children would be so…. cuuuute."

"Even if we are 'made for each other' as you put it," Zack then thought to scold his student for acting out of bounds. "There is still a matter of both of us actually learning much about each other enough for both of us to consider the plunge. Marriage isn't something that people just jump into for fun."

"Alright, I understand." The brunette radio operator of Rabbit Team said in defeat. "But you will marry her, right?"

This had caused everyone else within hearing range to look at the Abrams and smile mysteriously.

"Maybe," Zack said in a quieter tone as he also conceded defeat. "Like I said, we still have to know a lot about each other before we do marry and never before. Although, I had to admit that the captain has a certain spunk in her that I could never see with other girls, present company included."

This had caused an uproar in the garage as the whole sensha-do team had shared the same vision as Yuuki did and were elated to know that their wish has the capability to come true.

Even those in the SC office or on their way there had heard the commotion and some of them had smiled at given reinforcement to their shared belief that their instructors may finally come clean of each other's feelings for each other in the near future.

-oOo-

Speaking of which, both Hana and Chihiro had helped Yuzu in organizing the paperwork for the maintenance of the armored vehicles that now totaled to eleven tanks of various countries with ten of which were now considered active.

Only the Porsche Tiger had remained idle as the Automotive Team had asked for more time since they were giving the said tank some additional features that were still within the context of the rules.

"Will eighteen buckets of grease do?" Hana then asked Yuzu who had entered the President's office to check up on the volunteers who would help organize the paperwork. "The Abrams did need a lot of it."

"Yes," Yuzu answered as the pair of volunteers were busy cataloging the needed parts, accessories, and even fluids for the tanks like anti-freeze or motor oil alongside their fuels.

"What are those documents?" Chihiro then asked upon seeing the stack of papers that the Vice President was holding.

"They're old records about this school's tanks," the brunette SC member answered simply. "I thought I'd organize them now that I have the time."

'We'll help," Hana then said to which her new friend had nodded her head to. "We're about finished with the cataloging here."

"Really, that'll be great." Yuzu exclaimed as she had fixed the papers that she was holding. "The flower is a really nice touch though. I want to try flower arranging too."

"You were named after a flower, so it fits."

"You're Miss Momo-," Hana started to compliment her new friend's appreciation for her skills.

"Oh, no." The other brunette said with a slight laugh. "I'm actually Yuzu. Momo is…"

She then called upon her best friend who was in a meeting with both Anzu and Miho. "Hey, Momo-chan."

Of course, the Public Relation Officer's reply to that was… "Don't call me that!"

-oOo-

Anzu had to laugh quietly at the antics of her co-SC members before saying. "Miss Nishizumi, the team's coming together pretty well."

"Oh, yes." Miho said with some trepidation.

"We couldn't have done it without you," Anzu then added. "Thanks."

"Oh, no." the sensha-do commander replied at the sudden compliment. "I should thank you."

Both SC members had looked at the brunette second year in askance.

"I was worried about it at first, but I…" Miho had faltered for a bit before continuing. "Had the chance to see sensha-do in a new light."

"That's nice and all," Momo then interjected before things go a bit too mushy. "But we need to win the next match."

"Can we?" The red-headed SC president then added, eager to hear what Miho would answer.

"The teams' are coming together and everyone's more motivated including the new crews of the Char B1 bis and the T-44," Miho had tried to explain the team's chances of winning. "But the crews of the French and Russian tanks are still green, and they still need more time to train."

"That's the problem," Momo then answered back. "Thus, we'll have to train them even more of what they need to know and hope that they would learn just enough not to foul up in the match itself."

"That's a really sound suggestion you made there, Momo." Anzu then said with even Miho smiling at the soundness of the given suggestion. "I say we implement it once everyone's ready with Zack teaching the new girls on what to do in an actual combat situation with the others treating them as their enemy."

"I'll get the lieutenant on it right away." Miho's excitement was apparent in her voice as she had bowed. "Goodbye and thank you."

The brunette commander then said goodbye to her two friends still cataloging before leaving the room altogether.

-oOo-

Three days later in Anzio's school ship Aquila, a certain event was happening in the Spanish Steps in the middle of the school ship.

A certain twin-tailed dictator…actually, she is the school's sensha-do commander was pumping her team's spirits with something big in front of her that was covered with a green tarp.

"Attention!" A tall blonde girl standing on the pale green haired commander's right side had told the assembled team.

A dark-blue short spiky hair with a braid on the left side was seen with her arms crossed. Wait, is that a spy I see at the back row, fifth girl from the left. Yes, I think it is.

"There's a spy?!" the twin-tailed commander exclaimed. "Where is she?"

Huh, how come I could be heard by the Anzio sensha-do team's commander. I'm supposed to be narrating this story without being heard. And the other spy had hidden herself somewhere too.

"That's because your voice is loud enough for all of us to hear you," the red-brown eyed commander said with a sigh. "Name's Anchovy, by the way. But you can call me Duce."

Pleased to meet you, Miss Anchovy. I am the narrator and author of this story who will remain nameless and I cannot tell you the spy's identity…yet. Wait, oh c'mon. Put that Potato Masher down, Yukari. I'm not kidding, girl.

A loud explosion later, Anchovy had told her audience not to search for the spy as she was certainly armed and dangerous plus missing. "Besides, this place attracts spies as much as Portugal during the last world war anyway, so I'll just show our secret weapon later."

"Our opponents had been saying that we only have confidence and enthusiasm working for us," the Anzio overall commander was telling her team with Yukari tending to my various wounds along with her first aid kit while eavesdropping in author space as well as videotaping the meeting before she had to delete it because of strong interference. "That we're dangerous if we get a head of steam."

The crowd's reaction was more in the lines of – "They're saying we're strong" or "How flattering".

One of the smarter ones in the front row then asked. "But commander, what do they mean by 'only'?"

"Basically, what they're saying is this: 'We had nothing other than confidence and enthusiasm working for us. We'll fall apart easily in the heat of battle."

Of course, the crowd had correctly deciphered the given explanation as fighting words. Thus, their responses had ranged from "You kiddin' me?!" to "Don't screw with us" and the ever-popular "You think we're gonna take that lying down".

The one who had asked earlier then exclaimed with a very rude gesture through her arms – "I'm gonna ram my tank right up their -."

"Everyone calm down." The blonde girl who was later revealed to be Carpaccio. "It's not like they're actually saying that."

"This is merely Il Duce's analysis of the situation," the girl on the right then added. "Oh, for the unseen voice that we can still hear, I'm Pepperoni."

Yes, thank you for the introduction.

Anchovy then said with her arms akimbo. "This is what I imagined they would say."

"Oh okay," one of the students replied with a sigh of relief.

"Don't get me excited like that, Commander." Another student added.

Anchovy only responded to that by making a poker face before adding. "Listen up, everyone. Don't be led astray by every baseless rumor. Don't forget that we managed to defeat Maignot Academy."

The pale green haired commander had finished her speech by having her arms akimbo once again with a smile.

"Oh yeah!"

Carpaccio then remarked softly to herself. "Although, it wasn't easy."

Pepperoni had countered it by saying. "A win is a win."

Anchovy had finished her speech by saying. "There's nothing wrong with confidence and enthusiasm. We're going to carry them with us into the second round."

After a beat, she then added. "Our next opponent is the Nishizumi-led Ooarai-Bellwall sensha-do team."

"The one with the Abrams as their instructor tank," One of the students from the back exclaimed. "Yeah, that one's going to be tough."

"Nishizumi-style? Are we going to lose spectacularly?" Another added with a groan.

"I know that Black Forest has a Nishizumi for a commander and they annihilated Chi-Ha Tan," yet another student then said. "Not only that, I think her little sister is the one in Ooarai."

"We're definitely screwed!" a student in the second row lamented. "I've seen Maho Nishizumi win various sensha-do tournaments here and abroad and her little sister is no slacker either."

"Never fear," Anchovy then said to calm her team down. "What do you think we saved all that money by cutting our snack budget in half for?"

"I forget," the smart girl with a shaggy hairstyle then said with her hand behind her head.

"I told you before; It was to buy our secret weapon."

After an artistic cough to gain sympathy, Anchovy then added. "The secret weapon along with your confidence and enthusiasm will lead to our victory. All we need is a sharp mind and we'll get finally get our long-desired third round berth."

Both Carpaccio and Pepperoni had grabbed a portion of the green tarp covering the vehicle behind the crowd. Anchovy had pointed at the said vehicle with her crop. "Look and be amazed!"

"This is Anzio High School's ultimate trump card -" the twin-tailed sensha-do commander was unable to continue since the clock behind her had struck twelve and you know what twelve noon means.

"Yay, lunch." The students ran towards the food stalls behind the Spanish Steps. "Pasta, pasta."

"Wait everyone," Anchovy cried as her team had left her for food. "Are you serious?"

Someone had answered her. "All the good stuff sells out fast nowadays."

The Anzio sensha-do commander could not help, but sigh dejectedly with her head low as she would have unveiled Anzio's secret weapon since they had lost their spy who had left author space and headed for the food stalls herself along with her companion.

After a minute, she then added. "Well, being filled with girls who know what they want is also one of Anzio's good points…"

-oOo-

Back in the Zuikaku the next day, there was a meeting between all of the tank commanders along with most of both the Anglerfish and Hawk Teams.

"Kawashima," Anzu Kodotani said cheerily to start the meeting on the right foot. "Where is the next round?"

"Yes," Momo Kawashima answered quickly as she stood next to the blackboard used for these kinds of meetings along with Yuzu Koyama. "The match against Anzio will take place in a mountainous stage near their own school's previous location in Tochigi prefecture."

"Question," Saori Takebe then raised her hand. "What kind of school is Anzio?"

"Hmm," the red-headed SC president then answered for her friend. "From what I remember, their school's founder is Italian or something."

"It's an Italian school founded to bring Italian culture to Japan," Momo then added. "Their sensha-do team is centered around Italian tanks. The models they had used in the first round were the Carro Veloce CV-33 tankettes and the Semovente da 75/18 M41 tank destroyer, similar to our StuG III."

"I love the CV-33," Hana Isuzu exclaimed upon being reminded of the car-like tankettes of the enemy team. "It's small and cute and perfect as a flower vase."

"I think it's still too big as a vase…" Saori then interjected while looking down a bit to see that Mako had fallen asleep on her lap. "Maybe with sunflowers?"

"I've heard that they have acquired a new tank…" The Public Relations manager then added with a slight sigh.

"What kind?" Anzu then thought to ask.

"That we don't know." Yuzu then stepped up into the plate. "They didn't use it at all in the first round."

"I guess that's why they call it a 'secret weapon'," the SC president added with her hands rubbing each other in defeat. "How about their instructor tank, what do we have on it?"

"Their instructor tank is a C1 Ariete modern battle tank," Momo then answered. "Its soul had belonged to a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer who was also reported as missing recently. And from what I've known about that tank, it is certainly a match for the Abrams."

"Not only that," Zacarias Wycoco had added from Anzu's laptop that was placed on the table, facing the blackboard. "I've met some Mounties during my monthly visits to Canada a few years ago and they're certainly not the kind of guys that you would like to exchange punches with unless you're sure that you could knock them out."

"Whatevs," the SC president brushed off the bad vibes she had been feeling. "We'll soon know what Anzio is keeping and maybe find the few chinks in that red tunic of their instructor tank."

This had surprised pretty much everyone except for Zack as he had given his permission for the mission.

The Panzer IV's radio operator did exclaim in surprise. "Why is that?"

Just then, the double doors of the room were slammed open and Yukari Akiyama and Chihiro Yusa had entered proudly and had even announced their coming. "Yukari Akiyama and Chihiro Yusa have returned!"

"Sup," Anzu returned the greeting to the two girls had approached the seats. "Had trouble?"

"Just a bit," the Panzer IV's loader replied with a slight blush while the taller girl was giggling as she sat down beside her teammates. "It's been quickly taken care of."

"We were waiting for you," Momo then added with a grateful smile on her face.

"Good work," Yuzu cheerfully added as well.

"Wait," Saori had stood up upon seeing the familiar uniform worn by her two friends. "Those uniforms…"

Miho then spoke up as she had realized what had just happened. "Miss Yukari, did you and Chihiro…?"

"Yes, indeed." Yukari answered with such a big smile at being noticed by her crush. "And here is the fruit of our labor."

The fluffy-haired second-year student then pulled out the oh so familiar…wait, is that a memory card?

"It sure is," Yukari said before sticking her tongue out in my direction. "Here, let's plug it in."

(Sticks out tongue as well) So there! Yeah, yeah. I know I'm pretty childish to respond that way so sue me. Laughter in the room ensued due to the exchange of humorous comeuppance.

As before we now see in the 24-inch TV screen the title screen of Yukari's new video aptly titled – "Yukari Akiyama's Great Anzio High Infiltration Scheme" with the school carrier – Aquilla in the background and the song - Funicula Funicula being heard.

"Today, we're now at Anzio High." Yukari's whispered voice was heard as the camera had panned at the gossiping girls standing at the top of the Spanish Steps where the Anzio's sensha-do team's commander and vice-commanders were supposed to unveil their secret weapon. The camera then panned the whole area and even showed Chihiro making some new friends in the process.

The loader herself had tilted the digital camera towards her face while saying. "Sorry for being repetitive, but again we used a convenience store ship to infiltrate.

A brief scene showing the aforementioned convenience store ship docking at port with a following scene showing Yukari about to change to her already purchased Anzio High uniform including beret before it was changed immediately.

The following scene was that of the nearby Colosseum that was surrounded by food stalls. Yukari herself had narrated. "Anyway, there sure are a lot of stalls out for a weekday."

There were scenes of even more food stalls with the Arancini stall in the foreground along with a paella stall with Chihiro buying one for herself, also in an Anzio High uniform. There was even a gelato stall that the fluffy-haired spy had thought to come back to before leaving.

She had asked the two students that buying a fregola flavored gelato ice cream in a cup. "Excuse me, I have just transferred in so I'm wondering if there is some kind of event going on today?"

The girl with light brown hair in a page haircut then answered. "Nope, it's just a normal day for us."

"But there are a lot of stalls out," Yukari then added, clearly confused.

Both girls had giggled at the exclamation with Chihiro now stopping at her fellow spy's side before the dark blue haired girl with slightly wavy hair then answered as she was still eating her strawberry ice cream. "Our school is always like this. A bunch of clubs and committees had set them up with some others preparing dresses for the fashion show done monthly."

Her companion had added. "Even though our school is getting good money recently, we still need to raise more funds somehow."

"Is that the case?" The lead spy had finally realized an important detail about Anzio. "Thank you very much."

Once again, the camera had spun around to show Yukari in her Anzio High uniform before adding. "This all seems very exciting."

This was followed by the camera spinning around until it stopped at another stall that had a…hmm, a beige Sevomente da 75/18 M41 as its roof… classy.

Chihiro was heard in the camera saying. "Oh, there's a stall with a tank on it."

The pair then headed for the stall, both for the pursuit of information and the pursuit of fulfilling their appetites. (Sees the heated glares sent my way) What? It's true.

The stall was manned by one of the vice-commanders of the Anzio vice-commanders – Pepperoni. The said blue-haired second year was cooking her specialty – Nepolitan pasta.

"It's Anzio's famous nepolitan pasta," Pepperoni was saying with a lot of…well, pep while pouring the paste onto the plate. "Delicious pasta."

She then gave one to the student who had ordered just before the spies had arrived. The vice-commander then spotted two more potential customers approaching from the bridge and added. "Oh, young ladies, you should have some too."

Once the pair had shown interest by nodding their heads, the proud Anzio tank driver then demonstrated how she had made the pasta sauce for the said dish. "Start with a generous amount of olive oil."

As she was saying that, Pepperoni did pour a generous amount of olive oil from its bottle back and forth on the still hot frying pan.

"Then add the meat," she added as about an eight of a kilo of ground beef before cracking an egg over the pan. "And combine it with a fresh egg until it thickens."

"The sauce is Anzio's legendary tomato paste," the blue-haired tank driver was saying while spraying the mixed meat and egg concoction with a bottle of tomato paste. "Add it to some just-cooked pasta and…"

She then mixed the whole mixture together and lifted the whole concoction into a stone plate full of pasta.

"That'll three million liras," Pepperoni was saying while giving the newly concocted meal to a happy Yukari before preparing for Chihiro's order.

"What?!" Yukari panicked while reaching for her black purse. "When is that exchange rate from?"

"It's, uh…300 yen." The blue-haired girl replied as she had let her assistant exchange the food with the payment as she was still busy making the second order.

"Don't mind if I do then," the fluffy haired loader then said as she had twirled a few strands of the pasta and ate it. "It's delicious."

By then, it was Chihiro who had gotten her order and paid for it.

"Isn't it?" Peperoni could not help but say in pride.

"Speaking of tanks, I've heard that you've gotten a new one." Chihiro then said. "Can we see it?"

"What?" The vice-commander's whole-body language had changed from happy go lucky to suspicious. "Where did you hear that?"

"Oh, sorry."

"You're a clever one!" Pepperoni then added as she had reverted back to her usual self. "This is just between us three, 'coz it's super-secret and all."

"Ok."

"We have a heavy tank," she then added with glee complete with wild gestures. "Listen to this, it's the Italian…uh, what was it…"

"Well, if it's an Italian heavy tank…then a P40?" Yukari then made an educated guess from what she knew of Italian war machines.

"Yeah, that's the one." The Anzio vice-commander said gleefully complete with tapping Yukari's right shoulder. "We've been savin' for that thing longer than I can remember."

"Then we just managed to buy it," she added with unbridled joy. "Big sis Anchovy, that's our commander, is over the moon in joy upon buying her favorite tank."

After a pause, she then said complete with another set of wild gestures. "She's been driving that thing around the Collosseo every day. Thankfully, we have enough gas to feed that thing for days unlike before when we don't even have enough cash to fuel it up."

After the pair had finished their meals, they said their goodbyes to the helpful vice commander.

"Arriverderci." Pepperoni yelled while enthusiastically waving goodbye. "I'm glad that you came by."

"Thank you very much," the pair replied in the same way.

As the pair had walked away, they saw even more stalls with different foods, mostly snacks like udon, burgers, kebab, omirice. They had even seen a CV-33 passing them by with two tankers riding it on the roof, saluting their fellow students as they passed by.

"This is certainly an amazing town," Yukari commented with a bit of envy. "It's always a festival every day."

"Oh look," Chihiro then said after seeing the CV-33 passing them by and even waving back. "That tankette is really cute."

"That's a Carlo Veloce, "the loader answered while waving back. "They look like a little Hippo team, don't they?"

"Yeah."

They watched the little tankette turn right towards the Colloseo itself. With a nod, the pair followed the armored vehicle towards their new destination.

-oOo-

The pair had gotten towards the pedestrian entrance of the relic of the ancient wonder of the world and had climbed a flight of stairs towards the stands within. The silhouette of two gossiping girls were seen as the pair had made their way up.

Once they had emerged from the covered stairway, the pair had come across a group of students gawking at something.

Yukari had even commented upon seeing the whole of the ancient building. "The Colloseo is certainly huge."

They then heard Anchovy announcing their newly uncovered "secret weapon". "This is our secret weapon."

The said twin-tailed commander was standing on her new toy – a Carro Armato P26/40 Italian heavy tank. Even then, it was more of a medium tank if we consider the overall classes of the tanks of the time.

"Whoa," Yukari had exclaimed upon seeing the secret weapon up close. "This is the first time I've seen a P 40 in person."

They were not the only ones as the other students started taking pictures of the tank and their cute commander using their cellphones or digital cameras including our intrepid spies.

Anchovy, ever the ham, had posed majestically over her new tank to the delight of her audience.

She even stated. "With this thing, Ooarai will be a piece of cake."

"Duce!" Someone yelled in pride and excitement.

Again, the camera was moved to show Yukari's smiling face as the chant of Duce was heard in the background. "They're really enjoying themselves."

"Duce, Duce, Duce!" The chanting continued with Anchovy enjoying the attention as she was also making a fist pump with her right fist that was holding her crop.

Thinking that they had shown enough, Yukari had thought to wrap up her report by saying. "That's all from Anzio. This is Yukari Akiyama."

The credits then rolled with only two differences – this time, Chihiro was included in Emi's place and Anzio was put in Saunder's place. Also, Ooarai's School Council was added there too.

We now see the faces of the crowd watching the video with Anzu in the middle eating some more potato slices.

"They seemed kind of strong," Hana managed to say.

"Not just 'kind of'"

"I've never seen a P 40 before," Miho then confessed followed by most of the commanders save for Caesar who only smiled.

"Come over to our place tomorrow," the co-commander of Hippo Team then told her commander. "We'll give you a hand."

"At least, we won't have to puzzle this pickle out." Anzu then said, "That's good."

-oOo-

Around eight in the morning the next day, both Miho and Emi had gone towards the address that Caesar had given to them the day before.

The street was quite narrow and even winding with houses standing next to each other with little to no walls separating each other. The towering island of the school carrier could also be seen in the background.

The pair was startled by a loud clanking sound that made them embrace each other in surprise, with Miho dropping the map she was holding. Both were thankful that they were alone as they would certainly be teased considering how close they were.

The clanking sound actually came from the makeshift chamber of the StuG III's gun with a makeshift storage rack on the right. Behind the makeshift chamber sat Caesar who was practicing in loading the chamber as fast as she could.

The reason behind this was that a quick loader would enable Hippo Team to shoot down enemy tanks faster and in the case of heavier tanks, more shots to actually weaken the armor enough for penetration.

The brunette was certainly busy in her practice as seen in the number of shells littered in front of the wooden contraption, this only showed her dedication for her craft.

About that time, the pair had arrived at the gate of the shared home of Hippo Team. Their gate's right column had not only the house's number but also the soul names of the whole team.

-oOo-

The wooden house of the Hippo Team was a two-story affair with an engawa, a hidden roof above, a mokoshi roof below the true roof, a green granite curtain wall at the second floor facing the gate and surrounded by plants and trees as well as clay soil. Finally, a stone path from the gate to the engawa.

All in all, it's as Japanese as one could get when it comes to architecture.

At the back of the house where a second engawa was, Caesar was still practicing loading shells for the StuG III and had to take a needed break as she had taken a towel to cover her sweaty head.

A chirp was heard from her red laptop that had gotten her attention and the brunette had opened her Yahoo messenger.

The message from a certain Hina Italy had said – "Going home now".

The co-commander of Hippo Team (Takako Ooarai) had typed in chat – "It's Hina-chaaaaaan!"

The Hippo team mascot icon had appeared under the icon of Italian food.

Outside, Miho had crossed the stone path and was now saying "Excuse me" to the occupants of the house with Emi just behind her.

Back with Caesar, her online friend had replied with – "I'll see you tomorrow". The said reply had the StuG III loader wondering on what her friend met by that sentence.

She settled for typing in chat – "What, you're visiting? I'll be here!"

She also heard Miho's voice at the door saying – "Excuse me, is anyone home?"

-oOo-

A few minutes later, the rest of Hippo Team had answered the door and let their commander in. "Hey, Commander and her girlfriend."

Cue stuttered denials despite their earlier hugging by both Miho and Emi actually being spotted by Saemonza earlier.

Despite being tired, Caesar had made tea for the six of them with Erwin bringing supplementary materials about the Italian tanks. "I made tea."

"Thank you," both Miho and Emi answered together, before blushing once again.

Speaking of which, only Miho and Emi were wearing their uniforms with the rest in their house clothes with Oryou wearing a yukata, Saemonza wearing a black shirt with the sleeves cut off and shorts, Erwin wearing a Wermacht khaki uniform with the blouse unbuttoned revealing a white undershirt and khaki shorts, and Caesar wearing a cut off T-shirt and black biker shorts.

"We don't have much on the P-40," the blonde co-commander and radio operator of Hippo Team as she had laid down the supplementary materials near Emi. "Sorry, girls."

"That actually looks like a lot," the red-head said upon seeing how many books were placed just beside her.

"It's not in English or Japanese though," Oryou then commented. "Looks more like it's in Italian."

"Italian?" Miho then spoke out loud.

It was then that Caesar had actually read the front page of the top book that had gotten everyone's attention.

"You can read Italian?" Saemonza exclaimed in surprise.

"I had no idea," Oryou could only say in disbelief.

"Doesn't anyone know Italian and Latin? Caesar said in reply. "Other than the Lieutenant with a language upgrade, that is."

"No, they don't." The pony-tailed gunner responded hotly.

"Oh yeah…"

-oOo-

A little later, Caesar was making notes of what she could gather from the pages about the P 40 heavy tank. "The specs and drawings are easy enough to understand. We can make some copies of these."

She then gave what she had written to Miho while saying. "There's a lot more, but this should be what you need."

"Thanks," Miho answered while taking the written notes. "This should help us a lot."

"You're welcome," the co-commander and loader then added while her dark brown eyes had wandered off. "I have a friend in Anzio though. Maybe it would've been faster if we could ask her about it."

The confession had once again surprised everyone in the room. And again, Saemonza had gotten the courage to say what everyone had in mind. "I didn't know that."

"News to me," Oryou added, still in shock.

"I'm learning more about you in the past few minutes than I did for the past few months," Emi also added with a shrug.

"What kind of friend?" Miho then asked, curious.

"We went to elementary school together," Caesar replied, happy to see that someone was interested in knowing her other friends. "She's always done sensha-do."

"We should have asked her in the first place, if you have a source like that." Erwin said with a cute pout. "It would have made our job a lot easier."

"No, I like to collect information fairly." The loader answered with a shrug. "Even more so, if a student of our opponent's school is a friend of mine."

"I see so friendship and competition are two different things," the StuG III's driver commented. "I need to remember that."

"Rivals, huh?" Miho then piped up with a big smile. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm jealous."

Remembering her period's influential personalities, Oryou then said. "So, you're like Sakamoto Ryouma and Takechi Hanpieta then?"

Erwin then spoke up with a big smile. "Rommel and Montgomery."

Saemonza would not like to be left behind thus she added with a wink. "Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin."

Emi had sat this one out as she could not remember a good rivalry and thought that Miho could do better. She did.

As such Miho had gotten her pick out of the open. "Michael Wittman and Joe Ekins."

"That's it," three of the Hippo Team said in a moment of clarity. Erwin was only nodding at the given answer as she too had searched her memory on what unit Michael and Joe were during the war.

Or at least until Oryou had forgotten that she did not even know who the men even were as seen in her retracting of her left finger that went to her chin as if to think. "…who?"

Erwin was still out of it since she was still nodding at the sudden change in the ending of their catchphrase.

-oOo-

Later that afternoon, printed information sheets including Caesar's own findings were placed in the meeting table above the map of the battlefield on a wooden table.

Anzu was pointing at the information sheet for the Carro Armato P-40 heavy tank and asking. "So, what's their armor like?"

"Well, the P-40's armor could be penetrated by Hippo Team's StuG III's gun from outside the P-40's effective firing range." Miho answered as she and Emi had talked about the information they had been given on their way to school. "Which is good news for us."

The said table was actually placed in the practice field where the tanks were presently parked and surrounded by the tank commanders with Anzu sitting behind it with Yuzu to her left and Momo standing to her right and near the Panzer 38 (t).

The rest of the crews were all waiting in their tanks with a lot of them taking a peek at the strategy meeting. As such, the Abrams had parked itself on the light tank's left so it's cameras could get a good picture at the information sheets as well as the map underneath them.

"That's correct," Caesar said from her place just slightly in front of Yuzu and to her left as well as the right side of the table.

"In that case, we'll leave the Piyo-piyo to Hippo Team." The red-headed SC president finally announced. "What's next?"

"Piyo-piyo?" Asuza then asked the president in confusion that even Yuzu had shared as she too looked at her friend in askance.

Yuzu then corrected her friend. "You mean the P-40?"

"Yeah, yeah." Anzu answered both girls. "It is the Piyo-Piyo."

Everyone was wondering on why the opponent's heaviest tank was named for an onomatopoetic phrase that either meant chirping or cheeping sound, a symbol of immaturity, or the spring of adolescence. All of which, they thought was a joke made at Anzio's commander's expense or maybe the name of the tank just sounded like Piyo-Piyo anyway.

"Why don't we break into teams and practice?" The tank commander of the Panzer 38 (t) then said simply. "At least, it'll give us a chance to maybe learn a few more tricks."

After a beat, she then added. "So, who's playing the Piyo-Piyo?"

"The most similar in armor and mobility to the P-40 would have to be the Panzer IV," Miho then opined.

"Then Anglerfish would then take the role of Piyo-Piyo," Anzu added with no change in expression. "And Duck Team along with Anteater Team would then play the Carlo Veloces since they are the most maneuverable of our units. As for the C1 Ariete, Miss Chono had agreed to lend us an old Type 90 tank that would be arriving any minute now, it would be crewed by the Good Wrench Team that had some experience with the said tank before."

"Alright," Noriko said with a nod.

Seeing that they now have the needed mock opponents for the practice, Miho then said. "Then, let's have a mock battle with the Panzer IV, the Type 90, the Chi-Nu, and the Type 89 as dummies."

But first, the words Piyo-Piyo and Carlo Veloce in both katakana and in English were spray painted on the side of the turret of the Panzer IV and the sides of the main body of the Type 89 and Chi-Nu. The newly-arrived Type 90 already had the words – Ariete written on it in both katakana and in English as well.

All three tanks were then given a five-minute head start before the other tanks would chase it. The plan was that the medium tanks as well as the lone light tank – the Panzer 38 (t) would be chasing both the Piyo-Piyo and Carlo Veloces while the heavier tanks would chase and take on the Ariete with the Abrams taking the leading role in the fight against its Italian counterpart.

In the (snickers) Piyo-Piyo tank, Yukari then asked her commander on what their game plan would be.

"Anteater, Duck, and Good Wrench Teams would obstruct any tanks that try to get close to us," Miho then explained to her team. "Good Wrench would also take on the heavier tanks since the Ariete is a match for the Abrams and thus would be a good practice for them in this and future fights."

"We can fire if any of them comes in range, right?" Hana then asked as well.

"Yes."

"Are we running or attacking?" Mako then said in the tank communication radio while keeping the Panzer IV in a straight line.

"We're running," Miho answered in the same manner. "Pressing a counter attack is also an option if we get a chance."

"In that case…Duck team, Anteater Team, and Good Wrench Team, we'll be running so please take care of defense." Saori then said to the other tanks. "Good luck."

"Roger that," Taeko Koundo answered for Duck Team. "Duck Team acknowledges."

Noriko was then overheard in the airwaves saying. "Preparing for defensive maneuvers. Machine gun at the ready."

"Same here for Anteater-nya," Nekonya answered for Anteater. "Going for defensive plan 2XT. Anteater Team acknowledges."

"What's 2XT?" Saori then asked Mako over the divider. "Any ideas?"

"Who knows with gamers?" Mako answered with a shrug. "They would make defensive plans that only they would understand."

"Good Wrench Team here," Taichi's voice was heard on the horn. "We'll cover for you as much as we can since they still have the advantage in numbers. Good Wrench Team acknowledges."

"Thank you," Saori then said for her team. "We're not playing for real anyway so please do your best. Anglerfish acknowledges."

"Roger."

As the chase had gotten much hotter due to Duck Team antagonizing the pursuing Turtle team, the three tanks were now moving in a zig-zag manner to avoid the shells fired by the light tank's gun.

"I gotta admit," Noriko said as Akebi had fired back with the Type 89's machine gun. "Momo's getting better at aiming."

"You could say that again," Shinobu Kawinishi said while getting the agile Type 89 to turn incessantly as shells exploded left and right along with the other two tanks. "I really had to put this thing through its paces. I really owe Miss Mako and Miss Emi a lot for training us before."

Back in the Panzer 38 (t), Momo finally smiled as she was getting the shells where she wanted them to be. Of course, she still has to compensate for the "enemy tanks" evasive actions.

"Nice shooting, Momo-chan." Yuzu said while keeping the light tank in the lead of the pursuing tanks.

"Thanks."

-oOo-

Both Duck Team and Turtle Team had gone to the right thus taking one tank out of Anglerfish's tail with Anteater and Panda Team doing the same to the left.

They had reported their tactics to Miho through Saori before moving out.

"Duck Team here," Taeko then added in the airwaves. "We'll be leading Turtle away from you since Miss Momo is pretty hot under the collar right now."

"No kidding," the ginger-haired radio operator answered as the Panzer IV had also evaded some tank shells sent their way by the pissed off Panzer 38 (t) gunner. "I suggest that the others do the same."

"I guess we'll take the attention of the T-44 then-nyaa," Nekonya added with a purr. "These newbies need to learn new tricks."

"Well, it's better that I get the attention of the heavies then," Taichi then said as the Type 90 had returned fire with its own gun. "At least, Anglerfish could handle the remaining two tanks who seemed to be adding their own shells to Turtle's."

At the other side of the fence, Zack then asked the vice commander – Momo on what to do while telling her to calm down in the airwaves.

"It'll be too much for us to pursue Piyo-Piyo so you'll go for the Ariete," Momo was telling the Abrams. "Mallard Team and Tiger Team will be joining you."

"Roger that," Midoriko Sono answered in monotone. "We can't promise to be able to keep up though."

"I read you, Miss Momo." Hirono then added in the airwaves. "Not to worry, Miss Sono. At best, you'll be in charge of being the flag tank's bodyguard and it would be good practice for you to go one on one with the tanks of equal weight to the Char B1 bis."

"I'm alright with the first," Midoriko said with a loud sigh. "Not so much with the second certainly since going head-to-head with tanks that could take out the Panzer IV in one shot isn't in our job description."

"Well, you'll have to live with both." Zack then interjected. "Even if you would be guarding the flag tanks, there is still a chance that a heavy tank would try and take you both on."

"I remember you and the girls of Hawk doing so with the Paladin," the head of the Disciplinary Committee added. "Still, if it's for the school, then we'll have to take it on the chin."

"Thanks for understanding," Neko had taken the mike so to speak from Hirono. "You're not so bad, Miss Sono."

"And you're not so much as bad as I think either, Yamamori."

"Alright, I need everyone to make a mobility kill to our 'Ariete'." Zack then said as he had taken command of this platoon. "I'll have Chihiro stand down for the moment, so you'll have to do most of the work for now."

"Well, that sounds reassuring." Neko then said. "Alright, let's do our best, Mallard."

"You too, Tiger."

"Alright, since we're in pursuit of Duck anyway." Momo finally said after the chatter had subsided. "Besides, we need all three of you to either be our shield or our sword against the Ariete."

"Thanks, Momo." Zack then said in the airwaves. "Alright, girls. We've got the Ariete on our sights, where ever it goes, we follow."

"Good luck, Lieutenant." Both Yuuki and Erwin added in the airwaves.

"Same to you, girls."

Finally, Good Wrench Team had gotten the heavies turning to the left as well thus leaving only Hippo Team and Rabbit Team still pursuing Anglerfish Team.

-oOo-

As it was, everyone had split up with their own directives in mind. So far, the only ones that were having trouble keeping up was Rabbit Team whose tank ironically has one of the fastest off-road speeds in the team along with the Type 89 and the Abrams itself and would up lost because of it.

"What do we do?" Aya had asked her tank commander – Azusa upon seeing that both "Carlo Veloces" had turned in different directions. "Follow them?"

"No, we stick to Anglerfish, I mean Piyo-Piyo." The short-haired brunette tank commander answered. "I think the rest could do just fine by themselves and Hippo needs someone to look after their backs."

"Good point," Karina said as she had put the pedal to the metal. "Let's go."

"Anglerfish sure is fast and agile," Ayumi could not help but quip. "They're already gone."

"Step on it," Yuuki then added. "We need to catch up with them."

"I'm trying," the light brunette as she tried to get the tank in its path while Aya and Ayumi were trying to get a bead on the "enemy" tank. "This hill is too tough to climb."

About fifteen meters in front of Rabbit Team, Hippo Team was having troubles of their own in catching up to Anglerfish while dodging the fired shots of the M3 Lee.

"I've lost Anglerfish," Oryou complained as she had gotten the StuG III up the second hill. "And those kids aren't making it any easier either. Commander, which way is Anglerfish anyway?"

"This visibility is terrible," Saemonza had added her own complaints. "We can't see anything beyond the top of this hill."

"Then stop once we've reached the top of this hill," Caesar replied smartly. "We'll need to get our bearings back as soon as possible."

Once the StuG III had reached the crest of the hill, the Panzer IV had surprised it by emerging from the other slope and shooting a single shell to side before leading the assault gun towards the firing range.

Meanwhile, both Duck Team and Turtle Team were still continuing their chase that led them to a single tree in a barren plain.

"You aren't getting away," Momo said in the airwaves while loading another shell in the StuG III's gun chamber. "I'll get you."

By then, the medium tank had made a left turn towards the tree with the intent of losing its pursuer, narrowing missing yet another fired round.

"Yes, we are." Taeko answered with a grin.

The light tank had continued the pursuit thus Akebi had added as the tanks were now playing ring a ring o' rosie with the tree as Rosie. "Counterattack."

7.5 mm Type 91 Machine gun rounds had rattled the lighter tank thus Momo was beginning to be more pissed off then necessary. "Atone for your sins."

And another 37mm round was sent in Duck team's direction as the Panzer 38 (t) had rounded the tree and continued the chase.

Back with Panzer IV and the StuG III, Miho was standing on her chair and lecturing the Hippo team on the latter's role in the coming battle.

"The StuG III is mostly good in ambushes," the light brunette overall commander was telling Hippo Team who were also halfway up their own cupolas. "Thus, it's best if you attack from outside of the enemy's range."

"How far should we be?" Caesar then asked Miho.

"1, 500 meters or 1.5 kilometers," Miho answered as the Panzer IV had started up. "Let's see how far that is."

In the background, you could see the newly arrived Type 89 and Panzer 38 (t) still chasing each other and still exchanging machine gun and tank gun rounds.

"How far is she going to go," the loader/co-commander then mused as she, Saemonza, and Erwin were watching the medium tank move further and further away from them.

The bandanna wearing gunner just parroted. "1, 500 meters."

A little later, we barely see the Panzer IV's form in the distance with the other two tanks seemingly having fun as they chase each other in the immediate area.

Miho's voice was then heard in the radio saying. "About this far."

Erwin's yell of surprise (What?!) was heard clearly by the other tanks' crews with Saemonza adding. "It's tiny."

"Try hitting us from this distance," Miho then added.

All of StuG III's crew then buttoned up with Oryou now turning the assault gun towards the distant tank and Caesar loading a shell into the cartridge.

Saemonza had fired before the StuG III had even stopped moving and predictably, its shot went wild and landed a good one hundred meters behind the Panzer IV.

Miho had noticed the miss and thus instructed. "Come to a full stop, and fire when the tank stops rocking."

"Like this?" The bushy-haired driver of the StuG III then got the tank into a lurching stop before a second shell was shot.

It was still a miss, although the shell landed closer to the Panzer IV. Miho then got Hana to return fire in order to show Hippo on how to get the job done.

The StuG III had rocked at the direct hit that still bounced through their thick frontal armor and its crew had felt its immediate effect.

"That was a bullseye…" the long-haired brunette gunner said with tears on her eyes as everyone else was knocked out. "That Hana certainly knows her stuff."

"Be sure to move after firing," Miho then added in the airwaves. "This is to ensure that you're not a sitting target."

"Roger that…" Oryou answered before the StuG III had gotten itself moving once more.

-oOo-

In the background, you could see the Type 89 and the Panzer 38 (t) still having fun.

Speaking of these two tank crews, let's see what Duck Team was doing.

Noriko was barking orders to her crew. "We need to be smoother, smoother."

Both Akebi and Taeko were holding on to the two machine guns of their tank as Shinobou was turning the tank in a tight circle.

"Yes," the short-haired brunette gunner grunted in reply.

"I can't aim at this speed," the blonde gunner complained as she just could not aim due to their tank's tight maneuvers and the opposing tank's own tight maneuvers.

"Make up with what your head can't do with guts!" Noriko yelled in return.

"Yes!"

As it turned out, the pair of tanks were fighting a close quarters battle while trying to get behind the other in a game of musical chairs sans the chairs.

In the Panzer 38 (t), things were oddly much calmer. Anzu had even commented. "Not bad."

"Why don't you help a little, President?" Yuzu was grunting at the effort of keeping up with the Type 89 in a turning battle.

"Maybe next time," the red-head answered with nary a change in tone. "Besides, let Momo have her fun."

Finally, Rabbit Team had arrived where the other light and medium tanks had congregated while the heavies were having their own melee beyond the visual horizon.

"I'm lost," Karina told her friends. "Where did everyone go? Huh?!"

Momo's voice was heard without the assistance of the radio. "Stop!"

Both the Type 89 and the Panzer 38 (t) had passed the M3 Lee by as they continued their chase. Unfortunately for Rabbit team, they and their M3 Lee tank had become Rosie as the other two tanks had resumed their ring a ring o' rosies game once again.

Taeko was heard replying in the airwaves. "No! Make us stop if you want us too. Just kidding."

"That's some mouth on you, girl."

"What are you doing, upperclassmen?" Azusa could not help but say in the chaos around her and her friends.

"You're gonna become butter!" Yuuki then quipped.

Come to think of it, the whole scene did remind me of how butter was being made.

-oOo-

Now we take a peek on what the heavies were doing on their side of the practice field. The Type 90 was still being chased with the Char B1 bis and Tiger I tank were in the forefront, the latter tanks' guns smoking with recently fired shots while evading the modern battle tank's own salvos. The Abrams had remained behind the other two firing only when necessary.

"This thing's pretty tough and just as tough to hit," Midoriko was saying as the Type 90 had either bounced or evaded their fired shells. "No wonder, Instructor tanks seek each other for the most part."

"It was made with me in mind, after all." Zack answered in the airwaves. "Or at least, my physical body."

The quartet of armored and mobile fighting vehicles had passed trees and then hills as they had continued their running battle at one side of the practice field. Of course, the Type 90 did not go full throttle as it wanted the Char B1 bis' crew to have a shot at them with their guns.

Both Midorino and Nozomi were firing as soon as they were sure they had gotten a bead on the Japanese modern battle tank, getting a few bounced hits and some misses. The same could be said for Koharu Sakai that was more experienced in firing a tank gun.

It was a different story for their drivers – Kanabara for Tiger team and Moyoko Gotou for Mallard Team as they had tried their best to avoid the 120mm shells sent their way. Even then, both Natsuko Takahashi and Yosuke Maeda were having the same problems in manning the gun and driving the tank respectively.

As it was, the four tanks were slaloming through trees, going up and down hills, crossing rivers, and avoiding shells as well.

As it was, the Char B1 bis was now the playing the slack man in a line of three with the Tiger getting the lead and the Abrams being the rear. Far in front, the Type 90 was doing the same while firing shells intermittently.

-oOo-

At another side of the battlefield, the Chi-Nu and the T-44 were having fun racing through the scenery, exchanging machine gun rounds the whole time. The Japanese tank was able to do so during ambushes and sometimes in sudden bootlegger turns that enabled it to move backwards.

"This is fun-nyaa," Nekonya was saying while the chase was on. "This is like Grand Theft Auto on tracks."

"How's it going, Nagisa?" Youko had asked her nervous gunner who was having her first time in handling a tank's gun. "Remember, you don't have to actually nail that tank. Just get as many hits as possible. From what I've known about CV-33s, they may not be powerful offensively, but they are certainly annoying."

"Yes, commander." Nagisa answered laconically. 'I'm sure that Sis wouldn't believe me if I told her that Oorai-Bellwall's sensha-do team can certainly take on West Kureouji Grona's team and win with what I can see right now.'

"Are you OK?" Kita then asked her fellow crewmember. "You seem out of it for a minute there."

"I'm alright," the blonde transfer student answered quietly. "Just nervous."

"Yeah, me too." The brunette tank commander added. "Thankfully, we've got the Chi-Nu as our dance partner since they're not as skilled as the others are besides the Mallard Team. Not only that, we're not sent to take on the Type 90 either."

"Speaking of them," Takami said laconically. "I think I saw them a few minutes ago, passing us by along with the other heavies."

-oOo-

The practice battle had stopped just as the sun was setting and thus Momo had called for a stop of hostilities. "Practice is over, dismissed."

"Good work."

Everyone had parked their tanks and disembarked quickly before gossiping with one another or in the case of Hippo Team, discuss the merits and demerits of their actions complete with historical references.

As for Miho and her circle of friends, Mako was feeling hungry at the intense practice session this time around.

"Shall we eat somewhere?" Hana then asked her friends.

"Yes, let's eat." Mako immediately answered. "I'm sure the others are just hungry as I am."

"Yeah," Emi said in agreement as her stomach rumbled. "Good Wrench brought us into a wild goose chase across the practice field and all of us are sure hungry."

"Why not eat at an Italian restaurant, given the occasion." The Panzer IV loader then added, a little hungry herself. "We deserve it, after all."

"Because we're playing Anzio?" Miho then said. "I guess that's a good reason to."

"Why not come to my place, then?" Saori then suggested. "Let's buy pasta and make it together."

"Um…" Yukari was about to ask about something when Saori simply replied. "Of course."

"Thank you very much," the grateful Panzer IV loader added with clasped hands.

-oOo-

A half hour later, the group had arrived at Saori's own apartment. Much like Miho's own apartment, it was a bit roomy and quite homey as well.

"Make yourselves at home," the ginger-haired radio operator was saying as she had unlocked and opened the door. "I'm actually glad to have company tonight."

"Excuse us," Miho said as she and the others had entered.

Mako had staggered past Saori on her way towards the latter's bedroom, removing her socks and lying down beneath a wooden table to keep the light from the bulb above from shining on her eyes.

"Mako!" the radio operator exclaimed as the brunette driver had gone past her, evading Chihiro's attempt at grabbing her. "Where are you going?"

"Miss Mako?" Miho then said, confused at what just happened.

"Wake me up when it's done," the Panzer IV driver answered sleepily. "Knowing all of you, it won't be long anyway."

Saori then added. "Mako, I thought you're fine at night. What happened?"

Mako could only sigh before answering. "I'm tired from waking up early, so I'm going to bed early as well."

"If you sleep now, you'll just wake up too early." Saori retorted with a snort as she had approached the shorter girl. "You can't mess up your rhythm like that."

Hana and some others could not help, but giggle at the Panzer IV' radio operator's motherly behavior at her tank's driver with Miho just staring at the scene in confusion.

Yukari had placed her green leather backpack near the table where Mako was lying beneath. "Takebe-dono is strict, isn't she?"

Mako, in turn, had opened her eyes to answer when something had caught her attention. She then reached out to grab a thick book laid in front of her and pulled it back towards her.

Yukari then added in worry. "Oh, you should ask permission first…"

The book that the brunette genius had gotten is titled – "Guide to Ham Radio".

"You're gonna be a ham?" Mako said softly to herself before returning it. "I guess Saori is really determined in becoming a radio operator, after all."

Back in the kitchen, Saori was coordinating the other girls on what to do including the newly-returned Yukari. "Let's break the work up among ourselves."

Thus, the routine turned out like this:

"Miporin, wash these tomatoes." The ginger-haired radio operator said after giving the Anglerfish tank commander a plastic bag full of the red fruity vegetable. "Thanks."

"Ok," Miho answered as she had taken the bag and brought out an aluminum wash pan that she had filled with water then put the tomatoes in it.

"Mako, set the table with Chihiro." Saori then said at the returning driver. "And no back talk, please."

"Seriously."

"Like I said earlier, no back talk."

Yukari was told to chop onions that Emi was pulling the skin away on the Anglerfish's loader's left and was crying because of it.

Saori then added as she had passed by. "Be sure to rinse the onions."

"Just break up the lettuce," she then added to Hana and Hitomi who were at the table with both Mako and Chihiro setting the plates.

"Huh?" Hana replied in confusion.

"Just rip it up with your hands."

"Oh, alright then." The Panzer IV gunner and Abrams loader immediately understood. "Dressing a plate is similar to flower arranging, isn't it?"

In the background, both Miho and Emi were now preparing the flying pans for cooking.

A half-hour later, dinner is served with a variety of Italian dishes on the dining tables like Caprese salads, pizzette, bucatini all' amatriciana and carpaccio.

"It looks scrumptious," Hana then said after a brief sniff. "Let's eat."

"Yeah, I've never even made carpaccio before," Yukari then added. "This is definitely something I won't forget."

"I didn't even know about caprese salad until now," Miho then said happily. "This is certainly memorable."

"I'm hungry," Mako said simply.

"I'm with Mako here," Chihiro then added. "The food looks great."

"Seconded," Hitomi chirped as her own stomach growled.

"Thirded," Emi said with a shrug.

"Let's eat then," Saori said happily, grateful to have such good friends.

The whole group then clasped their hands before saying. "Thanks for the food."

-oOo-

The next day, some crates had been delivered into the school's tank garage and laid down near the door.

Taichi had signed the release documents with the rest of the Automotive club and the Good Wrench Team having gone to the steel crates that they had opened. The crates had carried the items along with the CROWS (Commonly Remote Operated Weapons Station) for both the commander's weapon station as well as the second machine gun on a skate mount besides the loader's hatch.

Of course, that meant that the Abrams' secondary armaments would now be upgraded to the M240 machine gun also with .30 caliber or 7.62 mm rubber (or real) bullets.

The modern battle tank would also be given forward looking infra-red (FLIR) and Far Target Locate sensors that were only partially operable so as not to give too much advantage. The thermal sights for the machine guns would be of help in night conditions though.

The new communication gears (FBCB2 and Blue Force Tracking) were also pretty much turned off because of its advantages. Only the tank infantry phone was kept and operable, despite it being pretty much useless.

"At least now, you have control over three machine guns instead of one." Taichi was telling the Abrams. "I pity the persons that would incur your anger though since you don't even need someone to load your main gun to make them into Swiss cheese."

"Yeah, it's too bad that the com gears are pretty much useless unless the whole team uses Abrams or other modern battle tanks to be useful in a match."

"Well, there is the next upgrade to M1A1 SA that would add depleted uranium armor components on your vulnerable points." Nakajima then told the males. "Unfortunately, we can't install the said components thus you'll have to be brought to the nearby JGSDF base for the installation itself."

"As long as it would help me brush off a lot of hits," Zack said with a virtual shrug. "I'll take it."

-oOo-

Around lunch time, two young people had visited the school while wearing civilian clothes. The girl was wearing a light green blouse and tan pants along with gray pumps with the guy wearing a striped polo shirt and black jeans along with sneakers.

It was Gomoyo who had met the pair at the gate and asked them on what their business in the school was.

"I'm actually a member of the Saunders University High School sensha-do team," the girl answered after the guy had squeezed her left hand, complete with drawing out her ID card. "Name's Alisa Himura and with me is my good friend – Hiroshi Sanada."

"Ok," Gomoyo was now even more confused as to why a member of the school that they had defeated in the elimination round of the National High School Sensha-do Tournament. "So why are you both here?"

"Well, if you have heard the scuttlebutt of someone using a radio receiver on a balloon during the match…well, that was me." The girl then said before bowing in shame. "Rather than meeting the commander or even the student council, we would like to meet the instructor tank – Second Lieutenant Zacarias Wycoco and ask for his forgiveness first."

"Well, as long as you won't be doing anything illegal or causing a ruckus like two of our own sensha-do team members did." The member of the Disciplinary Committee said with a shrug as she had opened the gate. "We're good."

"Thanks," Hiroshi then said before leading his friend through the school as his older sister had been a student of Ooarai before. "I think I know where the garage is. Follow me."

The pair then went through hallways and paths before reaching the dusty field in front of the tank garage. They continued on towards the garage, eager to get the situation dealt with as soon as possible.

-oOo-

Meanwhile, Zack had booted up to do a system check with his new components and communication systems when he again heard the door opening. He knew that the Automotive club had classes right after lunch and thus could not come back until later in the afternoon.

Thus, he had moved his turret to face the door once more while bracing himself for who might come in, all machine guns now powered and ready to fire rubber bullets at any interloper.

Instead, he was face to face with a pretty girl that seemed familiar to him along with an unfamiliar lean and lanky boy that was spooked at the business end of the 120mm tank gun and .30 caliber machine guns now pointed in their direction.

"Hi, Lieutenant." The girl then said with a wave. "It's me, Alisa."

"Wait, Alisa as in one of the vice-commanders of Saunders sensha-do team?" Zack then asked completely confused and yet he could not rule out the possibility of the obsessive girl he had known before the match and this one being one and the same. "Nod if yes and shake your head if no."

The girl just nodded in return. There were a few tense seconds before the Abrams was able to speak again.

"I never recognized you with your hair down," Zack finally said. "What can I do for the both of you?"

"Oh yeah," Alisa giggled cutely before snaking her left arm around the young man. "This is Hiroshi Sanada, the one that I had a really big crush on and was heard to be yelling about back in the match."

"Ah yes," the tank then had its cannon move up and down to signify it was nodding as it had retracted two of its CROWS machine guns. "Truthfully, I was not able to hear the yelling over the whine of my own engines, but I think I had gotten enough of the gist after I had received the letter of apology coming from your school."

"Yeah, I need to get that out of my system anyway."

"Mister Wycoco, we're here so Alisa could offer a more personal apology since she did invade your personal space before the match and then compounded it by listening in to your team's radio chatter." The young man then said with a bow. "Name's Hiroshi Sanada."

"Well then," Zack replied with a second nod. "Apology already accepted. Truth is, other than a few of us who were really into fair play, we're really not that mad."

After a pause, he added. "As a soldier, I have to admit that your idea of electronic eavesdropping is simple yet effective in a real battle situation, although I doubt the device would last long since anyone would get wise and shoot it down almost immediately. Miho did agree with me in her own little way."

"Believe me, I don't think I'll even try using that in any real armed encounter since that would pretty much give them a neon light sign saying where I am." Alisa then added. "Roshi here would certainly be looking for one in his Cobra if someone tried that on his matches."

"Yeah," the dark blond junior high school student said with a fist pump. "And this is why I'm happy that Lisa here wouldn't resort to dirty tricks anytime soon. A just win is many times more satisfying than using cheats at least in sensha-do and chopper games."

"Right, and I distinctly remember you and your team once trying to change a Bell-222A Jet Ranger into Airwolf and even did it successfully." Alisa then interjected with an unladylike snort. "How is that fair, buddy?"

"That wasn't for a play match; it was for a special project with some other guys that were building Blue Thunder for an actual dogfight versus Airwolf with laser tag tech."

Zack could not help, but snort at the arguing duo who would certainly kiss each other on the lips if they had forgotten where they were for a moment and to whom they were talking to as well before speaking. "I actually had watched that video. I never thought that I would meet one of the people involved in that project."

"Yeah, and I never thought I would meet a true soldier boy in chobnam armor either." Hiroshi shot back with a big smile, a tiny tint of red in his cheeks upon realizing what would have happened. "My cousin is a member of the JASDF as one of its helicopter pilots and he's just waiting for me to graduate and maybe join him in the air."

"Ok, I think it's time for us to go since I can't take the smell of testosterone anymore." Alisa said while pulling her best friend out, her cheeks much redder in comparison. "Be seein' ya, Lieutenant and good luck against Anzio."

"Ditto," Hiroshi added as he let himself be dragged by his best friend out of the door.

"Thank you," Zack replied with glee perceptible in his voice. "And I wish you both well."

-oOo-

The day of the match finally came, and the school ships had docked in both the towns of Ooarai and its accompanying town – Hitachinaka that served as home ports of the Zuikaku and the Aquila.

Before the tanks were brought by train towards Tochigi prefecture near one of the castles there.

"The second round, fourth match, between Anzio High School and Ooarai Girl's Academy will now begin." Came the Announcer for the match. "Please take your seats."

Anzio had capitalized on the crowds that would be watching the match whether they may be from the schools or just the locals excited to watch a match in their hometown. There were even stalls for panini and gelateria among others that happy viewers had bought to satisfy their appetites.

Speaking of which, I myself am due for a gelato break. Now let's see what the Ooarai-Bellwall team is up to.

Almost all of the teams were huddled together except for Anteater, Hawk, and Turtle Teams. All three were huddled in front of the Abrams that was parked in between the Panzer tanks with the StuG III parked at the Panzer 38 (t)'s right with the Tiger I and the Type 89 B parked on its right.

On the Panzer IV's left were the T-44, Type Chi-Nu, Char B1 bis, and the M3 Lee.

Miho was showing Anzu, Momo, Emi, and Zack her plans that were written on paper that was on a clipboard. The rest were intently listening even Mako who Saori and Chihiro

They then heard the roar of gasoline and diesel engines before looking at the approaching reconnaissance vehicle and modern main battle tank.

Standing on top of two jerry cans beside the driver seat with her left foot on top of the windshield, is Anchovy, confident as ever with that smirk on her face and her arms crossed and saying. "Pardon me."

Anzu then slowly approached her old acquaintance and spoke. "Hey, it's Chobiko."

The blonde driving the recon vehicle had made a sudden stop that was reflected by the accompanying tank. Anchovy had gotten off her ride by riding the forward motion and skipping the windshield to land on the rocky soil in front of the vehicle.

"Don't call me Chobiko, Anzu." The twin-tailed sensha-do commander retorted. "It's Duce Anchovy now."

Yes, it's confirmed…Anzu did know who Anchovy prior to this match.

"What do you want, Anzai?" Momo then added. "And what's with this Duce Anchovy name?"

"It's my name in the school upon my taking over the sensha-do team," Anchovy (real name: Chiyomi Anzai) replied with a shout, certainly annoyed at the use of her real name. "You don't get to where I am without a cool nickname. As for what I'm here, I'm here to greet you girls as it is the polite thing to do."

"Right…"

"By the way, with me is one of my vice-commanders…the only one besides myself that actually has a brain, that is – Carpaccio." Anchovy then introduced her companions. "And this is Inspector Kevin Martin of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police."

"Pleased to meet you," Carpaccio said with a bow after leaving the vehicle to look for her old friend. "Excuse me."

"So, where's your overall commander then since I like to meet her in person," the Anzio sensha-do commander then added. "All I've heard is that she's making a name for herself."

"That she is," Momo said with a smile. "Hey, Nishizumi."

"Yes?" Miho then said as she had approached the newly arrived girls and tank. "What's up, Miss Momo?"

"Ah, so you're Miho Nishizumi who some of my team said is the younger sister of that ice-cold bitch – Maho Nishizumi." Anchovy said with a teasing grin. "No offense, of course. Also, I'm Duce Anchovy, commander of the Anzio sensha-do team."

"That's alright," Miho said in reply, giggling at how accurate the description was. "Even Maho knew that's she's pretty stuck up sometimes, but she's really nice."

"I know," the light green haired commander added. "Still, she needs to lighten up sometimes as she's pretty much like a terror instructor."

"You should see our mom."

"If she's like Maho," Anchovy said with a giggle of her own. "Then we'll probably hire her to keep the whole school on the line, not just the team. Then again, maybe that's why your sister is like that."

"You have no idea."

"Personally, I don't care if we're up against the Nishizumi style or the Shimada style, we will not lose." Anchovy had caught her mistake and thus added quickly. "I mean, we will win."

Since Miho was not able to respond as she thought about the Shimada style, the rival school of the Nishizumi, Anchovy then said while raising her right hand for a handshake. "Let's have a good match."

"Yes, the same to you." Miho answered while clasping the slightly older girl's offered hand.

Nearby, Caesar had felt something in the air and looked at the direction of the newly arrived vehicles, also noticing the movement of the Ariete towards the Abrams. This too was not lost with the rest of Hippo Team. It was then she had noticed her old friend looking for her among the teams.

"Hina?" the red scarf-wearing loader said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"Taka, it's been so long since we've last met." Carpaccio then said once she had spotted her childhood friend. "I'm a member of the Anzio sensha-do team, silly.'

Both girls ran towards each other before clasping their hands in the middle with Caesar adding. "Hina, how has it been since we've last seen each other."

"I think it's about six years or so."

"Long enough."

"So, you really started sensha-do, huh?" The blonde loader said with a bit of awe in her tone. "I can't believe it. So, what tank are you on?"

"Sorry, but that's a secret."

"I guess, we're enemies right now."

As for the rest of Hippo Team, they were trying to make sense of what just happened.

"So, who is this Taka?" Oryou then asked the others.

"I believe that's Caesar's real name," Saemonza answered while watching the two friends chat it up.

"She's so different from usual," Erwin then commented. "It's like she had kept this persona from us."

"Yeah."

Back to Carpaccio and Caesar, the blonde then added in a softer tone. "But even if we're enemies today, our friendship is forever."

"Yeah," the brunette answered with a confident tone. "Let's have a good clean match today."

"I'm so glad that I was able to see you before the match," Capriccio stated with sincerity. "I'm going back to my team now."

"Bye-bye." The blonde then said as she had turned around to return to the recon vehicle. "See you at the match."

"Bye-bye." Caesar replied before turning back to her own friends…who incidentally were looking back at her rather suspiciously. "What's up, girls?"

"Hey, Taka." Oryou answered in kind.

"Looks like we found one of Caesar's hidden sides," Erwin added with a grin.

"Hey, hey." Saemonza also added to tease their friend even further.

All of this had contributed to our poor loader's cheeks becoming red and herself being flustered all of a sudden. "Wh-what's so funny?!"

-oOo-

Some distance away while the commander and vice-commander of the Anzio sensha-do team were talking to their counterparts in both positions in their respective tanks, the Ariete had reached the idling Abrams who was discussing additional caution in the battlefield itself.

"Greetings, 2nd Lieutenant Zacarias Wycoco." The Ariete had said upon stopping in front of its own counterpart in its speakers. "I am Inspector Kevin Martin of the Royal Mounted Canadian Police."

"Ah, it is a pleasure of mine to meet an esteemed member of the RMCP." Zack said in the same manner, unknowingly getting the attention of the rest of the Ooarai-Bellwall sensha-do team. "But I think it is better that we discuss whatever matter at a more private spot. Excuse us."

The Abrams then slowly backed up to allow it to turn around before leading the Italian modern battle tank to another spot, so they could talk privately.

"I'm guessing that you wanted to talk to about something important," Zack then said as both tanks had stopped at the end of a path near a riverbank. "Here we would talk without anyone listening in."

"Thank you," the Ariete replied. "Other than being polite in meeting you in person before the match, I also wanted to ask about how did we become armored fighting vehicles and how would we return to our true selves. I had met a few of the others like that Leclerc that held the soul of the GIGN operative named Sous-Lieutenant Noelle Rousseau."

"And what did they say?"

"They all said that they did not know since they were all human before they had lost consciousness," Kevin added with a sigh. "And no one could tell when we could return back to our true forms."

"And I apologize for giving the same answer," the Abrams answered solemnly. "Let us hope that it would be soon as I too wanted to be back as well."

"Yes, as I would like to return to my fiancée, so we can marry."

"Let's go back."

-oOo-

Once the instructor tanks had gone back to the starting points and even had gotten a top up of their fuel tank, the match had officially begun.

Again, the Leopold mounting, and twelve-wheel bogies had carried a giant LCD screen on top of the special rails that were laid for that purpose. Also, the usual suspects like the Commander and Vice-Commander of St. Gloriana Girls College – Darjeerling and Orange Pekoe respectively were seen watching the match.

Both girls were sipping tea on their special sitting near the stands. Joining them on another side of the stands were the Saunders University High School that were sitting beside a small wooden table with a DUKW amphibious car behind them as well as a tan M1A2 Abrams main battle tank.

On the side of the visiting team, Miho was contemplating on what to do since the enemy had included an Elefant and two M13/40 along with three Semovente 75/18 and three CV 33 tankettes.

"Commander Miho leave the Elefant to us." Neko then told Miho in the radio. "Although, it may be guarded by the Ariete since Hawk may hunt it down due to its powerful gun with a long range, so we'll need them as well."

"Alright," Miho thought after a minute. "Those two are certainly the biggest headaches we're gonna have so all of you can go and good hunting."

"Same to you, Commander." Neko said with flourish. "Lieutenant, I guess we have our job just cut out for us."

"Yeah, so let's get to it before the others get knocked out before they would even meet the rest of the Anzio squadron."

As soon as Zack had spoken, the flare was fired straight in the air, signaling the start of the match.

"Panzer Vor!" Miho commanded everyone as the Visitor team's tanks had moved out.

"Avanti," Anchovy had told her own team as the Home team's tanks had also moved out.

-oOo-

As the tanks were now heading towards the central crossroads to do battle, the Anzio commander then told her team. "Go, go. Advance as far as you can."

After a beat, she added. "The one who brings home the win, brings home the pasta."

"This is great, Big Sis Anchovy." Pepperoni was telling her commander as her CV-33 had come beside the P-40.

She then told the other CV-33s under her direct command. "Don't fall behind, maggots."

An enthusiastic cry of "Yeah!" had come from the tactical net.

"Follow Pepperoni!" the short-haired driver/commander then added to her subordinates. "We'll take them straight to hell."

The other CV-33s had enthusiastically followed their commander towards their shared destination, leaving behind the others.

"Well, Commander." A deep soprano was then heard in the tactical net that had gotten Anchovy to shiver slightly. "It seems that we'll be getting to position as well."

"Yes, we need the additional insurance in case Bakaroni strikes again." The twin-tailed commander replied with her usual confidence. "Even then, watch out for the Abrams and maybe the Tiger as well. I've done some sleuthing and figured out that the crew of the Tiger are 'old friends' of yours."

"That would make it even more fun, Commander." The voice then said with a chuckle. "Elefant out."

Both the Panzerjager Tiger (P) and the C1 Ariete had turned to the left and made their way towards the raised portion at the southwestern corner of battlefield.

Only the P-40 had led the remaining units towards their own positions.

After the tank destroyer and the modern battle tank had left, Anchovy then added in the tactical net. "Alright, begin Operation Macaroni and Cheese."

Cappricio then forwarded the order to Pepperoni who was way ahead of the team. "All Carlo Veloce units, begin to set up Macaroni."

She then switched to the Elefant and Ariete and added. "Please add the melted cheese as well."

"Roger," the radio operator of the Elefant answered with a chirpy tone. "Consider it done."

"Okay," Pepperoni also answered in the airwaves. "One extra-large helping of macaroni, coming right up."

Upon reaching the crossroads at the center of the battlefield, the desert tan tankettes had stopped moving and their two-girl crews had gotten out to lift up the large wooden cutouts that were tied to the back of their vehicles and set them up accordingly.

-oOo-

Back with the Visitor Team (Ooarai-Bellwell), the team had gotten up the zigzag road on their way towards the center of the battlefield with Duck Team's Type 89B medium tank taking the lead as it was light enough and powerful enough to climb the hill easily.

The next to go up was the Panzer IV Ausf. F2 with Hippo Team's StuG III a few meters behind them, Rabbit Team's M3 Lee was just close behind the tank destroyer with Turtle Team's Panzer 38 (t) that served as the flag tank following the medium tank.

Behind the flag tank was the T-44 and the Char B1 Bis with the latter bringing up the rear of the column.

"Duck Team, tell us what it's like up ahead." Miho was telling the scouts ahead of the pack. "We're counting on you."

"It's another kilometer to the crossroads," Taeko answered in the tactical net. "Nothing yet to report though."

"Please report the condition of the main road," the Anglerfish commander then added. "Be careful not to go into open areas."

"Roger."

"Be sure to stay out of bounds," Noriko then told her tank's driver. "The last thing we need is us getting spiked."

"Right," Shinobu replied quickly while manipulating the levers controlling the tank's direction and speed.

A little later, Taeko then reported to Anglerfish. "We've arrived at the crossroads."

Noriko then popped open the hatch to take a look around. Once she had popped the hatch, she had brought her binoculars up to observe the surrounding terrain. "Beginning reconnaissance."

The short-haired volleyball captain was surprised to see three CV-33 tankettes and two Servomente 75/18 plus the Elefant. She immediately buttoned up and told Taeko the bad news.

A minute later, Saori had heard through the radio. "We've seen two Servomente 75/18s, three CV-33s and…the Elefant at the crossroads."

"Wait, that's at the north side of the crossroads, correct?" the ginger-haired radio operator then asked.

Momo, having overheard the warning in the radio, then commented. "Then, its best that we should attack from the south."

"Isn't that like Montgomery's Supercharge?" Erwin then said in the airwaves. "He made an attack in the north despite letting the enemy think that he was attacking in the south."

"There is a possibility that they're waiting for us there," Miho was then heard in the radio. "And yes, Miss Erwin. It is much like that."

"Are you kidding me?!" Momo then added angrily. "We have to attack here."

"Attacking sounds cool," Anzu then said in support.

"Acknowledged," Miho added as she knew that both Momo and Anzu knew what they were doing. "Let's move to the crossroads. However, we'll be using our current route."

"Miho, we'll start the hunt now." Zack then said in the airwaves. "By the way, I kind of doubt that they would put the Elefant this far front as the Elefant is a sniping type of SPG."

"You have a point, Lieutenant." Miho then said. "Good hunting."

"Hawk Team acknowledges."

Both the Abrams and Tiger tanks had gone to the left under the covers of the trees to head towards where they think the Elefant really was.

Back to the others, Yukari then said. "We aren't going directly?"

"No, Yukari." Miho answered her gunner. "I sense a trap as well."

Turning to Saori, she then said. "Have Rabbit Team move ahead alone. We don't know the location of the P 40 yet."

After a pause, Miho then added. "We need to understand the battlefield first before we make our move."

After the M3 Lee had gone to the right to do some reconnaissance of their own, Miho was on the horn saying. "Rabbit Team, please exercise caution. We don't know what is out there yet."

"Rabbit Team actual, acknowledges." Asuza answered her commander. "We'll be very careful."

With Duck Team at the Eastern sector, Noriko then made a report of her own. "This is Duck Team actual, no changes seen in the movement of the enemy. Your orders?"

Miho then answered. "The main force is already on your way. Please remain on alert."

-oOo-

With Hawk and Tiger teams, Zack then asked Neko on why she was sure that Elefant would head towards the hill at the southwestern point of the battlefield.

"Any Elefant commander worth her salt would pick that position as it would give a good view of the crossroads itself and thus would allow some good sniping like you said and even coordinate with the rest."

"Hmm, putting it that way thus make that point G8 appealable to any SPG or artillery."

"Yeah, and something tells me that I know that particular Elefant's crew as well."

-oOo-

Back with Duck Team, Noriko who was now joined by Akebi had continued to watch the enemy tanks that still parked.

"No movement, huh." Noriko had said to herself. "I wonder what they're waiting for."

"Their engines aren't running either," the blonde gunner then added. "Are they waiting for someone?"

-oOo-

At about the same time, the M3 Lee was racing towards its own reconnaissance position with Asuza leaning out of the commander's hatch to have a look see.

Inside, the 75mm gunner – Ayumi had remarked. "Wow, we're fast. All that practice is certainly paying off."

Yuuki could only smile at how their team's driver – Karina was getting the M3 Lee to push through the rough mountainous terrain to get to position as fast as it could. "Pedal to the metal."

Up above, Asuza then told her driver. "This is too much. We're already at the road."

As the American medium tank had gotten to the road itself, Rabbit team's commander then added. "Stop!"

Karina had managed to get a rolling stop that nearly got the tank to cross the road. This had given the young short brunette commander a good look at the enemy tanks.

"Retreat!" Asuza then yelled before the M3 Lee had reversed back to the other side of the road.

After the M3 Lee had managed to hide itself among the trees, Yuuki then reported to Anglerfish. "Enemy sighted at the southside of the main road. Sorry, we may have been spotted."

"Any shots?" Miho then asked with the others now worried that they may be surrounded.

"None yet?"

"Try to avoid getting into a firefight," Miho advised the freshman team.

"Yes, Ma'am."

"They're completely controlling the most strategic position," Yukari then observed. "Not bad."

Suddenly, the tank column was rocked by explosions caused by fired Pak 43 88 mm shells.

Miho then said in surprise. "It's the Elefant. Everyone, evasive maneuvers and try to get hull down if possible."

-oOo-

Back with both the Tiger and Hawk Teams, they had seen the flashes from point G8 and thus had raced towards to point as fast as they possibly could.

This time, the Elefant's commander had seen them and tried to get the tank destroyer's gun trained at them before they would get the right elevation to at least fire back.

The pair had gotten up one of the side roads under fire with the Abrams using its own body as a shield while returning fire at the Ariete or the Elefant.

Both Anzio units could not find a way out and thus were forced to stay and fight with the nearing enemy units. As it was, the battle had become close quarters until all four tanks were knocked out.

"Hawk Team here," Zack later reported to Anglerfish. "We managed to corner then box both the Elefant and Ariete, but things had gone tight and we're all out of the running. Sorry about that."

"Not to worry, Lieutenant." Miho said with a bit of mirth in her tone. "We'll take care of the rest."

Outside, both Tiger and Elefant teams had met and it took the whole of the human members of Hawk Team and the Ariete's crew to prevent a brawl from forming. Of course, it took the combined machine gun fire that was sent in the air by the instructor tanks to actually got both groups under control.

"So, what are you doing in that kooky pasta filled school?" Neko was asking the blue-black haired commander of the Elefant as they sat on an upturned tree caused by the battle. "It's not for food, isn't it?"

"Actually, it's part of the reason." Chifuyu Doi answered with a shrug. "The other part is that they don't give you a lot of shit there. Also, I respect Anchovy as Duce since she could command respect and loyalty to her crew and even schoolmates without resorting to what we do back in Bellwall."

"I've seen that little dictator wannabe," Neko said with a short laugh. "But yeah, she's a bit like you, with a lot more prestige working for her. Even I had to admit that I would give her a lot of space if we were to meet."

"Didn't you know," Chifuyu then added. "Our bratty Kawashiba sisters had moved to Anzio and had singlehandedly turned things around financially for the poor school. They even got a racetrack that they always wanted somewhere in the ship at the cost of part of our other training grounds."

"Really, the brats are there too." Neko could only shake her head at the blonde twins that wanted to demolish the whole training grounds of Bellwall. "Let me guess, they're part of the sensha-do team too."

"You guessed it," Chifuyu answered with a guffaw. "They're driving one of the CV-33s right now and well, they've even gotten some Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Lancias, Maseratis, and a Pagani as well in there. If you have some car nuts in your school, it would be paradise for them."

"Oh, believe me." Neko then looked at the Hawk Team's direction. "There are more than enough to form a fan club and you could even include the lieutenant over there with them."

"A tank that loves cars, eh." The Elefant commander then commented. "Now that's a first. Is he really a soldier like what was said in the rumors?"

"Yep, a real tanker in the body of a tank."

"Wow."

-oOo-

Back with the rest, they had all continued on their way once the shelling had stopped with Hana now adding. "Does Anzio intend to make this a protracted fight?"

"They may be trying to draw us up the middle to encircle us there," Miho then answered. "Pretty much a bait and switch tactic to trap us there especially since they lost their two trump cards."

After a beat, Yukari then added. "They've really put their confidence and enthusiasm on hold for a solid strategy."

"It is unexpected, in a way." Miho could not help but agree with her loader's statement. 'Does it mean that the excitement earlier is a feint too? Wait, the Elefant was elsewhere from where Duck Team reported them, could it be?'

Turning on the throat mike, Miho then asked Asuza. "Rabbit Team, can you report the number of vehicles?"

Asuza and Saki were both standing behind a bush with the latter brought down so as not to be seen.

"Saki, get down." Asuza admonished her team's loader. "There are two M13/40 medium tanks, two Semovente 75/18 plus…wait, isn't that the Ariete at this position?"

"The numbers don't add up," Hana then spoke up as she had mentally added up the numbers. "That would mean that they have more than eleven tanks. Not to mention that the Tiger and Hawk Teams had knocked out both the Elefant and Ariete just now."

"And we haven't seen the P-40 yet," Yukari then said. "Second round regulations limit each team to only ten vehicles…"

"Are they cheating?" Hana then added in panic.

"No, but I think I know what they're really up to." Miho then said before opening the throat mike. "Duck Team and Rabbit Team, secure a route of retreat and open fire. Please pull back immediately if they do return fire."

Both teams did as they both came out of the dirt road with guns blazing. The "tanks" had turned to splinters once hit by the tank shells and machine gun bullets.

Noriko had gasped at the result of their sudden attack at the "enemy tanks" with Aya vocalizing what her senior would have been thinking. "Wood?!"

"They're boards," Asuza then added in shock.

The three stooges of Rabbit (Yuuki, Ayumi, and Karina) had exclaimed in unison. "They're fake."

In the Panzer IV, Yukari then commented. "Not a bad deception. Even though, they messed up."

"Which means that they intend to encircle us with their speed while we're distracted at the crossroads." Miho said with worry perceptible in her voice. "We'll be caught with our pants down in a crossfire with no escape."

"Duck Team and Rabbit Team, I need you both to…" The overall commander said in the throat mike once again.

-oOo-

We now take a peek at the Anzio CV company rolling down one of the flanks as fast as they could, dust clouds in their wake.

Pepperoni had to gloat to her team. "I bet they're sitting at the crossroads right now with their heads on their hands."

After a pause, she then added while pointing at her head. "The fight is won up here, not with firepower."

Quite ironic that Pepperoni had to say that though since she just stated her opponent's real strength and what would happen next.

"Big sis Pepperoni," one of the CV commanders said in the radio. "There's trouble."

"What is it?" the blue haired driver/commander answered with an annoyed voice. "What do you mean, there's trouble?"

"This is bad," the girl added in the radio while looking at the rear hatch of the tankette. "This is bad. Ooarai's Type 89 and the T-44 are now behind us."

"H-how did they figure it out?" Pepperoni said to herself, shocked at the change in situation. "Wait, how did they know where the Elefant and Ariete is anyway."

After a beat, she then added. "Well, whatever. Well, we'll give them hell."

She then paused for breath one more time before adding. "See if they can keep up with Anzio's speed. Let's make 'em eat dust."

-oOo-

With the pursuing Type 89B, Noriko had observed. "Five enemy tanks sighted, heading west from point F24."

-oOo-

We now take a peek at what the crew of the M3 Lee was doing. The said tank was going up a good clip going east with Azusa leaning on the cupola with binoculars in front of her eyes, scanning for any signs of the hidden enemy. Right behind them was the Type 3 Chi-nu.

"Enemy at two o' clock," the Rabbit team commander told her crew. "Semovente and M13/40 tanks again, just like before."

Thinking that they may be more fakes, Aya had zeroed in on the spotted tanks. "You won't fool me."

"Wait," Azusa had figured that these tanks may be the real deal then said. "They may be real."

It was too late though as the blonde had stepped on the foot trigger for the turret machine guns. These with the 37 mm gun also firing in spurts had only gotten the enemy tanks' attention and reacted as such.

"They're the real thing," Aya said in shock upon realizing that the bullets and shells were not even doing much damage. "Oh no."

"Gosh," her commander added in fright.

Even then the Chi-Nu's strikes were able to disable one of the enemy tanks before they were forced to run as a rain of fire was sent in their direction by the wilier Semovente.

-oOo-

A little later, Anglerfish had received a report from Yuuki of Rabbit Team. "Point F23, one Servomente and one M13/40s spotted. They're real this time."

Yuuki then added in a panic. "Sorry, but we attacked them and now firing back at us now."

Miho then replied back. "Don't worry, we know the enemies' hands now. Keep a safe distance and let the Chi-Nu take care of both Sevomente and M13/40s."

After a pause, the Anglerfish commander then added. "If they start to move west, it means that their forces want to join up. Stop them from doing that."

"I don't know if we can, but we'll try," Asuza answered in the tac net. "At least, we're glad that the Chi-Nu is behind us."

Miho then switched frequencies to all. "Anglerfish, Turtle, Mallard, and Hippo Teams would continue forward. Let's get their flag tank before we're surrounded."

After pausing to regain her breath, she then added. "This will expose our flag tank as well, but we can use it as bait to draw the enemy in. Everyone, I wish you luck."

-oOo-

At the Northern flank, the CV-33s were engaged in a running gunfight with both the T-44 and the Type 89B. Only the M13/40 was able to fire back as the Sevomente could not.

"Damn, they aren't giving up." Pepperoni told her companion. "Return fire."

The command CV-33's driver – Amaretto laconically answered. "Si (Yes in Italian)."

The said vehicle plus the Semovente had left their companions to come behind the enemy tanks and return fire. Not only that, those in the front had suddenly turned to drive backwards once the command – "Sparo" was heard.

As it were, both Ooarai tanks were under a rain of fire that they were trying their best to evade as they had knocked out the enemy tanks. As it turned out, only the heavier tanks were knocked out with the CV-33s back in action almost immediately.

There was even an amusing time when Akebi had thought she was feeling the bullets pinging on their tank until Noriko said. "It's the tank that hurts, so calm down and return fire."

"How come the lieutenant doesn't say that he's hurt?" the blonde gunner and blocker shot back while shooting the enemy tanks.

"He's probably toughening it up," Taeko answered with a shrug. "A cousin of mine has a friend in the JGSDF infantry and he said that the guy would shrug off a flesh wound like it was nothing. He even showed me a picture and compared to our own bruises, that was a lot more painful in my opinion."

"Oh."

After taking care of two CV-33s while under fire, both Duck and Panda teams had rejoiced in making a huge kill score.

"Yes," Noriko said in glee. "The volleyball team and transferees' team had arrived."

"You got that right," Youko agreed in the tac net. "You rock, Duck."

"You too, Panda."

-oOo-

At the Southern Flank, both Rabbit and Anteater teams were on the run as the enemy tanker had gotten smarter and they managed to knockout the Type 3 first.

"We're just running away," Aya surmised as she was trying to knock out the remaining pursuer.

"Even if it is only against one of them," Asuza said worriedly.

"Go behind it then," Yuuki then advised.

"Just getting away is bad enough," Karina replied in near panic.

"Oh, hey." Yuuki said with her right fist hitting her left palm. "It depends on your perspective."

When Ayumi had looked at her, the radio operator continued before making an "I know, right" gesture. "That tank has only one gun and we have two, so we're even ahead by one gun."

"I see." 75 mm gunner said upon realization.

"Shut up!" The driver could not continue concentrating on the road while listening to her crew members' jokes. "This is not the time for math jokes."

-oOo-

Somewhere in the middle of the northern sector, Anchovy was anxious of what was happening to her team once she heard that her two trump cards were taken out early. Her tank was guarded by the Sevomente commanded by Capriccio and the remaining CV-33 that was crewed by the Kawashiba sisters.

"Hey," she had gone on the horn to talk to Pepperoni. "What happened to Operation Macaroni?"

Pepperoni responded in a panicky manner. "Sorry, this is a bad time. Can I call you back?"

"And why is that?"

"We're kinda busy with both the Type 89 and the T-44 at the moment." The vice-commander continued. "I don't even know how they figured it out."

This time, Anchovy had gotten really annoyed and thus yelled in the poor microphone. "You put the decoys in the crossroads, didn't you?"

"Yeah," the blue-haired vice-commander replied quickly. "We put all of 'em out."

"What?!" Anchovy's tone was a good indication that the commander was beginning to get pissed. "If you're going to put out all ten, then of course they're going to figure it out."

"Oh, now I get it." Pepperoni answered as it did make a lot of sense. "You're a genius, Big Sister."

"You're just an idiot!" Anchovy yelled in response.

She then turned to Carpacio and added calmly. "We're moving since the enemy is coming."

"Yes, Commander." The blonde vice-commander answered succinctly. "Kawashiba Team, let's move out."

"I told them so many times," Anchovy then monologued. "How could they forget?"

Insdie the CV-33, Kanako whispered to her sister – Tsurigiko. "Considering how food dedicated they are, I don't think they would remember anything else."

"Right on, Sis."

The Anzio command team did not go much further when they had encountered the rest of the Ooarai team in the other direction. In fact, Anchovy had spotted Miho's body out of the Panzer IV tank's cupola.

"All vehicles, halt." Anchovy then said after the two groups had passed each other by. "Enemy flag and command tanks sighted."

Both set of vehicles then turned around to engage each other. It was while the StuG III was reversing to turn around that Capriccio had figured out where her friend's tank was. "That emblem…Taka-chan."

"Leave the one with the 75mm gun to me," she told her commander. "Just go and try to ambush the enemy flag tank."

As it turned out, it was more of a running battle with the Char B1 bis told to rescue Rabbit Team as Erwin had asked for permission to go one on one with the Sevemonte.

The two pairs of tanks had run side by side in two parallel clearings with the P40 doing most of the shooting for Anzio and the Panzer IV for Ooarai. The tankette did think of suddenly pulling over and try to destroy the Panzer 38 (t).

As it was, Miho had no choice but to battle it out with the P40 while worrying that the crew of the tankette may damage the light tank enough for a mobility kill.

-oOo-

With the tank destroyers, they were trying to keep the other from seeing their side or back armor and trying to get to the other's own.

Capriccio was heard telling her crew. "They won't show us their sides so aim for the bulge in the front."

In the StuG III, Caesar was telling the "enemy". "Just try and land a shot. The StuG III's gun will pierce them anywhere at this range."

The whole close quarters tank combat was beginning to look more like a joust with each tank trying to change the enemy tank gun's angle of attack in order to miss.

It was a certainly a dance of death for two war machines, each hoping for the killing blow.

-oOo-

Back with the Type 89 and T-44, they were beginning to notice that even if they scored a direct hit to the enemy tankettes, they just keep on coming.

"They just keep on coming," Akebi then said in panic. "At the rate we're firing, we may even lose all our ammo before we can take them out."

"Stop whining." Noriko said in reply. "Just try to knock them out for good."

-oOo-

For the Panzer IV and the Panzer 38 (t), the chase had gotten them into a clearing where they had continued their firefight with Momo still missing as the tankette was incredibly evasive and yet the CV-33's guns were having next to no effect.

As for the M3 Lee, they were still being chased by the single Semovente that was still trying to bring them down.

"We should counterattack," Ayumi complained as she was getting impatient. "I wanna shoot too."

"Not right now," Azusa answered as the medium tank had evaded yet another shell sent in their direction with Aya returning fire. "We need to get behind that one first."

-oOo-

With the StuG III and its dance partner, both tanks were still trying to nail the other while evading the fired shells. The Semovente had gotten a glancing blow at the German tank hunter, but that was it.

"This tank…" Caesar was beginning to suspect something.

Capriccio did not say anything other than load yet another shell in the hopes that it would be the last one.

-oOo-

Back with Duck team, they were really panicking since each time they had knocked out CV-33, they would later come back still shooting.

"Commander Nishizumi, there's no end to these tankettes." Noriko said in the radio. "It's like they're immortal."

"Don't worry," Miho told her in the same manner. "The Carlo Veloce isn't invincible. Their crews were just righting what haven't shown the white flag."

Taeko then concluded. "They're so light that they're shrugging off the rounds."

"Kite and receive," Shinobou then added.

"So basically, guts." Noriko then finished.

Miho then added. "Be calm and aim for their weak points like we had discussed yesterday. I'm sure you can do it, Duck Team."

"Thanks, Commander." Taeko then answered. "Duck Team out."

"Okay, Sasaki." Noriko then said while picking up yet another round. "Let's do this from the top."

"Yes."

"Volleyball club, fight…" Noriko then said to build up their guts.

"Oh, one two."

"Keep the sight steady no matter what happens," the short haired brunette tank commander then added.

"Yes," the blonde gunner replied while adjusting her aim.

"Put your back into it."

"Their weak point is the engine's radiator," Akebi said to herself.

"Now fire!"

Unfortunately, this was where Rabbit Team's M3 Lee decided to show up and nearly rammed the CV-33 as well as their own teammates in the rush to leave behind the single Semovente.

Somehow, Duck Team had managed to get their own tank to do two-wheel stand and miss the other tanks while the T-44 had wiped out completely in a sudden right turn and thus was out of the fight.

"Sasaki, when I said no matter what happens." Noriko added with a slight blush. "That's not what I meant."

"I know, Captain."

"Fire," Noriko said as one of the CV-33s was in range.

"Yes."

And one of the CV-33s had gone down, spouting a white flag. The other one started to go full evasive and thus Akebi could not get a bead on the evasive tankette.

Inside the remaining CV-33, Pepperoni then said with a growl. "Don't get cocky."

By now, Anchovy heard the announcement that their team was now reduced to four tanks total with the enemy still having nearly double of their own. "What?!"

"Abandon the encirclement plan," she said on the horn. "We're pretty completely exposed as our CV-33 is trying to knock out the enemy's flag tank. All units come back to the flag tank."

"We're regrouping our forces," she then added in panic. "Operation Protractor is in effect."

"Roger that," Pepperoni answered as Capriccio was still busy with the StuG III.

Turning to her companion, she then asked. "What is Operation Protractor again?"

"No idea," Amaretto answered succinctly as the tankette had turned around.

"Huh?" Akebi said as the tankette they were chasing suddenly went off in another direction. Little did she and Rabbit Team knew that the remaining Semovente had done the same.

-oOo-

"The P-40 is isolated," Miho had announced to everyone in the team. "Despite our own flag being shot at by a CV-33, there is still not enough damage for them to count so we're going to finish this before reinforcements arrive."

"Okie-dokie," Anzu then said in the radio. "So, what are we doing other than dealing with this annoying pipsqueak?"

"Just keep trying to knock it out," Miho answered quickly. "Then…"

-oOo-

With Pepperoni, she was beginning to get worried as they had lost more than half of their number to a loss of only four enemy tanks. "I'm coming, Duce."

The Type 89 was still in pursuit of the tankette when they heard the loud boom of the 75mm front cannon of the Char B1 bis that had gotten lost in trying to find them. Pepperoni's CV-33 is history.

-oOo-

As for the remaining Sevomente, it was also pursued (for once) by Rabbit Team.

"Let's take care of this tank before they blast our own flag upon joining up," Azusa said in calm and soft voice.

"Finally, I get to shoot." Ayumi excitedly said as she had aimed her own weapon.

Anchovy was now wondering on what had happened since her tank was certainly alone now and neither the Panzer 38 (t) nor the Kawashima's CV-33 were seen.

Soon, she had heard the report of the light tank's own gun as well as the announcement of the last CV-33 being knocked out.

But she could not hold her shock for long as the Panzer IV was now trying to hit her P-40 from the side. "Oh no, you don't."

Both tanks had fired their shells at each other and missed as they passed each other for one more round of battle.

It was about that time that the M3 Lee was nearing the escaping Sevemonte whose commander even said. "Just 1.2 kilometers to where Duce is."

"Aw jeez," Aya was saying as her shot missed.

"Why can't I hit anything?" Ayumi was also complaining. "It fired, right."

Asuza then calmed down her gunners by saying. "We need to stop. Slow and steady does it."

"Okay, we're stopping." Karina then said as the tank had rolled into a stop.

"Alright, we have two guns so let's try to estimate it."

"How?" The blonde twin tailed gunner then asked her commander.

"Aya, fire."

"Ok."

The shot obviously missed with Ayumi even saying. "It missed."

"Ok, um." Azusa had replaced Aya in the gunner seat. "Adjust right one meter and up ten centimeters."

"Ok."

"Now fire."

This time, the shot had hit the tank destroyer and disabled it.

"Azusa, you're a lot like Miss Nishizumi right now." Yuuki said with a bit of fangirling.

"Thanks," the brunette freshmen commander of the M3 Lee said in return. "I guess I'm learning a lot from her."

Back with the dueling tank destroyers, Caesar was saying as she had loaded another round. "Finish it with the next one. Right after we exchange fire."

Capriccio then told her tank's driver. "Come around. We'll decide this on loading speed."

The two tank destroyers had charged at each other for what seemed to be the final time before firing at the exact same time at point blank range. After the smoke had cleared, it was obvious that both were knocked out of the match.

Seeing that they're the only ones left, Anchovy then told her crew to charge once again at the Panzer IV then shoot at the side once they pass.

Both tanks did pass with Hana being quicker on the draw and thus, the P-40 was finished.

Miho had once again risen out of the cupola and sighed happily at the wild and crazy battle that they had been through and had finished with more than enough tanks still operational to win.

"Ooarai-Bellwall Girls Academy wins."

-oOo-

After everyone had gotten back to their starting point either on its own power or after being towed, the teams had gotten together to share stories of their own exploits with Azusa apologizing to the crew of Panda team for nearly running them over.

Yukari was telling her commander. "We did it. We're now in the final four."

"We sure are," Miho said happily. "If I'm right, our next match would be…"

"I just want ice cream," Mako suddenly announced, derailing Miho's next words.

"I have snacks," Saori said in the hopes that Mako would stop complaining.

"My goodness," a voice had called out from the direction of the Anzio team's starting point. "I really thought we would win this year too."

The voice's owner was really Anchovy who had walked to the team with open arms. She then grabbed the younger commander's hand and shook it while placing the other hand behind Miho's right shoulder in a sign of camaraderie.

"Yes, it was a great experience for us as well."

Of course, there were two blonde blurs who had come from the newly arrived Ariete and began examining the poor Abrams from turret to tracks.

"Get off me, you little rug-rats!" Zack yelled in annoyance. "Don't wait until I'm back to normal so I can spank you."

The Ariete could only sigh at how his new friend would fare against the Kawashima sisters.

"Get to the finals," the blue-green haired girl then added while giving a customary kiss on the younger girl's cheeks. "We're gonna be cheering you on."

Turning to her back, she then added. "Right, girls!"

"Yeah."

"Come on," Anchovy then told her new friend. "Smile and wave. That's part and parcel of raising morale as a commander."

"Thank you very much," Miho then said while shyly waving at the enemy team.

The whole Anzio team then pulled out some equipment from their trucks and other non-combat vehicles that had gotten the others wondering.

"Ladies," Anchovy then told the whole Ooarai team. "Sensha-do isn't just about the match. When the match is over, we give thanks to all the players and officials."

With a pause for breath, the Anzio sensha-do commander then finished with. "This is how Anzio do things."

From then on, there was a flurry of activity as tables were set, food was being prepared, and so on."

Even Zack was forced to say in shock along with Miho. "What an amazing amount of…materiel and mobility."

Anchovy the said as explanation. "Our school cuts no corners when it comes to food."

She then slumped a bit as she added. "If only they could put this much effort into the matches themselves…"

Shaking herself off the bad vibes, Anchovy then said. "Anyway, putting that aside, all together:"

"Thanks for the food!" Both teams had said while saying grace.

As such, everyone had a good time while eating and chatting while the instructor tanks were being given a fuel up.

I would not be surprised that crews that were trying to knock each other's tanks out were now chatting happily as they ate or were making selfies or even groupies with the instructor tanks.

Even the referees were invited to eat and thus Ami had gotten a chance to meet with her students as well as the Anzio tankers. She had later chatted with both instructor tanks as she sat on the Abram's turret like she had met them for some time now.

Even the Kawashima sisters had met their old schoolmates and exchanged words, thankfully, none of them being hostile as the Duce was looking at them along with Miho.

All in all, it was the best after-battle party ever.

---

I guess I managed to suprise you again with Alissa's apology along with her soon to be boyfriend. Not only that, while girls ride tanks, boys ride choppers. More than that, I managed to complete the original Bellwall's full lineup despite being on different teams.

Next chapter, Ooarai is going to have to fight for their lives to win against Pravda where their opponents aren't the only things they would face. But first, Ranma and Akane find themselves getting a new opponent and she's nuttier than a fruitcake.