Chapter 20 - Purple Rookie
[Ooarai Field Hospital - 9AM - The Next Morning ]
*Yawn *Stretch
"It's morning already..first time I had a normal night without nightmares.."
(Gero had just woken up and takes a look at the room and his mother and sisters are not there)
"I guess Okaa-chan had important business to attend to..and my sisters went to their teammates.."
"Onii-chan~" a voice came from under Gero's blanket
(Gero looked under his blankets to find both his sisters sleeping with him and hugging him)
"Ehh?! Why are you guys sleeping here geez.."
"Onii-sama~" Maho was talking in her sleep
"Looks like I found the reason why I had no nightmares.."
(Suddenly the door of his room opened and he saw Erika about to come inside. He was so surprised and panicked he hid his sisters under the blanket again by reflex)
"Bakatora?!"
"Y-Yo I-Itsumi-san, good morning.."
"I'm glad you are already awake! How is your condition?!
"I'm fine Itsumi-san, I woke up last night.."
"I see..I thought you'd still be asleep..you were in such a bad condition.."
(Gero gently placed his hand on Erika's hand to comfort her)
"Thank you for worrying about me Itsumi-san..I'm really alright now.."
(Erika was surprised and blushed so she just immediately changed the subject)
"T-That's right I brought you some breakfast..they were originally for Maho-san and Miho-san but since they are not here..you can have it.."
"T-Thank you Itsumi-san..I wonder where those two are.."
"They stayed here all night watching you so you better thank them when they return-"
"Mmmmm~" a voice came from under the blankets
"Did I just hear-"
"Hmm? Oh t-that was me Itsumi-san, just doing some stretching..see?"
"But that was a very girlish sound-"
(The blankets started to move as Gero's sisters tried to get the blankets off. Suddenly Erika removed the blankets by force and to her surprise there was both Miho and Maho sleeping and hugging Gero and they had their tanker jackets taken off. So Maho was just wearing the dark red shirt and Miho the lime green shirt which both had their top buttons unbuttoned)
"M-M-Maho-san?! M-Miho-san?!"
(Miho and Maho then woke up and saw Erika with a distraught expression)
*YAWN
"Ohh it's already morning.." Miho said
"Erika..good morning..came to visit?" Maho said
"W-Wh-What.." Erika couldn't get her words out
"I-Itsumi-san, first c-calm down..there is a valid explanation for this.."
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING YOU TWO-TIMING BAKATORA!?"
"NOOOOOO IT'S NOT LIKE THAAAAAAAAT!"
[10 Slaps later..]
"Hey Erika you shouldn't hit hospital patients.." Maho said
"Gero..are you alright?" Miho asked
"That's right Itsumi-san..I'm still recovering-"
"Haa?!" Erika said with a glare
"N-Nothing..I'm very sorry.."
"Besides what do you think you two were thinking sleeping on the same bed with that bakatora!?"
"Well..we got tired while watching over him so we just decided to sleep here.." Maho said
"That's not the point! And why are you two still hugging him like that!?"
(During this whole time both Miho and Maho were still hugging their brother even in front of Erika)
"I-Itsumi-san.."
"Maho-san! Miho-san! Please be honest! What do you feel about that bakatora?" Erika said with a serious tone
(Both Miho and Maho looked at each other then smiled at Erika and said..)
"We love him very much!" Both said at the same time
(After hearing this Erika's brain short circuited and smoke came out of her ears)
"I-I see..w-what about you bakatora..how do you feel about them?"
"I love them both very much also..!"
(This time Erika's mind went into a dark void and her world just exploded)
"It's only natural to love my precious little sisters.."
"You don't have to explain..I knew it from the start that you love both your little sisters-"
(Erika took a couple of seconds to process what she heard)
"Ehh…?"
(Erika stopped talking and stared at the three that were smiling at her)
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?!" Erika shouted
"Itsumi-san don't be so loud we're in a hospital!" Miho said
"You're bothering the other patients Erika.." Maho said
"B-But..what bakatora just said! I-Is it t-t-rue-"
"It's the truth.." a voice came from the door
(Erika looked behind her and saw Shiho Nishizumi coming inside the room)
"H-H-Headmistress!" Erika said
"Good morning to you too..Itsumi-kun.."
(After calming down Erika sat beside Gero together with Shiho to explain things properly)
"P-Please explain things to me Headmistress"
"I can't tell you everything..but I can tell you that this boy that my daughters are clinging to like glue..is without a doubt..my son..the eldest of the Nishizumi Family.."
"H-How?! I thought that Maho-san was the eldest?!" Erika said
"That's right Erika..he is our onii-sama.." Maho said
"We got separated 12 years ago.." Miho said
"12 years..but when he was with you two he never mentioned it..bakatora didn't even act like a brother"
"Bakatora?" Shiho asked with a dark aura
"U-Ummm..no-nothing ma'am.." Erika said while scared
"That's because my son had lost all his memories about us and just came back last night.." Shiho said
"Lost his..how?" Erika asked
"Do you see the bandage on onii-chan's head? Under that bandage is a wound he got when he was still young..and with that he had lost all his memories about us.." Miho said
"When did you realize he was your brother?" Erika asked
"We just confirmed it right before the start of the siege battle..but before that we were getting hints already.." Miho answered
"I'm sorry..this is just too much information to take in right now.." Erika said
"I won't blame you Erika..it was the same for us when we discovered onii-sama was still alive.." Maho said
"With all that said..I hope you keep the things you heard in this room a secret from now on Itsumi-kun..I'm asking you not as the Headmistress but as a mother.." Shiho said while bowing
"We ask of you this also Erika..please help us protect onii-sama.." Maho said and bowed also
"Itsumi-san.." Miho was bowed also
"Please lift your heads..you don't have to bow..I will never do such a thing like tell others.." Erika said
"Thank you..Itsumi-kun.."
"Thank you Erika.."
"Itsumi-san!" Miho hugged Erika
(After Miho's hug Erika was also hugged by Maho which surprised her)
"M-Maho-san?"
"Thank you Erika for choosing to revive me during our match..if you had not revived me I wouldn't have been able to have the duel with onii-sama.." Maho said
"See Itsumi-san..told you reviving onee-chan was the best move.." Miho said
"Yeah..I'm happy that I did not regret that decision I made..it was not for nothing.." Erika said as she hugged Maho back
"Excuse me..but can I talk with Itsumi-san alone please?"
"Of course..come you two let's give them space" Shiho said
"Good luck Erika.." Maho said with a grin
"Geez Maho-san!"
(The three left the room leaving Erika and Gero to talk)
"So...you're a Nishizumi.."
"Yes..apparently I am.."
"What do you plan on doing now..?"
"Want to get some breakfast? I'm still hungry you know.."
"I'm not talking about that!" Erika said with a laugh
"I know I know was just trying to lighten the mood.."
"I didn't know you had such a past..a boy from Tokyo..was actually the heir of the Nishizumi Family..anything else you're hiding?"
"One thing I know for sure is that I won't go public with this..at least not yet.."
"What do you mean..?"
"If I go public and announce my status..my family might get caught up in it.."
"So you're gonna stay as who you are..?"
"Yes...I'll be Gero Matsumoto for the time being and enjoy Senshado.."
"I see..but I never expected you for a brother type.."
"Yeah..my two little sisters have grown up without me being able to watch them.."
"They're both amazing you know! They are great commanders and very kind..and.."
"Itsumi-san.."
"Hmm?"
"Thank you for..looking out for my little sisters..and being good friends with them.."
"..No..you don't have to thank me for-"
"I'm serious..thank you for being there for them when I wasn't..I'm sure they had to go through painful experiences to get to where they are now.."
(Erika remembers all that had happened to them, all those painful moments for Miho and Maho. Being disowned and having to fight for their school)
"..If you want to thank me then..you can do that by being there for them now..and to never let them get hurt ever again..you hear me bakatora?!"
"Jawohl Kommandant!" Gero said with a smile
"Anyways..a brother to them, huh..I'm glad.." Erika said with a smile and blush
"Why?"
"Oh nothing..I'm just relieved that you won't be doing weird things to them anymore.."
"Come on you know I won't-"
"Really? You really won't? They are just your sisters right?" Erika got closer to Gero
"Y-Yes they are just my sisters Itsumi-san.."
"...Erika…"
"Hmm?"
"Call me Erika..from now on.."
(Both Erika and Gero blushed as to how close they now are)
"T-Then..Erika.."
"Good.."
"It's nice to meet you again Erika, I'm Nishizumi Gero.."
"Itsumi Erika..nice to meet you again..Gero.."
(This great moment was so warm and amazing and they hope it never ended until they heard voices by the door)
"Did you hear that onee-chan? Itsumi-san finally called onii-chan by his name!" Miho said
"Yeah..and onii-sama did the same!" Maho said
"Aren't you a ladies man..just like your father.." Shiho said
(Both Erika and Gero were surprised to see Miho, Maho and Shiho peeking their heads by the door and have been watching them this whole time)
"H-How long have you guys been there?!"
"Since the start.." Shiho said
"Ehhh...geez...Erika I'm sorry for what they did.."
"..."
"Erika..?"
(Erika was just sitting down and not saying anything. She was red as a tomato and steam was escaping her head. Erika was just thinking while her heart is beating so fast..)
*THU-THUMP *THU-THUMP *THU-THUMP *THU-THUMP *THU-THUMP
"This is bad..why do I feel so..warm..my heart is beating so fast when I'm with him...he's handsome and he's also a Nishizumi..he's Maho-san and Miho-san's older brother" this was running through Erika's mind
(Gero then placed his hand on Erika's head and patted her because she just looked so cute from Gero's perspective. But this act cause Erika to short circuit again and pass out)
"Erika?!"
"Onii-chan made her pass out.." Miho said
"Looks like she got tired from the information overload.." Shiho said
"I don't think that's the reason Okaa-sama.." Maho said with a sweat drop on her head
"Okaa-chan...I was thinking...we are gonna need allies..friends we can trust...I have a few more people I want to tell..would that be alright?"
"I agree..and if it's someone you chose then I know they can be trusted.."
"Thank you Okaa-chan.."
"Who do you have in mind onii-sama?" Maho asked while trying to wake up Erika
"Miho-chan..can you call the boys and your crew?"
"Yes onii-chan!" Miho said
(After a while both Gero and Miho's crew were now present in the room and started to tell them about him and his family. The fact that his memories have returned and what he plans to do now. They had the same reaction with Erika and the same questions. They also asked to keep it a secret just like how they asked Erika. They gave them ample time to digest the info and to come up with their answers)
"Well..there you have it..that's all that I have to say..I'm sorry for springing this up to you all so suddenly.."
"You guys are the one I trust the most right now..my friends..my comrades.."
"Please..continue to be our friends and support me and my sisters!"
(Gero said what he had to say to them and lowered his head to them. No matter what his friend will answer he is prepared to accept it.)
"Gero.." Ono said
(Gero looked towards his best friend who called him)
"No matter who you are..and what you want to do from now on..I'll always be your ally" Ono said
"That's right Matsu-kun! No need to be so formal!" Ken said
"You got one step ahead of me again Taichou..and I thought I had caught up to you already" Hajime said
"Miporin! Gero-kun! We support you and your family no matter what!"
"Nishizumi-dono! Gero-dono! I'll always be here for you just say the word!"
"Miho-san..Gero-san..I'll be looking forward to being with you as always!" Hana said
"Both of you are part of our team and I consider you all my family already..it's natural to help each other out" Mako said
"Everyone..thank you.." Maho said with tears in her eyes
"Thank you very much all of you..for being there for my son and daughters" Shiho said while bowing down to her children's friends
(Gero couldn't stop his tears from falling..he was so happy that he had wonderful friends..as he thanked them he couldn't stop crying while holding both his sister's hands tightly)
"Thank you...thank you so much...my friends..everyone.." Gero said while crying
"Onii-chan don't cry cause you're gonna make me cry too.." Miho said
"I'm also here Gero..we'll get through this.." Erika said
"Thank you..Erika..for being with me.."
"Ehh since when did you two get so close to call each other by your names?" Saori said with a grin
"Ha?! I-It's none of your business!" Erika said while blushing
"Tsundere.." Mako said
"I'M NOT!"
(They all laughed together and got closer to each other as they now have a common goal and will now move forward together to a brighter future filled with Senshado. Gero then noticed Ono was wearing gloves on his hands)
"Ono..show me your hands.." Gero suddenly said
"Hmm? Why? There's nothing-"
"It's an order.."
"Damn it..I hate when you use your rank.."
(Ono took off his gloves and showed his hands to Gero and there were bruises on his knuckles when he fought Kal)
"I told you to never use your strength to hurt others..only to help..right?"
"I know..but when he said those things about you and he was the reason you got hurt so I just.."
"Thank you for defending me..but hate only brings forth more hate..and hate only leads to pain..then pain leads to a broken heart.."
"I'm sorry.."
"Get these treated alright?"
"Sure.."
"But first...Hajime! Ken! Hold him!"
(Suddenly Ken and Hajime held Ono and locked his movements while they showed his hands towards Gero)
"What is onii-chan going to do?" Miho asked Ken
"Ohh right, we haven't mentioned it but Ono-kun was a delinquent before he met Matsu-kun!"
"Ehhh?!" All of the girls were shocked
"Stop! Don't tell them of my embarrassing past!" Ono shouted with a blush
"Nakamura-kun used to have blonde hair and piercings on his ears and was a troublemaker.." Hajime said
"Taiyou-kun you didn't have to say those!" Ono shouted again while blushing
"When Ono couldn't win against Matsu-kun they started being friends and Ono-kun got converted from delinquent to Mr. Nice Guy over here.." Ken said
"I see..so why are you both holding him down like that now?" Maho asked
"Everytime Ono gets into a fight and gets his knuckles hurt, Gero slaps his knuckles for every knuckle with a bruise as punishment..8 knuckles were bruised yesterday so 8 slaps!" Ken said with a smile
(Everyone just looked at Gero and thought he had a sadistic side to him. Then they realized that he really is a Nishizumi by blood)
"P-Please Gero..I'll never do it again..so don't do that please.." Ono said while crying
"Nope.." Gero said with a smile
"NOOOOOOOOO! IT HUUUUUUUUURTS!" Ono shouted
(As Ono screams with every slap the rest just covered their eyes to avoid seeing the brutality)
[8 Slaps Later..]
"You didn't have to slap it so hard.." Ono said while crying
"You know I had to.."
"By the way Matsu-kun are you going to the awards ceremony later?"
"Awards ceremony?"
"Yes they will be giving out rewards for those that stood out in the Siege Battle event" Hajime said
"I don't know if they'll allow me to leave..technically I am still a patient here.."
"Oh yeah that's right I forgot.."
"You guys go on without me..I'll just watch here from the TV.."
"Alright then we'll see you when you get discharged Taichou"
"Yeah go enjoy yourselves"
(The boys had left with the girls so did Miho, Maho, and Erika cause they had to get their teams in order for the ceremony also. Gero is now left in the room alone to recover so that he could get out soon)
"Now that everyone has left..it got so boring suddenly…"
"You look pretty lonely here.." a voice called out from the door
"Ami-nee san!"
"Morning Gero-kun!"
(When Gero was 7 years old he met Ami when she was still a student of Kuromorimine)
"What brings you here?"
"Well I heard from your mother that you have woken up so thought I'd give you a visit"
"Thank you..I thought you would forget about me.."
"How could I forget about my cute disciple when I was still your mother's student?"
"Yeah you would teach me all about tanks and tell me about your matches.."
"I'm really glad that you got your memories back..12 years is a long time.."
"Tell me nee-san how did my sisters do while I was away?"
"Don't worry they both are splendid commanders and very strong.."
"I see..I've got a lot to catch up on.."
"Yes you do..but let's save those for a later time when you are all healed up!"
"Thank you Ami-nee-san.."
"Let's go to the award ceremony..you should be there!"
"But I'm a patient here and I can't move well on my own.."
"Leave it to me and them.."
"Them?"
"Matsu-kun!"
"Taichou!"
(Gero looked at the door to see his crew waiting for him)
"You guys.."
"Come on Gero you can't miss out on the ceremony"
"Thanks..let's go!"
[Tournament Stadium - Awarding Ceremony]
"Ladies and gentlemen! Viewers and Tankers! Welcome to the Siege Tank Battle Awarding Ceremony! Here we will give the chosen tankers their medals for their participation and amazing display of tankery in the said event!"
(The crowd shouted for the tankers filling the entire stadium with cheers)
"Please give a round of applause to Ami Chouno of the J.S.D.F who will do the honors of giving the tankers their rewards!"
(Ami Chouno went up the stage and waved at the crowd and she is greeted by loud sound of claps and cheers)
"Thank you everyone and a good day to all! My name is Ami Chouno and I will be calling on the names of the tankers so please step forward and go up the stage if you hear your name!"
"First up..for the "Best Strategist" award..Darjeeling of St. Gloriana!"
(Darjeeling went up the stage and was greeted with cheers by the crowd. Chouno then placed the medal around Darjeeling's neck and a bouquet of flowers)
"Congratulations Darjeeling"
"Thank you very much Chouno-sama"
(Darjeeling then stayed on the stage as instructed by Chouno then called upon the next)
"Next up! For the "Remarkable Vice-Commander" award..Katyusha of Pravda!"
(Katyusha then walked up the stage and Chouno did the same)
"Congratulations Katyusha!"
"Thank you very much Instructor! Would have liked Darjeeling's award but this is fine as well"
"Maybe next time Katyusha" Chouno said with a smile
"For the "Bravest Tanker" award..Kinuyo Nishi of Chi-Ha-Tan Academy!"
"Congratulations Kinuyo-kun!"
"Thank you very much instructor!" Nishi saluted
"Now for the "MVP" award...Mika of Jatkosota High School! For Taking out 50% of the enemy team!"
(Loud cheers echoed in the stadium for the amazing ft. that Mika did! Destroying 20 out of 40 tank which is 50% of the enemy team is an outrageous amount in a single event)
"Congratulations Mika-kun"
"Thank you very much"
"Next is..for the "Most Charismatic Tanker" award..Itsumi Erika of Kuromorimine!"
"Ehh? Me?" Erika said
"What are you waiting for senpai? Go!" Sheska said
(Erika hesitated at first but decided to go to the stage)
"Congratulations Itsumi-kun!" Chouno said
"Thank you very much..but I don't think I deserve-"
"Yes you do.." a voice said from behind Chouno
"Headmistress!"
"You have displayed fine tankery and your capabilities as a commander..be proud Itsumi-kun" Shiho said
"Thank you very much Headmistress!"
"Chouno-kun may I..?"
"Go ahead.."
(Shiho placed the medal around Erika's neck, gave her flowers and also made an announcement)
"Attention! All Kuromorimine Students! From this day forward! Itsumi Erika will be the new Kuromorimine Commander!"
(The whole stadium was shocked and quiet for a second because of the sudden announcement but immediately a loud roar of cheers and screams echoed all around them)
"Itsumi-kun say something to the girls..they will look up to you from now on and you will be leading them.."
(Erika didn't know what to say in front of all the people and cameras. But she saw Maho along with the other Kuromorimine students and Maho gave her a nod telling her it is her time now)
"I-I am not like Maho-san, nor am I Miho-san of Ooarai..my name is Itsumi Erika and I will lead you to the best of my capabilities and will bring you to new heights! So lend me your strength my kamaradens and let us all bring back the honor of our school. A new Kuromorimine!"
(Silence dawned over the stadium before a loud response from the Kuromorimine students)
"JAWOHL! KOMMANDANT!"
"Kuromorimine!" "Kuromorimine!" "Kuromorimine!" "Kuromorimine!" "Kuromorimine!"
(Cheers and applause was given to the speech that she gave and Chouno then proceeded with the last reward)
"And now last but absolutely not the least, for the "Purple Heart" award for getting injured in the line of duty as a tanker, Gero Matsumoto of Shirokumo Boys High School and Commander of the White Tiger!"
(As loud sounds of cheers and applause filled the stadium Erika gazed as Gero went up the stage. It was a beautiful moment as she looked at the person she is starting to fall for receives an award)
"Congratulations Gero-kun!"
"Thank you very much instructor Chouno!"
"It's not over yet.."
"What do you mean?"
"For the "Outstanding Rookie" award will be given to none other than, Gero Matsumoto!"
"Ehhh?!"
"You deserved it Gero-kun.."
"Instructor Chouno, may I? Erika said
"Erika..?"
(Chouno smiled and gave Erika the medal and she walked over to Gero. She looked Gero in the eyes and started to blush as she placed the medal around his neck and smiled)
"Congratulations Gero.."
"Thank you so much..Erika.."
(The crowd cheered for the sweet moment of the two and some tankers whistled and did a "Kyaa~" within the crowds. Miho and Maho started to cry as they saw their brother be noticed and be seen by all these people, after 12 years of being hidden from the world)
"TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!" "TORA!"
"It's not yet over everyone! Now for the "Best Couple Moment" award! Please look at the screen! This was during the event on a rainy afternoon!"
(Everyone looked at the screen and it showed both Erika and Gero hugging each other tightly in the rain and Erika touching Gero's lips while smiling and blushing before both of them looked at the drone)
"EEEHHHH?!" both Erika and Gero reacted
(Both Erika and Gero was shocked at the screen and then they got red as a tomato and their jaws dropped. Even Miho and Maho's jaws dropped)
"O-Oh no..this was from that time…"
"It was that drone right..?" Erika said
(Silence once again was covering the crowd until..)
"KKYAAAAAAAAAA~"
"They are sooo sweeeet!"
"Best couple!"
"KISS!"
"Get a room you two!"
"As expected of our Taichou" Hajime said
"I'm so envious of you Matsu-kun!" Ken said
"Darling! Why are you hugging someone that's not me! Please hug me too!" Kay shouted
"My Ōji-sama!" Rosehip shouted
"Our New Kommandant is so fearless and daring!" said Koume
(Different comments and cheers were heard from the crowd and also on the stage)
"Looks like this time Ō-sama got one step ahead of me.." Darjeeling said
"Good luck Gero-kun!" said Chouno
"Itsumi-kun we are going to have a talk at my office when we get back" Shiho said
"Even Headmistress is saying things like that now.." Erika said
"Erika..I don't regret hugging you and not letting you go on that rainy afternoon.."
(Erika suddenly blushed even brighter when Gero told her that and she couldn't loot at Gero properly)
"S-Stop saying stupid things like that...Bakatora.."
"Ahaha..sorry sorry.."
(Both smiled at each other and laughed with the others)
"Alright closer! Closer! Stop! Ready? Smile! 3… 2…1... " the camera man said
*FLASH
(A commemorative photo was taken to remember the event. From left to right. "Ami - Chouno - Darjeeling - Erika - Gero - Mika - Nishi - Shiho" then sitting in front of them from left to right. "Kay - Anchovy - Maho - Miho - Ono - Hajime - Ken - Nonna carrying Katyusha - Klara)
Coming Up Next : Chapter 21 - My Little Sisters
Author's Note:
Hi guys! How was the chapter?
Shout out to : "kingjustin1019" thank you for the follow and favorite!
Also I apologize for the broken link of the picture last chapter. Apparently we can't paste URL links here except for Facebook. So what I did is I created a Facebook page for my fanfic you can check it by going to my Profile Page here in fanfiction just click my name "Kokina Tenshi" to view my Profile Page and I have posted there the Facebook link to the page and the link to the baby Gero picture. You can also just search the page in Facebook by typing in the search bar "Girls und Panzer: The Missing Heir" then it will take you directly to the page. See you there! Let me know in the reviews if you can't find the page.
As for the reviews I'll reply in the reviews section as usual. I can only post a review once per chapter so I have to wait for the next chapter update before I can reply so please forgive me for the delay :3
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