Chapter 37 - Perception
[Kuromorimine University High School - The Next Day]
(It's now the third day of training for the new recruits together with the regular tankers)
"ATTENTION!" Bauer shouted
"Today we will be training tank formations as a whole division..so focus and listen carefully so that everyone knows what to do! Is that understood?!" Erika shouted
"Jawohl Kommandant!" they saluted
"Leila please explain to them what is first on the list of our training menu today.." Erika said
"You got it Erika-chan! First things first is we will teach you the tank formations we will be using.." Leila said
(Leila then stepped forward to the whiteboard and draw simple diagrams of different tank formations they will be using)
"So these are the basic formations that we are going to do today and the first formation is the Panzerkeil Formation or Armored Wedge Formation" Leila said
"That looks like a very simple formation, Leila-senpai.." Sakuraba said
"Yes it is Sakuraba-san..it is the easiest formation out of all. The heavy tanks form a wedge shape in front, then behind them are medium tanks, then light tanks at both flanks..this is not an aggressive formation but a passive and defensive one..understand?"
"Jawohl!"
"The next formation is the Spearhead Formation does anyone have any idea what this formation is?" Leila asked
"I do!" Tojo said
"Tojo-kun please tell your comrades what it is.." Leila said
"The Spearhead Formation is a high risk high return formation concentrating all fire power of the formation at the front just like a spear.." Tojo said
"Correct..well said Tojo-kun..he is definitely right about it being risky but also rewarding..if the tip of the spear isn't stopped this formation can steam roll into any kind of defensive structure.." Leila said
"And what made it so risky?" Isamu asked
"The risky part is if the enemy is able to act quickly and decide to avoid the tip of the spear and aim for the corners or the middle of the formation the spear will break in half leaving us isolated.."
"So this formation can only be used once in a match because the second time around the enemy would most likely already know how to counter it.." Chinatsu said
"Yes, so if we are to use it we must make sure to deal as much damage as we can to the enemy..understand?"
"Jawohl!"
"Very good..now the last formation is a new one and it's called the 3-Point Phalanx Formation which I'm sure all of you know based on the name..does someone want to guess what the 3-Point in the name means?" Leila said
(None of the new recruits know what the answer was but someone suddenly raised their hand and it was Gero)
"Ohh Gero-kun what's the answer?" Leila asked
"The 3 Point means the Phalanx will have 3 Points of Contact so to put it simply, it will not be a rectangular phalanx but a triangle one. Where the 3 points go, the whole body of the formation follows as a whole..this will be a formation to break through any kind of encirclement we encounter.."
(Everyone was surprised to how accurate Gero gave an answer)
"C-Correct..that's an unbelievably accurate answer Gero-kun.." Leila said
"That's because he is the one that came up with it.." Erika said
"EEEEEHHH?!" everyone reacted
"That's amazing Gero-Taichou!" Tojo said
"A formation made by senpai..I want to do it!" Toshi said
"Me too! This will surely be fun!" Haruhiko said
"If Nii-chan made it then it would be very effective.." Alice said
"Kommandant! Let's get to the training immediately!" Hanako said
"Leave it to Gero-kun to boost everyone's morale.." Mauko said
"Alright since everyone is now hyped up..mount your tanks! Let's start the training immediately!" Erika ordered
"Jawohl Kommandant!" everyone replied
(Everyone now mounted their Panzer 38(t)s and started their tank formation training. They started with the Panzerkeil, then the Spearhead then lastly the Phalanx formation. All of them enjoyed learning the formation and some of them had difficulties keeping up but none of them gave up. After an hour and a half they finished up the tank formation training)
"Good job everyone! Take a 10 minute break! Then we'll proceed with the next training exercises!" Erika shouted
"Ughh..my hands feel like they're gonna fall off.." Haruhiko said
"Mine too.." Chinatsu said
"But that was fun you have got to admit!" Tojo said
"Yeah..especially the Phalanx one.." Sakuraba said
"That formation will definitely come in handy.." Rio said
"I agree..after what Nii-chan told everyone during the opening ceremony..the other schools will definitely use every strategy they can to stop us.." Alice said
"Then we better get a lot stronger so that we won't be defeated..by anyone.." Toshi said
"We will Toshi..all of us.." Endo said
[10 Minutes Later]
"Break's over! Everyone now proceed to the shooting range!" Erika ordered
(Both new and old tankers now gathered at the shooting range as ordered and they saw their Panzer 38(t)s lined up but the back part of the turret has been removed so the 38(t) appears to be an open top tank now)
"Ok all gunners and loaders stay here and all drivers, radio operators and tank commanders follow me.." Erika said
(As Erika left with the others, three individuals approached the group of gunners and loaders)
"Hi everyone I'm Ayako Rin! I'm the gunner of our Kommandant! Nice to meet you!"
"Sup newbies! Call me Sheska, loader of our Kommandant!"
"Nice to meet you senpai!" everyone responded
"Now you might be wondering why we separated you guys..the answer is that this will be a special training course for gunners and loaders only..and the others will also have their own training course.." Rin said
"We will be supervising you all today. By the way, this course was designed by Gero-san and Kommandant so show some excitement!" Sheska said
"Ohh! If Gero-senpai designed this it will surely be fun!" Sakuraba said
"What do we have to do Sheska-senpai?!" Isamu asked
"Looks like they're hyped up for this.." Rin said
"That's the spirit! Now before you board the tanks you all have to wear this on your wrists.." Sheska said
(Rin and Sheska then showed their wrists to the group and they saw both of them wearing wristbands)
"Wristbands senpai?" Hanako asked
"Not just wristbands.." Rin said as she threw the wristband to Rio's hands
"H-Huh? It's heavy!" Rio said
"Heavy?!" Endo said
"Those are weighted wristbands everybody..about 1.5 pounds each.." Sheska said
"W-Why so heavy?!" Hanako asked
"It's to train your arm strength as loaders and for the gunners so that your arms won't get tired even if you have to aim at something for hours.." Sheska said
"By the way, the ones we are wearing weigh 2.5 pounds each..heavier than yours.." Rin said
"Don't tell me.." Hanako said
"Yep that's right! You are to wear those while shooting and loading!" Sheska said
"EEEEHHH?!" they all reacted
(Everyone then wore the weighted wristbands given to them and all of them felt the change in weight on their arms)
"Ok now that you all are ready everyone mount your posts! First 10 tanks for the newbies then the next 10 for the regulars!" Sheska ordered
"Gunner's at the ready and loaders I want the next shell in as soon as the empty cartridge is pushed out!" Rin ordered
(Everyone then went to their positions and the gunners noticed something weird)
"Rin-senpai the gun sight has no reticle!" Rio shouted
"Mine too!" Sakuraba said
"Are these broken senpai?" Isamu asked
"No they're not..you are all to train your aim without the help of a reticle..is that understood?" Rin said
"Jawohl!" the gunners said
"The targets you will be trying to hit will not show their ranges also..this training is called Depth Perception Training..you will all learn if your shot will hit the target by solely relying on your eyesight and your own gut feeling.." Rin explained
"The reason why the tanks are open top now is so that we can watch you all properly so that you won't try and remove the weighted wristbands..also every shot you miss will count as a lap around the training field so good luck!" Sheska said
"Alright gunners and loaders ready! Show us that amazing accuracy two days ago! FIRE!" Rin ordered
*BANG
(A volley of 37mm shells were fired at the targets at different ranges some of them being too short and others overshot while others hit their mark. After the shot the reload was too slow because of the weight on their wrists)
"What the hell kind of shooting was that!? Was all that shooting before all luck?!" Rin shouted
"No ma'am!" the gunners responded
"Too slow loaders! Your tank would have been taken out now if this was a real match!" Sheska shouted
"We're very sorry senpai!" the loaders responded
"AGAIN! BETTER AIM AND FASTER RELOADS!" Rin shouted
"JAWOHL!" everyone replied
"Looks like everyone is working hard.." a voice came from behind Sheska and Rin
(Both of them looked and it was Ono that came to check up on them)
"O-Ono-senpai?!" Sheska blushed
"Nakamura-kun what's up?" Rin asked
"Hello to both of you! How's training?" Ono asked
"As you can see they're having trouble at first.." Rin said
"Well everyone always has a hard time at the beginning but they'll get used to it soon.." Sheska said
"Yeah..we'll just have to watch over them closely..right Sheska?"
"Y-Yes Ono-senpai.." Sheska blushed again
"Nakamura-kun.."
"What is it Ayako-san?"
"You just wanted to check up on Sheska didn't you?" Rin said with a grin
"Eh..Rin-senpai!" Sheska shouted
(Ono suddenly froze for a second)
"W-What are you saying all of a sudden Ayako-san.."
"Really? Then why are you bright red right now?" Rin teased
"Ehem..well I've got to go and report to Gero now..keep up the good work both of you!" Ono said as he left in a hurry
"Damn it he ran away.." Rin said
"Geez Rin-senpai why did you have to say that?!" Sheska asked
"Oh please you liked to see Nakamura-kun's shy face didn't you?" Rin asked
"That doesn't mean..never mind..but still, senpai's shy face was very cute.." Sheska blushed again
"Honesty is the best policy.." Rin said
(While the gunners and loaders where having their training here Erika and the rest have gathered on the other side of the training field with Panzer IIs this time)
"Ok now all drivers stay here while radio operators and commanders follow me again" Erika ordered
"I guess we will be having separate training now.." Haruhiko said
"I wonder what we have to do.." Chinatsu said
"Hey there guys!" a voice called out to all of them
(They turned to see who it was and this time it was Ken and Suzu)
"Hi guys I'm Nishikawa Suzu, driver of the Kommandant..and here is Ken-san you all know him by now.."
"Ken-senpai!"
"You ready to train Haruhiko-kun?" Ken asked
"Yes senpai!"
"This is how it's going to be..all of you here will be doing training under our supervision..this is a special training course that our Kommandant and Gero-san have made for you all..'' Suzu said
"That's right..I need you all to look at the training field over there.." ken said
(Everyone then gazed upon the field where they see numerous Panzer 38(t)s scattered everywhere with their engines turned on)
"Now what you need to do is drive these Panzer IIs in between every single one of those tanks until you reach the goal..understood?" Suzu said
"Jawohl!" everyone responded
"This is going to be easy!" Chinatsu said
"Oh right we forgot to mention..you're going to do this blindfolded.." Ken said
"EEEEEEHHH?!" a similar reaction to those at the shooting range
"But that's impossible senpai!" Haruhiko said
"Not really..we'll both show you.." Suzu said
(Ken and Suzu now put blindfolds on and started to drive the Panzer IIs inside the field. Both of them were passing by every Panzer 38(t) without colliding or touching them and both arrived at the goal and returned back to the group)
"No way.." Chinatsu said
"This is called Spatial Perception Training by our Kommandant..she and Gero-san came up with this.." Suzu said
"This will train you not to reply only on what you see but to also rely on what you hear, what you feel, and what you smell..you guys need to be able to know how far you are from another tank without needing to see it.." Ken said
"And it will not always be daytime that we will have a match, there will also be night battles that will hinder us from seeing clearly..some battles will force us into very tight spaces.." Suzu said
"This will also be a necessity for doing the tank formations we practiced a while ago..so that the tanks won't end up hitting each other when we need to suddenly changed directions.." Ken said
"I know it looks impossible but it's doable..the Kommandant believed that all of us can do this..so let's not betray her expectations of us..is that understood?" Suzu said
"Jawohl!" everyone replied
"Very good..now mount up and get your blindfolds on! We will have someone to be with you on the commander's seat so that you won't get any ideas of taking a peak.." Ken said
"Also every time you bump into a tank it will cost you a lap around the field so drive smart!" Suzu said with a grin
"Keep your head cool and your senses high! Listen to the engines of the tanks around you! Driver's at the ready! GO!" Ken ordered
(All of them now started their tank engines and began to enter the training field. Immediately a majority of them bumped into the stationary panzers and others bumped into each other)
"This is going to be a very long two weeks.." Suzu said
"We're gonna see a lot of runners later after training.." Ken said
(As this group trains under the special training course the last remaining group of tankers were taken to a makeshift Command Post Tent by Erika)
[Kuromorimine Command Post]
"Welcome to the Command Post..here we will train you newbies how to properly use the radio inside a tank and the basics of being a tank commander..radio operators proceed to the left side while the tank commanders follow me to the right.." Erika ordered
(On the left side of the command post was a number of long tables with radio equipment on top of them)
"Hi guys! Are you all radio operators? My name is Leila Rou and I'm the radio operator for the Kommandant and beside me is.."
"I'm Hajime Taiyou radio operator of the White Tiger crew, nice to meet you all again.."
"We're here to supervise you guys in operating these radios on the tables in front of you..this role is just as important as the driver, gunner, loader and commander.." Leila said
"Leila-san is right everyone..when the Kommandant gives an order to all tanks, it is our job to pass it to our tank commander..without communication the command system will be in chaos.." Hajime said
"Now, everyone choose a radio you want to operate and we'll go through the important parts one by one and explain each..get to it!" Leila ordered
"Jawohl!"
(As the newbies went to their radios Hajime then stood up and approached his own radio and started pointing out the important parts with an explanation while the others listened. Hajime didn't know that he was being closely watched by Leila)
"Hajime-kun..is quite cute when he's like this..when he's with Gero-kun he's always fooling around but now he has a cool and serious expression teaching these new kids.." Leila said in her mind
(At this moment Hajime suddenly looked towards Leila and their eyes met. This made Leila blush and break eye contact as her heart skipped a beat. Hajime was a little surprised to see her staring at him but he just cleared his throat and continued his explanation)
*THU-THUMP
"O-Our eyes met...I completely just stared at Hajime-kun and he even saw me..this is so embarrassing.." Leila said in her mind again while blushing
(On the right side the tank commanders were gathered into a classroom where they will be taught important lessons)
"Why do we have to be haunted by a classroom here too?!" Tojo said
"It's the best place to learn so no use complaining.." Toshi said
"Everyone take a seat, you all will learn the basics of being a tank commander, me and Koume will be your teachers..so do your best"
"Let's do our best everyone!" Koume said
"Jawohl! Please take care of us Kommandant and Vize Kommandant!" everyone replied
(As everyone continued their training and learning courses time flew by quickly. On the radio side of the command post Sango joined the group)
"Excuse me guys!" Sango said
"Yes Sango-san?" Leila asked
"It's time for me to switch with Hajime-kun..he's needed now in the special training warehouse.."
"I see..it's already that time..well sorry guys I have to go..this is Sango-san one of our reconnaissance experts..she will now continue the lesson and teach you a thing or two about recon also.." Hajime said
"Please take care of us Sango-senpai!" everyone replied
"Yes let's learn a lot alright?" Sango smiled
"Jawohl!"
"Leila-san sorry to leave you here.." Hajime said
"It's alright..we all have to do our part right?"
"True..see you later?"
"See you later Hajime-kun.." Leila smiled
(As Hajime left the command post Sango sat down beside Leila)
"Leila-chan..sorry for interrupting your time with Hajime-kun.." Sango teased
"Geez..it's not like that Sango-san!" Leila blushed
(The special training course goes on for an hour and now everyone is ordered to take cool down laps around the field. After running they are now assembled and given a short briefing by Erika)
[Kuromorimine Training Field - 6PM]
"Good job everyone! This is how our training will be from now on! Monday, Wednesday and Friday we will have Mock Battles while Tuesday and Thursday we will do Formation Training and the Special Courses Training! Is that clear?!" Erika shouted
"Jawohl Kommandant!" everyone replied
"Very good..now to those that don't live in school dorms you may go now and please be careful on the way home! And to those that live in the school dorms you may continue your training here but only 1 hour! DISMISSED!" Erika ordered
"Otsukaresama deshita!" everyone replied
(The other newbies have decided to go home and to their dorms because they are too tired to do some extra practice. Tojo, Toshi and his crew also Alice and her crew stayed for a bit and saw their senpais going to the shooting range and driving course to do more training)
"No way..our senpais are still going to do training?" Isamu said
"I'm so tired already..my arms feel so sore from loading.." Hanako said
"Mine too..I can't lift them up anymore.." Endo said
"How did you guys do in the driving course?" Tojo asked
"It was hard..driving a tank blindfolded is not a joke..I think I bumped into other tankers than the stationary ones.." Haruhiko said
"I wonder if all this training is worth it.." Chinatsu wondered
"I know what you mean..I haven't even seen Gero-senpai after the formation training.." Sakuraba said
"Gero-Taichou already is the best so I think he doesn't need training anymore..' Tojo said
"I don't think so...there must be a reason.." Toshi said
"I agree..Nii-chan wouldn't slack off while everyone is doing their best.." Alice said
"I see you've all been through the special training course.." a voice called out to them
(They all looked to see it was Maho that just came back from her inspection job with Kay)
"Maho-senpai, Otsukaresama deshita!" Toshi said
"Otsukaresama deshita!" the others said as well
"You too..how was the training course?" Maho asked
"It was hard senpai!" Sakuraba said
"It wouldn't be training if it was easy now is it?" Maho said
"That's true..but the whole time we didn't see Gero-senpai that made the training course..does he not train anymore?" Isamu asked
"Maho-san do you know where Nii-chan is?" Alice asked
"Hmmm since all of you have done a good job I guess I'll give you all a reward.." Maho smiled
"What kind of reward Maho-senpai?" Rio asked
"You'll see..come on follow me.."
(Maho then took Alice and the rest and they arrived at a big warehouse behind the training grounds. As Maho opened the door they went inside and saw the place empty)
"Maho-senpai this is?" Sakuraba asked
"As you can see it's a very old empty warehouse.." Maho said
"Is this the reward?" Chinatsu asked
"Come on, it's through here.." Maho said
(Maho then pressed a button on the wall and suddenly the wall opened like a trap door and it was an elevator)
"T-This is so cool!" Tojo said
"It looks like one of those you see in spy films!" Rio said
"A hidden elevator? Where does it go?" Alice asked
"To the lower levels of the ship.." Maho said
(As they boarded the elevator it now went maybe three levels down before the door opened. They all saw a door leading to another room in which Maho entered and everyone saw a familiar face)
"Hajime-senpai?!" everyone was surprised
"Why is everyone here? How did you know this place?" Hajime asked
"I brought them here..they were asking where Gero-kun was.." Maho said
"Maho-san.."
"I want to show them..I'm sure Gero-kun wouldn't mind.." Maho said
"I understand..but all you listen first..what you are going to see here is completely confidential..whatever you see in this room stays in this room..is that clear?" Hajime said
"Jawohl Hajime-senpai!" everyone replied
(Hajime then clicked a button on the console in front of him and the wall suddenly turned into glass. They all saw another room behind the glass but was definitely larger)
"A-Amazing..the wall became glass.." Endo said
"This stuff is pretty high-tech.." Toshi said
"This place is called The Den and it was made as a special training ground.." Maho said
"Special how Maho-senpai?" Hanako asked
"Look down there.." Hajime said
(Everyone looked and saw Gero together with Ono and right behind them was the famous White Tiger tank with the Kuromorimine Logo on the side of it's turret)
"Look it's Gero-Taichou and Ono-senpai!" Tojo said
"Is that..the White tiger?!" Rio asked
"Yes..that's our tank..the Tiger I Ausf. E…White Tiger.."
"The legendary tank that won the last tournament with a bang.." Toshi said
"I saw that! It flew over the Churchill and shot down twice!" Sakuraba said
"That was such a cool moment!" Chinatsu said
"What are they doing there Maho-san?" Alice asked
"Show them Hajime-kun.."
(Hajime then used the mic to notify Gero that the exercise will resume)
"Taichou..it was just Maho-san..you can continue now.."
"Oh Maho-chan..Okaeri!"
(Maho then made a ''shhh'' hand signal to the others telling them to be quiet and they nodded in agreement)
"Tadaima Gero-kun..can I see how you guys are doing?"
"Sure!"
(Gero and Ono then mounted the White Tiger but before they went inside both of them wore blindfolds)
"Blindfolds?!" Haruhiko said
"Look at their wrists they're wearing weighted wristbands also.." Endo said
"How heavy was yours?" Maho asked
"It was 1.5 pounds.." Hanako said
"They're wearing 5 pounds.." Hajime said
"5 POUNDS?!" they all reacted
"That's twice the weight of what the regulars wear.." Isamu said
"We're ready!"
"Roger that..commencing shooting exercise.." Hajime said
(Hajime pressed another button and the lights in the training room suddenly turned off and the mirror activated into night vision so they can see)
"No way..don't tell me.." Tojo said
"They'll do shooting exercises in the dark..with blindfolds.." Alice said
"3...2...1...START!" Hajime said
(In an instant a target appeared behind the White Tiger)
"Round up!"
"FIRE!"
(The turret of the White Tiger turned immediately behind it and shot the target with a direct hit. Then right after the target disappears another one appeared in another area of the room and again the White Tiger's turret rotated to it's direction and fired)
"T-This is incredible.." Toshi said
"How the heck are they hitting shots..while completely in the dark.." Sakuraba said
"Taichou is listening to the sounds and feeling the vibrations outside the tank as the targets appear.." Hajime said
"This is what Depth Perception and Spatial Perception looks like when you finish your training.." Maho said
"Nii-chan..just how strong are you.." Alice was also surprised
(Everyone watching had goosebumps the whole time and was amazed at what they saw. After 15 shots the lights turned back on signaling the end of the exercise)
"Exercise over..you can come out now..'' Hajime said
(Ono and Gero then came out their hatches removing the blindfolds)
"How did we do?"
"12 out of 15 targets took a direct hit..targets 5, 9, and 15 missed by 12 inches.." Hajime said
"Amazing he only missed 3 targets! Gero-Taichou is amazing!" Tojo said
"DAMN IT!": Gero shouted
(Everyone was surprised to hear Gero shout. This is the first time they saw him angry because he always had a smile every time)
"W-Why is Gero-senpai angry?" Chinatsu asked
"For you he hit 12 targets..but for him he missed 3 very important shots.." Maho said
"Every shot in a match is crucial..a single shot can turn the tide of a battle or it can decide the winner.." Hajime asked
"To Gero-kun if those shots he missed could've been the reason our flag tank was destroyed then it will be unacceptable for him.." Maho said
"Hajime let's run it one more time.."
"This is the last one..you guys need to rest or you won't last.." Hajime said
"I got it..last one.."
"How long have they been at it?" Maho asked
"Two hours non-stop..yesterday they did this up to 9PM without eating dinner.." Hajime said
"Up to 9PM?! What's up with that?!" Tojo reacted
"That's how your Taichou trains..Gero-kun trains to the point that his body could break down at any moment.." Maho said
"Maho-senpai..why do they train this hard?" Toshi asked
"Gero-senpai is already so skilled and a great commander..does he really need to train that much?" Chinatsu asked
"I also asked him that question when he first trained here..you know what he said to me?" Maho asked
"What did Nii-chan say?"
"He said 'I don't train to reach the top, I train this hard so that I can accomplish my goals and reach my dreams..' which I already knew what he meant.."
"What did he mean by that Maho-senpai?" Toshi asked
"Reaching the top is not the end but the beginning..you continue to have goals and you continue to challenge yourself until you reach those goals.." Maho said
(Everyone's expressions changed as they learned what Gero trains for)
"This is my reward to you..I hope in seeing Gero-kun you all will have a clear vision on what you want to achieve in Senshado..knowing where you want to go will be a big push for you all to keep striving forward.." Maho said
"Thank you very much Maho-senpai!" everyone said
"So don't worry about him and focus on what you can do..when the time comes Gero-kun will be needing your help and you all have to be there for him..so get stronger..not for his sake for anybody else's sake..get a lot stronger for yourselves and for your dreams..is that understood?" Maho said
"Jawohl!" everyone saluted
"Very good..now let's go back..don't think about training this late..get some rest for now for tomorrow's training..thanks Hajime-kun.." Maho said
"No problem..have a good evening everyone!" Hajime smiled
(Maho and the group now returned back topside. The newbies entered the warehouse with doubt and anxiety but as they left the warehouse their hearts are now filled with determination and motivation)
Coming Up Next : Chapter 38 - Past, Present, and Future
Author's Note:
Hey everyone! What do you think of the training menu made by Gero and Erika?! Very intense! Look forward to them newbies show their potential soon!
Shout out to : "DragonWalkerDEW" thank you so much for the follow and favorite! Welcome to the story!
Shout out to : "zero657" thank you sir for the follow! Welcome!
I uploaded again pictures at the Facebook page be sure to check them out! It would be an illustration of the three tank formations that Leila discussed!
Thank you for the wonderful support you all are amazing! As for the replies to your comments check the reviews section as always!
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