Chapter 90 - Journey
[Kuromorimine School Carrier]
(Months have passed after the 64th National Senshado Tournament and it was now that once in a lifetime event in their high school lives. Gero and the rest of the third years have finally graduated with flying colors. After passing the exams to their desired universities they now bid farewell to their friends and to their Senshado team)
"Senpai! Senpai don't leave us!" Tojo cried while hugging Ken
"Let go! We'll still be at the same school, just a different building!" Ken shouted
"But still it's not the same!"
"It is the same! Ono get him off me!"
"Oh come on don't be like that to your juniors.." Ono smiled
"Ono-senpai!" Sheska called out
"Hey Sheska! Has the final roster for the crews been finalized?"
"Yes! I'll be the loader of Sakuraba's Jagdtiger now!" Sheska smiled
"That's great! I know you'll do fine!"
"I'll catch up to you guys in no time! So wait for me alright senpai?" Sheska blushed and smiled
"Yeah, I'll always be here for you.."
(On the other side of the field Hajime was with Leila walking with the other team members and the new recruits)
"So both of you are going to attend Kuromorimine University too?" one of the juniors asked
"That's right! Actually all of the graduating 3rd years are! So if anything happens we'll be able to help you guys out!" Leila said
"But don't expect that we'll always help you out! There are things you have to work out yourselves and with your team in order to get stronger!" Hajime said
"Yes senpai!"
"Geez do you really have to be strict?" Leila pouted
"That was normal, you're just too kind.."
"Eeehh?"
(Gero and Erika then arrived with Sakuraba, Toshi, and Alice after having a meeting with Shiho.)
"Alright everyone gather around!" Koume shouted
"Is this everyone Koume?" Erika asked
"Yes Kommandant! The new recruits are here also!"
"Very good! Alright listen up all of you! Today is a beautiful day! Not because of our graduation because there's nothing I'd like more than to spend my whole life as a high school girl, am I right ladies?!"
"You got that right!" Mauko shouted
(Everyone then gave small chuckle at Erika's joke to brighten up the mood)
"It is a beautiful day because we have a lot of new recruits that came from very amazing middle schools! Welcome to our Kuromorimine Senshado Team!"
"Thank you very much Kommandant!" the recruits saluted
"Looks like a good amount of boys also joined! What do you say about that Bakatora?"
"I feel very happy about that! Make sure to behave yourselves and listen to your Team Captain alright?!"
"Yes sir!" the boys saluted
"Now we have both bad and good news to all of you, the bad one is I am no longer your Kommandant and Bakatora is no longer the Team Captain for the boys. Both of us are graduating and will be attending the universities that we chose.."
(The mood of the group slowly dropped as they got sad at the sad news. Graduation is always a very merry and difficult occasion to attend)
"But the good news is we got you guys a new Kommandant and a new Team Captain!"
"All of you please meet your new Kommandant approved by the Headmaster, Sakuraba Yui!"
"Hey boys, let me hear you roar for your new Team Captain, Yaegashi Toshi!"
(Everyone then gave a big round of applause and loud cheers for both Sakuraba and Toshi. Both of them then shyly bowed in front of their teammates and gave an honorable salute to them)
"Also please give a round of cheers to your new Vize Kommandant! Shimada Alice-chan!" Koume announced
"Whoo! Go Alice-chan!" Chinatsu shouted
"You're so cute Alice-chan!" Hanako shouted
"That's our cute Vize Kommandant!" Rio shouted
(Alice then of course got embarrassed and hid behind Gero because she was getting all red in the face)
"These three will now be leading you all in your training and future matches. We place our complete faith and confidence in them that they will not let Kuromorimine down!" Erika shouted
"YOROSHIKU ONEGAISHIMASU!" everyone bowed
"Alright well that's about it! You're dismissed and you can all do whatever the heck you want!"
"Hang on! We're not done yet!" Sakuraba said
"Hmmm? Was there something that I forgot?" Erika wondered
(The members of the team then suddenly stood fast and gave their best salute to the graduating third years. They were then given each a bouquet of flowers and the team shouted with all their might)
"CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GRADUATION AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL THE HARD WORK!"
"Oh you shouldn't have! But thanks everyone!"
"How thoughtful of you all.." Hajime said
"This is the first time I've ever received flowers.." Ono said
"Same for me.." Ken chuckled
(Since Gero and his crew were the only third year boys that were graduating, the rest were girls and had started crying because of the wonderful gift that their juniors gave them. All of them felt the emotions they had held in for so long pour out uncontrollably as they reminisced both the happy and sad memories they had during high school. Half of their tears were joy and half of it was sadness as a chapter of their life is now over)
"Thank you..thank you everyone..for making my last year of high school and Senshado so memorable.." Leila cried
"There there..it's not all goodbyes right?" Hajime comforted her
"Ono-senpai!" Sheska cried
"Geez not you too.." Ono chuckled
"Senpai!~" Tojo shouted
"Not you again!" Ken shouted in despair
"I hate you all for making this so emotional!" Mauko cried
"But we love you all as well for caring for us so much!" Sango cried
(As their senpais were crying there was one person that surprised them all. She was known for being scary, strict, ruthless, and as the White Wolf of Kuromorimine. They saw tears fall over her face and for this brief moment of happiness she was just an ordinary girl. Remembering all that had happened leading up to this point she just couldn't believe it was now over)
"I..I did so many things wrong..I made so many mistakes..when I first arrived here in Kuromorimine..I was so blinded of being one of the best. But I was weak and I took it all out on my comrades..because of my weakness it cost us Kuromorimine's winning streak..because of that defeat everybody including me blamed Miho..even though she saved my life I hated her..I could never forgive myself for that.."
(Everyone started to feel emotional as well and teared up as they listened to Erika opening her heart)
"After moving on from that disaster I replaced Miho as the Vice Kommandant. I wanted to prove myself to our previous Kommandant Maho-san..I wanted to bury my failures and in doing so I almost lost my friendship with Leila..I worked so hard to be recognized by Maho-san..only to be defeated again by Miho last year.."
(Gero then placed his arm around Erika's shoulder and pulled her closer for a hug to comfort her. She then leaned on to his shoulder feeling his warmth and love.)
"I was then nominated to be the next Kommandant of Kuromorimine but I just couldn't find my confidence and doubted myself all the time..until the day I met this bakatora of mine. He gave me the boost I needed to stand on my own. He pushed me to become the better me that was able to lead Kuromorimine to victory.."
"It wasn't just me..everyone here gave their all and pushed themselves to surpass their limits and that won us that victory!"
"That's right! So everyone..THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL THE MEMORIES! I WILL MISS YOU ALL! LET US MEET AGAIN IN SENSHADO!" Erika shouted and bowed
"YES!" everyone responded
"Alright everyone! My first order as your Kommandant is let's have all one big roar! To send off our amazing senpais with a blast! Are you ready?!" Sakuraba shouted
"JAWOHL KOMMANDANT!" everyone saluted
(All of them then gathered in one big circle and placed their hands on their chests to feel their heartbeat. During the finals it was Erika and gero that shouted but this time it was Sakuraba's and Toshi's turn to start it. They took one big breath and then shouted with all their might)
"DARE YORI NAMIDA O NAGASHITA NO WA?!"
[WHO SHED THE MOST TEARS!?]
"KUROMORIMINE!"
"DARE YORI ASE O NAGASHITA NO WA?!"
[WHO SHED THE MOST SWEAT?!]
"KUROMORIMINE!"
"ORETACHI WA DARE DA?!"
[WHO ARE WE?!]
"WE ARE KUROMORIMINE, WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!" everyone shouted
(All of them shouted with their heads up high and their hearts filled with honor and pride. Even though they no longer have the White Tiger and the White wolf they were replaced by their juniors that they had passed on their knowledge and skills. Some would say that they had gone weaker but Kuromormine is definitely stronger than it will ever be and it will continue being strong carrying on the will of Gero and Erika with them)
[Ooarai Girls Academy School Carrier - One Week Later]
(It was now the graduation day in Ooarai just like how it was in Kuromorimine. Gero came to visit with Erika, Maho and Shiho to surprise Miho and her crew)
"Miho-chan! Congratulations on graduating!"
"Onii-chan! Eririn! Onee-chan! Even okaa-san is here!" Miho was surprised
"Of course I'd be here! It's my daughter's graduation!" Shiho said
"Congratulations Miho.." Maho greeted
"Onee-chan..thank you!"
"Here Miho! Maho-san and I got this for you.." Erika smield
(Erika then handed her two boko bears which were limited edition ones. After receiving the gift Miho did not hesitate and hugged Erika together with Maho)
"Thank you so much Eririn! Onee-chan! I'll treasure these forever!"
"Congratulations on you guys as well! Anglerfish crew!"
"Thank you Gero-san!" Saori said
"Where's Ken-chan?" Mako asked
"Oh he's doing a favor for me..you'll get to see him later don't worry!"
"Have you all decided which university to go to?" Maho asked
"Yes! We will be going where Miho-san decided to go!" Hana said
"Oh is that so? Which university will you pick, Miho?" Erika asked
"Kuromorimine University!" Miho answered
"Really?!" Shiho was surprised
"Yes okaa-san!"
"How come I didn't know about this?" Shiho as confused
"We were sure that we told Gero-dono about it though?" Yukari said
"I kept it a secret to surprise okaa-chan and it worked! Surprise!"
"That's great Miho! But that means.." Maho said
"It means I'd have to go back to Kumamoto..with that being said, okaa-san would it be alright if I wanted to live with you and onee-chan again?"
(Shiho started to get teary eyed hearing Miho ask that question. She hugged Miho tightly and tears of joy fell down her cheeks and thanked God that this day had come)
"Would it be alright if I came home?" Miho asked
"Of course my daughter, you are always welcome and that will always be your home no matter what! We are family!" Shiho said
"Thank you okaa-san..thank you so much.."
(After the warm hug between mother and daughter, Miho then walked in front of Gero and demanded a present from him as well)
"I do hope you have a present for me this time onii-chan!" Miho pouted
"Ahaha yes yes I do have one. If I didn't, Erika might've broken my bones.."
"So where is it?"
"It's back at home, it's actually a present not just for you but to your crew as well.."
"For us too?" Yukari asked
"Would you like to come to our home? We'll have a celebration over there!" Shiho invited
"We would love to Nishizumi-sama!" Hana smiled
"Alright let's go!" Saori cheered
[Nishizumi Household]
"Ojamashimasu!" Miho's crew greeted
"Oh! Welcome everyone!" Tsuneo suddenly greeted back
"Oto-san! I didn't know you were still here!" Miho said
"Huhu why did that sound like you wanted me to leave already?" Tsuneo cried
"Ahaha it's not that! I was just surprised, that's all!"
"Well anyways..congratulations on graduating Miho! We're so proud of you!"
"Thank you oto-san!" Miho blushed
"Congratulations to your crew as well!"
"Thank you very much!" Miho's crew bowed
"Have you guys finished the thing?"
"Yeah it's ready for you guys now! Ono and the others are there as well!"
"You guys go on ahead and I'll start preparing a feast!" Shiho smiled
"Oh I'll help okaa-sama!" Maho said
"Me too!" Erika said
"You guys aren't coming?" Miho asked
"We already know what the gift is so yeah!" Maho answered
"You guys are going to love it! Now hurry!" Erika smiled
(Gero, Tsuneo, along with Miho and her crew now headed to the back where the garage was. They saw that Ono, Ken and Hajime were their waiting for them)
"What took you guys so long?!" Ono asked
"We had to go shopping so.."
"Congratulations on graduating, Anglerfish team!" Hajime greeted
"Thank you Hajime-kun!" Saori said
"Congratulations to you guys, the Tiger Team as well!" Hana said
"Ken-chan! Ken-chan!" Mako said
"Yes yes, here's your reward.." Ken smiled
(Ken then gave Mako gentle head pats on her head. She genuinely enjoyed the head pats as she hugged Ken. Everyone was just surprised at how far their relationship has developed even though they don't see each other that often)
"I hate to interrupt your sweet quality time but we have a present to give them right?"
"Yup! Are you guys ready?" Ken asked
"Yes!"
(Gero and Tsuneo then placed their hands on the garage's handle. They counted to three and slowly pulled the doors to each side revealing something covered with a blanket. Ono and Hajime then pulled the blanket off and what they saw next surprised them. It was the White Tiger team's Tiger I tank but it wasn't white anymore. They had removed the white paint and it was now back to its tan color and the tank number was the same 217)
"Ken-chan..this is your tank right?" Mako asked
"That's right.." Ken smiled
"Wait..don't tell us that.." Hana reacted
"The gift is?" Saori asked
"Your tank?" Yukari asked
"Yes!" Hajime smiled
"Eeehhhh?!" everyone reacted
"But onii-chan! We can't! This is too much of a gift!" Miho reacted
"Listen Miho-chan..this wasn't our tank to begin with. This has been your tank ever since you got into Kuromorimine. We were just borrowing it until now.."
"We're returning it to you now! Thank you so much for lending us your tank!" Ono smiled
"We were able to do so much stuff with this tank! It is the best tank we could've possibly ridden!" Hajime said
"As much as I want to jump for joy and rejoice, I find it very hard to accept this gift Gero-dono.." Yukari said
"May I ask why?"
"This was your tank that won us the Joint Tournament. It was your first win as one of the first boys joining Senshado!" Yukari said
"And this is the tank that you used to fight in the 64th National Tournament! You've been through so much with this tank and won! Right Mako?" Saori said
(Saori was looking for Mako to back her up but she was already sitting inside the Tiger I's driver seat and was being toured by Ken)
"Mako! I can't believe you!" Saori shouted
"Don't be noisy..I don't get why you're all hesitating to receive this wonderful gift.." Mako said
"We just said the reasons why!" Saori shouted again
"Ken-chan and the rest surely have a reason to give this to Miho-san as their present. They know what kind of tank they are giving to us more than anyone else. To refuse this even though they are this committed seems rude, don't you think?" Mako explained
"It's not like we want to be rude.." Hana reacted
"Well no matter what we feel it's Miho-san's decision in the end though so.." Mako smiled
"Mako-san..but still.."
"May we at least know the reason why you're giving this to us?" Yukari asked
"As you all know I'll be going to Germany soon.."
"For your treatment right?" Saori asked
"Yes. Which means I'll be leaving these guys behind.."
"We made a promise that we will not ride a tank unless the four of us are together.." Ono said
"And we didn't want this tank to be crewless because that would just be too cruel.." Hajime said
"So we thought that nobody would be a better crew than you guys.." Ken smiled
"When you go to Kuromorimine University you won't be able to bring your Panzer IV since it's Ooarai's tank right? So with this everything will be alright!"
(Gero then walked up towards Miho and looked at her in her eyes)
"It would make us really happy if you would take care of our partner, he took good care of us so I'm sure he'll take good care of you all too!"
"Onii-chan.."
"Please accept this as our gift to you..I'll be away from you again so think of it as my way of protecting you my cute little sister.."
(Miho then hugged Gero tightly in response to his request. She then gave him a sweet kiss on the cheeks as a sign of thanks)
"Thank you onii-chan..I'll accept this gift together with my crew and take care of it forever.."
"Thank you Miho.."
"Alright! Miho-dono has said yes! A Tiger I! I'm so excited!" Yukari shouted
"Go on then and check out your new tank!" Ono said
"We will!" Saori smiled
(While they were enjoying their time with their new tank, Erika and Shiho were having a heart to heart talk while preparing dinner)
"My son told me you'd be going with him to Germany.." Shiho said
"Yes headmistress.."
"We're not in school anymore and technically I'm no longer your headmistress either so don't call me that anymore.."
"E-Eh? T-Then..okaa-sama?" Erika blushed
"Yes Erika-kun?"
"I already made up my mind when the doctor told us about it at the hospital. That I'd go with him no matter what."
"I see..may I ask why?"
"When Gero went away just before the finals it dawned on me how painful and scary it was. Not knowing where he is and how long will he be away? Is he safe? What is he thinking about? Will he come back? Am I never going to see him again? I kept thinking about those things everyday as I waited."
"That's why you're going with him?"
"Yes. I don't want to be the one left behind and waiting anymore. I want to be beside him and fight alongside him."
"I see..it is something very difficult to go through. Believe me I understand you since I'm going through it myself each time my idiot husband is away.." Shiho smiled
"That's why I admire you so much okaa-sama. How do you handle the fear of being separated for a long time from Tsuneo-sama?" Erika asked
"Trust and a whole lot of praying.." Shiho smiled
"Bakatora has my trust and I know his capabilities but when I saw the wounds on his hands when he came back..I just knew that it was only going to get worse the next time he went away. That's why I'm going with him to make sure that he comes back here alive.."
"I know..what you're about to do helps not just Gero but us also and it puts my heart at ease knowing that you will be with him..so thank you Erika-kun.."
"Of course okaa-sama.." Erika smiled
[All-Stars University Team Training Grounds - One Month Later]
(It was now the day of Gero's departure to Germany and instead of going to the airport he called over some people to meet up at the training grounds of the All-Stars University Team. The people he called over were tank commanders and their crew of the different schools that he was close with)
[Nishizumi Family]
- Nishizumi Miho
- Nishizumi Maho
[Shimada Family]
- Shimada Alice
- Shimada Mika
[Yamato Family]
- Yamato Kaede
- Yamato Shiori
[Kuromorimine University High School]
- Akaboshi Koume
- Sakuraba Yui
- Yaegashi Toshi
- Takada Tojo
[Pravda Girls High School]
- Kallan
- Katyusha
- Klara
- Nonna
- Nina & Alina
[Saunders University High School]
- Takashi Ray
- Kay
- Naomi
- Alisa
[Jatkosota High School]
- Jouko
[Chi-Ha-Tan Academy]
- Kinuyo Nishi
- Haru Fukuda
- Tamaki Tamada
- Shizuko Hosomi
- Setsuko Nagura
- Noriyo Hamada
- Emi Ikeda
[Anzio High School]
- Chiyomi Anzai
- Haruto Anzai
- Carpaccio
- Pepperoni
[Ooarai Girls Academy]
- Duck Team
- Hippo Team
- Centipede Team
- Leopon Team
[St. Gloriana Girls College]
- Darjeeling, Assam, & Pekoe
- Rosehip
- Barley
- Sencha
[BC Freedom High School]
- Asparagus
- Marie
[Shogun Boys High School]
- Yamasaki Akane
- Tokugawa Shinji
[Crows Nest High School]
- Ishikawa Kenji
- Ishikawa Sudou
[Red Wings Academy]
- Takayuki Kojo
[Bonple High School]
- Jajka
[Bellwall Academy]
- Nakasuga Emi
(It was a very specific and well chosen group of people who are very skilled in Senshado. All of them did not know why they were called there but Gero insisted on them attending this very important day. They waited for a few minutes until Gero arrived together with his crew, Erika with her crew, The masters of the Three Great Families, Ami Chouno and Idegami Kikuyo)
"Oh! Looks like everyone I called is here!"
"This is one amazing line up if I do say so myself!" Chouno smiled
"As expected of Gero-sama! You have a natural talent for scouting!" Kikuyo praised
"So Gero-kun, care to explain to us this situation?" Darjeeling smiled
"Straight to the point! I like that! Well then here it is, right now there's 50 tank crews including mine and Erika's crew with a total of 239 members! Would you like to be part of the official Japan National Senshado Team or JNST?"
(For a few seconds it was just pure silence and nobody was making a sound. They were too shocked to react immediately and had to process it in their brains before erupting into reactions)
"EEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHH?!" everyone reacted
"Japan National Senshado Team?! I've never heard that before!" Katyusha reacted
"That's because it was just newly made..and you guys are the first ones on the list to be part of it!" Chouno said
"National Senshado Team so meaning we'll be representing the country?!" Kay asked
"Yup! As professionals I might add so we'll be getting paid per match we attend and/or tournaments we win!"
"When did this all get approved?" Katyusha asked
"Yesterday! Haha! I wanted to let you know as soon as it got approved!"
"I have a question!" a mysterious girl raised her hand
(Everyone looked at the girl in a Jatkosota High School uniform with a cap on her head. Some of them didn't know who she was and others have heard of her. The girl was named Jouko)
"I've heard a lot about you from Mi-chan, nice to finally meet you, White Witch of Jatkosota!"
"I could say the same about you White Tiger, your reputation precedes you.." the girl smiled
"Your questions is?"
"Why now all of a sudden? Why us specifically?"
"Japan has never entered the international scene because Senshado wasn't recognized as a legitimate sport worthy of competing with other countries when it was still an all-female sport. But since we males have now been allowed to participate the Federation took it into consideration and was approved. The reason why now is because the International Tournament is held every three years and the last International Tournament had just finished last month!"
"Who won?" Jouko asked
"The United Kingdom won. They also won the previous tournament as well making them the World Champions back to back. Their commander is what you would call a monster.." Erika said
"That strong huh?" Asparagus reacted
"Insanely strong! If I fought her in my current state I'd lose! Totally destroyed!"
"For the great White Tiger to say that then she must really be a threat!" Akane reacted
"They call her the Conquering Princess of Britain.." Erika said
"We'll burn that bridge when we get there so forget about it for now! Now to answer Jouko-san's second question, the reason why you all are chosen because you are the best of the best in our country! If we want to show the world our way of Senshado then we will give it everything we've got!"
"So all of us here are joining?" Anchovy asked
"Well that's up to you to decide! Kikuyo nee-chan please hand them contracts.."
(Kikuyo then handed them all paperwork which had all the details regarding all what they needed to know about)
"Now you don't need to rush, okay? You can take all the time you want before you make a decision! I understand this is a hell of a lot of information to digest right now." Kikuyo said
"That's putting it lightly.." Naomi said
"Uhm Miho, why don't you and your crew have a contract?" Shizuka asked
"Oh that's because we've already signed it!" Miho smiled
"Ehhh?! Already?!" Caesar reacted
"Yup! So did onee-chan, Mika-san and Alice-chan!"
"We also have signed the contract already.." Kaede said
"Well that was fast decision making.." Asparagus reacted
"What about you darling?" Kay asked
"Already signed as well..so did Erika and her crew.."
"Then I'm in as well! I get to be in a team together with darling! There's no need to think about it!" Kay cheered
"Ahaha I'm happy about that.."
"Ha?!" Erika gave Gero a cold stare
"E-Ehem..anyways as you all know I'll be leaving for Germany.."
"Do you have a date when?" Kal asked
"Today.."
"Eeeehhh?!" everyone reacted
"Why didn't you tell us about it! We could've done a wonderful send off!" Akane reacted
"I didn't want it to be that big of a deal and I didn't want to cause anybody any trouble.."
"Oh come on no such thing! Right everyone?" Takashi shouted
"That's right!" everyone answered
"How long will you be in Germany?" Klara asked
"I'll be recovering there for at least three years..unfortunately.."
"THREE YEARS?!" everyone reacted again
"That's so long! Why?!" Nishi asked
"That's cutting it pretty close to the International Tournament don't you think?" Emi reacted
"I agree, but that's how long it will take for me to make a full recovery..but that's alright because that would give you all a lot of time to catch up.."
"Catch up?" Tojo asked
"If you agree to join the Japan Team then you'll be able to receive training here at the All-stars university..and you'll learn from the Head of the Three Great Families.."
"What?! The Nishizumi, Shimada and Yamato Families will train us?!" Carpaccio asked
"That's right! We will teach you the ways of the Nishizumi Family!" Shiho announced
"I'll make sure to carve the strategies of the Shimada Family into your bones!" Chiyo shouted
"This team needs only the best of the best of the best! So the Yamato Family will do everything in its power to make you the best!" Mai said
(Everyone suddenly got chills sent down their spines after hearing those encouraging words.)
"Listen to me..all of you are strong! The strongest I've ever known! But if we're going to go international? We all have to get stronger than who we are today! That's why train as hard as you can and get stronger! And when I return here in three years I want you all to stand side by side with me and we'll fight the other countries together!"
"You plan on challenging the world champions Gero-kun?" Darjeeling asked
"Challenge them? WE'RE GOING TO TAKE IT FROM THEM!"
*CUE MUSIC: Black Clover Ending Song [TREASURE - BEAUTIFUL]
(Hearing Gero's words gave a smile to everyone's faces and gave them confidence. They all felt that no matter where they go as long as Gero's with them they can handle anything. They all answered in unison with a shout to Gero's words)
"YYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"
"We'll get stronger! That's a promise!" Toshi shouted
"In three years we'll show you how much we've grown!" Barley shouted
"I'm already looking forward to it!"
"Alright then after you've signed the papers, give them to me, I know there'll be some difficulty with the schedule since some of you are still in high school but I know you will all manage.." Kikuyo said
"We'll make our debut in the international scene in three years! Our goal is the 18th International Tournament!"
(All of them then walked towards the plane that would take Gero to Germany. They said their final goodbyes to each other before he left. First was his precious little sisters which he was hugging tightly)
"Take care of yourselves alright?"
"Don't worry about us onii-chan we'll be alright!" Miho cried
"That's right! It's you who has to be careful!" Maho cried
"I will..we'll see each other again I promise.."
"And you never break your promises.." Miho smiled
"Yes I don't.."
(Gero than placed his hand on Maho and Miho's face)
"I know both of you can be stronger. You are my little sisters after all!"
"Yes onii-sama! We promise we will!"
"I love you both very much!"
"We love you too! So much!"
(After Miho and Maho the next was Alice and Mika)
"Nii-chan! When I get stronger you better praise me a lot alright?" Alice demanded
"I'll praise you all you want! So do your best!"
"I will! Nee-chan will do her best too!"
"I always do my best..especially for Ro-chan.." Mika said
"Mi-chan.."
"Hmmm?"
"I haven't said this to you yet but..thank you so much for trying to look for me all those years..knowing you did that makes me very happy.."
(All of a sudden Mika blushed very hard in front of everyone. She didn't expect Gero would say that to her while looking at her eyes and that caught her off guard)
"It's the first time in a long time I've seen nee-chan blush! So cute!" Alice chuckled
"Ro-chan no baka.."
"Ahaha sorry.."
(Gero then felt another chill on his back as Erika looked at him with icy glares of jealousy. The next person he was saying goodbye to was Kaede)
"Well..even though we finally had a chance to catch up with each other you're going away somewhere again.." Kaede pouted
"I'm sorry..but at least you won't get any headaches when I pop into your mind right?"
"True..hey what makes you think I'll even think of you?!" Kaede blushed
"Oh I don't know..maybe when you miss me?"
"W-W-What are you saying?!" Kaede blushed harder
"Ahaha I'm just joking..take care of yourself Kaede-chan.."
"You too Eiji-kun.."
(Next was his RYOBU team that went with him)
"You sure you don't need us to come this time?" Takashi chuckled
"Nah I'll be good..you guys hold down the fort here alright?"
"You don't need to worry Gero..we'll make sure to protect everyone.." Assam said
"Thank you Assam.."
"If anything happens over there just give us a call and we'll come right away!" Klara said
"She's right we're only 12 hours away so don't hesitate!" Naomi smiled
"I'll keep that in mind!"
"So this is it huh? Make sure you come back in one piece alright?" Kal said
"I will..and look after Miho alright? Be there for her when she's sad."
"Definitely.."
(Then finally Gero bids farewell to his crew. The brothers he was with ever since the beginning. Parting with them for three years is difficult but they know it had to happen)
"You guys going to be alright while I'm gone?"
"It will be less chaotic around here when you're gone so fine by me!" Ono said
"You sure you don't want to borrow any eroge? You know, to keep you busy?" Ken teased
"Don't even joke about that Ken, I'm already at death's door here!"
"Ahaha sorry sorry! But seriously I'll miss you..nobody else around here that could keep up with my energy.."
"Yeah well that's why Ono and Hajime here will do it for me!"
"I respectfully decline that responsibility!" Hajime shouted
"Haha! Well boys this is it.."
(Gero and his crew then did a huddle up with only the four of them. Everyone looked at them with a smile and it was one of their most emotional hugs. All four of them started to tear up and hugged each other tighter. The pain of saying goodbye was overcame with the thought that it wasn't going to be their last group huddle)
"WE LIVE TOGETHER!" Ken shouted
"WE FIGHT TOGETHER!" Hajime shouted
"WE DIE TOGETHER!" Ono shouted
"WE ARE THE WHITE TIGER!" all four of them shouted in unison
(No matter how many times they did the shout of the White Tiger team they will never get tired of hearing it)
"Until we meet again my brothers.."
"Come on Gero it's time to board the plane.." Erika said
"Yeah..I'll be right with you.."
(Erika then started to climb the steps on the plane and everyone was wondering why. Of course they didn't know that she was going to join Gero in his trip to Germany since the only ones that knew was Gero's crew, her own tank crew and Shiho)
"Take care of him Erika-san!" Hajime said
"I will!"
"Hey wait! Why are you boarding?!" Darjeeling reacted
"Oh that's right..you don't know..I'm going with him to Germany.." Erika said with a smug smile
"EEEEHHHHH?!" everyone reacted
"Oops..I forgot to mention it.." Erika smiled again
"HEY THAT'S UNFAIR! WHY DO YOU GET TO GO WITH HIM?!" Kay shouted in jealousy
"We applied for the same university in Germany and we passed..so naturally I will go to Germany as well!" Erika explained
"Will you be staying in a dorm?" Naomi asked
"No, we rented our own apartment there!" Erika bragged
"EEEEEEHHHH?!"
"Erika!"
"Will you be sleeping in the same room?" Alisa teased
"Yes we are!" Erika bragged again
(And with that statement the minds of Kay, Darjeeling, Kaede, Mika, and Maho fell into the deep abyss. Their thoughts were filled with envy, jealousy and sadness. Mika was the first one to snap out of it and demanded to go on the plane)
"I'm going with Ro-chan! There's no way I'm letting him sleep together with you!" Mika shouted
"Mi-chan calm down! You really can't come!"
"I'm going as well! I have to make sure you're not doing anything indecent!" Darjeeling said
"Darjeeling! We're not going to do anything!"
"Darling! Take me with you!" Kay insisted
"Not you too Kay!"
"I must protect Eiji-kun's chastity at all cost!" Kaede shouted
"Kaede-chan?! What in the world are you saying?!"
(While the four girls were fighting over Gero again Maho had passed out and Miho as trying to wake her up)
"Onee-chan?! Onee-chan! Get a grip!" Miho shouted
"O-Onii-sama is..going to..s-sleep with Erika..." Mako muttered
"Geez onee-chan..just how much of a brocon are you?"
(After a few minutes of arguing Gero was finally able to calm down the girls)
"We are not going to Germany to fool around! We're going there so that I could get treated and Erika is going with me to make sure that I get my treatment without any problems! I know you want to come with us but it's dangerous. That's why you have to stay here and get stronger! Alright?"
"If Ro-chan says so.." Mika pouted
"I suppose there's nothing we could do.." Darjeeling pouted
"I understand.." Kaede pouted
"Well if I can't come with you then I'll just give you a good luck charm as a parting gift!" Kay smiled
"Good luck cha-mmm!?"
(Before Gero could ask what the charm was, Kay suddenly lunged forward and gave Gero a passionate and sweet kiss on the lips. Everyone was so stunned at what she did and couldn't believe what they saw)
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHH?!" everyone reacted
"K-K-K-K-Kay?! W-W-Why?!"
"I love you Nishizumi Gero and I won't be giving up on you no matter what! I want to be your strength and be of use to you. I'll be there whenever you need me. May it be on the battlefield or in bed!" Kay said with a smile and a blush
"KYYYYYAAAAAAA~!" the girls reacted
"Oh! That's my commander!" Naomi cheered
"I'll have you know that was my first kiss~" Kay smiled
"Then me as well..Ro-chan~" Mika said
(Mika then grabbed Gero's face and kissed him softly but deep. Gero's face was red as a tomato)
"Mi-Mi-Mi-chan?!"
"I have been in love with you ever since we were little..my first kiss is yours..don't forget to text me every night Ro-chan.." Mika blushed with a wink
"That's my daughter!" Chiyo bragged
"Okaa-sama.." Alice had a sweat drop on her head
"No fair! You guys beat me to it!" Kaede reacted
"Don't tell me..mmphh~!?"
(Kaede as well threw herself onto Gero and kissed him on the lips. Hers was a simple yet genuine kiss)
"That too..was my first kiss..Eiji-kun no baka..I love you~" Kaede blushed while touching her lips
"Go Kaede! Don't let yourself lose to a Shimada!" Mai shouted
"I've never seen my mother this excited.." Shiori also had a sweat drop on her head
(Having been kissed by three very beautiful women Gero was unable to stand and lost all his strength on his legs. He fell on his bottom and was still red as a tomato. Erika was just staring and still shocked seeing his boyfriend get kissed by other rivals. They thought it was over but it wasn't for the last but definitely not the least girl is about to make her move.)
"Gero-kun.." Darjeeling whispered
"D-Darjeeling.."
(She slowly walked towards the still weak legged Gero on the ground. Her blonde hair that was tied was gently let down by her removing the pin. Darjeeling loosened her necktie as she sat down on Gero's lap and placed her hands around his neck. She was breathing heavily as her heart beats faster than any tank engine. She drew her breath with all the strength she had and spoke her heart to Gero.)
"I have utterly fallen for you Great White Tiger, I no longer care how many women you love as long as I am one of them, I am forever yours.." Darjeeling said with a blush
"Darj-mmhmm~"
(Gero and Darjeeling's lips connected slowly but surely and without fail sent her love for him. The kiss grew longer than the others and she continued to hug him tighter than before. Everyone that witnessed the kiss was very surprised of Darjeeling because they did not expect that kind of kiss from her for it was not really lady-like)
"Oh my Darjeeling-sama.." Pekoe blushed
"Congratulations Darjeeling-sama.." Assam smiled
(Both Gero and Darjeeling broke away from the kiss for they need to take a breath of air. They were so red as a tomato and embarrassed for what they did in front of everyone they knew. But Darjeeling was happy that she was able to confess her feelings to the man she loves. After all the kisses that were given to Gero there was one girl that wasn't happy at all. As a matter of fact she had a mix of emotions consisting of envy, anger, and jealousy. Erika was angry that other girls kissed her boyfriend in front of her, envious because she too wanted to kiss him in front of everyone, and jealous because Gero definitely enjoyed those kisses)
"BA-KA-TO-RA~" Erika said with an angry voice
"E-Erika, calm down..that was clearly out of my control.."
"NO EX-CU-SES~"
"P-Please..have mercy.."
"DIVINE PUNISHMENT FOR THIS GIGOLO BAKATORA!"
"NOOOOOO! I'M NOT A GIGOLO! IT HUUUUUUURTS!"
(After all of the kisses, hugs, punches, and kisses the two of them boarded the plane and have now taken off and are now on their way to Germany. Erika was holding an ice bag on Gero's cheek because it was all sore from her beating and she was sorry for doing it.)
"I'm sorry Erika..please don't be mad anymore.."
"I'm not mad..I know it's not your fault..it's those girls' that were wrong..I'm sorry too for hitting you so much.."
"It's alright.."
"But still..Darjeeling, Kay, Kaede-san, and Mika were wrong but they were just being honest..they really love you Bakatora.."
"I know that and I like them as well..but you are the one I love Erika..and that will never ever change.."
(Erika then placed the ice bag on the tray then she suddenly sat on top of Gero's lap and stared at his eyes. She placed his arms around his shoulders just like how Darjeeling did it and she was blushing red as well)
"Erika?"
"What if..I told you that I was fine with you loving other women..as long as I'm number one?"
"Eeeh?! Do you have any idea about what you are saying?!"
"When I saw them kiss you back there..those weren't just kisses in the heat of the moment or were acts of trying to provoke me. Those were real and genuine kisses of maidens in love with you.."
"I know it was! If I didn't notice that after every kiss then I wouldn't be able to call myself a man!"
"You're just too perfect of a man, too good to be true and yet here you are in front of me. It makes me feel that it's not fair for me to monopolize you all to myself.."
"Ha?! Not gonna lie, that is the craziest idea you have said to me..but I'm not gonna say that I don't like it..ugh what the hell am I saying now?! I'm definitely going to hell for this.."
"You're right I might just be getting crazy but it's your fault that I'm being this way. It's your fault that those girls were getting crazy in love with you, as am I. So I'm going to be nice and share you with them..if that's what you desire?"
"S-Share?!"
(Gero's head is getting dizzier by the second as Erika shares her fantastic and crazy idea of sharing him with the other girls in a romantic relationship way. Just before it got any crazier Weiss the cat suddenly jumped in between Erika and Gero startling them both)
"W-Weiss?!" Erika reacted
"Where were you all this time?"
"Nyaa~!"
"Looks like it's not just going to be the two of us in that apartment after all, haha!"
"Geez, are you one of my rivals too Weiss?"
"Nyaa~?"
"Alright, you'll be the first one I'm going to share with this Bakatora.."
"Nyaa~!"
"What are you both coming to an agreement all of a sudden?"
"I'm serious Gero, you're going to need all the help you can get in the near future battles will have..and in three years Darjeeling, Kay, Kaede-san, and Mika will be a lot stronger after they train. And their love for you will grow even stronger as well.."
"Alright alright I'll think about this harem? I never thought I'd get to say that but I said it. But I'm still marrying you and that's final!"
"Oh I have no problem with that! I love you so much Gero!"
"I love you so much too Erika!"
"Nyaa~!"
"I love you too Weiss.."
(The laptop in front of them suddenly rang a tone that somebody was calling them. Erika then got off Gero's lap and stood beside him. Weiss laid down on Gero's lap because it was just too comfortable for her. Gero then answered the call on the laptop and eight screens popped up in front of them showing eight individuals)
[Screen #1] Tank Meister Alonso
- German National Tankery Team Coach
- Commander of German Special Operations Forces (KSK)
[Screen #2] Tank Meister Chouno
- Japan National Tankery Team Coach
- Commander of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JSDF)
[Screen #3] Tank Meister Bryson
- American National Tankery Team Coach
- Commander of American Special Operations Forces (SEAL)
[Screen #4] Tank Meister Leo
- French National Tankery Team Coach
- Commander of French Elite Police Tactical Unit (GIGN)
[Screen #5] Tank Meister Barrett
- British National Tankery Team Coach
- Commander of British Special Operations Forces Unit (SAS)
[Screen #6] Tank Meister Bong-Cha
- South Korean National Tankery Team Coach
- Commander of Korean Special Operations Forces (ROK)
[Screen #7] Tank Meister Lin Yu Jie
- China National Tankery Team Coach
- Commander of PLA Special Operations Forces
[Screen #8] Tank Meister Dmitri
- Russia National Tankery Team Coach
- Commander of Russian Special Operations Forces (Spetsnaz)
"Greetings to you all Tank Meisters, it's lovely to see you all again!"
"You as well Sir Gero!" Alonso said
"Hello my cute disciple! Hello as well Erika-chan!" Chouno greeted
"Chouno-san?!" Erika reacted
"Let me introduce to you the Legendary Tank Meisters of the world, all of them are skilled tank commanders that coach the International Tankery Teams of other countries. They're also the commanding officers of the special forces of our allies overseas, they'll be working with us in the war against Pandora.."
"Hey white tiger, who's that fine young lady beside you?" Bryson asked
"This is Itsumi Erika, she will be my second-in-command from now on and my future wife."
"Oh my it's too bad that you're already taken.." Lin Yu Jie teased
"But aren't you also married, Lin-san?"
"I am but I just can't help being mesmerized by your handsome face.."
"Ahaha..ow ow ow!"
(Gero then felt a pinch on his cheek given to him by Erika which made him cry in pain)
"Look at what you did, you made the tiger's spouse angry!" Bong-Cha chuckled
"Ladies please, I'm sorry to interrupt your girl talk but we have far more important matters to discuss with Monsieur Gero.." Leo said
"That's right, let's start this meeting so that we can quickly put an end to Pandora!" Dmitri stated
"Dmitri-san is right, we only have three years before the start of the 18th International Tournament, before that we must eradicate Pandora off the face of the earth, are we all in agreement?"
"What do we do if after three years we still haven't finished off Pandora?" Barrett asked
"Then we'll continue to fight them even if the tournament is ongoing. We'll fight them in the land, air, and sea. No matter where they are, we will find them, we will stop them, and we will put an end to Pandora.."
"Children should not live that kind of life. A life filled with fear and despair. Children should be running around and playing with their families. We will fight until the end. We won't stop until we secure a bright future for the children today, the children about to be born, the children yet to be created, our children and our children's children. They are the future." Erika proudly said
(The Tank Meisters then smiled at Erika and Gero's answer for they were very satisfied that their leaders are one tough and scary couple. People that will not yield to anything and will accomplish their mission no matter what for the sake of their children)
"Well said my love.."
"With that said I no longer have any doubts, we will now start our preparations for the upcoming operations to be conducted against Pandora.." Barret smiled
"Thank you Barret-san.."
"This isn't part of the discussion but I heard that you gave back your tank to your sister?" Alonso asked
"Yes Alonso-san that is correct!"
"What happens now? Is the Legend of the White Tiger over?" Dmitri asked
(Gero then held Erika's hand and gave a big smug smile to everyone)
"Over? I'm just getting started.."
=============================================TO BE CONTINUED=============================================
Author's Note:
Hi all! Happy 2022! This is the end of the Kuromorimine Arc! The next Arc will be the International Tournament Arc which will take place after a time skip! Also before the next Arc there will be a three chapter OVA about Gero and Erika's journey so look forward to that!
I chose the Black Clover Ending Song 13 as the ending song to this chapter because the lyrics match perfectly to the start of their new journey! Listen to the song in youtube since it's an amazing song!
Let me know your reactions about this chapter in the reviews!
Shout out to : "seanongayo90" "TheGamerMarine76" "jaimerey7000" "The Cybernetic Unicorn" thank you for the favorite and follow! Welcome!
Shout out to : "txmazo" thank you for the favorite! Welcome!
Thank you for the wonderful support you all are amazing! As for the replies to your comments check the reviews section!
As always if you like what you see leave a Favorite, if you want to see a notification as I post a new chapter please Follow! If you have comments and suggestions leave a review for me to read! Thank you again and have a nice day!
SEE YOU ALL IN THE NEXT CHAPTERS!