Chapter 83 - Challenging Fate

[Finals Battlefield]

"Nishizumi Style: Sacred Possession.."

(Gero activated his Sacred Possession already at the start of the match and his eyes glowed golden yellow once more. He took aim and targeted a tank within the formation of Red Wings and pulled the trigger)

"Roar! Byakko!"

*BANG

(The 88mm shell was fired from the gun barrel of the White Tiger and traveled at the highest velocity towards their prey. They were very far from the target so it took the shell four seconds before it reached and those in Red Wings did not know what was coming)

[Red Wings Tank Formation]

"Alright! We have a long way to go before we meet the enemy! But stay alert!" Shiori ordered

"Where should we place the Calliope team commander?" Takayuki asked

"Take them to-"

*BOOM

(The 88mm shell suddenly landed spot on the side of a T-34 Calliope of Red Wings. It was white flagged without a doubt. Everybody was shocked to the core by this shot and it wasn't over. The shell broke the support bars that were holding the rocket tubes and the tubes fell to the side on the ground. The impact caused a malfunction on the rocket tubes and it misfired two 114mm rockets by accident hitting two M4 Jumbos in front of it)

*BOOM *BOOM

"W-What the heck..just happened..?" Takayuki was in shock

(The two jumbos that got hit by the 114mm rockets got white flagged as well. The whole arena erupted into load cheers and screams as they witnessed an amazing shot done by Gero and even the announcer was so hyped up about it)

"HOLY CRAP! DID YOU SEE THAT FOLKS?! ONE SHOT THREE KILLS! WHAT AN AMAZING SHOT BY THE WHITE TIGER!"

*TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA *TORA

"Where the heck did that come from?!" Shiori shouted

"Over there commander! Above the ridge!" Takayuki pointed

(After looking at the direction where the shot came from Shiori had chills sent down her spine and she shivered in fear)

"N-No way.."

"What's wrong commander?" Takayuki was confused

(Takayuki couldn't see what Shiori was looking at right now. The answer why she couldn't see Gero's aura wasn't because he had none. It was because Gero's aura was so big that she was inside of it that's why she couldn't see it. Across from Shiori was a big aura in the shape of a tiger and it was as large as half of the battlefield. Gero just had the biggest smile on his face after making that shot)

"Kari ga hajimatta.."

[The hunt has begun..]

"Hey hey those eyes.." Ken said

"Sacred Possession..wasn't that supposed to be your final trump card Taichou?" Hajime asked

"Don't worry he'll be fine..right Gero?" Ono said

"Yeah.."

(Gero closed his eyes and focused then when he opened them back up the light in his eyes were gone)

"Ehh? What happened?" Ken asked

"The light in your eyes is gone..did you just?" Hajime reacted

"Yup! I am now able to freely turn Sacred Possession on and off..therefore preserving the minutes I have.."

"That's cool! How much time have you left on it then?" Ken asked

"I used about 30 seconds when I made that shot so I only have 6 minutes and 30 seconds left.."

"Think it'll be enough?" Ono asked

"It's all we've got.."

(Hajime was looking through his binoculars and he saw the turrets of Red Wings were now being pointed at them. Soon a barrage of shells were fired at them but they were a long way from their position so majority of the shells fell short)

"Looks like they found us.." Hajime said

"Then I guess we better go..get us out of here Ken.."

"Roger!"

(The white tiger now fled the scene using their speed once again and returned to their own tank formation)

"Commander! Lost visual on enemy flag tank.." Takayuki said

"Damage report?!" Shiori shouted

"Jumbos #15 and #16 have been white flagged together with one of the Calliopes..multiple tanks also sustained damages in their tracks and in need of repairs.."

"See to the repairs double time!"

"Roger that!" everyone responded

"Takayuki-san!" Shiori called out

"Yes commander?"

"I have a job for you.."

[Kuromorimine Tank Formation]

"Kommandant! The White Tiger has now returned to the formation!" Leila said

"Tadaima Erika!"

"Show off.."

"Yeah well that should keep them at bay for now..they're probably doing repairs but not for long!"

"But still well done Bakatora..according to the rules in the finals those Calliopes are allowed to reload their rocket tubes twice..so that's one problem solved.."

"Look! The White Tiger is up that hill!" Rin said

(When Erika looked towards the hill what she saw next gave her a big smile. The White Tiger was driving in front of their tank formation and Gero was standing on top of the tank. He was also holding the Kuromorimine Flag and doing a peace sign towards his time with a biggest smile he could do)

"That's our senpai!" Toshi shouted

"Nii-chan! Nice shot!" Alice shouted

"Looking cool there Gero-Taichou!" Tojo shouted

(As the team was praising Gero for his pose, Erika on the other hand was just mesmerized and was just staring at him. Her face started to get warm and her heart was beating faster than their tank engine)

"Yes..that's the smile I've wanted to see once again..his smile that made my heart flutter each time I see it..the smile that I longed for everyday .." Erika said in her mind

"Kommandant?" Sheska called out

"Ahh..this is bad.." Erika said

"What's bad?" Rin asked

"I think I'm falling all over again for Bakatora.." Erika said with a smile and a blush

"Ara ara.." Suzu chuckled

"Now that's what I'd call a Maiden In Love.." Leila said

[Viewing Platform #1 for VIPs]

"What an insane shot..did he just break his own record?" Chiyo asked

"Yes he did..what a show off.." Shiho smiled

"One shot three kills..first time I've ever seen one happen in a live match.." Mai said

"I'm a hundred percent sure he used Sacred Possession to make that shot.." Tsuneo said

"Eh? How did you know?" Mai asked

"I'm sure all of you saw it..his aura spiked up the moment he shot..that would only mean he used it.."

"But right now looking at them his aura is back to normal.." Chiyo said

"That's because he's able to turn it off now without any problems!"

"Turn it off? Like a switch?"

"Yup!"

"But how? Since when?" Shiho asked

"When he reached the third stage of possession..we tried testing it out before we came back to Japan..we found out that Sacred Possession can be activated and deactivated now.." Tsuneo said

"Must be one of the unknown benefits of being able to have full control of Sacred Possession.." Shiho said

"Unknown benefits? I don't understand.." Mai said

"It has been a long time since an eldest male of the Nishizumi Family was able to reach the third stage of possession..meaning nobody knows what kind of skills of power Sacred Possession gives the host.." Shiho said

"Aside from the activation benefit did you learn more?" Chiyo asked

"There were a lot of things we wanted to try but had little time..I also didn't want to keep him from doing reckless experiments that might cause more damage to his brain.."

"Why? What's wrong with his brain?" Mai asked

"Right you didn't know about it..right now my son is still recovering from minimal brain damage..he seems fine now but we still don't know if it was truly cured or not since he didn't get proper treatment and therapy.." Shiho said

(Mai was undoubtedly shocked of hearing about Gero's brain damage and it scared her)

"But don't worry..he's a tough nut to crack so he'll be fine.." Tsuneo smiled

"You're right about that.." Chiyo smiled

"Oh and for your question yes we have learned one more benefit about his Sacred Possession but telling you now will spoil the surprise so you'll just have to see it for yourself!"

[Seven Seats of Senshado Viewing Platform]

"As expected of onii-sama!" Maho smiled

"Amazing! Darling is so amazing!" Kay cheered

"I know he can land long range shots but that was just ridiculous!" Anchovy reacted

"The last time he did that was during the Siege Tank Battle..he sure took us by surprise that time too!" Katyusha said

"That shot was on a moving target too! Splendid marksmanship!" Asparagus said

"Ohh looks like Tiger-kun did something crazy again!" a voice said behind their backs

(Everyone was surprised and looked behind them to see Kal, Takashi, Naomi, and Assam standing)

"Naomi! Taka-kun!" Kay said

"Tadaima Kay.." Naomi said

"Assam!" Darjeeling was surprised

"Good day to you Darjeeling-sama..would you like some tea?" Assam smiled

"Kal! Don't scare us like that!" Katyusha shouted

"Well we didn't mean to scare any of you..we entered through the door normally.." Kal said

(Everyone was still shocked that they didn't hear any of them enter the room. They didn't even make any kind of footsteps when they walked. It wasn't surprising since they were trained by RYOBU and they learned a lot of things from them. Being sneaky and quiet was one of them)

"They entered the room and I didn't even sense it?" Kaede said in her mind

"Where Klara?" Katyusha asked

"She's with Alisa-san in the Security Room helping out Kikuyo-san.." Kal said

"Why aren't you helping out as well?"

"Gero ordered us to guard you all here just in case something happens again..but I doubt anything will happen.." Assam said

"Hey Naomi where did you go?" Kay asked

"Oh just somewhere.."

"Well wherever it was..something happened for sure..all of you look like new people to me now..not really new but like you grew up a bit?" Kay said

"I was thinking the same thing when I saw Gero-kun..he looked a lot matured from the last time we saw him.." Darjeeling said

"Then let me ask you this Darjeeling-sama..what is the biggest catalyst for a person's growth?" Assam asked

(Everyone started to think of an answer)

"I'm not good with these kinds of questions so pass.." Oowada said

"Make mistakes.." Maho said

"Trials?" Asparagus asked

"Learning?" Darjeeling said

"Winning!" Katyusha shouted

"Progress!" Kay said

"Eating great food!" Anchovy said

"All are great answers but still wrong..what about you Kaede-san?" Assam asked

"Experience.." Kaede answered

"Hmmm..close but wrong again.."

"Then what's the correct answer?" Darjeeling asked

"Death.." Assam answered

(All of them were stunned at her answer for it was very dark and unexpected. Kal, Takashi and Naomi wasn't surprised since they all experienced something like that in Germany)

"D-Death..?" Katyusha reacted

"Well to be specific..experiencing a loss is the greatest catalyst for anyone's growth..for losing something is the only way for you to gain something in return..it works both ways such as gaining something only to lose something in return is how the world maintains it's balance.." Assam said

"You're talking about Darling's foster father right?" Kay asked

"That's right..it was a very painful and traumatic experience for him..you could say he too died when he lost his foster father.." Naomi said

"And you're saying that led to his growth?" Asparagus asked

"Death isn't something that you can move on that easily.." Kaede said

"I agree..but he had to move on..not just for his sake but for others as well.." Kal said

"Based on what you just said, should we assume that you all have experienced the same pain Gero-kun did?" Darjeeling asked

"You could say that we did.." Takashi said

"What on earth happened?" Maho asked

"There are things in this world better left unsaid.." Naomi said

(They all saw their expression were serious and they know that no matter how much they would ask Naomi and the rest will not tell them)

"Maybe we'll talk about it in the future..but for now let's enjoy some tea.." Assam smiled

(Maho the stood up and bowed towards Kal and the rest as a sign of thanking them)

"I don't know what happened..but I do know that you helped my brother..and I thank you for that on behalf of the Nishizumi Family.." Maho said

"You're welcome Maho-san.." Naomi smiled

"Tiger-kun helped us a lot as well and took care of us so it's all good!" Takashi said

"Your brother can be a pain in the ass sometimes..but that's just him being him I suppose.." Kal said

"You're definitely right about that.." Maho smiled

[Sanctuary - Dortmund, Germany]

(Back in Germany the kids were also watching their match in the movie house. All of them were having fun watching and cheering for Gero)

"Wow! Did you see that!? Onii-san got that tank from so far away!" Kin shouted

"Amazing..so this is Japan's Senshado.." Jonathan said

"No..that's sir Gero's Senshado.." Alonso smiled

"Alonso-san!" Kin called out

"Yes Kin?"

"I want to do that too! I want to ride a tank just like onii-san!" Kin gave his best smile

(Alonso and Jonathan were surprised at how much enthusiasm Kin had for wanting to do Senshado)

"Soon you will be able to..sir Gero promised he would teach you when he returns here right?"

"Yes! I can't wait!" Kin smiled again

"I wish sir Gero could see this child's smile right now.." Alonso said in his thoughts

[Crows Nest Viewing Platform]

"Did you see that brother?! Gero-senpai hit that shot!" Sudou shouted

"Of course he would..he wouldn't be the person I respect with all I have if he couldn't land a shot like that.." Kenji smiled

[Shogun Viewing Platform]

"Looks like Gero-dono is alright.." Shinji said

"Yeah..I was really worried after what happened..but I guess he'll be fine now.." Akane smiled

[Ooarai Viewing Platform]

"Ohh..I'm sure Ken-chan is enjoying driving that fast White Tiger right now.." Mako said

"What an amazing shot! As expected of Gero-san!" Hana said

"Did he aim for the missile tubes on purpose to malfunction or was it just luck?" Yukari reacted

"Is it me or is your brother getting better each time we see him.." Saori had a sweat drop on her head

"That's my onii-chan!" Miho smiled

(After regrouping with the Kuromorimine Tank Formation Gero noticed the skies getting darker. Soon it started to rain all around them just like how it rained during the 62nd National Tournament)

"Rain huh.."

"Is fate setting up the stage once again..?" Erika said

"Stage?" Sheska asked

"Nevermind..let's get to Point Bravo double time.."

"Bravo? Weren't we supposed to go to Charlie?" Suzu asked

"We'll be taking a short detour.."

"It's that place..right Erika-san?" Koume radioed

"Yeah..a very unforgettable place..for me..for you..and for Miho.."

(Erika was talking about the cliff side where Erika's tank fell down to the river. As she remembered the events of that dreadful day Erika clenched her hands and shivered until she heard Gero's voice)

"Don't worry my Kommandant..it'll be alright.."

"Yeah..I know.." Erika smiled

(Their tank formation now headed towards point bravo as ordered. The weather started to get worse and the rain was getting stronger that they had to wear their raincoats to avoid getting drenched in the rain)

"It doesn't look like the rain is gonna stop anytime soon.." Hajime said

"I hate rain..it always leads to bad things.." Ono said

"Matsu-kun! We're passing point bravo now.." Ken reported

(They were now threading through the rocky cliff side where at one point in time Miho sacrificed her flag tank in order to save Erika and her crew from drowning)

[Ooarai Viewing Platform]

"Nishizumi-dono..that place is.." Yukari said

"Yeah.." Miho nodded

"Where Miporin showed everyone her way of Senshado.." Saori said

"Eririn.."

[Seven Seats of Senshado Viewing Platform]

"That path is dangerous..one mistake and the tanks will fall.." Darjeeling said

"Why would they go there again?!" Katyusha reacted

"I'd call it overconfidence.." Kaede said

"Overconfidence? You really have no talent in understanding other people.." Naomi said

"What did you just say to me?" Kaede reacted

"You heard me.."

"Hey calm down alright? Kaede-san that was uncalled for and Naomi also.." Kay said

"Erika is facing her past.." Maho suddenly said

"Her past?" Asparagus asked

"Two years ago it was Erika's tank that fell into the river which led to Miho jumping down to save her..you all know what happened next.."

"So she's passing through the same location again as a means of closure.." Darjeeling said

"Yes.."

"I just hope nothing bad happens again.." Anchovy said

(Everyone watched as Kuromorimine's tank column was crossing the cliff side carefully. The Panthers were on top of the cliff side providing cover for Erika and the Iron Fangs. The cliff side was only able to fit one column of tanks so they were crossing in a single file line with the White Tiger up front followed by Erika's Panzer IV then the rest of the Iron Fangs)

"Slowly now! Don't rush!" Erika ordered

"How are you guys back there Alice-chan?"

"We're alright Nii-chan!" Alice answered

"Tojo? Toshi?"

"All good!" Toshi radioed

"No problems!" Tojo replied

"Koume-san?"

"All clear up here! No signs of Red Wings!" Koume said

"Nice..all that's left is to safely get to the other side..right Kommandant?"

"Yeah.."

*BOOM *BOOM *BOOM

(Explosions suddenly hit all around Erika and the Iron Fangs surprising them all)

"Contact! Does anybody have eyes on?!"

"West of our location! Directly across the river!" Koume shouted

"How many?!" Erika shouted back

"Five Jumbos! Maybe more!"

"How did they get here so fast?!" Toshi shouted

"They must've sent the undamaged tanks to close the gap!" Tojo said

"Stop talking and return fire!" Alice ordered

*BANG *BANG *BANG

(All Kuromorimine tanks opened fire towards the Jumbos but all of their shots just bounced clean off because of the ridiculous armor.)

"That armor is no joke..can't even make a dent on it.."

"Round Up!" Ono shouted

(Before Gero pulled the trigger he saw a silhouette behind the Jumbos and he knew exactly what it was)

"This is bad! We've got to move now!"

"What's wrong?!" Erika asked

"Two T-34 Calliopes right behind the Jumbos!"

"What?!"

(Erika took a look through her binoculars and saw what Gero was saying was real and the two Calliopes were already aiming towards Gero's Flag Tank)

"FIRE!"

*BANG *CLANK

(The 88mm shot targeting the Calliope was blocked by the Jumbo and Gero could just watch as it fired its rockets)

"Shit!"

"Suzu!" Erika shouted

(All of a sudden Gero and his crew felt an intense force from behind their tank. Gero climbed onto his cupola and saw that Erika had pushed their tank forward to avoid the Calliopes rockets. Erika was just smiling as Gero watched the rockets bombard their Panzer IV)

"ERIKA!"

*BOOM *BOOM *BOOM *BOOM *BOOM *BOOM

[Ooarai Viewing Platform]

"Eririn!" Miho shouted

"Oh my gosh!" Saori reacted

(All the people watching got worried after seeing Erika's tank get hit with the rockets. Gero was shocked that Erika pushed him away and put herself in danger. After the smoke had cleared the Panzer IV was totally trash and the left tracks were busted along with the left side armor skirts. Luckily the system was designed that the commander tank will not be white flagged so long as the Flag Tank is still in the fight)

"Sound off!" Erika shouted

"My ears are ringing but I'm great!" Suzu said

"I'm fine!" Leila said

"Still up!" Rin said

"Those 114mm rockets nasty!" Sheska said

(Gero jumped out of his tank and ran towards Erika's tank)

"Erika! Are you alright!?"

"We're alright!"

"Hang on we'll help with the repairs!"

"No! Get back to your tank now!"

(Just as Gero was about to approach closer to the Panzer IV the ground under the tank started to crumble and suddenly collapsed. The Panzer IV fell to the edge of the cliff and it was slowly getting lower and lower. Due to the slippery rocks they couldn't give the tank enough power to get back up the hill)

"What's happening?!" Leila shouted

"We're falling, we're falling!" Sheska shouted

"Suzu, get us off this cliff now!" Erika ordered

"I'm trying! We can't climb because of our tracks!"

[Seven Seats of Senshado Viewing Platform]

(Back at the room of the seven seats all of them was so worried as the ugly events unfolded before their eyes)

"This is not good! Call the security room!" Darjeeling shouted

"Hey Kaede! What the hell are your tankers thinking firing their rockets!?" Kay shouted

"What? Is it wrong to use our tools of war against the enemy?" Kaede said

"Don't tell me..you had something to do with this.." Maho asked

"Oh please..I just told some of the Calliope tankers to take a shot at the Flag Tank if they see one at their own discretion.."

"Are you insane?! This was your plan?!" Katyusha reacted

"Relax will you..the tank will protect the crew all that they'd get is a bruise.."

"You fool! If something happens to Erika even the smallest thing you will regret it!" Maho said

"What is the white tiger going to do? Get angry at me?" Kaede asked

"If Erika-san gets hurt even just a bit..Gero will kill every single one on your team..starting with your little sister.." Naomi suddenly said

(Kaede was surprised with what Naomi said and at first she thought she was just joking but the look on Naomi's face wasn't in a joking mood)

"Don't be ridiculous.." Kaede said

"Don't you get it? Erika-san isn't just Tiger-kun's lover! She is a padlock to him! She is there to keep something scary inside him locked in and to never come out!" Takashi said

"If that gets out..even we don't know what he'll do..and nobody will be able to stop him.." Kal said

(Back at the battlefield Erika's Panzer IV was still trying to climb back up the cliff before they fell in the river behind them. Gero rushed in to the edge of the cliff because he was so worried about Erika)

"Erika! We'll pull you up!"

"Just go!" Erika shouted

"What the hell are you saying?! I can't just leave you here!"

"Go Gero-san!" Sheska shouted

"We'll be fine!" Leila said

"Don't be stupid Leila-san! We'll come for you!" Hajime shouted

"Who are you calling stupid?!" Leila reacted

"Go Bakatora..if we lose you here..then it's all over.." Erika said

"No it's not! We'll get you out of there!"

"That's an order.."

(Gero saw the determination in Erika's eyes and he knew that she was serious. But he had no intention of doing what she ordered)

"I'm sorry..but that's one order I refuse to follow.."

"Gero.."

"All tanks fire smoke now!"

*BANG *BANG *BANG

(A volley of smoke shells impacted the location of Red Wings and completely swallowed the Jumbos and Calliopes in a big cloud of smoke giving them cover. Gero then started shouting orders to everyone in order to help Erika and her crew)

"I WANT ALL BOYS EXCEPT THE DRIVERS DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW! ALL GIRL GUNNERS KEEP FIRING SHELLS ON THE POSITION OF RED WINGS!"

"JAWOHL!"

"IRON FANGS GET YOUR TANKS ON THE SIDE OF THE CLIFF AND GET READY! KEN YOU DO THE SAME! HAJIME AND ONO WITH ME! BRING METAL WIRES AND A NYLON ROPE!"

"Roger!" Ken said

(All the boys gathered around Gero and brought the things he ordered. The rain was pouring on them but they never slowed down)

"Alright attach these hooks behind the tanks of the Iron Fans and tie the metal wire!"

"And this rope?" Ono asked

"Tie it around my waist and never let go.."

"Alright.."

"GERO-SAN!" Koume suddenly shouted

"Koume-san?!"

"Get out of there! The second Calliope is aiming at you!"

"What?!" Hajime reacted

(The all looked towards the position of Red Wings and the second Calliope was ready to fire at their location)

"Are they crazy?!" Tojo reacted

"Nii-chan! Get out of there!" Alice shouted

"NO! I will not move from here! If we move then they will fall down the river!"

"But the calliope!" Toshi reacted

"Don't worry! If that guy is there he'll do the right thing!"

"Guy? Who?!" Endo asked

(The T-34 aimed the rocket tubes towards Gero and was about to fire)

*BANG *BOOM

"GERO!" Erika shouted

"Wait..where's the rockets?!" Isamu asked

"They never came..but why?" Haruhiko said

"Look! The Calliope's rocket tubes are smoking!" Toshi pointed

(They all saw the T-34's rocket tubes burning and wondered what happened. Right behind the T-34 Calliope was another Jumbo that had fired upon the rocket tubes to stop them from firing. It was Takayuki Kojo's tank that had stepped in to stop the absurd actions of his teammates)

"All tanks stand down! That's an order!" Takayuki shouted

"But Captain.."

"IF ANY OF YOU DISOBEYS MY ORDER I'LL WHITE FLAG YOU RIGHT NOW!" Takayuki shouted

"Y-YES SIR!"

(Everyone in Kuromorimine were shocked to see what happened and couldn't believe it)

"Friendly fire?" Tojo asked

"The guy you meant was him?" Ono asked

"Yeah..if he truly learned his lesson then he'd do that..I guess he did.."

"What now Taichou?" Hajime asked

"Alright! All of you stay here and hold this rope while I jump down and attach this hook to Erika's tank! When I give the order I want all of you to pull as hard as you can!"

"JAWOHL!"

(Gero then took a deep breath and ran to the edge of the cliff and rappelled down slowly to Erika's position. The boys held the rope tightly and guided Gero down safely)

"Be careful you reckless Bakatora!" Erika shouted

"Shut up my Kommandant!"

(After a few feet of descending down the cliff Gero had finally reached the front of the Panzer IV. Erika could see he was so drenched in the rain and was very tired while covered in mud and dirt. Gero then hooked the metal wire and then shouted)

"PULL AS HARD AS YOU CAN!"

"PUUUUUUULLL!" all the boys shouted

(The boys pulled the rope as hard as they could while the Iron Fangs stepped on the pedals and started to pull up the Panzer IV from the side of the cliff. Slowly the Panzer IV was going up without a hitch)

"IS THIS ALL YOU'VE GOT?! YOU CALL YOURSELVES MEN?! I SAID FUCKING PULL!"

"JAWOHL!" the boys shouted once more

"Come on boys! Pull!" Koume shouted

"You can do it boys!" a Kuromorimine girl tanker shouted

"We've got you covered so give it your all!" another shouted

(The girls of Kuromorimine started to shout and give the boys some cheers. Not only them but the whole stadium were cheering for them and shouting)

"That's it boys! Just a little bit more! Ono shouted

"One last pull! Ready?! ONE, TWO, THREE PULL!" Hajime shouted

(With one last strong pull they pulled up both Gero and the Panzer IV from the side of the cliff. Everyone shouted and cheered as Kuromorimine accomplished saving their Kommandant)

"Good job boys! Let's get out of here! All tanks pull back!"

(The tank formation of Kuromorimine immediately accelerated away from the cliffside and was now out of range from Red Wings)

"All of you stand by here and we'll wait for the Commander to arrive.." Takayuki ordered

"Shouldn't we go after them?"

"No.."

"But-"

*BOOM *BOOM

(Their conversation was stopped when two explosions happened behind them. They saw one of the Jumbos and one of the Calliopes were white flagged)

"W-What the hell happened.." Takayuki reacted

"Over there captain!"

(Takayuki grabbed his binoculars and looked south of their position. He saw Kuromorimine's Jagdtiger and three Jagdpanthers that took the shot from a hill overlooking their position)

"That's payback for what you did to our Kommandant.." Sakuraba said

"Alright we've dealt some damage! Time to bug out!" Kojima ordered

"Jawohl!"

(After sniping two tanks from Red Wings the Jagdtiger and Jagdpanthers retreated out of sight. It was a perfect example of hit and run strategy and they execute it perfectly)

"Damn them! Taking advantage of the situation!" a Red Wings tanker reacted

"I'd say we deserved it.." Takayuki said

[Viewing Platform #1 for VIPs]

(Back at the observation platforms Shiho and the rest gave a very big sigh of relief now that Gero and Erika is now safe from harm)

"That was an amazing display of teamwork by them..they wouldn't have been able to do that unless they had complete faith and trust in Gero-chan.." Chiyo smiled

"I'll find out who the heck ordered those kids to do that because I'm sure that Shiori will never give an outrageous order like that.." Mai said

"I thought for sure history was going to repeat itself..I thought it was going to happen all over again and this time it's my son that will experience what Miho had gone through.." Shiho said

"Don't worry Shiho-san..our son did it..he was able to change fate and kick it in the face..he saved the person he loves and protected his comrades.." Tsuneo smiled

"Yeah..I'm just so happy he's alright.." Shiho smiled back

Coming Up Next : Chapter 84 - Wolfpack

Author's Note:

Hi everyone! How have you all been? I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! It has been getting busy IRL so I might be uploading once a week from now on! This Arc is reaching it's last chapters so this really is the FINALS!

Let me know your reactions about this chapter as always in the reviews!

Shout out to : "RiverKingK" "Dalonijack" "Arka Kizuna" "worldwars19141945" thank you for the favorite and follow! Welcome to all of you!

Shout out to : "ArashiKazama88" thank you for the follow! Welcome good sir!

I uploaded a picture of Erika in the Facebook page so check it out also!

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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