The day after the match against Pravda, the school celebrated the team's third tournament win of the year. Banners were hung throughout the school, creating a festive atmosphere. Meanwhile, the student council was busy contacting every active team member to inform them about the upcoming battle against Black Forest Academy, one of their toughest opponents yet. Anzu rallied everyone with cheerful words of encouragement, urging them to keep honing their skills.

By mid-afternoon, the student council, along with Miho and Voss, convened in the office to strategize for the match against Black Forest. Miho, who had recently transferred from there, brought valuable insights, while Voss contributed his knowledge of German tank tactics and equipment.

"They're allowed up to twenty tanks in the finals," Miho explained, sketching out their typical formation. "They usually field Tigers, Panthers, and a Jagdpanther. They have a significant firepower advantage over us."

"It's not too different from what I'm used to back home," Voss added. "Tank destroyers usually sit at the front and center, taking the brunt of the assault. Casemated turrets have better frontal armor and firepower, but their limited turning radius is a trade-off." He paused, observing the group's concerned expressions. "What you're seeing is an iron fist strategy meant to break through hastily prepared defenses."

The student council members exchanged glances, disappointment evident on their faces.

"I wonder if anyone's looking to sell a tank cheaply..." Yuzu mused.

"Many clubs contributed funds, but purchasing a tank might be a stretch," Anzu replied, crossing her arms thoughtfully.

"So our options are to enhance our current tanks or modify them," Momo concluded.

"Exactly. We'll have to make the most of what we have for now," Voss affirmed.

Momo's eyes brightened with an idea. "What about the other 88mm we found the other day?"

"The automotive club should be assembling the parts they discovered," Miho responded.

"If we can get that working, we might actually break through their defenses!" Momo said, filled with renewed determination.

Just then, Yuzu's phone rang. She answered it, her expression shifting to one of excitement. After a brief conversation, she hung up. "They've finished restoring it!"

"Awesome!" Momo exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. The room buzzed with renewed energy as they realized their chances just got a little brighter.

Later at the proving grounds, the crew gathered to watch the heavy tank being put through its paces for evaluation. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, though not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. While the freshmen, including Yukari, were buzzing with excitement, Miho, the Tiger 205 crew, and two student council members wore expressions of skepticism.

"This is a rare tank!" Yukari exclaimed, eyes shining.

"A Porsche Tiger? This isn't exactly my idea of a joyride," Deinhart quipped, folding his arms.

"I love Porsches, but this isn't one of them," Aldrich added, shaking his head.

"Tank enthusiasts might appreciate it, but it gets bogged down way too easily..." Yukari explained, her voice trailing off as the tank struggled in the dirt. Moments later, it got stuck, much to the dismay of the onlookers. "And it overheats..."

"And catches on fire, too," Voss chimed in. Deinhart and Aldrich sank deeper into their foldable camping chairs, grimacing at the memory of their last match, where they had embarrassingly been knocked out right at the start.

"It's known for breaking easily," Yukari continued, glancing at one of the automotive club members scrambling out of the tank to extinguish yet another flare-up.

"It hurts to call it a tank..." Anzu muttered, crossing her arms.

"I-It might have a bad track system, but its 88mm cannon is powerful!" Yukari defended.

"Do we really not have any other options?" Yuzu asked, her tone dejected.

Meanwhile, as other teams scoured the ship for salvageable tanks, Voss decided to give Anzu a call.

"Hey, Anzu, remember the guy I put you in touch with? The Hetzer mod kit just arrived. Thought you'd want to know," he said.

"Cool! We'll check it out. Thanks, Maxi!" Anzu replied casually.

"Now you're giving me nicknames?" Voss sighed, shaking his head but smiling slightly as he continued with his day.

By the end of the day, the Oarai team had made significant progress: they discovered another tank, a Type 3 Chi-Nu, and welcomed three new members who were avid gamers. The Porsche Tiger remained under repair, being handled by the automotive club, while the 38(t) was transforming into the Hetzer and the Panzer IV was nearing completion as the Panzer IV Ausf. H. Teams wrapped up their maintenance on their vehicles for the day, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

The following day, the student council gathered the team outside the garage to emphasize the importance of the upcoming match. "We have to win this," Anzu said firmly. "If we lose, we lose our school." Black Forest Academy would be their toughest opponent yet. Miho was asked to deliver a motivational speech, expressing her deep connection to Oarai. She shared how much the school meant to her, promising to give her all in the match and urging everyone else to do their best.

By afternoon, the school ship docked at the port in Oarai town. The team had completed their practice drills and were dismissed for the evening. Knowing the stakes, they chose to spend the night together, cherishing each moment. None of them could shake the feeling that this might be their last chance to hang out as a team, as losing the match would mean losing their school and home. They made the most of their time together, sharing laughter and stories.

Meanwhile, in the British crew's dorm, two members were engrossed in a game on their Xbox, while the other three diligently worked on assignments from their original school. They had brought their homework to avoid falling behind, as competing in Oarai didn't grant them any special privileges. Instead, they were expected to keep up with their studies, earning additional grades but no extra leniency. Balancing competition and academics, they focused on both, determined to succeed in every aspect of their lives.

"Oi, Jason, any news from the school?" Blackmore asked, glancing over at his loader, who was hunched over his homework.

"They're sending another team to help supervise Oarai, but they won't be hanging about for long," Jason replied, scribbling away in his notebook.

"Really? What's the story there, then?" Blackmore raised an eyebrow.

"They were meant to be at Saint Gloriana, but for some reason, they're popping over to Oarai first. Just don't get your hopes up—they won't be arriving in time," Jason said, continuing to write without missing a beat. AAs he continued to write, Jason suddenly recalled something. "Oi, Blackmore, did you ever get around to asking that lass from Saint Gloriana out? You know, the cute blonde?"

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Darjeeling! Have you summoned the courage to ask her yet?"

"N-No, why would I? Haha..." He laughed nervously, glancing away as he tried to brush it off.

"Aw, c'mon, commander, ye have to spill the beans!" Christian piped up, grinning. "Have ye asked her out yet? Ye've been eyein' her up since that match. Are ye two goin' out together, then, eh?"

"Look, mate, it's still a work in progress, alright? We're both absolutely flat out at the moment—can't you see that?" Blackmore replied, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "It's not like we've got all the time in the world to sort things out. Between practice, dealing with all this homework, and prepping for the match, it's a bit much, you know? I mean, I'd love to sort it out with her, but it's not exactly the best time to be thinking about dates. So, if you could just cut me some slack for a bit, that'd be grand."

"Bloody hell, no! They're always watchin' us, mate—can't ye see it? Ever since Saunders, they've had their eyes glued to us. It's no' just to study Nishizumi; they're watchin' you too, aye? I reckon they can't help but keep an eye on your every move. You're like the star of the show! They'd probably be gutted if they missed a chance to see you in action. Just think about it—they're takin' notes, lookin' for any wee weakness to exploit. So, keep your wits about ye, or we'll end up givin' them all the intel they need. Don't give 'em the satisfaction, alright?" Christian teased, a playful smirk on his face.

"Aye!" Jason piped up. "Oi, hang on a minute—don't ye mean she probably can't resist catchin' how well he plays?"

"C'mon, lads, can you just give it a rest for a sec? Let me finish my work before we continue this nonsense, yeah?" Blackmore replied, trying to keep his focus.

"Alright, commander, you've dodged a bullet this time with the match tomorrow and all, but make no mistake—we'll find out one way or another," Jason said with a cheeky smirk.

"Yeah, yeah, just crack on with your work now," Blackmore said, shaking his head as the boys settled back into their banter, enjoying the banter and camaraderie of the night.

The two male teams enjoyed their night before the tournament, sharing laughs and stories. As dawn broke, they gathered to transport their vehicles by train to the game site. The sky was a brilliant blue, showcasing the picturesque countryside, dotted with craters from tank shells and the tread marks of armored vehicles. Some team members gazed around in admiration of the landscape.

"I never thought we'd get to have a match here!" Yukari exclaimed, her excitement palpable.

"Is it really that cool?" Hana asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's the holy land of sensha-do!" Yukari replied enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, the three commanders of the boys took in the scenery, appreciating the moment.

"You know, Japan is a beautiful country," McKay mused. "Just wouldn't want to live here."

"Yeah, it's a shame," Blackmore added. "Great places to visit, but one of the saddest countries to live in due to its toxic culture."

"Look on the bright side," McKay countered. "The people back there at the fair are genuinely happy to be here. A little positivity goes a long way."

At the fair, some of the boys wandered through the stalls, exploring what the vendors had to offer: model kits, RC tanks, and all sorts of tankery merchandise. They had limited time before their commanders called them back. A few managed to snag some exciting items, while others felt the disappointment of not having enough time.

Once everyone regrouped, they quickly stowed their purchases in a secure area before turning their focus to final preparations for the match.

The boys unloaded crates of ammunition from the cargo trucks, hauling them to their respective vehicles. They diligently organized and loaded the appropriate rounds into the ammunition racks, readying themselves for the competition ahead.

The English tank commander submitted his report to Commander Nishizumi, detailing the status of tank maintenance, crew morale, and supplies. As they worked, two familiar figures approached.

"Good day," Darjeeling greeted with a warm smile.

"Oh, hi there," Miho replied, returning the gesture.

"Greetings, Ms. Darjeeling," Blackmore added, his tone respectful.

"I never expected you to make it to the finals," said Orange Pekoe, her enthusiasm evident.

"Neither did I," Miho admitted, smiling shyly.

Darjeeling chuckled lightly, placing her hands on her hips. "You've consistently overturned expectations in every match. I can't wait to see what you bring next."

"Uh, I'll do my best," Miho responded earnestly.

Just then, a familiar voice called out to her. Turning, Miho saw Kay and her crew driving by in a Willys Jeep.

Kay hopped out, brimming with excitement. "I can't wait to see another thrilling match! Fight on!" She winked and gave a thumbs-up.

"Thank you!" Miho bowed gratefully.

From a nearby garage, McKay waved while carrying an M2 Browning heavy machine gun. "Hi Kay!"

"Hi, Vincent! Keep fighting and win, okay?" Kay called back, leaping into the Jeep as Naomi drove off.

As the Jeep disappeared, another surprise guest appeared: Katyusha, perched on Nonna's shoulders.

"Mihosha!" Katyusha chirped. "Katyusha has come to watch your match! Crush those Kuromorimine braggarts like in Operation Bagration!"

"Uh, yes," Miho said, her determination solidifying as the Pravda pair turned to leave.

"Da svidaniya!" Nonna added, waving goodbye.

Darjeeling chuckled softly. "You really do make friends with everyone you fight."

"That's because everyone is wonderful," Miho replied, her optimism shining through.

"Like the old saying goes: keep your friends close and your enemies closer," Blackmore remarked, his expression thoughtful.

Darjeeling smiled. "Let me share an English proverb: 'A horse may stumble though he has four legs.' Strength and victory are never guaranteed."

"Right!" Miho nodded, absorbing the wisdom.

"Good luck in your match, Miho-san." Darjeeling turned to Blackmore, her expression playful. "Sir David Blackmore, I've heard a rumor that I piqued your interest. Perhaps we could get to know each other better after the match?"

"Uh, y-yes! Absolutely, Ms. Darjeeling," he stammered, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. With a final wave, she and Orange Pekoe departed to find a good vantage point.

[By the Comet]

"The commander looks like he's about to keel over," Gideon, the bow machine gunner, remarked, eyeing the officer who was nervously shifting his weight.

"Aye, he's got a case of the butterflies, alright," Christian replied, his Scottish accent thick with amusement. "Leave him be, lads. The poor bastard's probably just picturing his last meal."

"Or his last date," Gideon chuckled. "If he even had one."

"Enough jawing," Ian cut in, his voice gruff but not without a hint of a grin. "Wrap it up, gents! We're not decorating a bloody Christmas tree here."

With a shared grunt of acknowledgment, the crew got to work. They unrolled the camouflage netting, tossing it over the tank's barrel and securing it tightly to disrupt the outline. Christian draped it carefully along the sides, while Gideon added extra foliage plucked from the nearby brush to help break up the tank's shape even more.

"Get those branches tucked in nice and tight," Ian called out as he adjusted the netting on the turret. "We don't want some stray twig giving us away."

"Oi, Ian, think this'll fool anyone?" Christian asked, stepping back to survey their handiwork.

"It'll fool anyone with a death wish who gets close enough," Ian replied, giving the side hull a solid thump. "And that's close enough for me."

"Right, now let's just hope the commander's feelings settles before we roll out," Gideon said with a grin.

"Aye," Christian agreed, "else he'll be decorating the inside the turret, if you catch my drift."

The crew shared a chuckle as they completed the final adjustments, their banter fading as they settled back into readiness. The Comet now looked like a part of the forest itself, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

[At Tiger 205]

Voss pried open a special crate using a crowbar from the tank, surrounded by ammunition boxes. Inside, he found a brand-new reproduction MG42 straight from Germany, courtesy of Rheinmetall, complete with a pintle mount kit for the commander's cupola. Following McKay's idea to use it as a range marker with tracer rounds, he also planned to leverage its psychological impact. The sight of bursts of machine-gun fire, combined with the other two mounted machine guns, could cause panic among enemy crews, disrupting their focus and possibly damaging their optics. In this game, every advantage mattered, and they needed every edge they could muster.

After mounting and loading the MG42 on the cupola, Voss added extra crates of ammunition, anticipating a prolonged fight. Dusting off his black panzertruppen uniform—issued back in Germany—he received a text from a friend who had just arrived in Japan and hoped to catch the match live. When he asked what school she attended, she replied with "Bellwall Academy," a name he recalled as a once-supported school by NATA that had fallen out of favor for mysterious reasons. He texted back, promising to see her soon before heading to the field.

At the match grounds, both teams stood in formation, facing their opponents. The girls from Black Forest stood straight, while the boys maintained parade rest, showcasing the discipline instilled in them by their respective schools.

"Both teams: commanders and vice-commanders, move forward!" Instructor Chouno, acting as referee, called for the leaders to step up. Miho and Momo represented Oarai, while Maho and Erika stood for Black Forest. After exchanging respectful greetings, the team leaders returned to their sides. Just as Miho turned to leave, a former colleague approached her, expressing gratitude for her past help and excitement for the match.

"Yo, fifteen bucks says Swan will hit on the girl who just talked to Miho," Gordo bet with Horvath and Jackson.

"Game on, brother," Horvath replied.

About ten minutes later, both teams gathered in their staging areas, donning their competition uniforms. Oarai's signature dark blue jackets contrasted with the khaki tanker jackets worn by the Americans, adorned with the Bradley Armored Corps' coat of arms. The British donned standard khaki tanker coveralls, while the Germans opted for their erbsenmuster-pattern uniforms, choosing practicality and camouflage over their traditional black panzertruppen outfits, especially given the hot climate.

Once dressed, they gathered around Miho for a quick briefing. "They'll likely attack us all at once as soon as the match begins. Before that happens, let's secure an advantageous position and start a war of attrition. Their starting point is far from ours, so we won't run into them immediately. When the match starts, we'll move to point 207," she outlined.

The boys at the back, listening intently while munching on snacks, saw Voss sharing some high-caffeinated Scho-Ka-Kola chocolates with his crew to boost their energy.

"All teams, man your vehicles," Miho concluded. Everyone rushed to their tanks.

McKay was the last to climb aboard the Pershing. Before settling into the commander's cupola, he grabbed a couple of boxes from the storage bin—a reproduction WW2 K-ration and a D-ration pack to share with his crew for energy during the match. With his M1938 tanker helmet and M1944 goggles on, he connected to the tank's intercom system and opened a fresh can of .50 caliber ammunition, loading the M2HB Browning machine gun mounted on the cupola.

"You boys ready?" McKay asked his crew as he powered up the SCR-508 radio set, mounted at the rear of the turret. The SCR-508, a standard U.S. tank radio during World War II, was known for its durability and versatility. It operated on Very High Frequency (VHF) bands, providing clear communication with other vehicles up to a range of about 15 to 25 miles, depending on terrain. The set consisted of a transmitter, receiver, and a frequency selector, allowing for quick tuning to preset channels.

McKay pushed one of the preset buttons, and the radio crackled to life with faint static. The electric motors inside the set hummed as they powered the device, ready to keep the crew in contact with the rest of the team amidst the chaos of battle.

"Ready as ever, McKay," Jackson replied, adjusting his helmet while completing last-minute checks on the unity sight and his primary gun sight.

"We're up against Kuromorimine here, guys; we need to give it our all. If we mess this up, it's over for Oarai," McKay stressed.

"Dunno 'bout you, but I'm starting to like Oarai. It's like a second home," Swan said while loading shells into the ready racks.

"Brother, you sure it ain't because of the chicks you've been eyeing since we got here?" Gordo teased from the driver's position, as he flipped the switches to start the engine.

Starting the M26 Pershing was a bit of a process. Gordo first engaged the battery switch, providing power to the tank's electrical systems. Next, he flipped the ignition switch, which connected the engine to the starter. The M26 used a Ford GAF V8 gasoline engine, and starting it involved using an electric starter motor. Once the ignition was engaged, Gordo pressed the starter button, causing the starter motor to crank the engine.

As the engine roared to life, the crew could hear the rumble of the 500-horsepower V8 coming from the rear of the tank. With the engine running, Gordo adjusted the throttle to maintain a steady idle, allowing the engine to warm up before preparing to moving out.

"Hehehe..." Horvath chuckled, loading a belt of .30 caliber ammunition into the M1919 bow machine gun.

"Fifteen bucks is still on the table, boys," Jackson reminded them, while Swan looked clueless.

"What's fifteen bucks for?" Swan asked, finishing his prep.

"Ohoho, you'll see," Jackson replied mischievously.

"Alright, game faces on, crew; the match is about to start," McKay instructed, emerging from the cupola with the T-17 microphone in one hand and binoculars in the other, ready to lead them into battle.

Inside the Tiger tank, the crew was busy finishing their preparations for combat. As they worked, they exchanged jokes to lighten the mood.

"Hey, Schultz, think you could at least ask Kuromorimine's vice commander not to shoot at us?" Aldrich grinned at the gunner.

Hess scoffed, flicking on the radio system. "You really think she'll listen to you, Schultz?"

"Well, as a matter of fact, she did!" Schultz declared, puffing up with pride.

"We'll believe it when we see it," the loader shot back.

"I agree with Aldrich on this one," Voss chimed in from the commander's seat, grinning. "Go big or go home, Schultz."

"K-Kommandant, not you too!" Schultz groaned.

Voss chuckled softly. "Hehehe..."

"Man, screw you guys," Schultz grumbled. "At least I've got the guts to ask someone out, even if it's our enemy. I mean, I tried, anyway. But the point is, I did something, unlike our dear Kommandant who's still trying to muster up the courage to ask Emi out."

Voss lightly kicked Schultz's shoulder from above. "Playing it safe, Joseph. I'd probably have a better life with Emi than you would with Erika."

"You actually know her name, Max?" Deinhart asked from his station.

"With that attitude? Hard not to know who she is. Not that it matters, since Schultz can't seem to shut up about her," Voss replied, making Schultz groan even louder.

"Speaking of which, Deinhart, you never told us who you're dating. Spill the beans," Schultz prodded, drawing the attention of the entire crew.

Deinhart shrugged. "Met this girl with long, light blonde hair. We first ran into each other at a convenience store, and she challenged me to see who could get the highest score on one of those random trivia games they have there. We submitted our scores online, and she beat me by a couple of points."

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot you're one of the top students at school," Voss recalled.

"Yeah, and after that, she took me to an arcade. We ended up playing on a tank gunnery simulator, and our scores were neck and neck," Deinhart continued.

"One of those old tank cabinets from the '90s?" Hess asked. Deinhart nodded.

"Yep, that's the one. She was like a computer—calculating her shots with perfect accuracy," Deinhart said, shaking his head in admiration.

"Sounds like a female version of you, just without the motorhead obsession or being stuck in this tank with four idiots," Voss half-joked.

"And that's why you're the best commander we've got," Aldrich said. "Still, I wonder how you ended up as the driver and not a gunner in someone else's tank."

"Like the Kommandant said, I'm a good driver and a motorhead. That earned me my spot here," Deinhart explained.

"Got it," Aldrich nodded thoughtfully.

"Anyway, two hundred euros says Schultz won't win Erika's heart," Voss started, his tone playful.

"Oh, so now we're betting on my love life?" Schultz rolled his eyes.

"Take it or leave it, Schultz. Two hundred euros. If you win, the money's yours," Voss shot back.

"If we're doing this, then everyone should chip in. If Schultz gets Itsumi, the money's on," Hess added.

"Fine, game on, guys," Schultz agreed, crossing his arms.

"Alright, serious mode now. The match is about to begin." Voss's tone shifted, and he glanced out of the hatch. The flare shot up into the sky and exploded, marking the start of the battle.

"Panzer vor!" Miho's voice crackled over the radio, and all the tanks surged forward in a wedge formation.

Five hundred meters from the starting point, the Oarai team emerged into an open area with rolling hills and clusters of trees dotting the horizon. The Comet took position on the left flank, its turret angled left for any immediate threats. The Tiger and the Pershing covered the right flank, their turrets trained right, while the remaining tanks secured the center, advancing cautiously toward the front.

The male commanders scanned the surroundings through their binoculars, searching for any sign of enemy tanks that might be trying to flank them. The forest ahead was dotted with evenly spaced trees, providing just enough cover while still allowing large German heavy tanks to navigate through.

After advancing about a kilometer, the teams found themselves surrounded by thicker forest. Anglerfish team's radio operator, Saori, gave a status update over the radio.

"This is Anglerfish team. We're two kilometers from point 207. No sign of Kuromorimine so far, but stay alert. Focus on the mission. Ending transmission," Saori reported cheerfully.

"Ironside to 205, any activity on your end? Over," McKay asked through the radio.

"205 here. Negative. All clear," Voss replied, still scanning the treeline through his binoculars.

"Swordfish here. Nothing to report, either. Over," Blackmore added.

"Keep your eyes peeled for tan tanks without any camouflage netting. We don't want to get caught off guard—" McKay started, but Voss cut him off.

"Incoming!" Voss shouted as 88mm and 75mm shells suddenly crashed down around them, spraying dirt into the air.

"Bloody hell, that was quick," Blackmore cursed. "Anyone have eyes on them?"

"I don't see anything," McKay said, squinting through his binoculars, trying to pinpoint the source of the fire.

Voss focused his gaze on the treeline and noticed faint puffs of dust rising from the foliage, accompanied by smoke and brief muzzle flashes. The enemy was there.

"I've got them! They're in the treeline on our right flank," Voss shouted, swinging the MG42 mounted on his cupola towards the direction of the threat. He charged the bolt and fired off a series of controlled bursts, sending green tracer rounds streaking toward the enemy's position.

"All tanks, zigzag into the forest ahead! Keep moving and make yourselves harder targets," Miho instructed over the radio, and the drivers responded immediately, weaving their tanks in irregular patterns to avoid enemy fire.

"I confirm visual on enemy German tanks at the right flank," McKay reported, following Voss's lead and raking the treeline with his .50 caliber tracer fire, marking the location for the rest of the team.

Just as Oarai's tanks began their evasive maneuvers, Anteater team's Chi-Nu took a direct hit from an 88mm shell and was knocked out of the match. By sheer luck, the impact missed Oarai's flag tank, which had reversed just in time to evade the shot.

The situation was heating up fast, with enemy shells crashing through the forest. The teams pressed forward, maneuvering through the open ground as the first skirmish erupted.

[To be continued]

(A/N: A little short for now because the next chapter would be action oriented and that would end up making another chapter that's excessively long, so tune in soon for another update dropping in soon.)