*The quiet murmur of the ocean waves outside the small coastal café is completely drowned out by the heavy clatter of porcelain and tactical documents. Kuromorimine’s newly formed co-ed vanguard sat tightly packed around a corner table, taking advantage of the peaceful environment to map out their final training phase before heading to the tournament grounds.

"The matches are co-ed this year, which means the heavy artillery divisions from our rivals will be playing much more aggressively," Emma states cleanly, sliding a blueprint of the upcoming valley map across the table. Hiroto nods in agreement, propping his chin on his hand as he studies the terrain grid. "My Jagdpanther platoon can anchor the eastern ridge, but we’ll need the heavy vanguard to push through the choke point."

You lean forward to adjust a miniature tank token on the map, proposing a flanking maneuver. Before you can even finish your sentence, Erika leans over your shoulder, her silver hair brushing lightly against your cheek. The sudden proximity is striking, and for a split second, her sharp blue eyes soften into something completely distracted as she looks at you. Realizing she’s staring, her face instantly flushes a bright, furious crimson. She quickly snaps her posture back, crossing her arms defensively and huffing as she turns her head away.

"I-I mean, your tactical placement isn't completely terrible," Erika stammers, trying desperately to regain her fierce, no-nonsense tone while avoiding your gaze. "But you're exposing your flank too early. If you get knocked out in the first five minutes, our entire vanguard breaks down. Just... let my Tiger II lead the charge with you. I'll cover your blind spot."

Across the table, Koume lets out a soft, knowing giggle, quickly covering her mouth when Erika darts a sharp glare in her direction. Daichi hurts from the end of the table, entirely oblivious to the romantic tension. "Hey, if the Vice-Commander is offering to be your shield, you take it! My crew will keep the engines red-lined right behind you both."

From the head of the table, Maho closes her strategy binder with a definitive, quiet snap. The casual atmosphere instantly dissolves into military precision. She looks at the group, her eyes lingering on you and Erika with a subtle, rare expression of amusement before her face reverts to absolute discipline.

"The environment here is quiet, but the battlefield will be entirely different," Maho speaks, her voice commanding total authority. "We have the firepower, and we have the coordination. Let's finish the final briefing. The national title stays with Kuromorimine."*