The chapter begins at the staging area, and Yukari has yet another "Panzer high" upon seeing Anzio's Italian tanks.
Saori complains about Anzio outnumbering Oarai, which, while a legitimate complaint, is a little strange, since she should already know about the 10-tank limit for the second round (although the way it's said indicates that it's for all rounds except the semi-finals and finals; if, for example, 32 schools entered rather than 16, the first three rounds would have a 10-tank limit). Yukari, however, reminds her of the rule for the benefit of the audience, although I've heard reviews saying that the manga is a less than ideal way for newcomers to get started in the series.
As Mako shakes, while half asleep, Yukari mentions that there will be other issues, but Miho reassures them. Once they deal with the P40, they'll win if they're cautious. Yukari, wanting to get the others fired up, points out that the presence of three tankettes means that Oarai has more latitude in dealing with them.
Carpaccio walks over with Anchovy, introducing herself, exchanging pleasantries and asking to see Miho. Momo demands to know what they want with her, but neither of the two answer her question, so Momo calls Miho over.
Anchovy wastes no time in denouncing Miho's style of tankery as weak, says she knows what happened with Miho last year, and declares that if Miho "quit tankery once," she can't hope to win. Anchovy walks off, and Carpaccio excuses herself.
As Miho reels from Anchovy's taunting, the others discuss Anchovy's rudeness. Momo gets Miho to snap out of her funk. Yukari reassures Miho, but can't understand why Anchovy is looking down on her.
In this battle, Yukari is put into command of the Char B1 Bis (called the Renault in some translations) and mans its 47m gun, while Erwin loads and Aya drives and mans the 75 mm gun. One would think that Erwin would be commander and Yukari would load, though. The selection also seems somewhat random, and I have to wonder if those three were chosen because they're fairly popular.
In any case, Miho suggests that Yukari's task is difficult, but within her abilities. Yukari's still worried about Miho, though, causing Erwin to worry about her. After telling Yukari not to use "-dono" on her, Erwin says that they need to trust in their captain. Yukari is reassured, and Erwin is tickled that she's considered "a true military commander."
The match begins and the Char B1 Bis sets out, albeit unable to reach its top speed. This is a problem, since they're hoping to control the mountain pass, and speed is key to doing so. Yukari informs Miho that they can't keep up. Miho asks if they're alright and Yukari, touched, says they are having no other problems. Anzu asks for an operation name, and Miho calls it "Fruits Basket," which is the Japanese version of "musical chairs," and is represented by a Bokoare-guma bumping another off a stool, and which Miho chose to represent fighting to reach the pass. Duck and Turtle teams take point while the others remain aware of their surroundings.
Unfortunately, Anzio made it to the pass first, which someone from Hippo Team likens to the Battle of Kasserine Pass. Naturally, Erwin points out that her namesake won that battle, not the Italian forces. Yukari points out that the American forces were defeated, and that Oarai has an American tank. As they're talking, Aya has trouble keeping up; it's been a while since I've been in high school, but I recall that general studies history classes don't cover World War II in that much detail.
Anzu asks Miho for their next move, and Miho asks if the P40 is anywhere, but Duck Team can't see it. They and Turtle Team are recalled to the formation, while Char B1 Bis has almost caught up to the others. Miho is glad that F Team (so far, the Char B1 Bis' crew has not been assigned a call sign) has caught up, but Yukari is worried about the enemy holding the pass, and not seeing the P40.
The enemy then strikes, and Miho orders a withdrawal while ordering the others to help out. As F Team's engine starts working at full capacity, Yukari reflects on what has happened, and concludes that Anchovy is "a formidable foe."
Next Installment: The battle with Anzio continues
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