Note: I originally said that I was going to do the next chapter of MLLSD, but Maginot's latest chapter just came out, so I decided to do that first.
The match begins, with Darjeeling, Orange Pekoe and Madeleine watching from the side.
Yukari says Oarai and Maginot's combat strengths are comparable, but she went on another scouting mission, this time with a set of binoculars, and sees that the R35s now have long barrels. Miho says that with them, their ability to penetrate Oarai's armor has increased, and they can penetrate the Panzer IV's armor from 500 meters away.
Saori wonders if this is bad, and seems proud of herself for making that realization, but Yukari thinks that the Matildas St. Gloriana has are stronger.
(Two panels of dialogue involving Miho and Hana have blank panels)
Yukari, however, reminds us that the StuG can pierce roughly twice as much armor at twice the range. Saori's relieved to hear that, but Miho realizes that Maginot knows this, too and will build a defensive encampment. She tells Saori to warn everyone else.
The scene cuts to Maginot. As Oarai's tanks approach, Eclair, confident things are going according to her prediction, orders her tanks to fire on them. Oarai's tanks return fire, but Miho tells them to calm down and keep going straight, even though Yukari seems doubtful. She then orders them to spread out after Maginot's next volley.
Eclair wonders if Miho doesn't have control over her team if they're panicking over something like this, but realizes the same could be said for Maginot. Maginot then opens fire and Oarai splits up.
Miho ponders that Maginot seems different, possibly because of Eclair taking command, and orders the tanks to fire at random while spreading out.
Eclair notices the encirclement strategy, and recognizes it as the one that has been most successful against Maginot. She orders the rear guard to defend the rear, but takes fire from the StuG and is shocked that it's already so far behind them, and far enough away so that they can't penetrate it. Gallette smugly asks what Eclair plans to do now, almost pleased with this situation.
The StuG fires, but Caesar suggests that Saemonza actually aim; Hippo Team struck me as better shots than this. Eclair tells the crew of the tank that's being fired on to not scream (even as she herself starts to suffer stomach problems), but instead show their spirit, and they return fire. Gallette, however, mentally notes that the situation is getting worse.
Rabbit Team, however, is optimistic and gets a glancing blow on an enemy tank, as does Duck Team. Fondue, however, is still determined. The student council is optimistic, as is Saori, while Miho is quietly concerned. As a direct hit from Anglerfish fails to penetrate the enemy's armor, Yukari notes that it's to be expected, but Saori is happy to hit it.
Hippo Team gets another near miss, and Eclair curses her misfortune, but maintains that the enemy will not take their rear. At this point, Saori notices that there are only four Maginot tanks, and Clubs Blanc launches its attack.
Next Installment: The town of Oarai celebrates their school's victory in the tournament.
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