Shizuka says they'll need to upgrade their tank in order to be able to face Bonple. Rin, however, refuses, saying that it's all she can do to keep the tank going with the equipment she has. Shizuka's caught off guard for a moment, but decides to look for someone who can help, and so they go to the specialty store.
They head to the store, and overhear some elderly women who look a bit more realistic than the anime-like characters. The women are discussing how one intends to buy a heavy tank, which clearly is different from what the protagonists are looking for. The women also disparagingly comment on the Nishizumi school's state of affairs, and suggest that Shiho, of all people, is possibly "too lenient," unfavorably comparing the Nishizumi school to the Shimada school. They also deride tankathlon as "barbaric," earning a Death Glare from Shizuka; clearly, they're meant to be reviled as much as the girls who dismissively talked about Oarai earlier on.
Meanwhile, Rin notices a more relevant problem; a lack of parts for tankathlon, since they only have tankery-approved parts. Shizuka, without a moment's hesitation, loudly asks the shopkeeper to show her tankathlon parts, causing the elderly ladies to disparagingly remark about "kids these days."
Surprisingly, the shopkeeper, whose name is Asai, takes them to an elevator, and after noting that the league has become "noisy," shows them an underground warehouse full of parts that don't meet regulations, such as titanium track links.
Shizuka is transfixed by Suneimon Torii's flag, and is furious when Rin doesn't know who he is. To put a long story short, the man was given a mission to get reinforcements for the besieged Tokugawa forces, but he was captured by Takeda forces on his way back. His enemies said that if he lied and told the defenders that no reinforcements were coming, he would be spared and made a retainer, but instead, he shouted that reinforcements were coming, and was speared on the cross and killed. He gained the respect of his allies and enemies, and gave his enemies an "exemption" to use his crucified likeness on their flag, an image Shizuka hopes to use as well
Rin, even after hearing all that, says no, and asks Shizuka if Sune gave her "exemption." An old woman arrives and asks what she can do for them. Upon seeing requests for increased speed, high velocity shells and improved brakes, notes that it's especially absurd, and asks if they're planning on fighting a Type 10. Shizuka calmly states it's the minimum to take on Bonple. At this, the old woman asks who the mechanic is, and compliments Rin's eye.
The old woman says the tank is worn out, but "the beloved boyfriend" passes. She gives them a Type 100 regulation engine, which, in the midst of all the Techno Babble, is apparently lighter and has 15% increased performance. Shizuka is quite confused, since she doesn't understand the highly technical mechanical aspect, but Rin has some idea of its power, enough to ask the old woman why she's giving it to them.
The old woman says that she was going to be the first Japanse team to participate in the Le Mans tank racing, but the rules change to forbid 2-person tankettes, making her team "the eternal phantom." She then remarks that the rules and regulations "can fuck right off," and so gives them the engine to use. This is an interesting story that goes a long way in showing why some people prefer tankathlon and its (practically nonexistent) rules.
Meanwhile, Bonple is facing off against Tategoro High School, and the president, "Aung-san," desperately gives orders. Meanwhile, Bonple's commander, whose name is said to actually be Jajka, orders her subordinate Uszka to attack their flank.
The spectators remark that it's a one-sided game, and Tategoto is performing poorly even for beginners. However, Tategoto is determined to fight back, and so they do... once Anzio arrives, with Carpaccio noting that intrusions are legal in tankathlon. However, Jajka anticipated this, and quickly crushes them, albeit disappointed that Shizuka didn't show up.
As Shizuka and Rin exult over their tank's improved performance, they hear from Endo that "shit just got real" and their next match will be held at Oarai.
Given that they're facing off against Bonple, the champions in Tankathlon, that the story's finally including Oarai, and the length of these spinoffs, I suspect the story's approaching the climax.
- Next Installment: Bellwall Academy faces its first tankery battle betwen two bitter rivals... and this is before they face anyone outside their school.
