Teens Und Panzer

Arc 1 Part 1 Conception

The beginning of integration.

The male introduction into Senshado was achieved after years of pressure from those seeking change to the sport. An ultimate effort to revitalize the fanbase and reinvigorate viewers.

Even with recent upsets such as Oorai's success, a change to the status quo was desired. Foremost, the female-only rule was to be done away with. Naturally, the necessity of easing the doubts and fears of their loyal fans, veteran players, and families with long historical ties to the sport arose.

These fears permeating amongst the young females of the sport were at the heart of reassurance efforts. Many worried that male participation would lead towards a diluted sport and a weakened emphasis on the female purpose of finding their own 'Senshado.'

Similarly, there was a simultaneous push for females to be integrated into the male sport of mock infantry battles, known as 'InfanterieKampf'. Many fought against both pushes with the same woes. Infanteriekampf in contrast to Senshado however, held its ground in the push for reform as the intensity of its matches raked in profit and mutually deterred female participation. The support to reform the male sport dwindled before being snuffed out as fast as it began, thus remaining a male-only sport.

Senshado on the other end of the spectrum had been called too tame for modern audiences and despite the riveting success of participating schools and a loyal fanbase, it had been dropping in views and donations in favor of other curriculums. Unfortunately, despite the adamant protest of hardliners such as the Shimada and Nishizumi families, the lure of profit won out.

Male integration would start small and in secret a few years prior. Without approval even being guaranteed in the future, only experimental teams were developed outside of prying eyes. Their purpose? To see and record how male students would interact and participate with females and said leadership of their age.

Surprisingly, the results showed little to no significant difference from the average teenage male's responses to the average female's management and discipline. Another unexpected factor showed that male students who participated in Infanterie Kampf performed close to the ability of seasoned Senshado members and well above the average student. These findings along with the passing of reform did away with the Senshado of old.

With the stage now set, the maiden voyage of a new school carrier, christened "Transcendence Academy" had set sail. Hopes that its creation would elevate Senshado to further heights had started at the first whispers of change years back with it only recently being completed in time for the school year.

Originally intended as a female-only carrier, it now would be the first intended co-ed ship. With dimensions at 7800 m long, 800 m at its thinnest, 1200m at its widest, and 100 m high, it proved a smaller ship in comparison to those of Kuromoromine and Pravda but no less impressive. Its pride lay in its exemplary training grounds which took a third of the surface of the ship and simulated a multitude of reasonably different terrains for all sports.

Resembling a ship of war, its educational curriculum was intended to replicate military colleges and those of higher learning. All students who attended were encouraged to find a path of their choosing and to utilize what they learned to better their communities or nation. Such a curriculum meant guaranteed success for dedicated students, especially with its strict vetting process. Most students required being accepted for attendance with very few being given scholarships. Such scholarship students included the founding members of Transcendence's Senshado team.

Each major position for the school from the Student body President and Senshado team leaders was chosen by the Senshado federation and the commissioned school faculty. The student council would be seen as the 'Civilian side' of the school while the Senshado team was already being referred to as the "Combat side' with its "Cadets" in the opening weeks of the school year.