The morning sun casts long shadows across the harbor as the ferry approaches Japan's mainland, its engines rumbling beneath the feet of excited passengers. Students chat animatedly about their destinations, but one transfer student remains focused on an acceptance letter - an opportunity to join one of the nation's most prestigious Sensha-dō academies.

Through the ferry windows, glimpses of various school ships dot the distance: the imposing silhouette of Kuromorimine's vessel with its rigid, military precision; Saunders' cheerful stars and stripes flying proudly; the elegant Victorian lines of St. Gloriana; and Pravda's red banners fluttering in the breeze. Far off, almost hidden behind the larger ships, sits the modest Ooarai Academy vessel - recently returned to competitive Sensha-dō after years of absence.

Your phone buzzes with a text from the school administration: "Transfer student orientation begins at 14:00. Please report to the designated academy upon arrival. Your Sensha-dō aptitude scores were impressive - we look forward to seeing your potential realized on the battlefield."

The ferry slows its approach to the dock where recruitment representatives from various schools wait with colorful banners and welcoming committees. Each academy offers a different path, different challenges, and different opportunities to prove oneself in the art of Sensha-dō.

The adventure of a lifetime awaits - but first, decisions must be made about which school will become home, and which tank will become the weapon of choice in the upcoming tournament season.