Tamakoma Second vs. Suwa Squad vs. Arafune Squad

"They factored their inability to beat Arafune Squad in a long-range battle into their overall strategy. By choosing this stage and giving Arafune Squad an obvious advantage they created a natural allegiance with Suwa Squad. Tamakoma Second put a lot of thought into this urban battle."

- Haruaki Azuma describing Tamakoma Second's strategy

Tamakoma Second vs. Suwa Squad vs. Arafune Squad is a three way Rank Battle that took place in Round 1, between Tamakoma Second, Suwa Squad and Arafune Squad.

Background
Following their easy defeat of the lower B-Rank Squads, Tamakoma Second was promoted to the middle group.

Summary
As the stage is Tamakoma Second's decision, Osamu chooses City C, a neighborhood sitting on a hill. It is initially met with surprise, as it would benefit the Sniper-oriented Arafune Squad. However, one of the battle's commentators, Azuma, reveals that this would force Suwa Squad to create an alliance with Tamakoma Second in order to prevent Arafune Squad from getting the advantage. Chika hides while Osamu and Yūma move on the offensive. Yūma goes to attack Hanzaki, but the two are shot at by Tsutsumi. While Yūma dodges the attack, Hanzaki is hit and Bails Out. Tsutsumi attempt to shoot Yūma, but Yūma dodges with his newly-gained Grasshopper and cuts him down. Yūma sets his sights on Hokari, but Arafune intercepts him and fights him with Kogetsu. Hokari supports his captain, giving Arafune the advantage. However, Sasamori comes intent on defeating Hokari. Osamu circles the battle zone, exerting pressure just by being there. Hokari decides to shoot Yūma, even though it means certain defeat at Sasamori's hands. Yūma is injured, and as he thought, Sasamori cuts him and he Bails Out. Yūma tricks Arafune into thinking that he would escape with Grasshopper, but uses the Trigger to launch himself towards his opponent and cut off his feet. Suwa comes to attack, and Sasamori, using Chameleon, traps Yūma for Suwa to get a clear shot, despite the fact that Yūma could stab him. Usami cues Chika to shoot at this moment, saving Yūma, but Arafune uses the opportunity to snipe back, hitting her and she Bails Out. Arafune and Suwa try to attack Yūma, but Osamu appears to shoot the two down, eliminating them, and giving Tamakoma Second the victory (6-2-1).

Aftermath
Tamakoma Second's victory moves the Squad further up in the rankings, making them the number 8th and in the top middle group of the rankings.