Dang, I don't like it when awesome people are sad

If the translation of the Twitter that goes with this is to be believed, it basically says Barkhorn eventually had to step down as a witch. Seeing how she seriously she takes her job, it's no wonder she looks so sad.

Twitpic commentary:

ストライクウィッチーズIF
ネウロイ最後の一匹を追い出すまで前線にとどまる意向だったバルクホルン中佐だが、ハルトマン大尉の「私がしっかりしたら安心してくれる？」の言葉に一線を退く決意を固めた。
妹さんとお幸せに

boxman said:
If the translation of the Twitter that goes with this is to be believed, it basically says Barkhorn eventually had to step down as a witch. Seeing how she seriously she takes her job, it's no wonder she looks so sad.

That is sad indeed :(

boxman said:
If the translation of the Twitter that goes with this is to be believed, it basically says Barkhorn eventually had to step down as a witch. Seeing how she seriously she takes her job, it's no wonder she looks so sad.

Is there some continuation of the series via Twitter? And why is she having to step down?

Fumikane has been posting these 'What If' pictures on his Twitter feed. I guess they're all set in 1947 and tell what the witches are doing then and what they look like. Since it's just on Twitter, I don't know if they're supposed to be considered canon or not. Barkhorn here is the latest one. So far, Eila, Perrine, and Hartmann have had entries. All the pictures are already posted here.

As for why she retired, from what I understand from the commentary, it says Hartmann said she'd take care of JG52 and Barkhorn should be with her sister. Barkhorn would be 21 by 1947 and remember that Mio was already losing her shield ability at 20.