Azumi watched the battle between Kiro and Hashima was great interest. The advantage of her battle having come to a close early means she had a chance to scout techniques.
Mud user and a lightning user. Regardless of who wins my next match could be interesting.
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Madoka had quickly caught up to Tomiko, who decided to go stop by her apartment rather than go back to the arena. Tomiko reasoned that with Yasu out of it she had little care for the other first round matches and that she had expected a package to come. With Madoka naturally confused, Tomiko explained that during the battle with Kiro her gauntlets had been destroyed and she had to send it back to Iwagakure to get them repaired. Ms. Hotaru's place to be specific. Madoka asked why she simply didn't have Tomiko send them to some workshop in Konoha to get them repaired. To which Tomiko replied with a perfectly reasonable argument.
"They are special! They are my babies, and nobody is better than Ms. Hotaru at caring for them. Nobody!"
Though the process took longer due to Tomiko's insistence of using the craftswoman's shop back home. But according to a letter the package was expected to come today; Tomiko had hoped to show her repaired "babies" to Yasu after he had won. Though that idea folded as she figured Yasu desired to be alone at the moment.
Either way, the pair made it to Tomiko's apartment within an apartment share that she and other foreigners had been granted to stay at during these exams. Indeed Tomiko's hunch seemed correct as a large box was right at the door of her apartment. Though more curiously, a letter had been placed at the top of it; though Tomiko presumed it was just one from Ms. Hotaru saying everything had been patched up and that she appreciated doing business with her. Least, Tomiko hoped Ms. Hotaru had been able to fix them...
Due to Tomiko's casts, she had trouble opening the door or picking up the box; so Madoka handled both those things for her as she led the pair inside. A blow to her already battered pride, but Tomiko swallowed that bitter pill as she sat on her bed next to Madoka, who opened up the letter for Tomiko to read while she began to open up the box. Tomiko managed to get the letter in her hand as she began to read it silently to herself.
Well, you know how to keep me on my toes.
This was by far the worst condition you've sent them to me yet, which is saying a lot my dear. I constantly urge you not go get too carried away and yet it seems my words always fall on deaf ears.
In any event, it was a hassle. But I managed to get them back together. Normally it would be standard just to make a new pair but I know how much they mean to you. Though since I can't seem to trust you to take it easy, I took the liberty of making a certain accessory compliment to them to prevent another incident with electricity.
Wish you nothing but the best.
-Hotaru
This caused an eyebrow to be raised, but then as Madoka tapped her shoulder Tomiko turned and saw that her metalic gauntlets had this odd black coating on them. Upon feeling it with her hand, something not made easy by her cast, a smooth yet firm rubber was felt on it. Seems Ms. Hotaru took the liberty of adding some thick, hardened rubber "sleeves" to her metalic gauntlets as a safeguard measure for lightning attacks. Though that had not been all that was in there.
Letters. Around six or so letters had been inside that box as well. Madoka took them up as she began to read through some names.
"Hoshi...Jirou...Mao...man, are these your friends?" Madoka said as she read off some of the half dozen or so names attached to their corresponding cards. Tomiko herself had been surprised, though she had snapped out of it as she heard Madoka's question.
"Y-yeah. My buddies from my hometown. Formed our own little clique to combat a group of bullies back home. Though I didn't think they'd all get around to write letters..." Tomiko replied, as she had informed Ms. Hotaru of what happened to her in the exams as either directly or indirectly it seemed word of mouth had spread. Tomiko eyed the envelopes of the letters as indeed it seemed everyone she knew had made one.
Mio & Miu, Naomi, Ren. Everyone. I can't believe this...
And it only became more unbelievable as Madoka began reading to Tomiko what the letters said.
You were amazing Tomiko!
Did our old dump proud, keep up the good work and come back strong next year!
Fighting in a nightmare forest, standing up against an Uchiha. So cool!
Those and other words of encouragement and praise had shocked Tomiko to her core. Tomiko had promised herself and everyone back home she'd come back a Chunin She had believed she let everyone down, yet the letters seemed to show they had felt the exact opposite. Though nothing compared to the last letter. The one from her own parents.
Tomiko, we wish you a speedy recovery and hope you are okay.
Just remember that you have nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone is so proud of you. You faced every challenge head on and showed a resolve that is simply unmatched. You did not fail, and your exploits have been an inspiration to everyone here we can promise you that much. Remember that this is only the beginning and we will be with you every step of the way on your path to becoming that great ninja we know you will become.
We want you to know that we love you and cannot wait for you to come back home. Enjoy the rest of your time in the Land of Fire.
With kisses and hugs.
-Mom and Dad.
As Tomiko heard Madoka read those words, tears began to form in her eyes once again. Though this time, rather than tears of sorrow or worry as before hand. These had been tears of joy, as even Madoka could not help but smile as she gave her friend a hug while she just let her friend let all her emotions out.
Thank you, thank you so much everyone...
