34. Speed force

minimi22

Through experimentation Tomoka realized a few things about her connection with the speed force. For starters, made a few theories of what happened during her confrontation with the Kumo-nin. 

“Running the numbers it is impossible for me to replicate what happened before with my current amount of chakra. Not to mention that the portal was not here before. However, the feeling it gives me is that of familiarity. Perhaps the portal had been blockaded by something before and an even smaller amount of speed force had been constantly leaking. 

Following this line of thought, it could be possible that the speed force had backed up, like a dam containing water. Then when the blockade was broken all that backed up speed force rushed into me. Now that the way is open properly only the right amount will flow even if I increase the size of the portal. What do you think Kurama”

[I don’t know much about all that scientific mumbo jumbo but it makes sense I guess] To tell the truth, Kurama wasn’t all that interested in the whys of the matter.

“Well, it doesn't matter. I will still need to train with it and figure out what I can do with it as well as the most efficient way of using it. But before that” With a smile Tomoka began concentrating. Pushing her will into her mindscape she began reshaping it. 

From the ground a massive black tower rose into the sky. At its top four curved spires extended towards the portal as if grabbing it. This tower was built for no other reason than aesthetics. In the end it looked similar to Sauron's eye tower from Lord of the rings.

Satisfied with her work, Tomoka decided to go back to reality. Slowly she opened her eyes once more just in time to see a pair of black orbs gaze towards her from the room’s door. In an instant that lasted an eternity the expression of the girl at the door shifted. Surprice, relief, worry, anger, many emotions were displayed one after the other and back. 

“TOMOKA!” Not being able to contain her emotions anymore, Nozomi launched herself towards her best friend. The poor girl had been worried sick for the last twenty-four hours. It had been a rollercoaster of emotions for her. 

Tomoka on the other hand felt a little conflicted. Seeing Nozomi worry so much for her was heartwarming but at the same time it made her feel guilty. Not knowing what to say she decided to stay quiet instead while hugging her dear friend. 

For some time quiet sobs could be heard in the room as Nozomi let go of all the stress the situation had set on her. Tomoka for her part was softly brushing Nozomi’s hair. After a little while longer the crying girl finally calmed down. 

As they separated Tomoka was now able to see Nozomi’s face again. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying. Her eyebrows twisted into a frown while her cheeks were puffed up into a pout. It was more than obvious that Nozomi was angry. 

“Tomoka you idiot! Idiot! idiot! idiot!!!” Now that her worry and fears were gone it was time for Nozomi’s anger. She smashed her small fists on top of Tomoka’s head. Even though she was angry she still measured her strikes as not to hurt her friend. 

“Sorry! Hey, stop that!” Even though Tomoka was fine and could have dodged the strikes she decided not to. She indeed deserved what was happening to her for being too brash. Not to mention that they didn’t hurt all that much anyway. 

“Promise me you won’t do something like this again or I won’t stop!” 

“I promise!” As soon as she said that Tomoka was hugged again. A soft giggle escaped her lips as she reciprocated the hug. 

“You also have to promise to stay with me forever” Those words came out of Nozomi’s lips as but a murmure. However, due to their close proximity that was enough.

“Yeah, I promise” The wording was a bit odd but Tomoka didn’t mind it. Nozomi was just a four year old kid, who knew what was going through her mind at the moment. 

“Forever and ever” Nozomi’s hug became tighter as if Tomoka would disappear if she let go.

“Nn, forever and ever” At this point Tomoka wasn’t paying that much attention. She was just agreeing so that Nozomi would calm down. 

“It’s a promise, If you break it I will hate you forever” Letting go Nozomi said those words with a serious tone. 

Before Tomoka could reply her attention was brought to the open door to her room. Standing there were her parents and whom she assumed to be her assigned doctor. At that moment she realized that she had fucked up. Nozomi was one thing but pasifying her parents was a whole other problem. 

[Good luck surviving this one. you will need it] Said Kurama with a jovial voice that hid a snicker. 

‘Yeah, I will need it’