Note: When a music video inspired me to touch upon Tomoko's early childhood from the point of view of her mother.
Sparkle 4: Rose Confession
Hikari sometimes wondered about what went on in her daughter's head. Judai didn't seem to mind, if his affectionate calling of "Hime" was any indication, but it was something that bugged her every now and then.
There was no way Hikari would ever stop loving the little girl she named "Tomoko." She lived up to her namesake of friendliness after all, brightening up her dream cafe with so much innocence to where Hikari couldn't help but be proud. Her daughter could live in a place where she could be free, all in her own way. And after Hikari's own childhood experiences, that was more than enough for her.
But. There was always one "but."
"Mama, is there anything I can do to help?"
Hikari couldn't help but wonder where this desire to work came from. The first time Tomoko asked that question, Hikari let her do things left in a child's capability to do, from carrying small food orders to managing the cash register. Even if Tomoko was eager, she was still a little girl, with developing muscles and a mind that needed to learn. Thankfully, the piano was an unexpected bonus, and a majority of the time, it did occupy Tomoko's attention enough for Hikari to not worry about her.
The subsequent times Tomoko asked, it was a subject of concern. Miyako noticed too, if her immediate agreement to train her was any indication. Tomoko was exploring the world thanks to her ninja friends, and whether she liked it or not, the village would notice. It was one of the reasons why Hikari carefully burned every single one of the damning letters that showed up in the mail since Sakumo and Kakashi came to live with them, because no one deserved to see such negativity. Sakumo needed a safe haven, and Kakashi needed an accepting environment. Tomoko still needed her as a mother. Acknowledging such blatant hate crimes would mean the village would be getting to her, and after what happened with her parents, Hikari could never allow that.
The whole incident with Hitoshi-kun solidified that resolve. Tomoko was hurt, she was losing her smile to the nightmares and other things Hikari couldn't see, and yet she still woke up every morning to greet her with a small wave past the futon covers.
"Hi, Mama. What can I do for you today?"
It was a variation of the same question. No mention of, "could I get something," or anything else even remotely selfish. It was always, "What can I do for you?" But there was fire in those blue eyes every time her daughter said it, and Hikari couldn't help but wonder.
"Let's see, Tomoko-chan. We'll go together, okay? One day at a time."
Hikari could at least guide her to find good friends and make good habits. Judai was bad enough in his old work days. She could try to bet on her odds again to change things, in the hopes of letting Tomoko-chan be a little girl and not just someone to be taken advantage of.
Even if tears were a natural part of life, Hikari would be damned to see her daughter cry again. She cried alone enough, before Judai and Tomoko. She could be better this time.