Kourakuen Hall, Tokyo Japan
19 March 2022

She staggers into the locker room, absolutely exhausted from the toll the day’s efforts have taken on her.  Most of the girls are changing or preparing to help tear down the ring.  Sports bags, towels and various personal items are scattered around the room.  As soon as Ichiko Oda enters, though, everyone in the room stops what they’re doing and watch her.  Ichiko’s whole body is a landscape of pain, from the pounding headache to the burning in her thighs.  Her legs feel weak, almost shaking as she finds a place to sit down.  It’s been one hell of a day, and the only thing she wants to do right now is take a load off.

A twenty-eight minute war of attrition with one of the most vicious ring veterans she’s ever locked up with.  Every passing minute bringing out stiffer strikes and more desperate offense from both combatants.  The bruises and assorted pains and damage sustained against the stronger, older woman will linger as reminders of their battle for a while.   An extra weight around Ichiko’s waist reminds her of the result, however.  For the first time in her career Ichiko Oda is, in fact, a champion.  Months of work at rebuilding herself have led to this prize adorning her waist.  Saitama Girls’ Pro Wrestling’s top championship, one which her own mother held on two occasions.  Now it’s hers.

It still hasn’t set in, though.  Maybe it won’t for a while yet.  Right now she’s just tired - though she manages a smile for all the other women who stop by to congratulate her on her victory.  They mean well of course, and they’ve witnessed her resurgence as a new woman.  While she appreciates the acknowledgement, there’s really only one person whom Ichiko truly wants to see right now.  Until that person gets here, Ichiko is going to do her best to politely accept the words of others before heading to the merch table to sign portraits for fans.  Ichiko leans back in her chair and takes a deep breath as every part of her body relaxes. Pains ache and sting in muscles she didn’t even know she had, but it’s okay.  She’s finally broken through to the next level and nothing can ruin this moment.

Except perhaps the sudden and unexpected hand clamping down on her shoulder.  Immediately the new champion’s body tenses up, her mind races back to battle ready mode.  That is, until she cranes her head  back to see who dares approach her like that and finds Sawa standing there with an impish smile.  Just as quickly as she tensed up, Ichiko relaxes again and clasps Sawa’s hand in her own.  Like Ichi, Sawa has changed since returning home - that long brown hair now dyed close to blonde, more makeup becoming part of her look.  Sawa’s loosened up about some things too, and Ichiko has been fascinated the whole way.  After a moment Sawa leans down and whispers into Ichiko’s ear.

SAWAKO NAKADA: Congratulations, champ.

Ichiko smirks and winks.

ICHIKO ODA: You’re the real prize, hon.  But this belt’s a nice extra.

Most of the girls have cleared out of the locker room to go to their merch tables, but a few still linger.  For the sake of privacy both Sawa and Ichiko speak in English.  Sawa moves around in front of Ichiko and has a seat on a folding chair she carried in with her.  Both women just stare into each other’s eyes for a few long, intense moments before breaking out in laughter at the absurdity of it.

SAWAKO NAKADA: It looks good on you.  

Ichiko gives the title belt a gentle pat.

ICHIKO ODA: It’d better.  I’ve worked my ass off to get it.


Sawako cocks her head to the side, a thoughtful look on her face.  Ichiko is puzzled by this sudden change of mood.  She wonders what her girlfriend could  have noticed which is now causing this reaction.  Maybe it’s just some passing thought?  For a moment Ichiko wonders if she’s about to be challenged to a match for the title by Sawa.  Since returning to Japan Sawa hasn’t seen quite the success Ichiko has.  Several surprising losses suffered while Ichiko rose up the ranks and at last claimed gold.  But no way would Sawa actually challenge her after everything it took Ichiko to reach this point.   The longer the moment lingers, the more impatient Ichiko becomes for an answer.

ICHIKO ODA: What is it?  Do I have something on my face?

Sawako smirks herself.

SAWAKO NAKADA: Maybe?  It’s just.. you don’t seem totally satisfied to be a champion.

Ichiko raises an eyebrow, even as she has a suspicion what Sawa is alluding to.

ICHIKO ODA: What the hell are you talking about?  Of course I’m satisfied!  I just beat a real monster out there today!

Sawa reaches out and taps Ichi on the nose with her right index finger.

SAWAKO NAKADA: Yeah, but how many people saw your moment of victory?  It’s mostly people here at home and the hardcore fans streaming the show.  And I know you’ve been thinking about what happened last fall.

Ichiko folds her arms over her chest and stares off to the side.  It’s true of course - even with the hard work she’s put in here in Japan, the past haunts her.  That which might have been but never happened due  to certain people she cares not to name.  In fact she’s gotten an offer from a certain woman to return and try to make good on that past shortcoming.  But her home is Japan, and she’s finally successful at home!  Why in the world would she travel to the other side of the planet just to make a point?  As if reading her mind, Sawa leans forward and smiles deviously.

SAWAKO NAKADA: I know you Ichi.  And I know that deep down you want more.  You told me someone from the UK messaged you - it was IIW wasn’t it?  They want you back, don’t they?

Ichi rolls her eyes.

ICHIKO ODA: Yeah.  But there’s no way in hell I’d go back.

Sawa’s smile widens.

SAWAKO NAKADA: You clearly want to, Ichi.  You just need a reason.  What about doing it to represent Saitama Girls’ Pro overseas?  Or to take the title you were supposed to have a shot at?  Or.. to show them what they lost when you left?

Ichiko looks at Sawa and shrugs.

ICHIKO ODA:  Even if I do, you’re still gonna be over here right?  I don’t want to be away from you, Sawa.

Sawako reaches over and cups Ichiko’s chin in her hands.

SAWAKO NAKADA: I’ll go with you if you want to go.  Help you get settled in.  And then I’ll wait for you to come back home in a few months.

Ichiko actually blushes a little as Sawa continues.

SAWAKO NAKADA: Do it for me.. I want to see you smash up First Class the way only you can.

Ichiko pauses, then laughs a little.

ICHIKO ODA: Okay.. let’s do it.