{Video Post - Arrival}

[ground_breaker]

[ When Sakura wakes, instinct screams at her that something is not right. She bolts upright into a crouch, reaches for the kunai she keeps in her nightstand, but it isn't there. Her nightstand isn't there. She reaches for solid wood and hits soft earth and moss. This isn't her bedroom

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[ura_no_ura]

[ It was only a matter of time.

Kakashi knows this, but it's still a surprise, every time someone from their village arrives. He's gotten used to the motions of explanation, the script on his tongue almost delivered verbatim. But this arrival is not going to receive a shiny script or rehearsed lines -- not immediately, at least.

He hasn't seen her in months. Wonders how she's grown. Wonders if she even knows.

Well, there's only one way to find out. ]

Sakura.

[ He calls lightly, trying to get her attention. ]

[ground_breaker]

[ She starts. Did she just -

Sakura whips her head around, looking back and forth, because she could swear she'd just heard Kakashi's voice, but he's nowhere to be found.

She wouldn't put it past him to be hiding from her, really. But she doesn't recognize this place - it is new and unfamiliar territory - and she'd like to think he wouldn't joke like that under these circumstances. ]

Kakashi-sensei? [ She calls, standing up and still trying to find him. ] Where are you?

[ura_no_ura]

[ He's not surprised that she assumes he's physically there, as this is a reaction most have had. ]

Look down on the ground for some kind of shiny device, Sakura. Follow the sound of my voice.

[ground_breaker]

[ Shiny device, shiny device, shiny device... Aha. She crouches down and picks up the Hitomi, turns it over a couple of times to inspect it. Finally, she turns the screen toward her. ]

What is this thing?

[wingedascension]

[ It's a relief to see the face of familiar, responsible shinobi, despite the circumstances under which they're reuniting.

It's best to on this kunoichi's good side immediately, given their lack of privacy and his recent unconscious foible. He bows slightly, and his speech is extra awkward. ]

Welcome Sakura-san. How are you?

[ground_breaker]

[ Neji's here, too? It occurs to Sakura that she really has no idea who else might be here. Considering she's still not quite sure where here is... ]

Hello, Neji-san.

I'm... a little out of sorts, to be honest.

[wingedascension]

[ As intelligent as ever, he notes with relief. Her straight-forward and thoughtful approach is refreshing after having coped with the likes of Kakashi-san and Gai-sensei for these past weeks.

That Sakura isn't striking up small talk is of great relief. Neji relaxes minutely. ]

I'm pleased to hear it.

This place takes some getting used to. You'll be fine.

[ He's lying and he knows it, but she'll experience soon enough the intense breach of privacy these Hitomi inflict. ]

[ground_breaker]

[ She doesn't think that's true, at all, but it would be rude to contradict him. Besides, she's already resolved to meet this challenge just like any other. ]

I'm sure I will be, thanks. [ She smiles faintly. ] How long have you been here?

[crazysnakelady]

[ Anko recognizes Haruno Sakura--but just barely, she has changed so much. There is a new look in her eyes, a hard look, a strong look.

Anko likes it. ]

Hey!

You know your sensei is here, right?

[ Pause. ]

And your teammate, too. Uzumaki.

[ground_breaker]

[ She remembers Anko, a little. When she'd been twelve the brash, loud woman had weirded her out, but it's been years since she's seen her, years since Sakura had changed.

Sakura knows Kakashi is here, but she freezes at that last sentence. ]

Naruto is here?

[ Who else is?

Finally, she remembers her manners. ]

Thank you, Mitarashi-san.

[wind_and_whirl]

[ The open-mouthed smile on his face is wider than ever as he raises his arm. Bright blue eyes are clearly alight with happiness as Naruto expands his lungs to greet this special pink-haired someone he's missed like the sun misses the moon. ]

SAKURA-CHAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[1/2]

[ground_breaker]

[ OW, LOUD! ]

[2/2]

[ground_breaker]

[ She'd normally yell at him, the impulse is there and normally so easily accessible, but this time she can't quite get there. It's... so, so nice to see him. ]

Naruto! Where are you?

[smiling_umino]

[If Naruto popped in earlier, then surely others were bound to follow. He smiled at the familiar face in the Hitomi, cheerful and his friendly little self.]

Sakura! You came here too!