"He's here." Even after getting a second confirmation of this fact, it still won't sink in entirely until Chouji actually sees Asuma.

"Thank you." Chouji takes a deep breath. "I'll be glad to see him too." Words can't express just how glad.

"Yes. If my team is all here, I'm happy I am too. I wouldn't want them here without me any longer than they had to be." And Asuma is here. That would be worth the kidnapping, Chouji thinks.