It's still a little far off when Ino spots Chouji's form and the way he extends his arms in an invitation she knows very well. Hopping down from one of the trees, Ino has a wide smile on her face. Communicating with him through the journals is one thing but to actually see him, his physique getting bigger and bigger in her line of vision as she approaches him, is a different matter entirely.

So much so that there aren't any room for words as she captures him in an embrace. It's been a year and a half since and his long absence should be evident by the way her fingers tighten their grip on him. There's a part of her that almost gave up the idea of ever seeing him again, whether here or back home, for how long it has been. Good thing she never lets that part win.

For now, Ino lets her actions speak louder than her words.