Team Ten has never been big on hugs. Today is definitely occasion for an exception, though. He wraps his arms around her immediately with a firm squeeze of reassurance. It helps him as much as it does her. She may have missed him, but Chouji has been floundering. Ino is something solid to hold onto both literally and figuratively during a day when everything has shifted in ways he could never expect.

Ino's actions are louder than words could be. Her actions have been speaking a lot lately, and they only say good things.

When Chouji finally speaks, his voice is soft and sincere. "Sorry I kept you waiting."