"Asuma's dead." Sakura said it so plainly, as if it were a regular occurrence.
"Yeah, I heard. Kakashi told me a while ago. I always kind of liked that guy. He was nice to me. Sad he had to go so soon." Naruto sat in front of her under at tree, relaxing.
"Ino and the others are taking it pretty bad. Especially Kurenai-sensei."
"Kurenai? Hinata's team leader?"
"Yeah. I think that those two had a relationship."
"Who had to break the news to her?"
"Shikamaru volunteered. At least that's what Tsunade-sama told me. I think he did it because Asuma told him to. In case of his death."
Naruto sat up. "Who killed him?"
"Akatsuki. Two operatives from them. Hidan and Kakuzu I think their names were." Sakura sat down next to him.
"They're going to ask to go out back on the field."
"How would you know that?"
"You know how we operate. If Kakashi died, we'd go and kill those who killed him, and look at Sasuke–"
"How can you say his name with such ease?"
"Because. He's a person. Like you, like me. Even though we work our hardest for him, he's just a person."
"The funeral's tomorrow."
"I'll be there."