Calling Out A Name
Baki picks his way through rubble, men dead and dying around him but he scans for one in particular.
"Kankuro!"
"Kankuro!" he calls again.
There's a disturbance up ahead in the rubble and he sees a familiar face painted purple.
He shakes his head in relief. As often as he's chided the boy about that ridiculous affectation, this time at least he is more than glad to see it.
Words You Say And Words You Don't
Stupid! Insolent! Impudent brat! Those words that he wants to say when he sees Kankuro ready to dash out don't match the words that he does say.
"Take a team of men with you and go. You're the fastest man we've got."
"Just come back alive, Kankuro," Baki whispers as he watches him go. "Bring Gaara if you can, but just come back alive. I can't lose you both."
Words On Paper
It seems the longest walk in his life. He trudges back to the Kage's office complex passing the wounded, offering what encouragement he can.
The words feel remote, like someone else is speaking them.
There are other words he has to put down on paper.
Brush in hand he inks his message on a scroll, fastening it to the leg of his own hawk.
He has to tell Temari.