Sakura only worked a single shift in the hospital before she was bundled off on another mission. Pink rays of sunrise streaked across crooked buildings as Sakura trudged to the front gate to meet her small team. Ino was already there, tapping a toe impatiently.
"Really, Forehead? Five minutes late?"
Sakura rolled her eyes.
"Miwa won't be here for another ten and you know it."
They were headed out on a simple med mission, a goodwill mission to a poor village which had succumbed to some form of plague. At least, they said it was a plague. Sakura wouldn't know until they got there. While unusual, their three-man team consisted of all medics with combat skills.
Miwa arrived soon after, a petite, lithe woman with short hair and almost fragile shoulders. Her looks belied her vast and dangerous array of genjutsu skills.
"Ready?" she murmured, trotting by Ino and Sakura without slowing. Ino rolled her eyes.
"On queen bee's time, now aren't we?" she muttered.
Miwa snorted, ignoring her.
The sun was reaching noon before they were wake enough to start talking, much to Sakura's chagrin.
"So," Ino said, and from the tone Sakura knew this conversation would annoy her. "How was Suna?"
"Fine," Sakura said, stolidly looking ahead of her at the dirt road.
"I bet you're so disappointed to be sent on another mission."
Sakura slid Ino a look. "And whywould that be?"
"Because," Ino sighed, "Sasuke will be back soon!"
A blush spread through Sakura's cheeks. "Oh, yeah. I can't wait!"
Her enthusiasm must have fallen flat though, because Ino's gaze sharpened. "Trouble in paradise? Where'd all that enthusiasm go?"
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Of course I'm excited. I don't have an unlimited amount of enthusiasm though. And besides, I'm sure he's excited to see me too. Maybe even moreso."
Ino quirked an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Well," Sakura justified, "I've had all my friends… and stuff. He's been alone."
Ino snorted. "I don't think solitude has ever bothered Sasuke."
Sakura shrugged, before calling up to Miwa, who walked a few steps ahead. "How far?"
"Another few hours, at most. Closer to the Suna border than the village."
"Ugh," Ino said, wrinkling her nose. "At least it'll be less humid." She unstuck her top from her chest. "I can't wait for a shower."
Beside her, Sakura's face went abnormally still, stomach clenching. It was unreasonable – after all, Suna was still quite some ways away – but she couldn't help the odd apprehension that plagued her.
Ino turned to her. "Right back where you came from, huh? Hokage-sama must have it out for you."
Sakura laughed, trying not to think of the knowing looks Kakashi had given her.