[Now he's feeling panicky/remorseful enough that any chance of him recognizing that as a joke are far dead.]

N-no... I would never think that of you, Sakura-san! I am sorry! I just... did not realize that there was such a simple solution!

I could have told you upfront about it.

Besides how could you know I would have already checked out the facility? It was one of the first things I did after that strange amusement park.

[ She's not sure how she'll be able to work with robots, but they assured her that all of the other nurses learned after a while. ]

Er... I suppose that may be true. But I still jumped to conclusions a-and the shock of those conclusions must have thrown you off! The hindsight of youth is always clearer...

I should have expected you would have looked into it. You're so efficient, Sakura-san!

It's my responsibility to be efficient. [ She went from being able to provide and take care of hundreds... to two. Just a couple shinobi remain from their village other than herself and she plans to make sure they're well. ]

Lee-san... [ For a brief moment, the strong facade cracks. ]

Sakura-san... [Does that sound like vulnerability in her voice? Lee goes on sincerely.]

We all must be efficient in our own ways. If there's any way we can help you... Just let us know. I will do my part to help, two hundred... no, five hundred percent.

That's just like you, Lee-san! [ Ha ha ha, no vulnerability here. ONLY FAKE SMILES. ]

It's good to have someone to rely on and I know I can trust you to go beyond expectation.

[Did he imagine it HE'S NOT SURE]

Thank you, Sakura-san! That is a very kind opinion. I will continue to act in that way... I won't let you down!

[ He did, right?? It's not like Sakura to lie about her feelings or anything... because she's so passionate and forthright! ]

I know you won't.

[Of course!! They call her Honest Sakura.]

I am glad to hear that.

...I would also like to add that... I know that it is one of my lesser skills, but if you ever need someone to 'talk' with... I will also try my best at that as well.

Talk?

We're talking now, aren't we? [ What if she just acts as if she doesn't get it? ]

Which I'm glad for, by the way. I don't think I would have been able to manage if I showed up here without anyone from home to speak with.

We... we are talking, yes! And it is a very nice conversation! [He smiles meekly.]

I just meant the kind of 'talk' that, ah... involves troubles which one usually hides. [It's hard for someone who is usually not perceptive to try to work through a possible perception.]

But... Thank you. I am glad to have helped you in this way! And... I am very glad just to be able to speak with you again, Sakura-san. [Even when he feels his feelings are unrequited, her voice always makes his heart sing.]

[ Haa. ] Has Naruto been saying strange things?

I can handle it just as you both have so there's no need to worry. I've got it under control.

N-no, Naruto-kun has not said anything unusual...

I do believe in you, Sakura-san... So I trust you completely!

-but thanks. [ She quickly adds. ]

You let me know when you're ready for a check up. I work there now so it's best if you come by while I'm there, you know?

[He nods.]

Yes, I understand. I will check for my next day without work... That should be the prime time!

Okay, but no changing your mind. You agreed to it!

[ It'll give her some peace of mind so why not? ] Guess I should let you get back to sending those messages out.