There is also the "thoughtful ellipsis". The thoughtful ellipses is something Kishimoto uses frequently uses throughout Naruto to convey deep emotion without dialogue. It means that a character is having a significant, thoughtful emotional response to what is happening around them even though they don't say a word. Thus we see that Sasuke is responsive to Sakura's hug and thinking about it. His expression is not a blank slate but a meaningful one.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
There are other details cluing readers into what is going on, coming from Naruto and Tsunade.
Even though Tsunade knows nothing about Sakura, she notes right away that Sakura's concern for Sasuke is genuine and diligent. Sakura has visited Sasuke every day at the hospital, always bringing him a flower for his hospital room and barely leaving his side until he got better (after all, it's telling that she was already there when Naruto arrived with Tsunade). Noticeably it's Sakura, and not Ino, who is by Sasuke's side, which on Sakura's end emphasizes a higher sense of loyalty, friendship, and involvement with Sasuke that goes beyond a mere fangirl's crush.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Upon her arrival, Tsunade immediately takes note of this upon entering the room. Via Tsunade's perspective we note the Fifth Hokage's sympathy for this girl who has spent the past month or so worrying for her friend, awaiting his awakening. Tsunade is impressed and surprised that the girl has been so diligent with visiting Sasuke and staying by his side as much as possible until he recovered (which is what a good and loyal friend would do).
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
