"Thanks," Chouji says with a smile, careful to look away from the journal at his surroundings only when he stops speaking. "That'll help a lot."

And her next statement, with its implied meaning, gives him further cause for gratitude. Chouji's face softens, and he nods. "I think Ino's on her way here, and Shikamaru can't be far behind. I'll find you as soon as I've seen them."

True to his word, Chouji joins Temari by the fountain at the earliest opportunity, now fully dressed rather than wearing only those white pants. "Hello, Temari."