Chouji can't tell Ino the truth, but he won't lie to her. He thinks as quickly as he can to come up with an answer that is completely honest but avoids giving anything away. "Your dad and Shikamaru's were in charge of communications and strategy for the army as a whole, so they stayed at headquarters relaying information and orders." They were perfectly suited to the task, so this shouldn't come as a surprise to Ino. She can feel proud of them, though, knowing that their roles were crucial not just within the village but to all of the five nations.

Chouji closes his eyes for a moment, refusing to cry. Shikaku and Inoichi were like uncles to him, and Chouji has grief of his own to manage. He'll carry his teammates' grief as well until he figures out how to pass that on to them. He wishes that responsibility didn't fall to him.

"My dad was in the same division of the army as us; they kept Team Ten together. Our battle was... hard." He wavers for a moment before deciding, "I'll tell you about it if you really want me to, but not until you get here." With Asuma in Luceti, it won't hurt Ino quite as badly as it would otherwise to hear about their fight.

And maybe if she knows some of it, that awful secret will be easier to bear until it's time to tell her. Chouji feels selfish for even thinking that last part. He won't take back the offer, though.