[Chouji nods, silent for a moment. He's quiet when he answers.]

I'll try not to dwell on it, and I definitely won't mention anything to Temari. I know she doesn't like pity or feeling weak, and I also wouldn't want to bring up any bad memories for her.

Well, you can just... save that idea until Gai-sensei shows up here. [And Chouji will hope that she forgets about it by then, if he ever does arrive.]