Whether it's frightening to think of or not, Shikamaru is more than willing to take a little of those future secrets into confidence. It's on Chouji's behalf, so it's worth it.

There is visible relief about him when it's explained that he achieved that power without the Akimichi Clan's pills. Not much more needs to be said about that, or Asuma, probably. It speaks for itself, so he's not surprised when Chouji moves on to the next subject. He bottles up his thoughts and likewise moves on with it.

"Aa..." He wasn't avoiding this question before, but it's difficult not to expect a certain reaction. "It's been two and a half years, now."