"I'm sure it was." The admission catches him by surprise, and Chouji's face and voice soften immediately. He is twice as thankful to have Sakura here, given the reminder of what her own arrival must have been like, no one to share the burden. Chouji's next words are quiet but heartfelt. "I'm sorry you were on your own with it. It won't be quite so lonely anymore, I hope."

He nods at that, reminding her firmly, "The offer is mutual."