[Ino doesn't cry alone. Tears are already streaming down Chouji's face when the jutsu starts. They're well away from the war now, and both of his teammates know. He's followed Shikamaru's orders this long, but now the need for them has passed. Chouji will grieve along with his friends.
When Ino speaks again, Chouji pulls her closer, arm still around her shoulders and hand resting on her head.]
I'm so sorry, Ino. [The discovery that he wasn't wrong, that there really are no right words, isn't a surprise, but it stings anyway.
Over her head, he spares a look for Shikamaru, blinking away enough of the tears that he can see his friend's face clearly. Chouji feels the loss of two men he's always admired. His teammates lost so much more, and Chouji is well aware of it. He's crying just as much for their pain as for what he feels himself.]
[Action: Ino-Shika-Chou]
When Ino speaks again, Chouji pulls her closer, arm still around her shoulders and hand resting on her head.]
I'm so sorry, Ino. [The discovery that he wasn't wrong, that there really are no right words, isn't a surprise, but it stings anyway.
Over her head, he spares a look for Shikamaru, blinking away enough of the tears that he can see his friend's face clearly. Chouji feels the loss of two men he's always admired. His teammates lost so much more, and Chouji is well aware of it. He's crying just as much for their pain as for what he feels himself.]