Shikamaru fell silent for a moment, then gathered his thoughts before speaking. "Among them, the one who was extremely noisy and wore a necklace around his neck was called Hidan.
"He used a red scythe to collect blood. His ability was immortality; even if an enemy cut off his head, he could still survive.
"Teacher Asuma once cut off his head, yet after it fell to the ground, it could still speak. Later, his teammate stitched his head back on, and he was able to return to battle."
Everyone erupted in an uproar. They knew the Akatsuki Organization's members were exceptionally powerful, but surely they could not be impossible to kill? Yet now, someone was telling them that it was true—they really were immortal.
"What? Are you sure this isn't a genjutsu?" someone cried out in shock. Such an ability was truly hard to believe.
Shikamaru nodded forcefully, his tone utterly certain. "It definitely isn't a genjutsu. And he seems to have mastered some kind of heretical ritual.
"By licking an enemy's blood, he can draw the symbol of Jashinism on the ground, then injure himself to inflict harm on his opponent. That was how Teacher Asuma died."
"So when facing him, absolutely do not let him collect your blood.
"If you are accidentally cut, try to quickly wash it away with Water Release, or force him out of the ritual. Never try to kill him directly."
Shikamaru had not only figured out the enemy's abilities, but had even planned methods to counter them. He had been thinking of ways to deal with the enemy all the way here; how could he possibly have gained nothing?
Kakashi's brow furrowed tightly, a trace of worry and vigilance showing in his eyes. He sighed softly and said, "It seems we've truly run