At dusk, the squad set up camp by the roadside. Following Shikamaru's plan, they left only ten people behind, with Utakata serving as bait. Kakashi led the others into hiding nearby as an ambush force.
Before long, two figures appeared on the horizon. Kakuzu and Hidan strode brazenly down the main road.
"It's up ahead." Kakuzu sensed that the group was made up of ninja from the Five Great Nations, and that they had already prepared a trap for him.
Yet Kakuzu made no move. He continued toward the distant camp at an unhurried pace, carrying himself with the composure of a man unfazed even by a mountain collapsing before his eyes.
"Kill them!" Hidan screamed wildly, charging toward the camp with his triple-bladed scythe in hand. He could barely wait to begin slaughtering.
Kakuzu did not stop him. In his view, Hidan possessed an immortal body. Even if his head were separated from his body, Kakuzu could stitch him back together. This was the perfect chance to have him scout out the enemy's intelligence.
Swinging his scythe, Hidan charged into the camp like a madman, shouting threats without pause.
Seeing this, Shikamaru immediately put the plan into motion and loudly mocked Hidan's faith.
"Ha! Your ridiculous Jashin doesn't deserve to be called a god. He's nothing but a brat, and you're nothing more than a stupid follower."
As he spoke, Shikamaru tossed the Jashin statue he had just carved into the bonfire. The flames danced, and the wooden statue caught fire.
The sight instantly sent Hidan into a fury. His eyes turned bloodshot as he lunged at Shikamaru like a madman.
"You dare insult Lord Evil God! I'll make you pay!" Hidan roared.
Shikamaru nimbly dodged Hidan's attacks while directing the others to act according to the plan.
Just