A Battle of Wits Becomes an Insult to Intelligence

Is a battle of wits turned into an insult to intelligence? Is Shikamaru's solo kill of Hidan unreasonable? This plot point does seem abrupt to many readers, after all, Hidan is a formidable enemy with an immortal body. However, when we analyze the plot more deeply, we find that it actually contains many profound meanings.

When the group returned to Konoha, Shikamaru walked heavily to Kurenai, his steps faltering as if he were carrying the weight of the entire world. He stood silently before Kurenai, his lips trembling slightly, unable to utter the words. Finally, he took a deep breath and told Kurenai in a low, hoarse voice, "Asuma... he's gone."

When Hong heard the news, she was stunned as if struck by lightning. Her body trembled violently, and tears instantly blurred her vision like a burst dam. She couldn't accept this fact. How could Asuma leave her like this? They had been through so much together; his smile, his warmth, were still vivid in her mind.

Asuma's funeral was held, the entire Konoha Village was immersed in grief. However, people were surprised to find that Shikamaru was not present at the funeral. He lay alone on the grass, gazing at the white clouds drifting in the sky, a cigarette dangling from his lips, exhaling smoke in solitude. His eyes were empty and lost, as if he had lost his way in life.

Asuma's departure had a profound impact on Shikamaru. He began to reflect on his life, realizing the fragility and impermanence of life. He used to treat life with a cynical attitude, indifferent to many things. But now, he understood that every moment could be the last, and everyone deserved to be taken seriously.

It was because of this accident that Shikamaru's personality underwent a complete 180-degree change. He was no longer that lazy, carefree boy, but became more mature and composed. He began to work hard to improve his strength, not only for revenge, but also to protect those around him.

This incident became a catalyst, igniting the determination of Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino Yamanaka to embark on a path of revenge. They had only one goal: to personally kill Hidan and Kakuzu and avenge Asuma. This was not only about settling scores with Asuma, but also about fulfilling an indelible obsession deep within their hearts.

To achieve this goal, Shikamaru put in tremendous effort. He spent a lot of time every day practicing using the Chakra Blade left behind by Asuma. He carefully studied how to perfectly fuse the Chakra Blade with his own chakra, thereby better controlling its power and trajectory.

After countless attempts, Shikamaru gradually mastered some techniques. He discovered that only when his mind was as calm as still water could he unleash the full potential of his Chakra Blade. So, he began to cultivate his mental state, using meditation and breathing exercises to keep his mind at peace.

At the same time, Shikamaru also conducted in-depth research on Hidan and Kakuzu's fighting styles and weaknesses. He reviewed a large amount of data, analyzed their performance in past battles, and tried to find areas where he could break through their defenses.

After a long period of deliberation and planning, Shikamaru finally devised a strategy specifically targeting the Akatsuki duo. This strategy fully considered the characteristics of Hidan and Kakuzu, as well as their cooperative methods. Shikamaru believed that as long as this plan was executed, they would definitely be able to defeat these two formidable enemies.

With everything prepared, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, their eyes resolute, embarked on their path of revenge without hesitation. Their hearts burned with fury, their hatred for Hidan and Kakuzu erupting like a volcano, vowing to make these two enemies pay a terrible price for their actions.

Just as Shikamaru was about to launch his attack, a figure suddenly appeared on the battlefield like Inazuma! Shikamaru looked closely and was startled—it was Kakashi Hatake!

Kakashi's appearance completely caught Shikamaru off guard. His mind raced, and he instantly realized that the situation might be more complicated than he had imagined. However, Shikamaru's reaction speed was astonishing; he changed his strategy in an instant.

Shikamaru's planned attack route was disrupted by Kakashi's appearance, but he didn't panic at all. Instead, he quickly adjusted his plan, deciding to observe Kakashi's intentions first, and then make further decisions based on the actual situation.

Shikamaru's quick thinking and adaptability amazed even Kakashi. Kakashi had expected Shikamaru to panic and lose his composure due to his sudden appearance. However, Shikamaru displayed extraordinary calmness and decisiveness, not only remaining unfazed but also reacting swiftly and changing the course of the entire battle.

Like a magician, Shikamaru swiftly pulled a small, exquisite object from his robes and handed it to Kakashi without hesitation, urging anxiously, "Quick, use this!"

Kakashi was filled with intense curiosity upon seeing the scene before him. Although he was puzzled by the sudden appearance of the little creature, he instinctively reached out and caught it without hesitation.

When Kakashi looked closely, he was surprised to find that this seemingly ordinary little thing was actually a Blood Collection Capsule! This made him frown slightly, and his doubts deepened.

Meanwhile, in another direction from Konoha Village, Hidan and Kakuzu were stealthily making their way towards Kakashi's location. They moved with extreme caution, as if each step was treading on a knife's edge, afraid of attracting attention. Their figures looked somewhat eerie in the moonlight, like two frightened Rat, tiptoeing forward.

However, none of their actions escaped Ino Yamanaka's notice. It turned out that Ino Yamanaka had already been observing Hidan and Kakuzu's every move through the birds she controlled. Her keen observation skills and ability to manipulate birds allowed her to grasp the enemy's movements without being detected.

Ino Yamanaka immediately relayed the crucial information to Shikamaru upon discovering Hidan and Kakuzu's whereabouts. Upon receiving the message, Shikamaru's lips curled into a confident smile. He knew a fierce battle was about to unfold.

Shikamaru took a deep breath and quickly composed himself. His deep eyes gleamed with wisdom, as if he could see through everything. At this critical moment, he fully utilized his extraordinary intelligence, calmly analyzing the current situation and devising a countermeasure. He skillfully employed various tactics, first successfully using Chakra Blade had absorbed his own chakra to immobilize Hidan and Kakuzu's shadows, rendering them both unable to move.

Immediately afterward, Shikamaru swiftly formed hand seals while chanting incantations. With the completion of his last hand seal, his signature ninjutsu— the Shadow Imitation Technique— was successfully unleashed! His shadow, as if alive, rapidly extended outward and tightly bound Hidan's body.

In that instant, Hidan's body seemed to be tightly bound by an invisible force, completely losing control of his own body. His movements became extremely stiff, as if every joint had been frozen, leaving him completely at the mercy of Shikamaru's shadow.

Shikamaru stood not far away, a sly smile playing on his lips. His hands moved with the agility of a magician, manipulating Hidan's body, making him mechanically approach Kakuzu step by step like a puppet on strings.

Hidan's hands were controlled by Shikamaru, raised high, the Chakra Blade in his hands flashing with a chilling light, thrusting straight at Kakuzu. This attack was extremely fast, like Inazuma streaking across the night sky, leaving no time to react. Moreover, the angle of this attack was extremely tricky, as if it had been precisely calculated, making it impossible to dodge.

However, at this critical moment, Kakuzu displayed his astonishing reaction speed and combat experience. With a flash, he swiftly dodged Hidan's attack like a ghost. At the same time, he waved his hand, and a black Chakra Blade shot out like Inazuma, striking Hidan's Chakra Blade with astonishing speed and accuracy.

With a sharp "crack," Hidan's Chakra Blade shattered under the violent impact, scattering fragments everywhere. This sudden turn of events caught Hidan off guard; his body jerked violently, and the broken blade fell from his hand.

Kakuzu's attack was exquisite, not only cleverly avoiding Hidan's fatal blow but also instantly disarming Hidan, putting Hidan in an extremely passive and precarious situation.

At this critical moment, seeing Choji in Hidan, Choji didn't hesitate to leap forward. His body rapidly expanded in mid-air, transforming into a gigantic ball of flesh in the blink of an eye, resembling a moving mountain.

Choji's eyes widened in fury, and he let out a deafening roar before unleashing his signature technique— the Human Bullet Tank! This ninjutsu was incredibly powerful; the Human Bullet Tank charged Kakuzu like a wild horse, with overwhelming force.

Despite the fierce attack, Kakuzu remained remarkably calm. He calmly formed hand seals, chanted incantations, and instantly unleashed Earth Release: Earth Spear Technique.

In an instant, a thick layer of earth rose up around Kakuzu's body, enveloping him like an impregnable fortress. This earthen shell was incredibly hard, as if forged from steel, and exuded a chilling aura.

Choji's Human Bullet Tank, like a rampaging tank, slammed into the earthen mound with unparalleled force. A deafening roar echoed, as if the entire world trembled.

However, unexpectedly, despite the deafening impact, Kakuzu remained as steady as a mountain, without even a slight sway. His Earth Release: Earth Spear Technique was so powerful that it managed to withstand Choji's human Human Bullet Tank.

Kakuzu curled into a cold smile, seemingly disregarding Choji's defense. He rapidly formed hand seals with a speed that was dazzling. With his movements, the hard earthen shell crumbled instantly, as if by magic.

Choji had no idea that Kakuzu break through his defenses so easily. By the time he realized the danger, it was too late. Kakuzu's body shot straight toward Choji like a cannonball, carrying unparalleled force.

Before Choji could even react, Kakuzu slammed into Kakuzu and sent him flying. His body arced through the air before crashing heavily to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Kakuzu gave Choji no chance to catch his breath. He pressed his advantage, his hands forming hand seals and his mouth chanting incantations. As he chanted, all sorts of powerful ninjutsu poured out from his hands like Gale, overwhelming Kakashi and Shikamaru.

Kakashi's eyes narrowed; he immediately realized just how ferocious Kakuzu's attack was. However, he showed no sign of backing down. With a flash, he vanished from his spot as if he had never been there at all.

The next moment, Kakashi appeared behind Kakuzu like a ghost. He gripped the Lightning Cutter tightly in his hand, and the Inazuma blade, flashing with dazzling lightning, stabbed towards Kakuzu's back with astonishing speed.

Although Kakuzu was incredibly strong, his attention was focused on Kakashi and Shikamaru in front of him, and he was completely unaware that Kakashi had been quietly approaching from behind. By the time he sensed the movement behind him, it was too late to turn around and defend himself.

Kakashi's Lightning Cutter struck Kakuzu squarely in the back with the force of a thunderbolt. In an instant, a powerful current surged through Kakuzu's entire body like a torrent.

Kakuzu let out a scream, his body shuddered violently, and then, like a puppet with its strings cut, he fell straight to the ground, Fudō.

Seeing this, Kakashi felt somewhat relieved. He slowly walked to Kakuzu's side, preparing to check whether Kakuzu had truly lost his fighting ability.

However, just as Kakashi approached Kakuzu suddenly opened his eyes, a cunning glint in them.

"We've been tricked!" Kakashi thought to himself, but it was too late. Kakuzu leaped up suddenly, his hands moving like Inazuma as he reached for Kakashi's throat.

Seeing Kakuzu's attack coming, Kakashi reacted swiftly, dodging to the side like Inazuma. However, Kakuzu's speed was simply too fast, astonishingly so. Even though Kakashi had given it his all, Kakuzu's fingers still managed to lightly glide across Kakashi's neck, leaving a shallow wound.

Just as Kakashi was injured, Shikamaru's Shadow Binding finally reached its limit. The black shadow that had been tightly binding Hidan seemed to be stretched open by an invisible force, instantly disappearing without a trace. Hidan's body suddenly regained its freedom at this moment, a cunning glint flashing in his eyes. After exchanging a glance with Kakuzu, the two immediately understood each other and launched their attacks simultaneously without hesitation.

Hidan gripped the broken blade tightly, his movements unusually fierce, like an enraged beast, lunging at Kakashi with bared fangs and claws. The broken blade flashed through the air, carrying a sharp momentum, aiming straight for Kakashi's vitals.

At the same time, Kakuzu's hands rapidly formed hand seals, and a ferocious and terrifying monster suddenly emerged from behind him. This monster was enormous, covered in black scales, and exuded a suffocating aura. It spewed raging flames from its mouth, as if it wanted to burn the entire world to ashes. Not only that, this monster's hands could also unleash powerful Wind Blade and water dragon bullets, with astonishing power.

Kakashi and Shikamaru were completely stunned by this sudden and terrifying scene. Their eyes widened, and their faces were filled with disbelief. They never expected that Kakuzu would be hiding such a powerful ability; it was completely beyond their expectations.

Shockingly, Kakashi had only defeated one of many monsters, and these monsters were actually made from the meridian systems of other people! This discovery sent chills down everyone's spines, as if they were in a terrifying nightmare.

Faced with such a bizarre enemy, Shikamaru quickly adjusted his strategy. His mind raced as he analyzed the situation. He realized that to defeat these monsters, he had to employ clever tactics. Therefore, he decided to lure two of them away to relieve the pressure on his companions.

Shikamaru took a deep breath, steadied himself, and then charged towards two of the monsters without hesitation. He was incredibly fast, like Inazuma, and instantly created distance between himself and the two monsters.

Enraged by this, the two monsters roared and gave chase. Shikamaru, however, nimbly darted through the forest, using the terrain and trees for cover as he fought off the monsters.

And so, a thrilling battle between Shikamaru and Hidan began. Shikamaru displayed his exceptionally high IQ and superb acting skills, sometimes feigning attacks and sometimes dodging, leaving Hidan completely bewildered.

Finally, Shikamaru successfully lured Hidan into his trap. He cleverly used Explosive Tag to separate Hidan from Kakuzu, leaving Hidan isolated and helpless.

However, at this crucial moment, Shikamaru's Shadow Imitation Technique reached its limit, and he could no longer control Hidan. Taking advantage of the Hidan, Hidan broke free of his restraints. A cunning glint flashed in his eyes as he suddenly drew his sword and pounced on Shikamaru like a hungry tiger.

Caught off guard, Shikamaru had no time to react and could only watch helplessly as Hidan's sword came hurtling towards him. In an instant, the blade flashed, and Shikamaru's body collapsed, a trickle of blood appearing on his face.

Hidan, Hidan thought he had succeeded and immediately completed his horrific ritual, plunging his sword into his own chest without hesitation. However, unexpectedly, it wasn't Shikamaru who was injured, but Kakuzu!

It turns out that Shikamaru had planned this all along. He cleverly used the blood of Kakuzu that Kakashi had collected earlier to make Hidan mistakenly believe that Shikamaru was Kakuzu. In this way, Kakuzu became the one who was "cursed," while Shikamaru successfully escaped a disaster.

Kakashi witnessed all of this and couldn't help but exclaim, "They underestimated Shikamaru!" He knew that Shikamaru would never waste the information that Asuma had risked his life for. In this battle, Shikamaru not only demonstrated his wisdom but also proved his determination and courage.

Just as Hidan was still bewildered about what was happening, Shikamaru leaped up like Inazuma, his Chakra Blade flashing through the air as it hurtled towards Hidan!

However, although the attack hit Hidan precisely, it lacked power and only left a shallow wound on his body, from which blood slowly seeped out.

However, this brief pause did not give Hidan a chance to catch his breath. Shikamaru immediately launched his signature move— Shadow Paralysis Technique! Hidan's shadow seemed to be pulled by an invisible force, quickly intertwining with Shikamaru's shadow.

However, unexpectedly, although Shikamaru's shadow successfully grabbed Hidan, the binding effect was noticeably weaker this time due to the large amount of chakra consumed in the previous battle. Hidan was actually able to move with difficulty under Shikamaru's control, gradually approaching Shikamaru.

Faced with this predicament, Shikamaru did not panic. He calmly observed Hidan's every move, looking for an opportunity to counterattack.

Finally, as Hidan raised his blade, preparing to deliver the fatal blow to Shikamaru's lips curled up slightly, revealing a confident smile.

Just as Hidan's blade was about to fall, Shikamaru suddenly unleashed a brand new ninjutsu— the Shadow Pulling Technique!

In an instant, the surrounding Explosive Tag seemed to be drawn by a powerful force, gathering around Hidan and clinging tightly to his body.

Immediately afterward, Shikamaru drew his sword and activated a cleverly designed mechanism. With a "crack," the ground beneath Hidan suddenly split open, revealing a huge Black Hole beneath his feet!

Just as Hidan was stunned, an illusion of Asuma suddenly appeared in the Black Hole. Asuma smiled and said to Shikamaru, "Well done, Shikamaru!" After saying that, the illusion vanished like smoke.

Shikamaru took a deep breath, lit the lighter Asuma had left him without hesitation, and then threw it at Hidan like a meteor.

The lighter traced a graceful arc through the air and landed precisely on the Explosive Tag on Hidan's body.

In an instant, Hikaru shot into the sky, and a violent explosion resounded throughout the entire space! Hidan was violently thrown into the air by the force of the explosion, and then crashed heavily into the deep crater.

As the dust settled, Shikamaru stood there, gazing at Hidan buried underground, a sense of indescribable accomplishment welling up within him.

In this thrilling one-on-one duel, Shikamaru, with his extraordinary wisdom and courage, successfully defeated the powerful Hidan, which was truly breathtaking!

Shikamaru is finally about to defeat Hidan in a one-on-one Hidan! This pinnacle of strategic combat in the Naruto world is about to showcase his overwhelming intelligence, capable of crushing Hidan.

After Naruto and Kakashi failed to capture Itachi Pain's invasion of Konoha, they returned to Konoha village with heavy hearts. However, what awaited them was shocking news— Jiraiya had been killed by Pain.

Jiraiya's death was like a bolt from the blue, plunging the entire Konoha Village into grief. Naruto, in particular, was devastated by the deep bond between him and Jiraiya passing was undoubtedly a tremendous blow to him.

At this critical moment, the Fifth Naruto, Tsunade, decisively ordered Shikamaru to gather the Code Decryption Team to interpret the code Jiraiya left on the Toad Sage Shima before his death. At the same time, she also ordered a thorough search of relevant materials, hoping to find Pain's true purpose from these clues.

Seeing Naruto's low spirits, Shikamaru, as his friend, deeply understood his pain. Shikamaru had also experienced a similar loss; his father, Asuma, had tragically died in a battle against Hidan. Therefore, he could understand Naruto's feelings and encouraged him to cheer up.