A Battle of Wits Becomes an Insult to Intelligence

Did a battle of wits become an insult to intelligence? Was it unreasonable for Shikamaru to solo Hidan? Many readers did find this plot point somewhat abrupt, after all, Hidan was a powerful enemy with an immortal body. However, upon closer analysis, one would find that there was actually much deeper meaning behind it.

When the team returned to Konoha, Shikamaru walked heavily over to Kurenai. His steps were unsteady, as though he carried the weight of the entire world on his shoulders. He stood silently before her, his lips trembling slightly, yet he could not bring himself to say those words. At last, he took a deep breath and told Kurenai in a low, hoarse voice, "Asuma... he's gone."

Upon hearing the news, Kurenai froze as if struck by lightning. Her body jolted, and tears instantly blurred her eyes like a burst dam. She could not accept it. How could Asuma simply leave her like that? They had been through so much together. His smile, his warmth, were still vivid in her mind.

When Asuma's funeral was held, all of Konoha was steeped in grief. Yet people were surprised to discover that Shikamaru had not appeared at the funeral. He lay alone in the grass, gazing at the drifting white clouds in the sky, a cigarette between his lips as he exhaled smoke in solitude. His eyes were hollow and lost, as though he had lost all direction in life.

Asuma's death had a tremendous impact on Shikamaru. He began reflecting on his life and realized how fragile and unpredictable life was. In the past, he had always treated life with a carefree attitude and remained indifferent to many things. But now, he understood that every moment could be the last, and every person deserved to be treated seriously.