Naruto 324

Kakuzu ponders Asuma's monetary worth and Shikamaru wonders if Asuma's burning means what he thinks. Hidan pulls out a spike and laughs with glee. Asuma extends his Wind chakra through his knife and charges. Hidan jams the spike through his femur and Asuma goes down in pain. Hidan gloats how the pain of his opponent floods through him, causing pleasure. Izumo and Kotetsu try to grasp what's happening and then figure it out. Asuma has too and figures his foe can't be killed. Hidan asks whether he should just end it now. Izumo orders Shikamaru to stop Hidan's movements. Hidan raises his spike to pierce his chest, going for the killing blow but Shikamaru's shadow stops him! Hidan tries to fight against the binding. Kotetsu asks how long it was since they called for reinforcements, and Izumo figures it will be another 20 minutes until they arrive. Izumo doesn't like their chances if Asuma falls. Shikamaru maintains his hold and his mind frantically goes through all the variables.

Asuma thinks he has to use this time to figure out a counter. Kakuzu tells his partner if this goes on any longer he'll have to step in. Hidan yells that he can do it. Shikamaru thinks of all the things Hidan has said so far, about preparations, rituals and ceremonies. He then snaps to attention with the answer. Izumo asks if he has an idea. Asuma thinks over the young man's ability to think many moves ahead and consider many different strategies. Shikamaru firmly tells his captain they're ready to go.