Naruto Shippuuden Summaries Volume 36 4q4q7

Chapter 320: "Bounty Head Money" – In the Fire Temple coffins line the interior. A monk tells Asuma they couldn't find Chiriku, Izumo figures he was probably taken in for bounty. Kotetsu asks where the bounty station is and Izumo says there are five in all. Izumo alerts four other teams via birds to head for the others. Asuma states they'll head out for the closest. One of the elder monks states they'll pray for them and Asuma smiles. Elsewhere Naruto is jubilant, Kakashi states Naruto can now work on refining it. Naruto collapses and Kakashi rushes to his side. Naruto states he is very hungry and Kakashi grins. At the Temple Asuma thanks the monk for praying. The monk tells him to be careful, as one of the Twelve Guardians he has a price on his head as well. Asuma tells him not to worry; his bounty has to be at least 5 million more than Chiriku's. At Ichiraku Kakashi asks where Ayame is. Teuchi says she's on a trip and these are the two new cooks. Naruto slobbers in anticipation but the two new cooks prove clueless in the kitchen, ruining each bowl of ramen made and dropping others. Naruto can only watch on in slobbering sadness at the mayhem developing before him. Elsewhere in a men’s restroom a hidden wall opens before Hidan and Kakuzu. A man greets them and then offers Kakuzu his appreciation for the bounty head. Chiriku's corpse is laid on a slab and the reward money is handed over. Hidan curses the horrible smell of the place and goes to leave while Kakuzu states he's going to remain and count his money. Back at Ichiraku Naruto happily slurps up his ramen. Yamato looks at his bowl with disdain and Naruto states he wants to go train afterwards. Kakashi says it'll have to wait, there's something else he needs to show Naruto first... Chapter 321: "Smooth-Talking...!!" – Naruto states he isn't ready for another of Kakashi's long-winded explanations. His sensei explains he'll make it understandable, and asks Yamato to pay. Yamato interjects that the senpai usually pays. Kakashi states that for those you respect, there's no "senior" or "junior" talk, and then he adds that of all his juniors, he only recognizes Yamato. Yamato then embarrassedly interjects that he'll pay. Naruto thinks that Kakashi does in fact have a way with words. They leave and Kakashi explains about changing the shape of chakra, and how with Chidori he decides the power and range of the attack. Because Naruto learned nature manipulation, and knows form manipulation with Rasengan, he's pretty much got the basics down. Naruto comments that this was easy, but Kakashi states no. Kakashi then forms Rasengan in his hand to Naruto's surprise. He states he couldn't fuse his lightning chakra with

Rasengan. To fuse the two requires a very special knack for it. He states that neither he nor his teacher the Fourth Hokage could do it. He states Rasengan is a high level form manipulation technique, uncompleted and lacking nature. Naruto asks if that means it's a halfcomplete jutsu and Kakashi affirms. He states he doesn't even know if it's possible, so it's up to Naruto to find out. He asks Naruto if he knows why he's telling him this, and he states it's because he believes he can sur the Fourth. Naruto blushes in surprise. Yamato smiles and states Kakashi has a way with words. Kakashi states he really does believe it. Elsewhere the Bounty master asks Kakuzu to return with more later. Kakuzu replies he's going to Konoha to look for a Jinchuuriki. The master states Kakuzu should look for a new partner. In the forest Team Asuma runs on. Shikamaru asks Asuma how he knows Chiriku. He states Asuma usually smokes two packs a day, but he hasn't touched a cigarette in the last few days. When he stops smoking there is something going on. Asuma states Shikamaru can always see through him. The younger man says usually only in Shougi and adds that Asuma also gave up smoking when the Third died. Asuma states he and Chiriku were friends while in the Twelve Guardians, similar to Shikamaru and Chouji. Shikamaru silently takes this in, then states he won't have to wait long before picking his smoking habit back up. Chapter 322: "He Can't Be Killed" – Asuma says he's touched that Shikamaru cares, but he didn't give up smoking because of Chiriku. He then adds to be careful when they finally face Akatsuki. In the restroom, Kakuzu states Hidan is a pain in the ass, but the only one worthy to be his companion since the previous ones all died. And when he gets really annoyed, the urge to kill rises, but Hidan can't be killed. In Konoha multiple Narutos are exhausted and two attempt Rasengan. They attempt to create Wind but it proves difficult to focus. A burst of wind sends the clones flying and the agitated Naruto stands and forms Rasengan again. His annoyance rising, he grits his teeth and the Kyuubi chakra begins to boil and four tails form. Kakashi yells for Yamato and he extends the wood to clamp down and subdue Naruto. Yamato yells that if this continues it will be too much for Naruto, and it's getting to be too much for him too. Kakashi replies it's the only way, and it's all dependent upon Yamato. Yamato affirms. Elsewhere Hidan sits and curses the stink that has stuck to him, a figure walks up behind him and he expresses his annoyance that Kakuzu took so long. He turns to see Asuma hurl kunai at him, he uses his scythe to knock

them away and then hurls it at his opponent. Asuma steps aside to avoid the attack and Hidan stands frozen. Izumo and Kotetsu rush in from the sides with large kunai, while Shikamaru watches from the roof holding Hidan in place. Kotetsu and Izumo's blades strike home in Hidan's chest. Asuma states that's one down, but Hidan replies that hurt and asks what the hell is going on. Chapter 323: "God's Judgment" – Izumo and Kotetsu are shocked their attack was shrugged off. Hidan asks who they are and notices Asuma's Fire loincloth. Asuma states they're from Konoha and they're here to wipe Akatsuki out. He acknowledges Hidan's high skills and Shikamaru also marvels at their power. Hidan says they've made a misstep and Asuma asks where his partner is. On the roof Shikamaru can barely jump away as Kakuzu slams his position. Hidan maniacally yells that the binding jutsu wore off. Asuma rushes to protect Shikamaru and yells for Izumo and Kotetsu to retreat, so they take up positions around Shikamaru. Hidan tells his partner not to interfere, that they will be his offerings. Kakuzu states that's fine, and to not let down his guard. Hidan asks why he says that, they if they kill, that's fine. He then makes his Jashin symbol below him out of his blood. Asuma says he'll charge him and asks Shikamaru to attack him with his shadow sewing. Kotetsu says he'll assist but Asuma firmly states no, these guys are too good. Kotetsu then asks isn't retreat better? Asuma says no, they'll be killed if they do that too. It's all like Shougi, and sometimes you have to play in this fashion. Hidan pulls one of the large blades from his sides, and curses them from not understanding pain. Shikamaru states such a sacrificial gambit doesn't suit Asuma, but the older man states it won't be one with you around. Asuma and Hidan clash and Shikamaru tries to hit him with his shadow needles. Hidan throws the blades and Asuma cuts through them. The scythe then rushes, Asuma parries but a blade tip cuts his cheek. Hidan draws the scythe back and licks the blood. Asuma emits a fire style burning ash cloud which envelops Hidan. Hidan's body turns black with white skeletal outlines, he then gloats that Asuma's in pain now, correct? Asuma then feels that he himself has been burned instead. Hidan gloats that God's judgment has helped Asuma feel the pain of others. His fate is sealed and the ceremony will now begin, allowing them to experience the pain together!... Chapter 324: "Shikamaru's Analysis" – 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. Chapter 325: "There Is No After...!" – Kakuzu ponders the shadow's binding ability while Hidan fights against it. Izumo asks Shikamaru what he'll do. The young man strains and explains he'll withdraw Hidan from the circle on the ground. It's tied to his scythe usage, even if it's not fatal if he can wound he can kill. It's tied to the curse through consumption of his opponent's blood. He goes on to state the final requirement is Hidan needs to be in the circle. Kakuzu is impressed and Shikamaru explains how Hidan's boasts about starting the ceremony helped give it away. Hidan is incensed and he curses the young man, telling him after he gets free he's going to rip him apart. Shikamaru retorts there will be no "after" and yells to Asuma that Hidan is finally out of the circle. Asuma throws a shuriken which cuts through Hidan with no ill affect on himself. Shikamaru then causes his shadows to whip out and stab through Hidan, holding him down further. Shikamaru states he can't hold on for much longer and Asuma tells him good work. Hidan yells for Kakuzu to hurry and help him and his partner retorts that he warned him his carelessness would be his end. Asuma charges with his chakra blades and cuts off Hidan's head, sending it flying next to Kakuzu. The Konoha ninja breathe a sigh of

relief. Kakuzu looks at Hidan's head and states that if he needed help he should have asked earlier... and the head yells back that Kakuzu let that happen! The Konoha ninja are shocked. Kakuzu reminds Hidan he told him to back off, and now that he is only a head he dares yell at him? Hidan's head states maybe he was at fault and asks Kakuzu to get his body for him. Kakuzu picks up Hidan's head and makes no further move. Hidan demands Kakuzu get his body but his partner merely states his head is lighter. Chapter 326: "Desired Pain...!!" – Hidan bitches to Kakuzu about the hair pulling and complains about the pain of the beheading. The Konoha ninja watch on and Shikamaru weakly states Hidan can't use jutsu without his body. Izumo states they have a chance against the other now and Asuma thinks over whether they should now flee. Suddenly Kakuzu has kicked Asuma back. He places Hidan's head on the body and dark threads emerge from his sleeves to sew it back on. He warns Hidan to be careful or it'll come off again. The Konoha ninja think over how impossible this is and Kakuzu tells Hidan to take Asuma while he goes after the rest. Kotetsu summons a huge weapon and Izumo charges and emits a sticky glue from his mouth. Kotetsu emits a protective chakra to his feet and runs across the surface, the charging Kakuzu gets stuck. Kotetsu lunges to strike but Kakuzu unravels stitches from his forearms and sends out his hands to grab the two men by the throat, sticky tendrils running from the forearms to the hands allow him to maintain control. Asuma charges his blade and stands to swipe at Hidan. His opponent jumps back and pulls his scythe back from Asuma's blindside. Asuma dodges and the weapon impales Hidan in the chest. Hidan merely laughs at the pain and points out he is now in his circle. Asuma doubles over coughing up blood and Hidan gloats that he is feeling the pain of death. He pulls a pike and Shikamaru runs, yelling for him to stop. He can only watch in horror as Hidan plunges the pike straight through his chest. Chapter 327: "Within Despair..." – Asuma kneels and then coughs up blood. In Konoha, Kurenai waters her plants. When the petals of one falls off its stem, she is hit with an ill omen about Asuma. Elsewhere Hidan relishes the pain and Shikamaru runs towards him in shock, and then collapses. Hidan's skin returns to normal and he tells his partner he's done. Kakuzu replies he almost is too. As Izumo and Kotetsu struggle against the grip, Shikamaru stands and runs at the man in a rage. Kakuzu yanks Izumo and slaps Shikamaru aside.

Suddenly crows fly in to surround the two Akatsuki. Hidan yells in confusion and Kakuzu retorts it's to block their vision. A black sword pierces through crows and Raidou places himself between Kakuzu and Kotetsu. He strikes Kakuzu in the head with the sword and the other releases his grip. Chouji lifts Asuma and Ino helps Shikamaru to his feet. They retreat to the building roof and Aoba controls his flock, sending them after the Akatsuki duo. The duo retreats backwards and curses the backup. The birds poof away and Raidou asks Kotetsu if he is okay. Chouji and Shikamaru yell at Asuma but the man remains silent. Shikamaru listens at his chest and hears a faint heartbeat. He yells for Chouji to return to Konoha with Asuma and tells Ino to apply medical ninjutsu along the way. They affirm the order but suddenly Kakuzu appears on the roof, stating he's not giving up his bounty. Aoba states they'll hold them off while they retreat with Asuma. Hidan gloats they're just more sacrifices but then he and Kakuzu suddenly bolt to attention. Hidan asks to no one if it can wait a little longer. Elsewhere the Akatsuki leader sits on the tongue of a large figure in a city. He tells them to return as they're preparing to seal the Sanbi. Hidan petulantly demands more time but his partner tells him to cool it. Hidan concedes and Kakuzu states they'll be back later. Elsewhere a nose pierced Akatsuki leader reacts in annoyance at the lack of maturity in his men. Chapter 328: "Team 10" – Izumo wonders why they are retreating and Shikamaru yells for Asuma to be spirited away to healing. Hidan states they shouldn't go anywhere as they'll be back soon; they then puff away in smoke. Asuma weakly states it's okay now, this is it for him. Ino uses healing on him and surmises they hit vital points, meaning she can't do anything else. Asuma states he finally understands why the Third did what he did, and it took him too long to figure it out. He asks his former students to come close, Shikamaru stoically tells them to listen close, as these are his last words. Asuma tells Ino to look over for Shikamaru and Chouji and never to lose out to Sakura in Ninjutsu or love. She cries and says she understands. He tells Chouji he's kind and trustworthy, things that will make him become a great ninja. He then also states he should try to diet. Chouji cries and says he'll try. He finally tells Shikamaru he has a great mind and sense for a ninja, the kind which could make him Hokage. He also states he never managed to beat him once. He then asks if he re his words on the "King," he whispers in Shikamaru's ear what he's learned on the subject and the young man reacts in

surprise. He asks Shikamaru to take out his cigarettes and the young man lights him one last smoke. We flash to the past, where Asuma greets his team for the first time. He says there'll be no crying and the young Shikamaru replies it's all because of the smoke. We go forward to another time when Chouji ran up the bill at a yakiniku, and move again to Asuma buying flowers at Yamanaka's. Ino asks who they're for and Asuma states no one particular, she knowingly responds telling him to say "Hi" to Kurenai for her. We move again to Asuma giving Shikamaru a book on Shougi. Shikamaru wins their first match and the young man says he doesn't have to go easy on him. We move again to Asuma congratulating Shikamaru on being the only one to the Chuunin Exams; and finally again to congratulate Ino and Chouji on ing the Exam. He states they're now Chuunin and out of his care. They'll lead their own teams now and he gives them matching earrings as a gift. He asks them never to forget they were Team 10. In the present Asuma's cigarette drops to the ground and his body goes still. Ino yells out and she and Chouji profusely cry. Shikamaru remains stoic. It begins to rain and Raidou covers Asuma's upper body with his cloak. Shikamaru picks up a cigarette and lights it. He profusely coughs and states he hates to smoke. He begins to heavily cry and curses the smoke. Tears mix with rain, while back in Konoha Kurenai watches the rain out her apartment window as well... Chapter 329: "The True Goal...!!" – Near Konoha one Naruto forms Rasengan and begins to go Kyuubi, the others freak and yell for help. Yamato extends the suppressors and pin the Naruto to the ground, it then poofs away. Kakashi asks Naruto if he's okay, that after a day he's racked up 4,800 hours of training with all the clones. Naruto expresses doubt that it can even be done. Kakashi says that's not like him, but Naruto replies it's different this time. Kakashi states he has to carry on and Naruto replies it's like looking right and left at the same time. Yamato agrees but Kakashi says he can do that. He forms a clone and each looks different directions. Naruto suddenly perks up with a new understanding. Kakashi wonders if Naruto has figured something out. Elsewhere Akatsuki seals the Sanbi. The leader states the Nibi will be next, and it should take six days. Hidan complains about how long and idiotic it all is. He states he was so close to killing the heathen Leaf ninja and showing them the true nature of Jashin. The leader tells him they aren't heathens; they just follow a different path, the "Will

of Fire." Hidan doesn't like the rebuke and the leader says he's not making fun of why he fights. The reason for war doesn't matter, they'll always happen. Hidan argues that he's tired of the prattle; his own goals won't be stopped by the group. The leader replies as long as he's a member he will work for their goals and if they are met his can come quickly in turn. Hidan replies it's always about gathering money, and the leader states yes, they do need a large sum of money. Hidan states he was the newest member before Tobi, and he doesn't even know why they're doing this then since the leader is always sneaking around. The leader says there are three steps: The first is money and the next is to create the first mercenary group. Hidan replies they're just doing the same thing other villages are doing, going on missions. And even becoming a village leader they won't find sanctuary in any country. The leader replies it's different. Shinobi villages make money for the country, and for the money to be steady it needs war. There haven’t been any big wars through this generation, and the villages are being reduced in size. The Five Great Shinobi Villages can handle the downtrend, but the smaller villages can't. Akatsuki will with the remaining small villages to form their own fighting force with no country allegiance. Then using the bijuu they create new battles and new wars and gain a monopoly over them. In the end they'll control all the wars and be able to destroy the shinobi villages of the large countries, forcing them to rely on Akatsuki. With all that in hand, they can achieve their last true goal, to control the world..