This arc, also called the Akatsuki Suppression Mission, has Naruto continuing his training with Kakashi — including Yamato this time — and focusing on doubling his experience with the use of Shadow Clones. Hidan and Kakuzu, two new Akatsuki members in the Naruto series, begin to wreak havoc by capturing multiple Jinchuriki.
Konoha’s Team 10—consisting of Shikamaru Nara, Asuma Sarutobi, Izumo Kamizuki, and Kotetsu Hagane—engages the duo. During the intense battle, Hidan utilizes his gruesome curse technique, consuming Asuma's blood to link their bodies so that any damage inflicted on himself is also suffered by Asuma. Despite Shikamaru's brilliant tactical efforts, Asuma suffers fatal injuries and passes away beneath the Forest of Death's canopy.
Grief-stricken but determined, Shikamaru, alongside Team 7 acting as backup, plots a calculated revenge mission. Shikamaru masterfully isolates Hidan and manipulates him into striking his own partner, Kakuzu, breaking the curse. Shikamaru then dismembers and buries Hidan alive beneath explosive tags in a heavily restricted, clan-guarded forest. Meanwhile, Naruto arrives and showcases his newly mastered Wind Style: Rasenshuriken to defeat Kakuzu, whose remaining hearts are finished off by Kakashi Hatake.