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Official cover art of Begging for One's Life…!!
Cover art © Masashi Kishimoto / Shueisha. Not an original work of Daddy Jim Headquarters. Displayed for editorial commentary and review purposes.

Begging for One's Life…!!

Manga ChapterCh. 187

Chapter 187 puts Shikamaru's mind to work inside Jirōbō's draining rock prison, where a fake surrender masks a real escape plan. Trust from his teammates lets a single weak point become the way out.

Volume: 21
Japanese Release Date: October 13, 2003
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Summary

With Jirōbō slowly siphoning off their chakra, Shikamaru studies the dents Kiba is battering into the rock dome as he tries to force his way out. Shikamaru pretends to bargain, offering to trade away his teammates for his own freedom, but Jirōbō turns him down. Most of the recovery team takes him for a traitor, though Chōji keeps faith and senses a scheme at work.

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Key Events

Shikamaru reveals the trick behind the prison: although it mends itself, the repair runs slowest at the spot farthest from Jirōbō. Neji's eyes let them pin down exactly where that weakest point lies. Regretting their earlier doubt, the team pours their attacks into that one area and finally breaks free.

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Notes

The chapter is numbered 187 and collected in volume 21, part of the Sasuke Recovery Mission arc. Viz Media published it in English as The Plea…!! Its first Japanese printing appeared in issue 44 of 2003.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in the Naruto chapter "Begging for One's Life…!!"?

In this Naruto chapter, Shikamaru Nara is trapped with his teammates inside Jirobo's chakra-draining rock prison and pretends to bargain away his teammates for his own freedom while secretly plotting an escape.

Why does Shikamaru pretend to surrender to Jirobo?

Shikamaru fakes a surrender to buy time to study the rock prison's weak point, since most of the recovery team believes he has betrayed them, though Chōji senses a scheme at work.

How does the Sasuke Recovery Team escape Jirobo's rock dome?

Shikamaru discovers that the prison repairs itself unevenly, mending slowest at the point farthest from Jirobo. Neji's eyes pinpoint that weak spot, letting the team concentrate their attacks there and break free.

Who keeps faith in Shikamaru during this chapter?

Chōji Akimichi is the one teammate who refuses to believe Shikamaru has turned traitor, sensing instead that he is working a hidden plan.

What chapter number is "Begging for One's Life…!!" and what is its Viz title?

"Begging for One's Life…!!" is chapter 187 of Naruto, collected in volume 21, and Viz Media published it in English as "The Plea…!!"

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This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Naruto anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.

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