Chapter 342 closes out the running clash with Kakuzu and Hidan, then settles into a reflective coda as Shikamaru quietly carries forward Asuma's belief that the village's true king is the generation still to come.
Summary
Sakura and Sai catch up with Shikamaru only to learn that Hidan is already beaten. As Naruto recovers from his own bout with Kakuzu, Kakashi steps in and finishes the Akatsuki member off, his last surviving heart on the point of giving out. Both squads then head home to Konoha, where they report their victory over the organisation.
Key Events
At Asuma's grave, Shikamaru makes a vow to Kurenai that he will look after her unborn child in his late mentor's memory.
Later, over a game of shōgi with his father, Shikamaru lays out the lesson Asuma left him, that the piece worth protecting above all, the king of the village, is the children who will inherit it. Shikaku is proud his son grasped something so important, yet still plays to win and takes the match without mercy.
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Notes
Viz published the chapter as The Black King…!!, from the original Gyoku…!!. It is chapter 342 in volume 38, part of the Akatsuki Suppression Mission arc, first released in Japan on March 5, 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Asuma say is the king?
In this chapter, Shikamaru shares the lesson Asuma left him, that the true king worth protecting above all is not a single person but the children of the village who will inherit it.
What happens to Hidan in this chapter?
Hidan is already beaten by the time Sakura and Sai catch up with Shikamaru, and after Naruto's own fight with Kakuzu, Kakashi steps in and finishes Hidan off for good.
What vow does Shikamaru make at Asuma's grave?
At Asuma's grave, Shikamaru vows to Kurenai that he will look after her unborn child in memory of his fallen mentor.
Who wins the shogi match between Shikamaru and his father?
Shikaku Nara wins the shogi match against his son, playing without mercy even though he is proud that Shikamaru grasped Asuma's lesson.
What is the Viz Media title for Naruto chapter 342?
Viz Media published chapter 342 as "The Black King...!!", translated from the original Japanese title "Gyoku...!!"
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis 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.
Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
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