There Won't be a Later…!!

Shikamaru works out how Hidan's connection to Asuma functions: it took hold the moment Hidan swallowed a bit of Asuma's blood, yet the curse only carries any effect while Hidan remains inside the symbol he traced on the ground. Exploiting that limitation, Shikamaru shoves Hidan clear of the marking and pins him in place. To confirm the theory, Asuma delivers a few minor cuts to Hidan and takes no matching wounds himself. Reassured, he then beheads Hidan outright. Even severed, Hidan's head keeps shouting, blaming Kakuzu for failing to intervene before Asuma could act.

The chapter exposes the mechanics of Hidan's blood-link ritual and its critical flaw, the drawn design he must stand within. Shikamaru neutralizes the immortal by dragging him off it and restraining him, allowing Asuma to test the severed link with harmless cuts before decapitating Hidan.

Set during the Akatsuki Suppression Mission, this installment showcases Shikamaru's tactical mind as the counter to a seemingly unbeatable opponent. Hidan's continued cursing even after losing his head reinforces the immortal nature that makes him so difficult to truly defeat.