Chapter 338 splits the fight two ways: Naruto steps up to face Kakuzu with an untested jutsu, while Shikamaru springs the trap he has quietly built to avenge his fallen mentor against Hidan.
Main Characters (7)
Summary
Kakuzu views the appearance of Kakashi's squad as a convenient supply of fresh hearts to steal. Kakashi splits his forces, dispatching Sakura and Sai to reinforce Shikamaru while he and the others turn their attention to Kakuzu. Eager to try out the technique he has been developing, Naruto asks to take on Kakuzu alone, and Kakashi lets him.
On the other front, Hidan closes in on Shikamaru, who has been anything but idle. Detonating none of them yet, Shikamaru triggers the explosive tags he scattered across the terrain to pin the immortal in place, then reveals a concealed pit he dug in advance to trap him further.
Lighting a cigarette, Shikamaru sees a fleeting image of Asuma before him. Set on repaying the debt he owes his teacher, he tosses the burning cigarette toward Hidan, setting off the hidden tags all at once.
Key Events
Naruto volunteers to fight Kakuzu solo to debut his new jutsu. Kakashi divides the team, sending backup to Shikamaru. Shikamaru immobilizes Hidan with pre-placed explosive tags and a hidden pit, then detonates the trap with a flicked cigarette, avenging Asuma.
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Notes
This installment falls in the Akatsuki Suppression Mission arc and appears in volume 37. It marks the payoff of Shikamaru's long-planned scheme against Hidan, framing his revenge for Asuma's death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the saying "when you curse someone, you dig two graves" have to do with this chapter?
The title of chapter 338 evokes that saying, reflecting how Shikamaru's carefully planned revenge against Hidan for Asuma's death draws him into a dangerous act of vengeance alongside Naruto's own battle with Kakuzu.
How does Naruto plan to fight Kakuzu in this chapter?
Eager to try out a jutsu he has been developing, Naruto asks Kakashi to let him face Kakuzu alone, and Kakashi agrees while sending Sakura and Sai to back up Shikamaru instead.
What trap does Shikamaru set for Hidan?
Shikamaru scatters explosive tags across the terrain and digs a concealed pit in advance, using both to pin down the immortal Hidan.
How does Shikamaru trigger the explosive tags?
After a fleeting image of Asuma appears before him, Shikamaru flicks his lit cigarette toward Hidan, setting off all the hidden tags at once.
What arc does When you Curse Someone… belong to?
The chapter is chapter 338 of the Naruto manga, part of the Akatsuki Suppression Mission arc, collected in volume thirty-seven.
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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Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
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