Vol.38 Chapter 342 – The King…!!

Sakura and Sai find Shikamaru and realize that he has already managed to defeat Hidan. Meanwhile, Naruto recovers from his battle with Kakuzu. Kakashi approaches Kakuzu, whose last heart is on the brink of failure, and finishes him off. Team 10 and Team 7 return to the Leaf and report on their success in the battle with Akatsuki. Shikamaru visits Kurenai at Asuma’s grave and promises to protect her unborn child for Asuma’s sake. Afterwards, he plays a game of shouogi with his father and explains Asuma’s philosophy about who is the “king” of the Hidden Leaf: it’s the next generation. Shikaku was happy that his son had learned such a valuable lesson, but did not stop short of winning the game.