Episode Summaries

Before Hidan and Kakuzu can finish off Shikamaru, Kotetsu and Izumo, they are saved by the arrival of Aoba, Raidō, Chōji and Ino. The latter two take Asuma to the safety of the roof along with Shikamaru while Aoba and Raidō prepare to fight off the Akatsuki. However, the leader of the Akatsuki makes a telepathic call to Hidan and Kakuzu, telling them to retreat as the sealing of the Two-Tails is top priority. The two Akatsuki members leave, although Hidan promises to return soon.

On the roof, Ino attempts to use her medical ninjutsu to heal Asuma, but is unable to due to him having four of his vital spots punctured. Knowing he is about to die, he decides to impart his last words to his students. He tells Ino that while she may be bossy, she can be a compassionate caregiver and asks her to look after Shikamaru and Chōji. He also tells her not to lose to Sakura, whether it is in terms of skill or romance. He tells Chōji that he has a caring heart and can be the strongest shinobi if he only puts in more effort, and advises him to lose a few pounds. To Shikamaru, he decides to tell him who the "king" of Konoha is and whispers his last words in Shikamaru's ears. As Team 10 reminisce on their past with Asuma, Asuma passes away, and it begins to rain. As Ino and Chōji cry over Asuma's dead body, Shikamaru takes his lighter and claims that he can still feel Asuma's cigarettes stinging his eyes, and proceeds to cry himself.