As Naruto recovers from his injury, Kakashi prepares to tell him the grim news about his new technique. Meanwhile, Sasuke secretly trains and has an encounter with a strange young girl.

In the aftermath of the battle, Teams 7 and 10 return to Konoha. After examining Naruto, Tsunade officially classifies Naruto's new technique as a Forbidden Jutsu and warns Kakashi never to let him use it again. What is the terrible secret of the Rasen Shuriken that has left even Tsunade stunned by its power? Meanwhile, Orochimaru orders Kabuto to search for a woman who will help him reach his goal.

Naruto challenges Kakuzu alone with his new technique, the Rasen Shuriken. Can he defeat Kakuzu when his technique isn't even complete yet?

Season 13, Ep 9: Shikamaru's Genius Shikamaru continues his fight with Hidan. Hidan manages to injure Shikamaru and curses him the same way he did Asuma, but when Shikamaru survives Hidan's attack, Hidan realizes something isn't quite right. Season 13, Ep 10: When You Curse Someone, You Dig Your Own Grave Hidan falls into Shikamaru's trap, but now that he has Hidan cornered, can he find a way to defeat Hidan's immortality? Elsewhere, things are looking grim for Kakashi, Choji, and Ino as they continue fighting Kakuzu, but a surprise back-up unit arrives on the scene to provide some much needed assistance.

As Kakashi and the others continue to struggle against the Akatsuki duo, Kakuzu reveals that he has not one, but five hearts! In order to kill him, one must take out all five of his hearts. Meanwhile, Shikamaru decides to challenge Hidan alone, and forces him away from his partner.

When Kakashi strikes Kakuzu through the heart, the battle seems to be over. However, when Kakuzu not only survives the attack, but also manages to escape from Shikamaru's trap, it soon becomes clear that the fight is only just beginning.

With careful planning, the group manages to find and trap Hidan and Kakuzu. However, things seem to be going a bit too smoothly.

All of Konoha mourns the tragic loss of Asuma Sarutobi. Knowing that Hidan and Kakuzu are bound to return, Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino prepare to head off to take revenge upon the duo while Kakashi takes temporary leadership of the team.

While Akatsuki discuses the true goals of their organization, Naruto continues his training. Meanwhile, Tsunade receives the tragic news.

A call from the Akatsuki leader forces Hidan and Kakuzu to fall back, but in the wake of the aftermath, not everyone makes it back to Konoha alive.