𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐀 𝐇𝐘𝐔𝐆𝐀 𝐓𝐖𝐈𝐍

Shikamaru's Analysis

Kakuzu made no move to attack Izumo, Kotetsu, and Hanara, and as Hanara didn't want to openly start a battle that would be hard to finish, she focused on trying to catch him off-guard with her chakra threads.

Shikamaru was focusing intently on trapping Hidan as Asuma fought him, but Shikamaru wasn't exactly succeeding. As Asuma-sensei ran forward with his knuckle knives in his fists, Hidan threw one of Izumo's large kunais at Asuma. He dodged, but that was a distraction Hidan used to send his scythe to Asuma.

"Captain Asuma!" Izumo exclaimed.

That startled Asuma enough to turn his head, making the scythe only briefly scratch his cheek. Hidan smirked and pulled back his scythe, licking the tip of its longest blade. Shikamaru and Hanara were faring no better against their opponents. Kakuzu seemed to have a second sense for chakra threads.

'Chakra threads are the only mid-ranged weapon in my arsenal right now. I don't exactly think a taijutsu match with this guy is going to work, but if I force him to go long-range, my teammates are useless. I might as well be a Genin if I have a squad that doesn't work with my skills. He doesn't seem to want to attack, and starting a battle with someone that outclasses you by a mile is a death wi–'

Boom!

There was an explosion of fiery smoke, no doubt caused by one of Asuma's Fire Style jutsus. Unlike the rest of her team, Hanara could see what was happening inside the smoke, and it was not something she expected.

"No way... that can't be..."

"What is it?" Izumo asked urgently.

"Asuma-sensei's jutsu... it hit Hidan, but Sensei's got an injury that mirrors Hidan's!" Hanara said incredulously. "The burns are exactly the same..."

The smoke cleared, and it revealed Hidan standing up.

"How many times do I have to tell you? It hurts!" Hidan whined. "Now, do you finally understand others' pain? I have cursed you. Now, the ritual shall begin."

'What the heck? Ritual? Something to do with his stupid god, but what? I can't figure this guy out! Is he... insane?'

"Well then!" Hidan yelled, smirking. "Let us experience the ultimate pain together, shall we?"

"Why is Asuma's arm burnt?" Kotetsu asked.

'That's at least a third-degree burn– more than what Ino taught me, Shikamaru, and Choji to heal...'

Shikamaru's eyes widened. "Don't tell me..."

'Has he figured it ou– Oh fuck, no. It makes sense! Their injuries mirror each other's and the only thing that connects them right now is Sensei's blood.'

Despite his injuries, Asuma-sensei channelled chakra into both his knuckle blades and ran towards his opponent.

"MWA-HA-HA-HA-HA!" Hidan laughed. "It's no use! All the preparations have been complete!" Hidan screamed maniacally, stabbing his upper left thigh.

The effect was immediate. Asuma-sensei collapsed, holding his upper left thigh in pain.

"Hurts, eh?" Hidan chuckled. "I didn't even hit a vital spot! But, that pain is the best. When the other person's pain at the moment of their death seeps into my body, it transcends pain, transforming it into ecstasy!"

'Kakuzu told Hidan that he wouldn't interfere. Going for Hidan should be easier.'

"Ha! Where do you want to feel pain next, hmm? Or do you want it to end already?" Hidan questioned, raising his weapon towards his heart.