Naruto: It’s Wild Shikamaru Didn’t Think of the Easiest Way to Defeat Hidan That Could Have Ended the Fight in Minutes

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto: Shippuden has been over for quite some time and has left an indelible mark on the anime industry. Thanks to the series’ gripping storyline, the emotional backstories of each character took its viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions. The anime tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki on his journey to become the Hokage of Konohagakure.

Shikamaru Nara and Naruto Uzumaki. Credits: Studio Pierrot

It also features other shinobis in intense battles that add to their popularity and play a key role in their development. One such battle was Shikamaru vs. Hidan, where the fight had more emotional value than defeating the Akatsuki member trying to collect the Tailed Beasts.

Despite the fight featuring how even an unkillable villain can be defeated, it turns out that the member of Team 10 could have defeated the rogue ninja much more easily.

Did Shikamaru deliberately choose to neglect the easiest option to defeat Hidan?

When it comes to being one of the most epic and action-filled anime series, very few names can be named that consistently feature battles that will keep its viewers at the edge of their seats. Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto: Shippuden is one such name that features some incredible fights that glued the eyes of its viewers to the screen.

Naruto vs. Sasuke. Credits: Studio Pierrot

The series flaunts a variety of fights that range from various ninjutsu to fast-paced, intense taijutsu combat. However, what sets Kishimoto-Sensei’s magnum opus apart from other series is how it tends to feature different characters who add to the richness of the lore. One such name is Shikamaru Nara, who is nowhere close to being considered a strong ninja in the series.

In spite of being lazy by nature, his intellect has often prevailed for him to come out on top. This was evident when he avenged Asuma Sarutobi, exhibiting immense intelligence against the Immortal Butcher. Even though it seemed impossible to defeat someone who’s unkillable and has a bizarre blood ritual, a perfect strategy could turn the tide of a battle.

Shikamaru Nara. Credits: Studio Pierrot

The plan looked perfect, but both members of the Akatsuki underestimated their foes, which ultimately led to their downfall. However, a fan says otherwise on r/Naruto, where a Reddit user posted a question asking, “Itachi said every Justsu had a weakness, what was Hidan’s Jutsus weakness?”

This made a user wonder if the circle, which was necessary for the ritual, could be washed away. Since it was made from blood, a water user could interrupt the ritual.

This conversation summoned another fan, who mentioned that in the Akatsuki light novel, the worshipper of Jashin fought a Mud Release user, who became the “natural counter” of his ritual circle.

However, Hidan came out on top in the end and defeated the shinobi, who managed to be the fatal flaw in his jutsu. It might be questionable that Shikamaru overlooked this idea because his plan included taking revenge while assisting Kakashi’s team in defeating Kakuzu.

Shikamaru’s plan delivered justice to the emotionally-driven Naruto storyline

It is indeed true that having a mud user in Shikamaru’s plan would have greatly altered the storyline that perfectly showcases the strategic brilliance and the bond he shared with his sensei. People on the post argue that Hidan was stupid and the preparation time for the circle gave his foes enough time to counter and defeat him.

Shikamaru vs. Hidan. Credits: Studio Pierrot

However, it might have slipped their minds that the Akatsuki members worked in pairs. His partner, Kakuzu, another strong Shinobi who collected his enemies’ hearts, not only allowed him to use their ninjutsu techniques but also gave him an extra life.

Thus, giving ample time for the Follower of Jashin to create the circle, where he can inflict fatal injuries to his foes. Shikamaru understood their foe’s tactics and cleverly showcased himself as the hunted to gain an upper hand and deal a fatal blow on his partner, using himself as bait.

Shikamaru traps Hidan in explosive tags. Credits: Studio Pierrot

His judgment turned the tide of the battle, as it severely weakened Kakuzu during the fight. However, he was not done because he bound the Akatsuki Member with his Shadow Possession Jutsu to take him to the woods and trap him in a deep pit lined with explosive tags that ultimately became his eternal prison.

Hence, one may argue that a mud user would have been the perfect counter to the forbidden technique. In Masashi Kishimoto’s eyes, this fight evolved the young Shinobi to the status of a genius and a future leader of Konohagakure.

Naruto: Shippuden can be streamed on Hulu.