Naruto Shippuden Episode 079-088: Elemental Training Continues|Naruto 588|Naruto Manga 589|Naruto Shippuden Manga 590|Naruto Manga 591|Naruto Spoiler 592

Episode 079: "Todokanu zekkyou ~ Unreachable Shout"

Airdate: 10/02/2008

Even beheaded, Hidan's head is still alive. Kakuzu quickly retrieves it and agrees to reattach Hidan's head with the black thread he extends from his body. He then begins to battle Izumo and Kotetsu and restrains them. Hidan charges, but Asuma dodges Hidan's 3-bladed scythe. As the blade returns to Hidan it impales him while he stands on his jutsu's religious symbol. Shikamaru remembers debating Asuma about strategy and tries to run to Asuma. Hidan then delivers Asuma a final fatal impaling through his jutsu. In Konoha, Kurenai notices a flower head fall from its stem.

Episode 080: "Saigo no ketoba ~ One's Last Words"

Airdate: 10/16/2008

Kurenai thinks of Asuma. Meanwhile, Asuma falls and Kakuzu blocks Shikamaru's charge. Hidan changes back to normal. Reinforcements arrive making the Akatsuki to pull back. Shikamaru plans Asuma's rescue, but Kakuzu doesn't want to leave his bounty. While Aoba and Kakuzu fight, the Akatsuki receive a message ordering them back to seal the Bijuu. Kakuzu and Hidan then disappear. Asuma lays dying and says his last words to Ino, Chouji and quietly tells Shikamaru who the king really is. They reflect on their time together as Team 10. Asuma asks for a final smoke and dies.

Episode 081: "Kanashike shirase ~ Sad News"

Airdate: 10/23/2008

As Naruto's training continues, one of the clones goes 3-tails so Yamato subdues it. Sai and Sakura watch from afar. He tricks her into revealing her feelings for Naruto. Naruto is inspired by Kakashi on how to handle the next stage of training. Meanwhile, Akatsuki seals the Nibi and discuss their true purpose. The village learns of Asuma’s death. Shikamaru insists on telling Kurenai personally. Naruto use two clones to train, one handling shape and the other handles nature manipulation. Yamato receives word and tells them of Asuma's death.

Episode 082: "Daijippan ~ Team 10"

Airdate: 10/30/2008

Shikamaru delivers the bad news to Kurenai. Everyone gathers for Asuma’s funeral, except for Shikamaru who hides his emotions. His father invites him to play shogi and antagonizes him to get him to emote. Shikamaru grows frustrated and finally lets everything out. Later that night, Shikamaru strategizes payback against Hidan and Kakuzu using his shogi board. He meets Chouji and Ino, and they visit Asuma's grave. As they prepare to head out, Tsunade allows them to face Akatsuki with Kakashi as captain.

Episode 083: "Taagetto • rokkuon ~ Target • Lock On"

Airdate: 11/06/2008

Tsunade is informed of Naruto's progress and gives him a day to finish, if not, another team will be sent to assist Team Asuma. Naruto is told of the time limit. Shikamaru lays out their strategy to Kakashi. Akatsuki finishes sealing the Nibi and Deidara warns Hidan and Kakuzu of Naruto. As the duo head through the forest, Team Asuma make their move. Shikamaru uses his shadow jutsu to bind them. As he moves Hidan to attack his partner, Kakuzu breaks free but is soon crushed by Chouji.

Episode 084: "Kakuzu no nouryoku ~ Kakuzu's Ability"

Airdate: 11/13/2008

Naruto’s training shows progress as Sai and Sakura watch. Yamato explains elemental vulnerabilities. Kakuzu shrugs off the attack, as he hardened his body using Doton. Kakashi then pierces Kakuzu with his Raikiri. Kakuzu is unfazed and releases masked tendril creatures from his back. One of the creatures then dies due to Kakashi’s attack. Hidan is freed and attacks Kakashi with Kakuzu. Kakuzu then attacks Team Asuma with Raiton, which Kakashi counters. Kakuzu then uses a Katon, which engulfs the area in flames.

Episode 085: "Osorubeki himitsu ~ The Terrible Secret"

Airdate: 11/20/2008

Team Asuma dodges the Katon, but Hidan tries to fight Kakashi. Team Asuma determine that Kakuzu has 5 hearts, which correspond to elemental affinity. Kakuzu explains each heart is from a shinobi he killed. Hidan mocks Asuma and offends Chouji. Kakashi fights Hidan while the rest fight Kakuzu. Team Asuma decide to divide up. Shikamaru binds Hidan and runs off with him into the forest, while the others face Kakuzu. Hidan frees himself, draws blood from Shikamaru and begins his jutsu. Kakuzu reveals he's fought the First Hokage. The Katon and Fuuton creatures then merge.

Episode 086: "Shikamaru no sai ~ Shikamaru's Genius"

Airdate: 12/04/2008

Kakashi tries to avoid the attacks, but Kakuzu pins him and tries to extract his heart. As Hidan impales himself, Kakuzu feels the effects. Shikamaru feigns injury but quickly uses his jutsu to restrain Hidan. He explains how they captured Kakuzu’s blood when Kakashi attacked him and used it against Hidan. Chouji smashes Kakuzu's creatures, but the Raiton mask merges with Kakuzu to revive him. The Katon and Fuuton also rejoin his body. He launches a Katon-Fuuton attack which is countered by the newly arrived Naruto and Yamato.

Episode 087: "Hito o norowaba ana futatsu ~ When He Was Cursed, You Dug Your Grave"

Airdate: 12/04/2008

Kakashi summons Pakkun to lead Sai and Sakura to Shikamaru. Sakura remembers when Shikamaru spoke with Asuma about the Will of Fire. Shikamaru shadow sews wire and explosive notes into Hidan and then reveals a pit below him. He reveals they’re in his clan territory and no one will find him. He feels Asuma’s presence passing on his Will of Fire and detonates Hidan. Naruto insists on fighting alone. He uses clones to analyze Kakuzu’s fighting style. He and the clones then form his new jutsu Rasen Shuriken.

Episode 088: "Fuuton: Rasen Shuriken! ~ Wind Element: Rasen Shuriken!"

Airdate: 12/11/2008

Naruto charges Kakuzu with Rasen Shuriken, while distracting with Kage Bunshin. Unfortunately it dissipates too soon, forcing the others to rescue Naruto. Kakashi considers fighting as a group but Naruto insists on going it alone to show his development. A dismembered Hidan lies in the pit, spiting Shikamaru. After declaring himself Hidan’s new god, Shikamaru buries Hidan's remains. Kakuzu prepares himself for Naruto's second attack and launches himself at the Naruto wielding the jutsu. To his surprise it poofs away and the real Naruto strikes Kakuzu with a third Rasen Shuriken, apparently ending the battle.