Season 4 - Episode Guide

Work continues in Hidden Leaf Village to erase the scars of battle. As he watches Konohamaru and the others helping with the reconstruction, Iruka sees how his students have matured

With Kakashi's return, Naruto resumes training for his new jutsu. Kakashi explains that the transformation training will enter the next stage.

The lone surviving priest is carried into Hidden Leaf Village where he reports the destruction of the Fire Temple.

In order to capture the Akatsuki, the Hidden Leaf cast a net that even an ant could not crawl through. Still, the Akatsuki elude them and frustrate Tsunade to no end.

Naruto is learning the elements of Wind Style Jutsu, and Kakashi lectures him on the difficulties of developing a new jutsu.

Asuma and his team finally confront Hidan, and a battle ensues. They fight with all their strength but are shocked at Hidan's power.

Hidan releases a baffling jutsu, and Asuma bears the brunt of the attack. The jutsu is a special trick which links Hidan with Asuma's body.

Shikamaru unravels the secret of Hidan's jutsu just in time, and Asuma attacks with all his being.

Asuma is mortally wounded by Hidan's jutsu, and the Akatsuki have the rest of the Hidden Leaf in a bind.

In a faraway land, the Akatsuki reveal their true aim of world conquest. And back at Hidden Leaf Village, Shikamaru gives his report of the mission to Tsunade.

Asuma's funeral is held in Hidden Leaf Village amid deep sadness. Shikamaru is the lone absentee, unable to get over the loss.

Kakashi and Team 10 set out to stop the Akatsuki. Tsunade considers Naruto's Team 7 to be the ideal back-up for Team 10 and orders Naruto to perfect his new jutsu within 24 hours.

Shikamaru and Choji deliver the first blows in the battle, but they are thwarted by Kakuzu's power. Kakashi counters Kakuzu's trick and brings him down.

Shikamaru and his comrades desperately counter the Fire Jutsu offensive. But continuously using his Rasengan and Lightning Blade takes its toll on Kakashi.

Shikamaru battles Hidan alone, deep in the forest, and after depleting his chakra, sustains a deep wound. Hidan draws his blood as he lies near death.

Naruto and Team Kakashi arrive just in time to assist Team Asuma. Sakura and Sai are ordered by Kakashi to aid Shikamaru, who is battling alone.

Ino and Choji are amazed at Naruto's new jutsu, and Kakuzu senses the danger that it poses. But when released, the new jutsu dissipates before it reaches Kakuzu