After Naruto gains proper control over the wind element, Kakashi tells him that creating his own unique attack will require mixing wind with his Rasengan (螺旋丸, lit. spiral sphere, English manga: "Spiral Chakra Sphere"). As Naruto struggles to accomplish this task, a Niju Shotai team consisting of Shikamaru Nara and Asuma Sarutobi finds Hidan and Kakuzu. Although they are quickly able to deliver a fatal blow to Hidan, it becomes apparent that Hidan cannot be killed by normal means, as his immortality allows him to perform a ritual that inflicts pain both on himself and the person he "curses". Hidan ultimately succeeds in fatally wounding Asuma with a stake through the heart, despite Shikamaru's attempts to prevent this. As reinforcements arrive, the Akatsuki duo is driven off, and the Niju Shotai members return home to bury Asuma.