Hidan, the immortal zealot of the Jashin religion, meets his definitive end in Naruto Shippuden episode 94, titled “The Man from the Akatsuki.” This episode marks the culmination of his battle against Shikamaru Nara, showcasing Shikamaru’s strategic brilliance and Hidan’s ultimate vulnerability despite his immortality.
The Fall of the Immortal: A Detailed Analysis
Hidan’s death, while not visually graphic due to the series’ constraints, is a pivotal moment in Naruto Shippuden. It signifies not only the loss of a formidable Akatsuki member but also highlights the power of strategy and intellect over brute force and perceived invincibility. Episode 94 depicts the meticulous planning and execution of Shikamaru’s revenge for Asuma Sarutobi’s death. The episode builds upon the previous confrontations, showcasing Shikamaru’s learning from past mistakes and his evolving understanding of Hidan’s unique abilities and weaknesses.
Hidan’s “immortality” is a double-edged sword. He can survive virtually any injury, allowing him to act as a tank for Kakuzu’s devastating attacks. However, this immortality is contingent upon performing Jashin’s ritual, which involves consuming the blood of his opponent and drawing a specific symbol on the ground. This ritual links his pain to his opponent, effectively turning himself into a living voodoo doll. Shikamaru exploits this vulnerability masterfully.
The Trap is Set: Shikamaru’s Strategy
Shikamaru doesn’t defeat Hidan through conventional ninjutsu or brute strength. Instead, he relies on his sharp intellect and meticulously crafted strategy. He lures Hidan into a pre-planned location within the Nara clan’s forest, taking advantage of the terrain and his knowledge of the area. Critically, Shikamaru manages to obtain a sample of Hidan’s blood and cleverly uses it to perform Hidan’s ritual against Hidan himself.
The Imprisonment: Earth Burial
After manipulating Hidan into performing the ritual using his own blood and detonating explosive tags strategically placed throughout the area, Shikamaru manages to separate Hidan’s body parts. Rendered immobile and unable to perform the Jashin ritual, Hidan is left to suffer indefinitely. He is then buried alive within the Nara clan forest, the only remaining means of truly incapacitating an immortal being. Although “alive,” he’s effectively neutralized, unable to pose any further threat.
The Significance of Hidan’s Death
Hidan’s “death” – more accurately, his permanent incapacitation – is significant for several reasons:
- Victory of Intellect: It emphasizes the importance of strategy and intelligence in combat, especially against seemingly insurmountable opponents.
- Revenge Served: It provides closure for Asuma Sarutobi’s death, fulfilling Shikamaru’s vow.
- Symbol of Loss: It marks another significant loss for the Akatsuki, weakening their overall power and morale.
- Moral Ambiguity: It raises questions about the morality of Shikamaru’s actions. While Hidan was undoubtedly evil, Shikamaru’s decision to bury him alive, essentially condemning him to an eternity of torment, presents a darker side to his character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hidan’s Demise
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Hidan’s fate in Naruto Shippuden:
FAQ 1: Was Hidan truly immortal?
While the narrative presents Hidan as immortal, a more accurate description would be that he possessed extreme regenerative abilities and could withstand fatal injuries due to his devotion to Jashin. Severing his head didn’t kill him, and neither did impalement. However, his immortality was reliant on performing Jashin’s rituals and maintaining a connection with his body. Being separated into pieces and unable to perform the ritual rendered him powerless.
FAQ 2: Could Hidan have escaped from the Nara clan forest?
Theoretically, if Hidan’s separated body parts were retrieved and reconnected, he could potentially perform the Jashin ritual again. However, the depth of his burial and the guarded nature of the Nara clan forest make escape extremely unlikely. Additionally, the Naruto Shippuden storyline suggests this isn’t a significant concern, implying Shikamaru’s plan was foolproof.
FAQ 3: How did Shikamaru get Hidan’s blood?
Shikamaru obtained Hidan’s blood during their initial encounter. He strategically allowed Hidan to wound him, collecting the blood sample and analyzing it to understand the mechanics of Hidan’s jutsu. This meticulous preparation was crucial for his subsequent plan.
FAQ 4: Why didn’t Hidan just teleport away using the Akatsuki’s technique?
The Akatsuki’s sealing and extraction technique, often seen as a form of teleportation, requires a central location and a considerable amount of time to execute. Hidan, in his separated state and buried underground, would be unable to initiate this process. Furthermore, the technique typically involves multiple Akatsuki members, making it impossible for Hidan to perform alone in his incapacitated state.
FAQ 5: Could someone have resurrected Hidan using Edo Tensei?
Edo Tensei, the reanimation jutsu, requires a sample of the deceased’s DNA. In Hidan’s case, while he was buried alive, his DNA was technically still available. However, Kabuto Yakushi, the primary user of Edo Tensei during the Fourth Shinobi World War, likely considered Hidan to be too much of a liability. His uncontrollable nature and lack of strategic thinking made him a poor choice for reanimation. More compliant and strategically valuable shinobi were prioritized.
FAQ 6: What role did Kakuzu play in Hidan’s “death”?
Kakuzu, Hidan’s partner, was already defeated by Naruto before Shikamaru’s final confrontation with Hidan. Therefore, Kakuzu played no direct role in Hidan’s incapacitation. However, Kakuzu’s fighting style and reliance on Hidan’s immortality allowed Shikamaru to understand Hidan’s strengths and weaknesses better, ultimately contributing to his downfall.
FAQ 7: Was Hidan’s faith in Jashin a real power source?
Yes. Hidan’s abilities were explicitly tied to his devotion to Jashin. The Jashin ritual and his regenerative powers stemmed from his unwavering faith. Without his faith, he would likely be a normal human with limited combat abilities. This connection between belief and power is a recurring theme in Naruto.
FAQ 8: Did Shikamaru ever regret burying Hidan alive?
The series doesn’t explicitly state whether Shikamaru regretted his actions. However, Shikamaru’s character arc often involves grappling with difficult decisions and the weight of leadership. It’s likely that he considered the moral implications of his actions, even if he ultimately believed it was the necessary course.
FAQ 9: Is there any chance Hidan will ever return in Boruto or future installments?
While technically not impossible, it is highly improbable. The logistics of retrieving Hidan’s body parts from the guarded Nara clan forest are extremely challenging. Moreover, the narrative focus has shifted significantly in Boruto, making Hidan’s return unlikely to add meaningful value to the story.
FAQ 10: How did Hidan join the Akatsuki?
The circumstances surrounding Hidan’s joining the Akatsuki are not fully detailed in the main series. He was recruited by Kakuzu, who was tasked with finding individuals with unique abilities to join the organization. Hidan’s immortality and religious fanaticism made him a valuable asset to the Akatsuki, despite his chaotic nature.
FAQ 11: What was Hidan’s bounty as a member of the Akatsuki?
Hidan’s bounty was never explicitly stated in the series. However, considering his affiliation with the Akatsuki, his unique abilities, and his threat level, it’s safe to assume he commanded a significant reward for his capture or elimination.
FAQ 12: What is the significance of Shikamaru’s cigarette lighting after Hidan’s defeat?
Shikamaru lighting Asuma’s cigarette after Hidan’s “death” is a poignant symbol of closure and respect. It represents Shikamaru fulfilling his promise to avenge Asuma and honoring his memory. It’s a quiet, yet powerful moment that underscores the emotional weight of the battle and the impact of loss on Shikamaru’s character.