70: A Shirker's Call to Action, A Layabout No More

This episode opens with Sound ninja taking off after Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, and Pakkun. Pakkun quickly realizes that there are nine nija pursuing them.

In order to buy time, the improvised squad backtracks over their steps in order to make their footprints "vanish". The sound ninja see through this ruse thanks to a broken branch in a tree above.

Pakkun quickly realizes that they are already back on their tails. The squad goes through their options. An ambush seems to be their best option because they are outnumbered; however, Shikamaru explains why an ambush will not work. He says that ambush requires two conditions to be met: "The ninja on the run must be completely quiet and must find the enemy first" and "They have to be able to catch the pursuers off guard at a location where they can do a lot of damage quickly and then conceal themselves again just as quickly". He explains that despite the dog's nose helping them to meet the first condition, Orochimaru's knowledge of the village, the level of the pursuers, and the fact that the pursuers must know the pursuit jutsu.

Shikamaru explains that a diversion is the only sound choice because their squad consists of "a fool, a Kunoichi with no particular talent, a mutt, and a shirker who doesn't even want to be here".. He mentions that "the one who acts a decoy will probably..die." The squad halts at this and, just as Naruto is about to volunteer, Shikamaru explains that he is the only one about to carry out the diversion.

Naruto, Sakura, and Pakkun continue forward leaving Shikamaru behind. Pakkun does not sense the enemy slowing and fears that Shikamaru may not be trying. Sakura doubts Shikamaru's commitment, but Naruto reassures here. He firmly believe in Shikamaru's dedication

Next we see Shkiamaru who says, "I can't believe I managed to get away." Sound ninja approach and examine the tracks ahead of them. As the leader of the Sound ninja stands, he is frozen. The pursuing sound ninja are caught in the Shadow Possession jutsu. Shikamaru and the sound ninja discuss the jutsu while Shikamaru worries about his chakra which is depleted from his earlier battle.

Shikamaru counts the ninja. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. The ninth ninja is missing. Shikamaru realizes that the ninth ninja's role is to guard against an ambush. He attempts to attack the eight ninja in a successful attempt to reveal the ninth ninja's location. Shikamaru's mind wanders to thoughts of how he wanted to be an average shinobi instead of exerting himself like this.

Pakkun notices the delay of the pursuers. Naruto and Sakura are overjoyed; Sakura silently asks for forgiveness for doubting Shikamaru.

Shikamaru is shown as his chakra fails him. The ninja are released from his jutsu and the leader orders the ninth ninja to come out "and when you do, cut off his head." Shikamaru is visibly terrified as a shadowy figure slams into the ground behind him.

Asuma has arrived! The figure landing behind Shikamaru was Asuma, Shikamaru's sensei, holding the limp body of the ninth sound ninja.

Asuma proceeds to destroy the sound ninja using a combination of speed, strength, trench knives, and a well timed substitution. After the battle if over, Asuma compliments Shikamaru's performance despite his complaints over the work.

Finally, we see the Sand village genin noticing their additional pursuers, Sasuke gaining on the Sand villagers, and the trio of Pakkun, Naruto, and Sakura forging ahead.

The episode ends with the First, Second, and Third Hokage on screen as Orochimaru says, "Now then, shall we begin this?"

Previous Episode: Village in Distress! A New A-Ranked Mission!

Next Episode: An Unrivialed Match, Hokage Battle Royale!

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