Asuma skillfully employed 'Fire Release: Ash Pile Burning', encasing six ninjas amidst a cloud of gunpowder. As he ignited the gunpowder, the flames began to intensify. Yet, in a remarkable turn of events, just before the fire could consume the trapped ninjas, six distinct black shadows emerged, resembling thin lines, and swiftly affixed themselves to the shadows of each ninja. These mysterious shadows acted with purpose, swiftly dragging the ninjas out of harm's way, narrowly averting disaster and ensuring their survival.
After the flames subsided, the scene revealed Shikamaru standing amidst the dissipating smoke, a faint grin on his face. Behind him stood the six ninjas, their expressions a mix of relief and awe. Asuma, observing the spectacle, couldn't help but remark, "It appears you've grown considerably stronger, Shikamaru."
"Yeah," Shikamaru replied with a hint of indifference.
Observing Shikamaru's demeanor, Asuma let out a weary sigh. "It seems that all of you are aware of who leaked the news about Jiryoku."
Shikamaru nodded affirmatively. "Yeah, we know."
Asuma's expression softened as he explained, "I deeply regret my actions. At that time, the pain of losing my father and the desire for revenge clouded my judgment."
Shikamaru reassured him, "We understand everything, Sensei. You don't need to carry this guilt anymore. I promise to take care of your unborn child and train them myself. You've always been our sensei, and we will continue to honor and respect you."
Asuma spoke with genuine gratitude, his voice tinged with urgency. "Thank you very much. Please be careful. I feel like I'm losing control of my body. Please seal me as soon as possible."
Shikamaru nodded in understanding and swiftly vanished from his spot, reappearing behind Asuma using the shadow cast by Asuma himself. From this vantage point, Shikamaru launched an attack with a chakra blade aimed at Asuma.
Asuma's reflexes kicked in with lightning speed as he pivoted to parry Shikamaru's attack with precision. "It appears you've mastered a new jutsu," he noted, his keen observation having caught Shikamaru's emergence from his own shadow.
Asuma swiftly countered by launching a kick towards Shikamaru. However, Shikamaru skillfully melded into the shadow beneath him, disappearing from view. Moments later, he reappeared at a short distance away from Asuma, poised and ready for the next move.
After materializing at a safe distance, Shikamaru paused briefly before swiftly executing a sequence of hand seals. Shadows from nearby objects and figures elongated and converged, latching onto Asuma's shadow and ensnaring him in place. With expert precision, Shikamaru extended his own shadow like a flexible ribbon, tightly encasing Asuma's body and rendering him completely immobilized.
"Sealing department, commence the sealing process immediately," Shikamaru commanded with authority.
"I'm glad to see how strong you've become," Asuma remarked with a sense of pride and admiration, acknowledging Shikamaru's remarkable growth in skill and strategy.
Shikamaru nodded in response to Asuma's words of praise. Shortly thereafter, members of the Sealing department arrived and began the process of sealing Asuma's Edo Tensei.
Meanwhile, during Shikamaru's battle with Asuma, Ino appeared beside Choza and addressed him, "Uncle Choza, it seems you're having difficulty with the person in front of you."
Choza replied to Ino's question, "The person standing in front of us is Dan Kato. He's skilled in a jutsu known as Spirit Transformation Technique, which allows him to traverse through bodies in spirit form and can fatally affect a person's soul."
Meanwhile, amidst the battle with ninjas from the Allied Shinobi Forces, Kato interrupted, "Choza, is the sealing barrier ready?"
Choza's regretful tone was evident as he replied, "No, it will take some time."
"Make it quick. If I resort to Spirit Transformation Technique, it will greatly complicate things for all of you," warned Kato.
As the situation escalated, Kabuto, observing the chaos caused by the massacre of many White Zetsu and the formidable display of Jiryoku's closest friends, decided to take manual control of Kato's body. Now, Kabuto was the one manipulating Kato's movements.
Kato employed the Spirit Transformation Technique, causing a spirit to emerge from his body and launch an attack towards Ino.
"Directly attacking me? Let's see if I can handle this," said Ino determinedly. She concentrated her chakra and attempted to seize control of Kato's spirit. Surprisingly, she managed to grasp hold of Kato's spirit momentarily. However, Kato soon broke free. Undeterred, Ino swiftly regained control over Kato's spirit, effectively restraining his movements.
"Although I can't directly harm him, I can control his actions and keep him at bay. Uncle Choza, please hurry and prepare the barrier," urged Ino, her focus unwavering amidst the ongoing confrontation.
Choza nodded, and they continued preparing to erect the barrier. As Choza worked on the barrier, Kabuto was greatly surprised by the extraordinary abilities of Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji. Their skills surpassed those of the traditional Ino-Shika-Cho clan techniques.
Finally, the barrier was successfully erected, and Ino used her control over Kato to guide him under the barrier, effectively trapping him inside.
Upon achieving this, Choza breathed a sigh of relief. However, he remained vigilant, knowing that Kato's presence still posed a significant threat. If Kato were to take control of someone, they would surely lose that person.
"You did well, Ino," said Choza with a proud smile.
"Thank you, this is what I should do," replied Ino with a nod and a smile.
While Ino and Shikamaru dealt with their respective opponents, Choji confronted Kinkaku in an attempt to control him.
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