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. Tsunade worries about Kurenai’s reaction, but Shikamaru takes it upon himself to tell her the news of Asuma’s death. Meanwhile, Naruto is having difficulty with his new jutsu, but he gets a hint from Kakashi’s encouraging words. It is then that he receives the shocking news of Asuma’s death.