[Sabaku Kyu]

Originally Posted by DeDe

Actually, Kimimaro wasn't given any real backstory in the manga. What you saw was filler in the anime. The same thing could happen with Hidan and Kakuzu since they will likely fill in the fights against Yugito and the monks. So we might learn new things about those two before they even meet up with Asuma and Shika at the bounty station.

Just another of the many reasons why Hidan isn't coming back(nor is Kakuzu if people start getting that idea). Although the main reason is I don't think anyone wants to see Hidan vs. Shika Part III. If the Rocky movies taught us anything, it's that the sequels tend to get worse as they go on.

Kakuzu and Hidan have actually had a pretty good run in the manga. Only Itachi has appeared more than Hidan in the manga amoung the Akatsuki. So Kishi is definitely finishing these two up and putting them in the waste bin with Sasori. We still have Tobi, Dei, Blue Hair, Kisame, Itachi, Zetsu and the AL to get to. Nevermind Oro, Kabuto, and Sasuke.

Spoiler:

Hey, I thought Rocky IV was really good.... but I agree what with you're saying about Kakuzu and Hidan, they've pretty much shown us all their abilities. It's disappointing they weren't developed a little bit more, but I guess there wasn't much of a chance to fit their stories in without a bunch of really long flashbacks and Akatsuki members aren't really the type to reminisce about the past, especially during a battle. Can't say that I'm absolutely sure that they're done for. I thought Deidara was a done deal and a few chapters later he was good as new. But a lot of people thought Sasori was coming back and but it seems he's dead for good.

342 should be very interesting plotwise, seeing as how this the end of a battle, there will most likely be an appearance of Zetsu and a meeting with Akatsuki. We'll get to hear Akatsuki's reaction to the defeats of Hidan and Kakuzu not to mention how they plan to claim the jinchuuriki Hidan and Kakuzu were after. I think Akatsuki will be changing their game plan after this. How exactly, I'm not sure but it seems like it's too risky for them just to send teams wandering into Fire Country.

Originally Posted by Sazelyt

Spoiler:

Kakuzu may not be dead yet - spoiler mentions him as being passed out. Also, the way he lost is not portrayed in a way directly suggesting he is dead. He may still have his last heart, in working condition.

Spoiler:

Considering that it seems Naruto is exhausted to a point where he can't fight, similar to his condition after beating Gaara, I think the battle is over. Any further fighting would require Kakuzu being defeated by someone else, which would completely ruin the point of the whole battle. Also, Kakuzu's eyes were wide open. That's usually a sign someone is dead and not merely passed out. But like I said earlier, I'm still not %100 sure.