Look... Both if those times are when Naruto was GIVEN information.
Pain: Kakashi died figuring out the interval, Jiraiya died to say the real Pain isn't there, Katsuyu relayed the abilities such as Preta Path.
Biju Bombs: Only Naruto and Sasuke were told how FTG operates, only Naruto... Likely via Kurama, Knew that the chakra cloaks were still attached (Katsuyu said nothing to inform others).
Shikaku: Micro managed the alliances positions to counter every front: Ino Shika Cho to the lightning coast, deploying the Fifth division in a support belt, reinforcing the first division, using the Fourth division in retreat to trick the Edo Kage, with only two days of co-operation managed to trap the first stage Juubi, by listening to Kakadhi had Naruto create the chakra cloak power up.
Shikamaru: Analysed Temari's abilities and eventually trapped her. Managed to plan formations that trapped Hidan thrice, and Kakuzu once. He couldn't save the alliance because 1. He didn't know how FTG works, 2. Didn't know the cloaks still existed, 3. Was outside of a range to see what is even happening (Byakugan requires), 4. As such couldn't see Senjutsu works.
Those two are far better at thinking and strategizing. Naruto's genius comes when adapting to an opponent such as Kakuzu, Pain, and Neji
