[Discussion] Not sure about Shikamaru's fate right now. Kurenai's kid.

[AaaaNinja]

Are you legitimately suggesting that the "thinking" bubble above Shikamaru's head in the panel where he's next to the Third is an indication of death?

He's still alive. Naruto had a flashback of Asuma's funeral, which then showed the panels of the Third and Ino-Shika-Cho

Shikamaru is alive!!!! Karin is there, she can help him, Tsunade is near the battlefield...Look at this picture to see that his alive:

Spoiler

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Shikamru actually feel what is in Naruto's mind...look near Hiruzen

Yes we already know that Shikamaru is still alive. In fact he is in pretty good shape at the moment, because as you can see his health bar shows that he has more HP than Sarutobi:

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[sexywave]

Ino will probably heal him up transfering. Chakra or karin will use heal bite.

 

[OMGitsShakra]

I think this was a cliffhanger and with Sakura and Karin on the battlefield, and Tsunade close....hes not dying yet. He does have to pass the will of fire through Asuma's kid and it wouldn't be right. I would expect another death or so (especially of Guy, Kakashi, Tsunade, Raikage, someone like that)

I think Naruto is going to have to watch all of them die (temerarily, or most) at one point, or like Chatte and others have suggested...a Rin/Sakura/Kushina like something is about to happen. I do believe their is a great possibility that Obito will attack Sakura...it only makes sense for the most part.