HollowRain_Pillar
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This is the panel used for people to reference Asuma admitting Hidan to be way above him. Then using that as an actual statement scale. However I'll go into a deep dive that will show why we shouldn't just read at face value.
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This was a quick gathering conference Tsunade had with 20 Platoon squads after calling for a state of emergency when hearing of Chiriku death and the destruction of the fire temple. This is where Asuma finds out about Chiriku death as you can see his expression through the panel. He becomes in disbelief and shock at the fact they we're able to kill Chiriku believing it was impossible. They both have a similar reputation that stands tall amongst many Konoha ninja and although Asuma is worth 5 million ryo more the Akatsuki was able to take someone like Chiriku down who stands around that reputation.
Even Tsunade herself considers the zombie duo as extremely dangerous from the event of killing Chiriku. Not only was Chiriku a member of the 12 guardian ninja to protect the feudal lord but as well as the leader of the monks to protect the fire temple a sacred place and said to be viewed highly in fire country. Great strength is needed to be trusted to protect such a place. This is why Tsunade knew that she needed to call many squads to capture the Zombi duo
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You can easily tell within Asuma expression and emphasis that that the situation they we're in was really getting to him. When referencing that Chiriku and Asuma himself were like Choji and Shikamaru to Shikamaru. You can look at the emphasis and how Shikamaru expression which is supported by the subtext on the side. Describing how heavy emotions are transferring from Asuma to Shikamaru.
Asuma explains that he didn't quit because of Chiriku's death but because they were able to kill Chiriku that their abilities are formidable and warning that they can't never let their guard down. This isn't referencing Hidan but against the two Akatsuki in his mind. Then you see the other three processing and taking notes of the situation and Asuma's words.
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This is when Team Asuma ambush Hidan and Kotetsu and Izumo hit a vital spot. You can read Asuma expression of being shocked and the situation of Hidan being able to ignore the damage of a vital spot. As you can see Asuma mentions Chiriku in head ref refrencing the situation once more. Also one thing to note is that when reading an anime it's important to have a general sense of expression and understanding because not everything will be written word by word sometimes expression and short words can mean alot.
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After being pushed back to gather when Kakazu made Shikamaru undo shadow paralysis and Asuma has to intervene they regroup. Asuma explains that he will go on while Shikamaru uses shadow paralysis to support him in hopes to cut off his head. Shikamaru and Kotetsu both telling Asuma that the risk is too high. Remember this was a situation that was really serious. Asuma snaps and says that this was the best plan they have and saying they're far stronger then even him and then continue to tell kotetsu and Izumo to assist Shikamaru against Kakazu just in case.
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He Boasts a power that is immense but he never underestimates a thing, as a cell commander he explains every plan with upmost care. When you look at that one panel at face value it seems like Asuma just straight up admitting inferiority but that just isn't the case.
The situation referenced in the manga and databook is that because of Chiriku's death who reputation is only of being 5 million ryo below is killed by Hidan and Kakazu in his mind. Whenever pushed to regroup he had to take into consideration that they just found out Hidan is immortal so they need a way to take Hidan out and Kakazu could join the fight at anytime. With no reference of their strength he had no choice but to view Hidan and Kakazu higher not knowing about Hidan only needing a cut that will make him such a dangerous fighter. Asuma saying he's weaker is to get the group to seriously not underestimate the Zombie duo considering Asuma has no idea of their strength and abilities. The safest measure was to simply view the Zombie duo as more power for him and the group to not underestimate the Zombie duo in the slightest. As supported by databook that he never underestimates a thing.
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Asuma decidea to use the climbing silver to break the enemies camp. In which Shikamaru had refrerence Asuma to be out of character and that the role doesn't suit him. The proof that Asuma wasn't gonna underestimate them is that he reference himself as a sacrificial piece but not a simple one because he got Shikamaru who he trusts even if he does die a reference of I believe is the will of fire.
Now people believe Kakazu had no affects in the fight despite being their to stand around and all though that is true you have to into consideration the situation. They have no idea when Kakazu would potentially join the fight especially if Asuma does take the lead against Hidan. The whole strategy Asuma opted for was clear that he didn't want to underestimate any possibility. The point of the climbing silver was to go straight in and to decapitate Hidan right of the back meaning fodderize Hidan and move onto Kakazu which both are quickly shown. When Asuma decapitated Hidan we see Kakazu jump into action and knowing they have one more to go.