If protecting Naruto was part of the plan then why was Neji and Hinata the only two in on it? Where were the weapon specialist when the giant shard of wood was flying at Naruto? Someone could have threw something in an attempt to send it in another direction. I would look for Kakashi to use his famous Kamui in that type of situation. I know his reaction speed is fast enough. He Kamuied a sasanoo arrow and a flying nail from point blank range for goodness sake.