Quote (SoLday @ Sun, 14 Dec 2008, 18:29)
I don't recall them ever declaring him dead...
Well, they do talk about bringing in the body of an Akatsuki member. Doubt that's Hidan since he's resting in pieces.
And besides, it makes sense. After all, in the first arc of Part I, they mention the whole thing with Hunter-nin. And the same is referenced once again during the Chuunin Exam when Hinata faces Neji.
And besides, it's quite obvious that Kakuzu isn't exactly a normal human.