I think you are right about the amount of remaining episodes. That is if they don't tie this to another plot, like going after Orochi again. Though I really can't see how they could continue with another filler arc after this exellent one. Maybe we will get the Kakashi gaiden which I have heard you speak of.

Since when can Ino manipulate peoples bodies without possesing them? This would mean that Shikamaru is useless from now on, since Ino can do the same thing without shadows.