Sealing and Unsealing

The squads that hadn't been notified were still fighting among themselves, battling to claim the Heaven and Earth scrolls they needed to pass the second exam.

The First Hokage and Second Hokage that Orochimaru had summoned with Impure World Reincarnation had not only trapped Naruto and Sasuke, but also tied down a large portion of Konoha's forces.

Now Hiruko and Ranmaru of the Akatsuki Organization had joined the fray.

From above, it was clear that the Forest of Death had descended into utter chaos!

Meanwhile, with Yakumo's group.

When Gaara showed no sign of stopping his attacks, the ANBU's expression changed. "What's going on with Sunagakure's One-Tail Jinchuriki? Has he lost control?"

Yakumo said, "He does seem to be acting strangely. Do you want us to restrain him?"

The ANBU weighed it briefly, then asked, "Can you do it?"

Miko smiled. "If we're sealing him, Yakumo and I should be able to handle it!"

The ANBU immediately replied, "Lord Hokage has ordered that all Jinchuriki be brought to the shelter, so, Miko, Yakumo, I'm counting on you now!"

Miko patted her chest. "Leave it to us!"

Yakumo said at once, "I'll use Wood Release to hold him in place. Look for an opening to act!"

Miko nodded.

Just then, the sea of sand surged toward them again.

Amid a series of crashes, every tree in its path toppled beneath the sand's force. The forest's once-complex terrain opened up considerably.

At the center of the sand sea, Gaara stood on a small clump of sand, hovering above the waves. His expression was twisted with rage.

Seeing this, Yakumo stopped dodging. She formed Hand Seals and shouted, "Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!"

Rustle, rustle.

Countless branches burst from the ground, forming a sea of trees that clashed with the oncoming sand. They