Master and Disciple Reunited
As the Dust Release barrier dissipated, three figures appeared within. An invisible shield surrounded them, and it was this shield that had blocked Dust Release's disintegration.
"Just as I thought. It's much less effective at breaking down energy."
Orochimaru recognized it as a magnetic shield, and the magnetism was at the level of a Kekkei Tōta—or, more precisely, a fusion of magnetic fields and magnetism.
Dust Release was powerful, but it was better suited to targeting physical matter. It could destroy the molecular structure of matter, reducing it to its most basic atoms.
It wasn't as effective against energy, since energy had no molecular structure.
"Minato!"
Orochimaru glanced at the sandstorm sweeping toward them like a tidal wave. Understanding how troublesome this power would be, he signaled to Minato Namikaze.
Minato understood. He left behind a Shadow Clone and headed for the center of Rōran, intending to destroy the Dragon Vein.
This was the plan they had agreed on beforehand. Originally, they had wanted to trap and kill Sunagakure's powerful shinobi, ideally taking out the Fourth Kazekage as well.
But the ones who had come were powerful shinobi from Kumogakure—especially the one who countered him. Kumogakure was also skilled in Sealing Techniques, so the odds of successfully laying a trap and killing them here were low.
And Raijin had proved so powerful that they had no choice but to destroy the Dragon Vein first.
Before Minato could sneak into the Dragon Vein, however, an immense surge of Wood Release chakra erupted. Countless roots burst from the ground, transforming Rōran into a forest in the blink of an eye and completely sealing off the entrance to the Dragon Vein.
Countless trees swept toward Minato, while a cloud of pollen filled the air.
He formed a Light Sword