Magnet Release vs. Manda, the Hidden Battle Beyond the Barrier

Less than a mile from Handover Canyon, the dampness in the forest suddenly grew heavier.

Orochimaru stood atop a tree trunk and raised a hand, signaling for the Hidden Leaf forces behind him to halt.

Several hundred Hidden Leaf ninja immediately spread out, taking positions among the treetops on both sides and behind ground cover.

The forest ahead was too quiet.

There were no birdcalls, nor any insect cries.

A layer of golden fine sand had also appeared on the ground, something that should not have existed in the Land of Rivers.

Orochimaru extended his tongue and licked the corner of his mouth.

"Rasa, since you're here, why bother hiding?"

A dull grinding sound came from the forest.

Large amounts of Gold Dust burst from the soil, gathering into a wave over thirty feet high and sealing off the road leading to the canyon.

A figure rose from behind the Gold Dust.

Rasa stood with his arms folded, his feet resting on a floating mass of Gold Dust.

Six Sunagakure Jonin stood to either side of him, while more than thirty Sunagakure ninja responsible for maintaining the formation stood behind him.

These people had not entered Handover Canyon.

They had only one task.

Stop Orochimaru.

"Orochimaru, I've heard much about you."

Rasa looked at the Hidden Leaf forces ahead without the slightest hint of surprise on his face.

"Orochimaru-sama, leave this one to me."

Choza Akimichi stepped out from the group, his hands beginning to form seals.

"Expansion Jutsu!"

His right arm swelled against the wind, and his enormous palm slammed down toward Rasa.

Rasa raised one finger.

The Gold Dust beneath the forest surged skyward, forming a massive shield wall.

The giant palm struck the Gold Dust shield. The earth caved in, and the shockwave snapped the surrounding trees.