Ep. 18: Neji reveals the Akatsuki gathering while the teams coordinate to breach the sealed cave barrier.

Neji employs his Byakugan to observe the interior of the caves, noting the Gedo statue, nine Akatsuki members, and Gaara’s body. He informs both teams of the situation. Guy attempts to break the large rock sealing the entrance but is stopped by a powerful Five-Seal Barrier. Kakashi explains that five tags located around the area must be torn off simultaneously to dismantle the barrier. Neji identifies the precise locations of these tags. The Akatsuki dispatches Deidara and Sasori to attack the group and guard Gaara. Team Kakashi and Team Guy use wireless radio frequency to remove the five forbidden tags at the same time, disabling the barrier. Sakura then destroys the rock and prepares to face Deidara and Sasori.

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