Kazekage Ninja: The Rise of the Hidden Sand-Chapter 154 - 49: Review and Analysis

"Judging by the marks, the arm of Tajima was severed using a tanto short sword, while the beheading was done with a katana. The swordsmanship is very skilled; the head was cut cleanly without falling. Hmm, quite the expert."

Chikugo Hyōe carefully examined the cut marks on Tajima's corpse, his expression exceptionally calm, showing no sign of grief.

The samurai beside him thought the leader was deliberately suppressing his emotions and spoke to comfort him.

"Leader, don't be sad. Tajima must have fought to the very last moment..."

"Hmph!"

Chikugo Hyōe snorted, ignoring the samurai's intentions, and stood up, dusting his hands before going directly to inspect the sword mark on the stone wall.

The samurai was puzzled, not understanding what he had said wrong.

"You underestimate Chikugo."

Another samurai leader from the Land of Wind, Hachigaku, dissatisfied, glared at the samurai.

"As samurai, if we mess up a task, besides seppuku, what other way is there to cleanse our shame? It's perfectly normal. Chikugo won't grieve over Tajima's death because it's meaningless. Instead of hiding and crying, it's better to think of ways to make the enemy bleed!"

After speaking, he walked towards the stone wall without looking back.

"This is Tajima's Iai Lion Cut."

Looking at the deep sword mark on the stone wall, Hachigaku recognized it at a glance.

"Indeed, the attack direction was forcibly changed, likely using a tanto short sword. It seems Tajima lasted only two rounds against this guy."

Chikugo Hyōe gently touched the sword mark and spoke slowly.

"Although Tajima was a second-class samurai, ordinary swordsmen couldn't handle him. This guy with the short sword is a formidable expert."

"Want to try?"

Hachigaku raised an eyebrow.

"Alright, let's do it."

Chikugo Hyōe nodded, assuming the sword-drawing stance identical to Tajima's at the time.

Hachigaku also held the tanto.

"Clang!"

In a flash, Chikugo Hyōe's Iai Slash was deflected by the back of Hachigaku's short sword, with the blade subsequently poised against Chikugo Hyōe's arm.

"That's roughly how it went. Clever strategy, using the quick draw of the short sword for a block and a slash, smooth and effective. No wonder Tajima fell for it."

Hachigaku greatly appreciated Kawashima Tsunemi's technique.

"Let's ponder it and see how to counter it."

Chikugo Hyōe said in a deep voice.

At this moment, a messenger samurai ran over from afar.

"Chikugo-sama, Hachigaku-sama, the Daimyo has issued an order to eliminate the bandits."

Chikugo Hyōe took the scroll and read it quickly.

"What's the plan?"

Chikugo Hyōe handed the scroll to Hachigaku.

"The Daimyo wants us to first gather forces, prepare logistics, and wait for the ninja's intelligence."

"Speed is crucial! Can we really wait?" freewebnoveℓ.com

Hachigaku took the scroll, feeling anxious.

"The Daimyo's consideration is correct. The sand bandits are in the dark, while we are in the light. Acting rashly will surely lead to losses. If we're going to eliminate the bandits, it must be a decisive strike. Let's gather our forces first."

"Where should we gather?"

"East Zero Pass. The western taxes have issues; the east must remain secure."

"No need, no need. Isn't it just a bunch of sand bandits? Does the Daimyo need to pay? Here's the deal, have the Daimyo issue an order to eliminate the bandits, and we Sunagakure ninja will take care of it!"

Jinghang politely declined the million cash Mutou handed over.

"Kazekage-sama, it's like this: the taxes being transported were robbed, and the eight hundred samurai escorting them were completely wiped out. The Daimyo is extremely furious, and his group of samurai is also agitated, clamoring for revenge.

So, it's better not to trouble Kazekage-sama. As long as the Sunagakure ninja can find the bandits' lair, the Daimyo's samurai will surely clear out the bandits and recover the taxes."

"Oh, I see. Hmm, the samurai's anger needs to be quelled. Mutou-sama, please wait a moment; I'll arrange the task immediately. Within five days, I'll give the Daimyo a satisfactory answer."

Mutou repeatedly thanked him and was about to take the money box away, but found it was already held down by Jinghang, so he had to bow and leave.

Watching Mutou leave, Jinghang slowly spoke.

"Do you think two thousand samurai can handle three thousand sand bandits?"

"Absolutely not."

Yamashita Tetsu emerged from the shadows, speaking with certainty.

"Oh, tell me why."

Jinghang said.

"The Black Wind Fortress is located in an oasis deep within the Black Prince Desert. The samurai group would need at least a month to reach the fortress. According to our intelligence department's calculations, this is almost the logistical limit for the samurai group from the Land of Wind. If they can't achieve a quick victory upon arrival, these samurai will all be buried in the desert.

Moreover, the Black Prince Desert is harsh and full of quicksand, likely causing significant losses on the way. Plus, although the samurai group is stronger than the bandits, they are outnumbered, and there are quite a few experts among the bandits. So, this expedition spells doom for the samurai group."

Jinghang listened, somewhat surprised.

"Such harsh conditions, how do the bandits survive?"

Yamashita Tetsu smiled mysteriously.

"You might not believe it, but they have their methods. They traverse the desert using—boats."

"Boats? You mean boats?"

Jinghang could hardly believe his ears.

"Yes, a type of boat specifically used in the desert. When there's wind, they use wind power; when there's no wind, they're driven by wind-release ninjas. The speed isn't comparable to boats on water, but it's not slow either. Each can carry twenty people and a large amount of water and food."

"Do we have any actual ones?"

Boats that can sail in the desert! Jinghang was very interested in this novelty. If Sunagakure ninja were equipped with these, all the deserts in the Land of Wind would be firmly under Sunagakure's control. This would truly turn a natural barrier into a thoroughfare, eliminating the need for expensive highway construction.

"Not yet. Based on the blueprints provided by Rouzhao, the intelligence department is collaborating with Akasha Research Institute to replicate them. I believe we'll see results soon."

"Great! This work must be implemented immediately. Don't worry about the cost; the village treasury will support it unconditionally."

"Understood!"

"By the way, I've heard that the bandit leader at Black Wind Fortress, Kawashima Tsunemi, has some skills?"

Jinghang asked with interest.

"Yes, this person is skilled in both martial arts and ninjutsu, possessing considerable strength."

"Haha, I didn't expect such a character in a bandit lair. When it's our turn to eliminate the bandits, who do you think should handle him?"

"An ordinary Kage-level expert might not be able to take him down. How about you make the effort?"

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