Kazekage Ninja: The Rise of the Hidden Sand-Chapter 165 - 60: The End of the Sand Bandits Era

Kawashima Tsumi, a master of both ninja and samurai arts, had distinct advantages and disadvantages. Against equally skilled ninjas, he relied on his samurai swordsmanship; against equally skilled samurai, he used ninja techniques. His ability to switch seamlessly between the two made him a formidable and unpredictable opponent.

However, the downside of mastering both disciplines was the lack of specialization in either. Reaching Kawashima's level of proficiency was already rare, but against top-tier experts, he stood no chance. (Hatake Sakumo doesn't count—his swordsmanship leans more towards ninja taijutsu and lacks the samurai's iai techniques. Yamashita Tetsu, however, could barely qualify as one.) freēwēbnovel.com

Jinghang's Magnet Release was the ultimate nemesis of all samurai. No matter how skilled they were, they still relied on their swords. A samurai without a blade was like a tiger without claws—strong but powerless.

The battle's outcome was straightforward. Jinghang used the simplest technique, Iron Sand: Drizzle, to launch continuous attacks against Kawashima Tsumi. The latter could only rely on Earth Release jutsu to defend desperately, with little chance to counterattack.

The dense and rapid iron sand pelted the earth walls like bullets from a machine gun, causing chunks of the defensive structure to crumble. The iron sand seemed endless, and its relentless assault ensured that Kawashima Tsumi's defenses would eventually collapse.

"Jinghang, you're no hero! Dare to... duel me with swords!"

Originally intending to challenge Jinghang to a one-on-one fight, Kawashima Tsumi realized no one else was interfering and instead proposed a sword duel.

"What did he say?" Jinghang asked Yamashita Tetsu, who stood nearby.

Yamashita shrugged. "Not sure, but it sounded like he was cursing you."

"Hmph, courting death! Wind Release: Rasenshuriken!"

Jinghang continued to manipulate the iron sand with one hand while forming a "sphere" with the other. He hurled the Rasenshuriken directly at the earth wall.

The "sphere" shredded through the Earth Release defenses like paper, unleashing its devastating force within. A blood-curdling scream echoed from behind the crumbling wall, signaling the end of the "Sand Bandits" and their relegation to the annals of history.

"Cut off his head and take it to the underground exchange in the Land of Stone for the bounty," Jinghang ordered coldly.

With the Land of Wind's anti-bandit campaign in full swing, many underground organizations had also been targeted. Following high-level negotiations, underground exchange offices had completely withdrawn from the Land of Wind, forcing bounty hunters to travel out of the country to claim their rewards.

In this operation, Sunagakure annihilated 2,678 bandits from the Black Wind Stronghold, captured over 1,500 prisoners, and seized over 600 million ryō in cash, along with countless other supplies.

Jinghang, the Third Kazekage, saw the strategic value of the Black Wind Stronghold's oasis. With the support of the "warship," the location could serve as a hub for the entire Black Prince Desert. He decided to station a regiment there, leaving most of the seized supplies as provisions. The main forces then triumphantly returned to the village.

Meanwhile, the third-in-command of the Black Wind Stronghold, Kyōkan Chō, who had been leading an expedition against the "Golden Whirlwind," quickly received news of the stronghold's downfall. Most of the 500 ninjas under his command were loyalists dissatisfied with Kawashima Tsumi and Mr. Kuang. They unanimously elected Chō as their new leader.

Instead of continuing their banditry in the northern Black Prince Desert, Chō burned their camp and led over a thousand followers northward, eventually seeking refuge in Iwagakure.

Iwagakure, having endured years of war, was in dire need of manpower. The sudden arrival of nearly a thousand fighters piqued the interest of the Fourth Tsuchikage, Muji, though he hesitated due to the looming threat of the Third Kazekage, Jinghang.

Chō reassured Muji, explaining that he was originally a Kirigakure ninja who had become a bandit in the Land of Wind after a failed coup. His defection to Iwagakure was merely a means of survival. Jinghang's extensive efforts to eradicate bandits were solely to secure trade routes. With the Black Prince Desert now pacified, Jinghang was unlikely to pursue a minor figure like him.

To appease Jinghang, Chō suggested handing over 500 members of the "Golden Whirlwind" remnants—non-ninja criminals with no combat skills. Mixing them with other bandits would make it impossible to identify individuals. Jinghang, uninterested in further pursuit, might even reward Iwagakure for their "assistance."

After careful consideration, Muji agreed. He sent the 500 bandits to Sunagakure, earning Jinghang's praise and a 50 million ryō bonus as a gesture of gratitude.

Relieved, Muji integrated the remaining 500 rogue ninjas into Iwagakure's ranks. Recognizing Chō's courage and tactical acumen, he promoted him to Special Jōnin and assigned him to the village's Anbu. Muji even gave Chō a new name—Ibei (兆, meaning "trillion").

After the campaign, Jinghang returned to the Yuexi Peninsula to "report" to the Daimyō of the Land of Wind. He presented 350 million ryō in taxes and handed over 1,500 prisoners. Having spent 150 million ryō during the campaign, the remaining funds were already a significant sum.

The Daimyō, aware of the situation, was furious at the captured bandits and ordered their immediate execution. However, Jinghang intervened.

"Execution? That's too lenient for these scoundrels. They've committed countless atrocities over the years. Instead, hand them over to me. We're building new highways in the eastern desert and need labor. Let them dig and toil until they drop—that way, they'll at least contribute something."

The Daimyō, finding merit in Jinghang's suggestion, agreed.

The Daimyō then showered Jinghang with praise, calling him a hero and subtly hinting at the return of the military command token.

Without hesitation, Jinghang returned the token and ordered the withdrawal of five regiments from Dragonfly City.

The Daimyō was stunned. "If you withdraw, who will defend Dragonfly City?"

Jinghang feigned difficulty. "The western Black Prince Desert may be pacified, but the eastern Huangfu Tower Desert still has banditry. For the safety of our trade routes, we must address the eastern threat."

The Daimyō protested, "But Sunagakure has two and a half divisions! The First Division can stay in Dragonfly City while the Second continues the campaign."

Jinghang calmly replied, "The Second Division must remain in the Black Prince Desert to prevent bandits from returning. The half-division is needed to guard Sunagakure itself."

The Daimyō was speechless.

Jinghang reassured him with a smile. "Within a year, the eastern desert will be completely pacified. The Land of Wind will enjoy peace and prosperity."

Privately, the Daimyō thought, Yeah, right. Without your ninjas, how can my thousand samurai defend the Kunrei Plains and Dragonfly City? Forget bandits—quelling a peasant uprising would be a challenge.

Reluctantly, he returned the token to Jinghang, muttering, "I'll leave military matters in your capable hands." He then hurried back to his gambling den, leaving Jinghang holding the token.

Watching the Daimyō's retreating figure, Jinghang weighed the token in his hand and thought, Is he giving up entirely? Not even returning to Dragonfly City?

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