Kazekage Ninja: The Rise of the Hidden Sand-Chapter 155 - 50: Preparing for Battle

The efficiency of the Sunagakure ninja was as high as ever. Though they promised five days, it only took them three to deliver detailed map information of Black Wind Fortress. Not only that, but they also thoughtfully provided a ninja to serve as the team's guide.

"Hmm? The journey is actually so far?"

Chikugo Hyōe, the commander of the bandit elimination operation, frowned as he looked at the map.

"Yes, based on the distance, it will take at least a month."

Hidan said casually.

At this time, Hidan had been exceptionally promoted to Jonin by the Third Kazekage Jinghang, making him the youngest Jonin in Sunagakure. Although the promotion was exceptional, it was also after rigorous assessment by Sunagakure's education department, officially earning the title of Jonin. After years of honing, Hidan lost the arrogance and noisiness depicted in the original manga, becoming competent and efficient, with the demeanor of a general.

However, Chikugo Hyōe didn't regard him highly, thinking of him as just a young guide.

"How did you find this place?"

Chikugo Hyōe asked.

"It's simple. Although the sand bandits stole money, it's just paper that can't be eaten or drunk. They have to exchange it for grains, oil, wine, meat, tea, and cloth. We tracked them through grain merchants in the Moon Lake New District and surrounding countries, quickly locating these bandits."

"Settled in three days? Impossible!"

Chikugo Hyōe was skeptical. After all, war is no small matter, and he didn't fully trust the ninja.

"Impossible? Even a god couldn't do it in three days."

Hidan shook his head.

"To be honest, we've been monitoring this group of bandits, calling themselves Black Wind Fortress, for over two months. We've already gathered most of the information. These three days were just verifying with the grain merchants whether they were the same group of bandits."

"Hmph! Then you ninjas make money too easily, verifying information is worth a million ryo?"

"Verifying information certainly isn't worth a million ryo. I'm here, aren't I? Safely guiding your two thousand samurai to Black Wind Fortress is how I earn a million ryo."

"Guiding isn't worth that much, is it?"

"Sigh, Chikugo-sama, you may not know, but the journey is exceptionally dangerous. Black Wind Fortress is deep in the desert, filled with quicksand, and the climate is unpredictable, with frequent black sandstorms. Only I know where the oases and underground rivers are. Otherwise, you truly wouldn't make it there. Don't believe me? Post a guide recruitment notice in Dragonfly City, and even for two million ryo, no one would take the job."

Hidan wasn't exaggerating; he had indeed scouted Black Wind Fortress before.

Chikugo Hyōe pondered for a moment after hearing this, nodding in agreement, knowing Hidan was mostly telling the truth.

"There are a few things I must explain to you in advance."

"Speak."

"Firstly, I only guide, not participate in combat."

"Hmph! Coward."

A samurai beside him scoffed upon hearing this.

Hidan didn't get angry but instead smiled at the samurai.

"You misunderstand, I charge separately for killing, and the fee isn't cheap."

Chikugo Hyōe didn't mind, waving his hand.

"No problem, as long as we find Black Wind Fortress, your task is complete. Killing is not your concern."

Hidan nodded.

"Secondly, all actions along the way must follow my lead. When I say go, we go; when I say stop, we stop. Absolute obedience is required. If anyone disobeys, I'm not responsible for any accidents."

"As you wish. Anyone who disobeys will face military discipline."

Chikugo Hyōe nodded, knowing desert marching is no joke and absolute obedience to the guide is necessary.

"Thirdly, besides preparing two months' worth of food and water, you need to prepare three additional items."

"Why prepare for two months when you said the journey is only one month?"

The same samurai interrupted again.

Hidan and Chikugo Hyōe looked at the samurai as if he were a fool.

"You won't be going this time; stay behind with Hachigaku-sama."

Chikugo Hyōe shook his head helplessly. Such an idiot would die halfway if he went.

"What are the three items?"

"Each person needs a five-meter-long hemp rope, three cloth bags, and a thick felt blanket."

"What are they for?"

Chikugo Hyōe asked.

Hidan patiently explained.

"The rope is for quicksand prevention. In desert marching, tie the rope around your waist, either in groups of five or ten. If one falls, others can rescue them easily."

"Reasonable."

Chikugo Hyōe nodded.

"The three cloth bags, two are tied to the legs to prevent sand from getting into shoes, and one is for collecting tumbleweed."

"Collecting tumbleweed? What's that for?"

Chikugo Hyōe asked.

"Of course, it's for burning. In the desert, you need to boil water and cook, right? This march lasts a month; you can't eat dry food every meal, nor can everyone carry firewood or a basket of coal."

"Reasonable, it seems you indeed have rich desert survival experience. What about the felt blanket?"

"Firstly, it's for sleeping. The desert has a large temperature difference between day and night; without a thick felt blanket, you can't withstand it. Secondly, it can shield against black sandstorms. When a sandstorm hits, cover your head with the blanket and lie on the ground to save your life."

"Good, I'll arrange procurement immediately. It can be completed in two days. We'll set off in three days. Any issues?"

Chikugo Hyōe said.

"Absolutely no problem."

Hidan said confidently.

"Alright, let's proceed. You can rest now."

"May I offer a small suggestion?"

Hidan said.

"Please."

"I think you have too few people."

Chikugo Hyōe laughed upon hearing this.

"You're overthinking. Two thousand elite samurai are more than enough against three thousand rabble."

"No, you're wrong. These sand bandits are not all rabble."

Hidan said solemnly.

"Hahaha, Second Brother, you really have skills, gathering supplies so quickly. Look, look, with these, we won't worry about food and drink for three years."

Kawashima Tsunemi pointed at the warehouse supplies, laughing heartily.

In the enormous warehouse, grain, jerky, dehydrated vegetables, salt, coal, oil, tea, and various necessities were piled like mountains. No one would doubt they could feed three thousand people for three years.

"Not only that, Second-in-command has arranged with an underground 'Maralan' boss from the Land of Rain for thirty million ryo, ordering fifty girls to work here for three years!"

A sand bandit dressed as a samurai said with a smile.

"Hahaha, Second Brother, you're truly thoughtful!"

Kawashima Tsunemi laughed even more arrogantly.

Second-in-command Mr. Kuang cupped his hands.

"It's only right. After two years of hardship, the brothers deserve some fun."

The bandits laughed together.

Only third-in-command Azhao was lost in thought.

"Third Brother, what are you thinking?"

"Boss, I'm thinking, if I were the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, having lost five billion ryo in taxes, how would I deal with us fierce bandits?"

The laughter abruptly stopped.

"You mean the Daimyo of the Land of Wind will try to deal with us? Hmph! I doubt he has the guts!"

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