Chapter 280: Overthrowing Tyranny
Although Jōran temporarily directed the Third Kazekage's anger towards the Sunataki clan, as he turned his gaze back to the chaotic battle reports on his desk, a deep concern seized him. He picked up the reports with a frown. "Where are the White-Haired Demon and White Fang now?"
"The actions of these two are spreading further and further. They have extended to the southern Daimyō's prefecture," Jōran reported in a low voice.
With the constant reports, the Third Kazekage began to understand the details. Currently, the White-Haired Demon and White Fang continued to attack the various oasis strongholds, massacring the nobles' garrisons and their guards. They were even brazenly opening granaries and distributing food to the untouchables and slaves. Even more unacceptable was that they were inciting rebellion under the slogans of "Liberate the Land of Wind" and "Overthrow the Three Mountains."
The oases they had liberated had become hotbeds of rebellion. Free bandits had sprung up like mushrooms, wandering everywhere, attacking caravans and even other oases.
Upon hearing these reports, the Third Kazekage's face became more and more somber. He could imagine the scene of those ignorant people being bewitched. This was clearly shaking the foundations of the Sand Village's government!
"Even more challenging," Jōran continued, "these two are incredibly elusive. Our pursuit forces are exhausted, unable to track their presence. At this rate, even if you intervene personally, I'm afraid you won't be able to locate them."
His report had a deep impact, like a sharp sword that pierced the last glimmer of hope in the Kazekage's heart. He had to admit that, in the face of such an elusive enemy, there was no other solution than to concentrate forces on defense and rely on luck. Hopefully, after Chiyo's return, with her elite puppeteer corps, she could end these two.
"Other than sending Chiyo, isn't there a better way?", the Kazekage's voice was hoarse, but still tinged with a hint of hope.
He already felt a deep sense of helplessness; the village could no longer bear such exhaustion.
At that moment, Jōran's eyes shone. "Lord Kazekage, for now, perhaps we could consider reducing the front line? Instead of getting into a tug-of-war with Konoha in the Land of Rain, it is better to order Rasa to gradually retreat to the border defense line, relying on our vast desert terrain."
"This way, we can considerably reduce the pressure. While we conserve troops, we must concentrate forces to prioritize solving the internal threat. Let's finish off these two scourges from Konoha!"
Seeing that the Kazekage did not object, he continued: "Once our rear is secure, we can rest and regain our strength. At that time, the dynamics of attack and defense will be different!"
However, the Third Kazekage's eyes were filled with resentment. The battlefield in the Land of Rain was won with immense effort and sacrifice. A retreat would not only mean the loss of the strategic initiative but also of all previous sacrifices.
He remained silent for a long time. Finally, his reluctance and the pride of being the "Strongest Kazekage" eclipsed the harsh reality.
He stood up suddenly. "No! The defensive line of the Land of Rain must not be abandoned! Tell Rasa to stay there even if he dies. As for logistics and internal affairs... leave it in Chiyo's hands!"
After hearing this plan, Jōran's eyes shone with disappointment. "Lord Kazekage is still foresighted! Rasa is stationed on the front line, leading our main force, and will undoubtedly be able to stabilize the situation!"
"Hmm," the Third Kazekage sat back down, leaning back tiredly. "Good, we'll deal with those two troublemakers first."
Jōran hurriedly reported the latest information: "According to reliable information, the last attack of the two occurred near the Jingquan Oasis. They destroyed the stronghold of the local nobility, freed a large number of miners, and distributed the food. Even the Daimyō was outraged!"
"Oh, really?", the Third Kazekage's interest was piqued upon hearing the Daimyō's reaction.
"Perhaps it's because they are threatening the heart of the Daimyō's prefecture. The military supplies and funding, which had been delayed, have finally been fully disbursed to us."
"Really?", the Kazekage's frown finally relaxed.
"Hmph! He knows what's important. I thought there were no daimyōs in the Land of Wind."
After listening to all the reports, the Kazekage immediately gave an order: "Fengcheng, you must always be attentive to the movements of the White-Haired Demon and White Fang, especially in the area of the daimyō's mansion."
"Yes! We will watch closely!"
Meanwhile, in a corner of the area he was contemplating, the chaos of the Jingquan Oasis had not yet subsided, but a new sandstorm had begun. Another oasis, plunged into chaos, was about to be liberated.
In the oasis known as Jinquan, yellow sand covered the sky. Sakumo's figure, like a ghost, moved constantly among the rubble. Each flash of his silver-white sword was accompanied by the fall of a Suna guard. His speed was such that the guards did not even have time to give the alarm before returning to the Pure Land of the Six Paths.