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For a master swordsman like Sakumo Hatake, who relied not on elemental ninjutsu but on the sheer strength of his taijutsu and unparalleled swordsmanship, there were few natural counters. However, Magnet Release was undoubtedly one of the exceptions, a deadly nemesis that left no room for negotiation. After all, no matter how extraordinary a blade might be, it was still made of iron.
"This truly is a magnificent sword! Worthy of the legend of the 'White Fang of Konoha,'" Jinghang remarked, admiring the famed weapon as he toyed with it. At this moment, the weapon's owner lay slumped in a corner, coughing up blood. In the collapsed fortress, only a handful of Konoha shinobi were still breathing. Hundreds of their elite comrades lay scattered in pools of blood, their bodies littering the floor and walls. The pungent stench of blood filled the air, suffocating the space.
The central fortress of Lishi spanned roughly 600 square meters. Jinghang's control range for his Magnet Release: Iron Sand extended up to 800 meters. With so many people crammed into this semi-enclosed space, it was practically a battlefield designed for Jinghang. In such an environment, there was nowhere to run or hide. Jinghang released all twelve tons of iron sand he had sealed in scrolls. Just as Sakumo Hatake prepared to deliver his final strike, Jinghang filled the fortress with his iron sand.
"To the Konoha shinobi across from me, you are now surrounded by just one man," Jinghang thought with dark amusement.
What followed was a scene of horror. Countless black iron sands surged like a torrential flood from all directions. In an instant, the massive fortress transformed into a slaughterhouse, akin to a washing machine spinning its contents mercilessly. The black "flood" carried broken kunai and shuriken, rolling and roaring through the crowd. Amidst the chaos, the air was filled with the agonized screams and desperate cries of Konoha shinobi.
Some reacted quickly, attempting to retreat, only to find their escape routes already cut off. After a few futile leaps, they were pierced by the swirling iron sands. Others tried to counter with Water Release or Earth Release techniques, hoping to halt the black tide. But the flood came from all directions, rendering their defenses futile. Water Release techniques like Water Dragon Bullet barely slowed the iron sands, while Earth Release walls crumbled like paper before the overwhelming force. These attempts were no more than fleeting bubbles in a raging torrent, vanishing without a trace in moments.
This battle became the defining moment for Jinghang, the Third Kazekage. Among Konoha shinobi, a chilling saying began to circulate:
"If you smell the scent of iron while fighting a shinobi from Sunagakure, retreat immediately—you might still survive. But if you see black iron sand on the ground, your name is already on the Reaper's list."
It wasn't entirely fair to label Jinghang as cruel. After all, in wartime, the battlefield was a place of life and death. Moreover, as a newly appointed Kazekage, bloodshed was necessary to establish his authority, both internally and externally.
"Keep him alive; he might still be of use," Jinghang said, inspecting Sakumo Hatake, whose eyelids he flipped open to check.
"Understood, Kazekage-sama," replied Kumogi Akasuna, kneeling respectfully. At this point, he was utterly convinced of the might of the Third Kazekage.
"I'll go clear out the remaining stragglers outside. You all take a rest," Jinghang said as he turned to leave.
"Be careful, Kazekage-sama. We've set some traps around the perimeter," Shuki Akasuna reminded him.
"Oh, really?" Jinghang responded nonchalantly, forming hand seals to create several shadow clones.
Land of Wind, Nightcry Sand Sea Frontline
Inside a tent, Chiyo was adjusting the prosthetic limb she had just crafted. She flexed her fingers, her face showing mild dissatisfaction. Picking up a screwdriver with her left hand, she began making modifications.
As the wife of the First Kazekage, Reto (yes, this is canon according to my research), Chiyo had witnessed her husband's rise to power, uniting the clans and founding the village with his unmatched strength. She had watched every brick and stone of Sunagakure being built, and she loved the village as if it were her own child. Unlike the elderly woman who feigned death in Shippuden, this Chiyo, though over fifty, was still fiery and strategic, much like her late husband.
In the village's leadership, Chiyo was the head of the militant faction. She had strongly supported the Second Kazekage Shamon's plan to invade the Land of Rain. The Land of Wind, with 80% of its territory being desert, was resource-scarce and plagued by internal strife. Although Reto had unified the region, poverty and scarcity remained. Even during the First Kage Summit, Reto had chosen to acquire only one tailed beast rather than spend money on another. Why? Because they were poor!
The Land of Rain, however, was rich in resources and strategically positioned between Iwagakure and Konohagakure. Controlling it would not only alleviate Sunagakure's economic struggles but also provide a strategic advantage.
But now...
"Let's hope little Jing can turn the tide," Chiyo murmured to herself, staring at the flickering candlelight.
"Chiyo-sama, the supplies have arrived!"
"To the left a bit... Yes, that's it. A little more," Jinghang directed Pakura, who was using her Scorch Release fireballs to melt the iron sand into molten metal. They were repairing the collapsed fortress by filling its gaps with molten iron.
"Pour!" Jinghang commanded.
Sizzle! Rasa splashed a bucket of cold water onto the molten metal, which immediately solidified.
"Good. That should do it," Jinghang said, satisfied with the results.
Rasa had worked efficiently, arriving at the fortress with 300 reorganized jonin in just a day and a half. Though the battle was over, intelligence from interrogated prisoners suggested that Konoha might launch a second wave of attacks. Jinghang decided it was better to confront the enemy here at the border than risk collateral damage to Sunagakure. Using several tons of iron sand and Pakura's Scorch Release, Jinghang had essentially welded a half-iron shell over the partially collapsed fortress, significantly enhancing its defenses.
"This is only a temporary fix. The wind and sand here will corrode the iron quickly. We'll need to reinforce it with bricks and mortar later," Jinghang remarked.
"Understood, Kazekage-sama," Rasa and Kumogi nodded in agreement.
"Alright, everything here is more or less settled. Rasa, you'll oversee the fortress's defenses. Kumogi, you're still recovering, so you'll assist him," Jinghang said, donning his goggles and wrapping his face in a scarf.
"You're leaving already?" Kumogi asked, surprised.
"After the loss Konoha suffered here, their leadership will think twice before attacking Lishi Fortress again. They know our reinforcements have arrived, and without the element of surprise, their westward advance plan loses its meaning. The real battle now lies in the Nightcry Sand Sea," Jinghang replied, pointing southward.
"By the way, Kumogi, you have a son, don't you?" Jinghang asked as he gathered chakra to prepare for departure.
"Yes, Kazekage-sama. My son, Sasori of the Red Sand, just turned five this year," Kumogi answered earnestly.
"Sasori of the Red Sand, huh? How about this—once the war is over, I'll take him as my godson. What do you think?" Jinghang said with a confident smile.