Chapter 33: In Full Swing

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"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

On the training grounds of Sunagakure's Ninja Academy, hundreds of children were practicing taijutsu in perfect unison. Leading the group were none other than Hidan, a disciple of the Kazekage, and the "exchange student" from Konoha, Might Guy. Their punches were executed with precision and vigor, each strike brimming with energy and determination.

The taijutsu instructor for Sunagakure's Ninja Academy was none other than the "foreign teacher," Might Duy. Thanks to his outstanding performance in two recent battles, this seemingly wiry, bearded ninja had won the respect of both parents and students alike. Even the Kazekage himself had personally appointed Might Duy to the Academy's curriculum development team as an editor for the taijutsu training materials.

Jinghang, the Kazekage, placed great emphasis on taijutsu. He was keenly aware that taijutsu was the fundamental measure of a ninja's basic abilities. The strength of one's taijutsu was often a critical factor in determining survival on the battlefield. This perspective was shared by senior ninjas like Ebizō and Chiyo, who wholeheartedly supported Jinghang's views. After all, ninjas lived by the blade, surviving amidst death and carnage. Without solid, straightforward combat skills, a ninja wouldn't last long. Bloodline limits and secret family techniques were privileges of the few, and relying solely on flashy tactics and strategies was futile without real, hard-earned martial prowess. After all, those tactics could eventually be learned by others over time. Just look at the legendary shinobi of the First Shinobi World War—Hashirama Senju, Madara Uchiha, A, Retsudo, Gengetsu Hōzuki, and Mū—every one of them was a master of taijutsu, capable of tearing apart tigers and leopards with their bare hands or crushing boulders underfoot.

The foundation of taijutsu, however, was laid during the formative years at the ninja academy. In his Education Reform Plan, Jinghang elevated the importance of taijutsu and physical conditioning to a new level. He even made taijutsu a mandatory component of the graduation exam. To this end, the standard six-year academy program was extended to seven years, providing an additional year to solidify the students' taijutsu foundation. Jinghang's dedication didn't stop there—he also ordered Ebizō to establish a dedicated Taijutsu Research Department and a Taijutsu Curriculum Editing Office. These teams were tasked with collecting and compiling taijutsu techniques and unique moves from various clans. In a remarkably short period, they developed a series of taijutsu techniques tailored to Sunagakure, designed for students of all ages to progressively master.

Under Jinghang's guidance, this new taijutsu curriculum focused on practicality over aesthetics. Extraneous movements were eliminated, and every technique was designed with real combat in mind—simple, efficient, and deadly. The philosophy was clear: if one move could incapacitate an enemy, there was no need for a second. If a move could kill, there was no reason to leave the opponent alive. These techniques were pure killing arts. Jinghang even gave this taijutsu style a commanding name: Maga Arts.

"Stop! That's enough for today's technique practice," Might Duy announced, addressing the students. "My teaching methods might differ from what you're used to, but I want you to remember one thing: every technique is static, but people are dynamic. You'll never know where your opponent's next punch will land. The speed of thought is often slower than the speed of reaction. That's why I believe the most important thing is to train your muscles and body to develop memory. In different situations, your body should instinctively choose the best response. For example—"

Before he could finish, Might Duy suddenly lashed out with a whip kick aimed at Hidan. Without thinking, Hidan instinctively ducked low and countered with a sweeping leg kick.

"Excellent!" Might Duy praised as he easily leaped over the counterattack. "Everyone, take note—Hidan's response was spot-on. He chose to duck and evade the attack instead of blocking it with his elbow. A whip kick generates immense force, and if I had used my full strength just now, blocking with an elbow would likely have resulted in a broken arm, reducing his combat effectiveness by at least half. Ducking not only minimizes movement but is also highly effective, allowing for a swift and efficient counterattack. Let's give Hidan a round of applause!"

As the students clapped enthusiastically, Hidan scratched his head in embarrassment.

"Alright, pair up and begin sparring. Let's go!"

While Sunagakure thrived in peace and development, the wars outside the village raged on with unrelenting intensity.

The conflict between Iwagakure and Kumogakure had reached a fever pitch. The battle at Ash Crow Crossing had resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The Third Tsuchikage had attempted a strategic retreat to lure the enemy deeper into their territory, but the Third Raikage's extensive experience and cautious approach thwarted these plans. The two sides were locked in a stalemate, neither willing to back down. Resources, wealth, and manpower were being drained at an alarming rate, and the prices of kunai, shuriken, and explosive tags produced in the Land of Craftsmen had doubled. Both nations' treasuries were nearing exhaustion.

In contrast, Konoha enjoyed relative ease. Following two consecutive victories in Amegakure, and having established an alliance with Sunagakure in the west, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was free to consolidate forces and stabilize internal affairs. He waited patiently for the right moment to intervene in the Iwa-Kumo conflict, aiming to deliver a decisive blow.

However, the east remained restless. After their failed attack on Sunagakure, the Kirigakure turned their attention to Konoha, frequently instigating skirmishes along the border. Recently, they had even launched a covert raid on the Hyūga Clan, killing a main family member named Hyūga Mougetsu and stealing one of his Byakugan (yes, the same one later possessed by Ao). This brazen act of theft enraged the Hyūga Clan, prompting their leader to petition Hiruzen for permission to retaliate against Kirigakure and reclaim the Byakugan.

Hiruzen faced a dilemma. Launching an offensive would mean a long and costly campaign over predominantly water-based terrain, with little to gain from the impoverished Kirigakure. However, refusing to act risked alienating the powerful Hyūga Clan and undermining village unity. Ultimately, Hiruzen adopted a compromise: issuing a strongly worded diplomatic protest to Kirigakure while organizing a formidable punitive force led by Hiashi Hyūga and Orochimaru. This force systematically destroyed Kirigakure's hidden coastal outposts, satisfying the Hyūga Clan's demands and curbing Kirigakure's aggression.

Amid this chaos, the only true beneficiary was Sunagakure under Jinghang's leadership. Having withdrawn from the battlefield early, Sunagakure not only avoided further losses but also secured a two-billion-ryō interest-free loan from Konoha. After thwarting Kirigakure's attempted raid, the village shifted its focus entirely to development. The Moonlake District project progressed rapidly, while the Amegakure Sandglass Tool Factory and Canning Plant flourished. Products like Damascus ninja swords and canned pork, fish, and peaches became bestsellers, especially in war-torn Iwagakure and Kumogakure, generating substantial revenue for Sunagakure.

Under Jinghang's direction, Sunagakure introduced two new products: tactical boots and tactical vests. These items were an instant hit among ninjas from various villages and sold out immediately upon release. The Sandglass brand had become synonymous with high-quality ninja tools.

Meanwhile, the Desert Highway Construction Bureau, led by Karuke, was officially established. The bureau's research division, staffed primarily by six Crystal Release users from the Wu Zhong Clan, successfully developed techniques for building crystal tunnels. Construction of the Sand-Moon Highway, connecting Sunagakure to the Moonlake District, was already underway and expected to be completed within two years. Maki, the newly appointed governor of the Moonlake District, named Sazhou Tuo, the clan leader of the recently allied Sazhou Clan, as the logistics director. Using their unique summoning beasts—camels—the Sazhou Clan ensured the efficient transport of construction materials and supplies.

As a popular saying in Sunagakure went:

"While the outside world burns in the flames of war, we build our future in the fires of progress."