Kazekage Ninja: The Rise of the Hidden Sand

Thanks to the relentless efforts of the researchers at the Akasha Research Institute, the second-generation product—Eighteen Arhats Formation—was soon developed. This time, it was truly formidable. Eighteen alloy puppets, each wielding different weapons, formed a robust defensive formation. Some engaged in close combat, others hurled kunai and shuriken from a distance, while some unleashed Fire Release techniques or high-pressure water jets.

Moreover, these eighteen puppets were controlled remotely by a single individual. Theoretically, as long as the puppeteer had sufficient chakra, the puppets could fight continuously. Jinghang even conducted an experiment, instructing an elite squad of regular troops to use shadow clones in an attempt to break through the formation controlled by Sasori. The result? The shadow clone squad was mercilessly obliterated, dissipating into white smoke under the relentless assault of the puppets.

This puppet formation had another advantage: it didn't require a professional puppeteer to operate. Although the movements weren't as precise, it met Jinghang's expectations. Ordinary invaders would find it impossible to breach the formation, and even intruders of Akatsuki's caliber could be delayed, buying time for the village's troops to respond.

Puppet-Based Defense System

Thus, a brand-new puppet-based defense system was born. Upon detection of an external invasion by Sunagakure's sensory team, the invasion alarm would be triggered. Forty on-duty personnel of the Bronze Formation would activate the corresponding regional defense system. Each person controlled eighteen puppets, totaling 720 units! Within five minutes, a battalion of standby personnel would activate the entire defense system. Meanwhile, the stationed troops would mobilize, and civilians would begin evacuating to underground shelters. Within twenty minutes, an effective counterattack could be launched. Jinghang conducted several drills within the village, and the defensive results were highly satisfactory.

Furthermore, this system wasn't just ground-based but three-dimensional. Jinghang emphasized the importance of aerial defense, a challenge easily tackled by the genius puppeteer, Sasori of the Red Sand. He swiftly developed a batch of flying combat puppets equipped with propellers. Their combat mode was straightforward: a kamikaze-style suicide attack. Once they made contact, they would trigger internal explosions fueled by a large number of explosive tags. Even when facing airborne ninjas like Deidara in the future, Sunagakure would stand their ground. (Let's see who can outblast whom.) Never again would there be a situation where Gaara had to fight alone. This was the essence of leveraging technology in warfare.

Sasori was a designer who loved to draw analogies. If he could design large-scale combat puppets, then he could certainly create large-scale agricultural and industrial puppets. After all, mechanical actions like farming and "tightening screws" were far simpler than combat. Thus, the agricultural puppet—Uga no Mitama—and the industrial puppet—Yanagiri Sōfu—came into existence.

These innovations significantly boosted the efficiency of Moon Lake New District and Hourglass Group, freeing up more manpower. They also piqued the interest of other ninja villages, leading to a surge in puppet orders for the Akasha Research Institute. This prompted the Hourglass Group to establish a dedicated puppet manufacturing company. The two entities joined forces, and their products were distributed through Hourglass Group's major outlets, raking in profits.

The Threat of Madara and Black Zetsu

With their own defenses fortified, the next focus was on Madara and Black Zetsu, the underground forces that were the root of all wars. Jinghang, now stronger than before, saw Madara growing older. If Sunagakure's strength were concentrated, there might be a chance to eliminate these threats once and for all.

However, ever since Jinghang's meeting with Madara, the Mountain Tomb had been deserted. These individuals had gone completely underground. Even with Sunagakure's intelligence division's efforts, no trace of them could be found. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ NovᴇlFire(.)nᴇt