Along the way, they moved at lightning speed, Uchiha Tenxiu leading the Third Kazekage like a meteor streaking across the sky, swiftly returning to Sand Ninja Village.
When they arrived outside Sand Ninja Village, they saw the Ichisen Ten defense barrier towering into the clouds, like an indestructible shield. Outside the barrier, the guards, seeing the Third Kazekage return from afar, were overjoyed and shouted, "Lord Third, you're back!"
The Third Kazekage nodded slightly, motioning for the guards to remain at their posts. He turned to Uchiha Tenxiu and introduced, "This is our Sand Ninja Village's defense barrier, named Ichisen Ten. It's a powerful barrier personally reinforced by successive Kazekage, capable of repelling foreign invasions." Throughout the process, he treated Uchiha Tenxiu as if he were a distinguished guest he had brought.
The Third Kazekage then said to the guards, "Continue your watch. Sasori and I have brought back a distinguished guest from Loulan this time, so there's no need to register him! And, you are not to discuss this matter with anyone. I'll count it as a B-rank mission for you later."
"Yes, Lord Kazekage!" The guards' faces immediately lit up with joy, and they repeatedly affirmed.
The Third Kazekage led Uchiha Tenxiu and Sasori of the Red Sand through the Ichisen Ten defense barrier and into Sand Ninja Village.
"What a handsome person, an outsider!"
"Indeed, he's very handsome and so young! I wonder what kind of distinguished guest he is, personally led by Lord Third!"
"Yes, could he be some great noble!"
"..."
Along the way, some people seemed to cast curious glances at Uchiha Tenxiu, guessing his identity, but they were all deterred by the Third Kazekage's usual authority and dared not ask too many questions.
Everyone calmly returned to the Kazekage Building, which was the center of power in Sand Ninja Village and where the Third Kazekage handled his affairs.
Upon entering the building, with Sand Ninja Village's administrative personnel coming and going, the Third Kazekage's mood grew increasingly complex. He didn't know what impact this meeting with Uchiha Tenxiu would bring.
Although he had completely lost any dignity as a seal in front of him.
But for Sand Ninja Village, he wasn't completely unconcerned.
On the contrary, as Kazekage, his love for Sand Ninja Village was no less than anyone else's.
He had painstakingly devoted himself to the development and growth of Sand Ninja Village.
And now.
He merely placed the position of Sand Ninja Village below his own life.
If he were truly to do something harmful to Sand Ninja Village, while he wouldn't resist with his life, heartache and negativity would certainly be inevitable.
Therefore, facing Uchiha Tenxiu's manipulation, he dared not resist, dared not question.
But as time passed, through the administrative measures and actions Uchiha Tenxiu had arranged.
The Third Kazekage gradually felt some relief.
In the Kazekage Building, Uchiha Tenxiu meticulously planned a series of arrangements.
First, he arranged for the Third Kazekage to secretly dispatch elite personnel to control the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, preparing in advance for future large-scale troop increases.
This decision not only demonstrated Uchiha Tenxiu's foresight but also laid the foundation for Sand Ninja Village's future military actions. Even without considering Uchiha Tenxiu's personal motives, at least in the upcoming war, a sufficient number of troops would be enough to offset any balance of power. Even the weakest Ninja, with the enhancement of Chakra, could pose a threat to Kage-level individuals.
Next, Uchiha Tenxiu skillfully arranged for Sasori of the Red Sand to serve as the head of Sand Ninja Village's Puppet Brigade.
This position was responsible for all matters related to puppets, including manufacturing, sales, research and development, as well as puppet repair and puppeteer training. Such an arrangement undoubtedly concentrated all power in the puppet domain into Sasori of the Red Sand's hands, making him an independent political faction within Sand Ninja Village.
This move caused a stir within Sand Ninja Village, with many expressing concern and opposition to the emergence of such an independent force.
However, Sasori of the Red Sand's own exceptional talent, as well as the powerful backing of the elders Chiyo and Ebizo, quickly silenced all doubts.
Sand Ninja Village's high-ranking officials began to realize that Sasori of the Red Sand might indeed be capable of filling this important position and bringing new development opportunities to Sand Ninja Village, so they fell silent.
Regarding this, Uchiha Tenxiu was not at all concerned about whether Sand Ninja Village would see the emergence of an independent political faction. For him, nothing was more important than enhancing Sand Ninja Village's war potential in a short period!
Therefore, Uchiha Tenxiu was eager for Sasori of the Red Sand to unleash more of his potential, so he continuously delegated power.
And regarding these changes.
Originally, Chiyo and Ebizo, who had secretly sensed Uchiha Tenxiu's different intentions, also silenced their original thoughts and no longer interfered with the unknown person's hidden influence, even if their guess was that the Third Kazekage had fallen victim to some scheme of his and was being controlled.
But at least, looking at the current outcome, the Third Kazekage was still not in mortal danger. And their grandson, Sasori of the Red Sand, had gained sufficient benefits and controlled almost eighty percent of Sand Ninja Village's power, without any losses.
It was certain that he would become the next Kazekage of Sand Ninja Village in the future.
Even from Sand Ninja Village's standpoint.
To this day, there has been no harm whatsoever.
Thus.
Chiyo and Ebizo also had no need to intervene.
It was better to let this hidden strategist reform things with a free hand; even if he failed, there would be no loss.
Someone else would take the blame.
Not to mention.
The current success of the reforms.
Was clearly visible.
Regarding this, Uchiha Tenxiu couldn't help but sigh, "There are smart people everywhere, who see my interference in this, yet don't offer any opposition. I suppose it's the idea that it's better to leave well enough alone, unlike Konoha with all its entanglements!"
"Compared to Konoha's elders, Sand Ninja Village's elders are like heaven and earth apart!"
In the time that followed.
When Sasori of the Red Sand ascended to a high position, he was like a hurricane, swiftly clearing away previous obstacles.
With ample backing, his own talent shone like brilliant stars, and all those who couldn't see the situation clearly, those who obstructed Sand Ninja Village's reforms, were destined for a dead end.
Of course, facing these people who were supposed to die, Uchiha Tenxiu felt pity. In order to make them play their greatest role and not waste their lives, Uchiha Tenxiu turned them all into suicide soldiers for the first wave of attack in the war.
After being transformed by the Chakra seeds, their rebellious behavior melted away like ice and snow, leaving only fanaticism. They were like a pack of loyal hounds, quietly awaiting the arrival of war, eager to create the most glorious Sengoku.
After Sasori of the Red Sand resolved these minor conflicts, he, like a skilled craftsman, drastically reformed Sand Ninja Village's puppet artistry.
For puppeteers of the Genin, Chunin, and Jonin strength levels, he carefully selected several standard puppets that offered the best cost-performance, simplest design, and most excellent overall performance.
Each level had three types chosen for combination, not only increasing optionality and diversity but also providing more choices for puppeteers of different combat styles.
In this way, excellent puppeteers who could manipulate multiple types of puppets could achieve a synergy where one plus one was greater than two.
At the same time, Sasori of the Red Sand also specially customized puppet production lines, like an unfailing river, continuously providing manufacturing power for the three strength levels and nine different types of puppets.
Furthermore, these production lines also had the ability to replace any damaged parts, ensuring that the puppets always remained in optimal condition.
Unlike previous puppets, once they were damaged, there were usually only two options: either replace the entire puppet or spend a lot of time repairing it. However, the current puppets possessed an astonishing characteristic—as long as the loss did not exceed eighty percent, they could be repaired by completely replacing parts.
What does this mean? It means that even if a puppet is severely damaged in battle, there is no need to worry about being unable to continue using it. Simply replace the damaged parts, and the puppet can quickly recover its combat effectiveness and return to battle.
Not only that, the entire repair and replacement process takes extremely little time, almost allowing for real-time execution during combat.
This undoubtedly greatly enhanced the puppeteers' combat endurance, enabling them to maintain strong combat power during prolonged battles.