章節 45: Jiraiya Gets Caught (Part 2)

Yamaki's plan wasn't just to expose Jiraiya; he also targeted the nearby ANBU members.

"Attention, villagers! Look around, there are ANBU everywhere."

The ANBU members felt a chill. Why was he turning on them now?

"Why don't the ANBU handle peeping incidents? Because Jiraiya is a big shot!"

"They can't deal with Jiraiya, so they deal with the victims!"

"As long as no one testifies, Jiraiya can get away with it forever!"

Jiraiya couldn't take it anymore. He tried to force his way out, but without using ninjutsu, his taijutsu, while superior to Yamaki's, couldn't break through Yamaki's total defence.

Yamaki, while defending, continued to incite the crowd.

"Look, everyone! Jiraiya, this criminal, is trying to escape! If he gets away, this matter will be swept under the rug!"

"Why can he still get away with this? Because he's being protected!"

"The ANBU have been here all this time! Haven't they informed the Third Hokage? Of course not!"

"Because the Third Hokage is covering for his peeping tom student!"

Yamaki's voice was like a loudspeaker, continuously accusing while defending himself. He shouted, "Oh no, Jiraiya is attacking! The Third Hokage is covering for his peeping student!"

The surrounding villagers murmured, their anger visibly rising. Jiraiya grew more desperate, his attacks becoming heavier.

"Stop!" An elderly voice shouted.

Jiraiya halted immediately, but Yamaki wasn't done.

"Villagers of Konoha, remember to be cautious of Jiraiya! Pfft..."

Yamaki theatrically spat out a mouthful of blood.

The villagers looked at Yamaki with sympathy and admiration. Look at this dedicated Uchiha Police Force member.

He endured so much suffering for the sake of ordinary citizens.

The Third Hokage jumped into the scene. Embarrassed, Jiraiya glanced at him, his toes digging into his sandals. His eyes pleaded that the Third Hokage shouldn't have come.

The Third Hokage rolled his eyes. If he hadn't come, his reputation would be ruined!

Yamaki always did these unexpected things, catching him off guard every time.

A few days ago, Yamaki pledged eternal support, but now, as soon as Jiraiya returned, he was smearing his name.

"Yamaki! What nonsense are you up to? How did you become the Police Force captain?!"

Yamaki wiped the blood from his face, which he had bitten his cheek to produce.

"Only a few Uchiha are left in the Police Force. I wanted to observe their work, so I applied for the position to avoid interfering with my colleagues' duties."

Seeing the Third Hokage had arrived, Yamaki decided it was time to escalate. He loudly proclaimed,

"Since Lord Hokage has come to protect his student Jiraiya, there's nothing a small captain like me can do!"

The Third Hokage's face darkened. When had he said he'd protect Jiraiya?

He noticed the villagers' odd looks and quickly said, "Yamaki, stop your nonsense! I have no intention of protecting Jiraiya!"

"Oh?" Yamaki feigned confusion. "Then, Lord Hokage, why did the ANBU delay informing you about this? Was it to give Jiraiya a chance to escape?"

The Third Hokage wanted to drag Yamaki out and behead him. He knew but still said it out loud!

"I was just handling official business and arrived a bit late."

The Third Hokage cleared his throat. Given the situation, he had to sacrifice Jiraiya.

"Though Jiraiya is my student, this is the first I've heard of his misconduct. If he did wrong, he will be punished accordingly!"

Jiraiya's face turned ashen. He never thought he'd have such a humiliating day.

Peeping usually resulted in a light punishment, but this public shaming was unbearable.

His thick skin was one thing, but being publicly humiliated was another.

Yamaki loudly declared, "If that's the case, I apologize for misunderstanding Lord Hokage!"

"Today, we have a witness accusing Jiraiya. Can Lord Hokage ensure the witness won't be retaliated against?"

Jiraiya glared at Yamaki. While he was lecherous, he never resorted to retaliation. Yamaki was pushing it...

The Third Hokage clean

The Third Hokage clenched his fists hidden in his sleeves.

"Yamaki, rest assured, I swear on my title as Hokage that the witness will not suffer any harm and will receive compensation!"

Yamaki was satisfied and addressed the crowd.

"Look, everyone, our Hokage is fair and just. Even if his own student makes a mistake, he will not protect him and will ensure the safety and compensation of the witness. Lord Hokage is truly wise!"

"Lord Hokage is truly wise!"

"Lord Hokage is so kind!"

"Lord Hokage is just!"

The surrounding villagers' praise echoed, forcing the Third Hokage to maintain a strained smile and nod at the crowd.

Yamaki nudged Hyūga Yūjin, whispering, "Hey, Yūjin, what's the penalty for peeping?"

Hyūga Yūjin, stunned by Yamaki's manoeuvring, whispered back, "Lord Yamaki, the penalty for peeping is fifteen days of detention and a public apology."

Yamaki nodded and cleared his throat.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage, for your support. Today, Jiraiya is being punished for peeping at the women's bathhouse. According to the public security laws, he will be detained for fifteen days!"

Yamaki approached Jiraiya and gestured, "Lord Jiraiya, please come with us."

Jiraiya looked back at the Third Hokage, who had a dark expression but said nothing. Silently, Jiraiya followed Yamaki out of the crowd.

After walking a few steps, Yamaki turned and handed Jiraiya over to Hyūga Yūjin.

Hyūga Yūjin was startled, unsure how to handle such a high-profile individual.

Seeing Yūjin's hesitation, Yamaki whispered reassuringly, "Don't worry, Jiraiya won't run. And you did well today. Report to Hizashi, and he will reward you."

With Yamaki's assurance, Yūjin felt more confident. He nodded firmly and led Jiraiya towards the Police Force headquarters.

Meanwhile, the Third Hokage, surrounded by the villagers, continuously emphasised that he had no knowledge of Jiraiya's actions and had not protected him.

Yamaki called out, "Lord Hokage!"

The Third Hokage shivered. What was Yamaki up to now?

Yamaki continued, "Lord Hokage, our Police Force's detention facilities are quite basic. They might not be able to hold Jiraiya. What if he escapes? What do you think?"

The villagers' eyes turned suspicious again.

"That's right, the detention facilities might not hold someone as powerful as Jiraiya. If he escapes, we won't know!"

The Third Hokage forced a smile. "Don't worry, Yamaki. Jiraiya will serve his sentence and won't escape!"

"If he does, I will personally label him a rogue ninja! Everyone, keep an eye out!"

The villagers cheered, pleased with the Hokage's response.

"I have other official duties to attend to. I'll take my leave now," the Third Hokage said, squeezing through the crowd. He added Yamaki to his list of most troublesome individuals.

Yamaki ignored the Third Hokage, turning his attention to Jiraiya, who had been publicly shamed. Jiraiya glanced back at him.

You little brat! Just wait until I get out of this!

With his reputation tarnished, Jiraiya was now in no position to mentor Naruto.