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Chapter 45: Jiraiya is in Trouble (Part 2)
Of course, Kaien had more than one purpose, and once again, the barrel of his cannon was aimed at the surrounding shadows.
"Attention, all villagers! Darkness is everywhere around us!"
The members of the ANBU, hidden in the shadows, felt a chill run down their spines. How did he notice us...?
"Why is someone snooping on the ANBU?! Oh right—it's because I'm a big deal too!"
"They can't solve the root problem, so they target the victims instead!"
"As long as no one steps forward with evidence, Jiraiya will remain at large!"
I couldn't take it anymore. What kind of poisonous tongue is this guy!? I rushed outside, unable to bear it further.
But without being able to use ninjutsu, even though my taijutsu was stronger than Kaien's, I couldn't break through his perfect defense.
Kaien, while holding his ground defensively, continued stirring the crowd.
"Look! This criminal is trying to escape! If he gets away now, the matter will be buried forever!"
"Why is he still free?! Someone's covering for him!"
"It's been so long since this issue started! Did no one report this to the Third Hokage? Of course not!"
"That's because the Third Hokage is shielding him—shielding his peeping apprentice!"
Kaien's voice blared like a trumpet, echoing through the streets as he exaggerated and dramatized everything.
He suddenly let out a cry: "Oh no! I've been attacked too! The Hokage is protecting his pervert apprentice!"
The villagers nearby began to murmur and whisper. The public outrage was visibly growing. The atmosphere grew heavier and heavier.
"Enough!"
A sharp, authoritative voice rang out. Jiraiya froze in place. But Kaien wasn't done yet.
"People of Konoha, remember—protect yourselves!"
Pfff—
Kaien spat out a mouthful of blood, theatrically biting his cheek to sell the act.
The villagers looked on with sympathy and admiration for Uchiha Kaien.
What a dedicated member of the Uchiha Police Force, they thought.
Fighting for the common people, even at the cost of his health.
At that moment, the Third Hokage entered the scene. Jiraiya looked at him awkwardly, his feet twitching in shame. His eyes silently screamed, You shouldn't have come!
The Third Hokage sighed internally. You're telling me I shouldn't have come? If I hadn't, my reputation would've crumbled completely!
This Kaien… every time he makes a move, he catches me off guard.
Two days ago, he said he'd always support me—and now he's pouring filth on my name in front of everyone!
"Kaien! What are you trying to pull?! How did you even become captain of the garrison!?"
Kaien wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
"Only a portion of the Uchiha are assigned to the garrison. Today, I wanted to see how the garrison operates daily."
"To avoid interfering with my colleagues' duties, I deliberately applied for a temporary role."
Seeing the Third Hokage had arrived, Kaien raised his voice dramatically.
"Since Hokage-sama has come to personally defend his apprentice Jiraiya, I—Captain of the Garrison—can no longer act."
The Third Hokage's face darkened. When did I say I was defending Jiraiya!?
He could feel the villagers' glares growing sharper. He needed to clarify things—fast.
"Kaien, stop spouting nonsense! I'm not protecting Jiraiya!"
"Oh?" Kaien responded, playing the innocent.
"Then, Hokage-sama, why has it taken the ANBU so long to report this issue? Isn't it because someone deliberately looked the other way?"
The Third Hokage clenched his jaw. He said it! I knew he'd say it!
"That's not true! I was just delayed while handling official duties—nothing more!"
He coughed into his hand to compose himself. Things had escalated to this point, so he had to bite the bullet.
"Although Jiraiya is my apprentice… I only learned of this issue today. If he did something wrong, he'll be punished accordingly!"
Jiraiya's face burned with shame. He never thought the day would come when he'd be humiliated like this in public.
It was just peeping, but the public punishment was utterly disgraceful. He was known for being thick-skinned, but this?
Kaien loudly announced:
"In that case, it seems Hokage-sama has been misunderstood!"
"We even have an eyewitness willing to testify today! Can Hokage-sama guarantee the safety of the witness against retaliation?"
Jiraiya shot Kaien a glare. Sure, he was perverted—but retaliation? Never.
The Third Hokage silently clenched his fist in his sleeve.
"Kaien, don't worry. I guarantee, in the name of the Hokage, that the witness will not be harmed and will even receive compensation!"
Satisfied, Kaien turned to the crowd with a smile.
"You see? Our Hokage is a reasonable man."
"Even though it's his apprentice, he refuses to cover for him and is protecting the witness! Hokage-sama is wise!"
"Hokage-sama is truly wise!"
"He's so fair! Killing his feelings for the sake of justice!"
Cheers erupted around them, and the Third Hokage could only maintain a stiff smile as he nodded awkwardly.
Kaien nudged Hyuga Yuto and asked quietly:
"Hey, brave one—what's the standard punishment for peeping?"
Hinata Yuto, still stunned by the spectacle, whispered:
"Lord Kaien… It's 15 days of detention and a public apology…"
Kaien nodded solemnly and cleared his throat.
"Ahem! Then, with Hokage-sama's support, Jiraiya will be detained for 15 days for peeping on the women's bath—according to village law!"
He walked up to Jiraiya and gestured respectfully:
"Jiraiya-sama, if you would please come with me."
Jiraiya glanced at the Third Hokage and followed silently, shame weighing down every step.
But Kaien didn't lead him far. After two steps, he turned and handed Jiraiya over to Hyuga Yuto.
Hinata was stunned and frozen in place, but Jiraiya didn't resist.
Kaien leaned close and whispered:
"Don't worry—he won't run. You did well today. Go back and report to Hiashi, he'll reward you."
Yuto nodded confidently and led Jiraiya toward the garrison.
Back in the square, the Third Hokage—still surrounded by curious villagers—repeated over and over that he didn't know what Jiraiya had done and had not tried to protect him.
"Third Hokage-sama!"
Kaien's voice rang out again.
The Hokage winced. What now!? What is this devil up to!?
Kaien called out innocently:
"Hokage-sama, our garrison's detention center is very simple… I'm afraid it can't hold someone like Jiraiya. What if he escapes in a few days?"
Once again, the villagers' trust wavered.
Yeah… what if he escapes?
The Third Hokage forced a smile.
"Don't worry, Kaien. He'll serve his punishment. If he dares escape, I will declare him a traitor myself! Everyone will be a witness!"
"Ohhhh!"
The villagers cheered loudly. Their faith in justice was restored.
"I still have official duties to tend to, so I'll be taking my leave," the Third Hokage said awkwardly as he squeezed through the crowd.
Once again, Kaien had made it onto the Hokage's list of "people who give him headaches."
But Kaien didn't care. He glanced at the publicly humiliated Jiraiya, who shot him one last look of contempt.
You brat… Just wait. When I get out of this… you're dead.
Jiraiya—look at your reputation now. How can you still call yourself Naruto's teacher?
…
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Translated By – Ancient Lores
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