Chapter 45. Jiraiya is in trouble (Part 2)

Natsuki's purpose extended far beyond mere provocation, his gaze is fixed on the surrounding ANBU.

"Attention, villagers! Take a good look around, ANBU are everywhere."

A chill ran through Anbu's heart—why were they targeted?

"Why don't ANBU care about peeping? It's because Jiraiya is a big shot!"

"They can't handle Jiraiya; they only deal with the victims!"

"As long as no one steps forward with evidence, Jiraiya will keep getting away with it!"

Jiraiya couldn't take it anymore. What kind of accusations were these? His frustration pushed him outside.

However, lacking the ability to use ninjutsu, though physically superior to Natsuki, he couldn't break through Natsuki's solid defense.

Natsuki defended passively while continuing to stir.

"Look, everyone! Jiraiya, the criminal, is about to escape! If he gets away now, the matter will be settled!"

"Why is he allowed to get away? Someone is turning a blind eye!"

"The Anbu have been here for so long! Did anyone inform the Third Hokage? Of course not!"

"That's because the Third Hokage is shielding his peeping tom apprentice!"

Natsuki's voice carried like a trumpet, simultaneously defensive and accusatory.

He continued shouting, "Oh, Jiraiya hit someone! The Third Hokage allows his apprentice to spy!"

The villagers along the way buzzed with conversation; public resentment was palpable. Jiraiya grew more anxious, his attacks becoming more intense.

"Stop!" came an old voice.

Jiraiya halted abruptly, but Natsuki's spectacle was far from over.

"People of Konoha, remember, be wary of Jiraiya! Pfft..."

He coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Natsuki, standing up for the villagers, drew the gaze of the onlookers, who observed him with a mix of care and distress.

"Look at the dedication of this Uchiha Guard member."

"For folks like us, enduring so much suffering is unimaginable."

The Third Hokage intervened, catching Jiraiya's embarrassed glance. Jiraiya's eyes pleaded for him not to have intervened.

The Third Hokage rolled his eyes, regretting his interference. If he hadn't come, his standing as the Third Hokage wouldn't have been compromised.

Natsuki, always unpredictable, managed to catch him off guard once again.

"Natsuki! What in the world are you doing? How did you become the captain of the security team!?"

Natsuki, wiping blood from his bitten cheek, explained, "Only a few of our Uchiha members serve in the police force. Today, I wanted to see what the guard force usually deals with."

"To avoid interfering with my colleagues' law enforcement, I specifically applied for a position in the police force."

Thinking it was nearly over with the arrival of the Third Hokage, he spoke up again.

"Since the Third Hokage has personally come to protect your apprentice Jiraiya!"

"Then, as the captain of the security team, I can't do anything!"

The Third Hokage's expression darkened. When did he imply he would protect Jiraiya?

Observing the suspicious gazes from the villagers, the Third Hokage hurriedly clarified, "Natsuki, what are you talking about? I have no intention of protecting Jiraiya!"

"Oh?" Natsuki doubted, "Then, Third Hokage, why did it take so long for the ANBU to find out about this matter before you arrived? Are you trying to let Jiraiya go?"

The Third Hokage, frustrated, wanted to drag Natsuki out and reprimand him, but he reluctantly responded, "Not at all! I was just handling other matters and was a bit slow."

Clearing his throat, the Third Hokage sighed. With things reaching this point, he reluctantly sacrificed Jiraiya.

"Although Jiraiya is my apprentice, today is the first day I've learned about his inappropriate hobby."

"Since he's done wrong, he should face the consequences!"

Jiraiya's expression was downcast. He never expected to face such disgrace.

For mere peeping, the punishment wasn't overly severe, but the humiliation was palpable.

While he was accustomed to being thick-skinned, being publicly reprimanded in front of so many villagers was a different level of embarrassment.

Natsuki proclaimed loudly, "In this situation, it's a misunderstanding for the third Hokage!"

"Someone on our scene corrected Jiraiya today. Can the Third Hokage guarantee that the witness won't face revenge?"

Jiraiya clenched his teeth and shot a glance at Natsuki. Despite his flaws, revenge wasn't in his nature. This Natsuki was truly...

The Third Hokage's concealed hand clenched tightly within his sleeve.

"Natsuki, don't worry. I assure the preservation of the Hokage's reputation; the witness won't suffer harm and will be compensated!"

Natsuki was satisfied, announcing to those around him, "Look, everyone, our Hokage is still very fair."

"Even though his apprentice misbehaved, he didn't shield him; instead, he protected and compensated the witness. Hokage-sama is wise!"

"Hokage-sama is justice!"

"Hokage-sama is kind!"

"Hokage-sama, you must uphold justice even against your own kin."

Amidst the praises, the Third Hokage could only maintain a forced smile and nod in acknowledgment.

At that moment, Natsuki nudged Yuto and whispered, "Hey, Yuuto, what's the usual punishment for peeping?"

Hyuga Yuto was taken aback by Natsuki's sudden inquiry. Seeing that no one was paying attention, he quietly responded to Natsuki.

"Natsuki-sama, for peeping, one would typically be detained for fifteen days and issue a public apology."

Natsuki nodded and cleared his throat.

"Ahem, thank you for your support, Hokage-sama. Today, Jiraiya peeped into the women's bath. According to the Public Security Regulations and Punishment Law, Jiraiya needs to be detained for fifteen days!"

Natsuki approached Jiraiya, guiding him with a hand. "Jiraiya-sama, please."

Jiraiya glanced back at the Third Hokage, looking like a scolded child, and could only follow Natsuki in silence, exiting the crowd.

Surprisingly, Natsuki took just two steps before turning around and passing Jiraiya over to Hyuga Yuto.

Hinata Yuto was stunned, facing the unexpected responsibility of handling Jiraiya.

Observing Yuto's uncertainty, Natsuki whispered to him, "Don't worry, Jiraiya won't dare to run away, and you did well today. Report back to Hizashi, and you'll be rewarded."

Assured by Natsuki's words, Yuto nodded vigorously and led Jiraiya toward the guard station.

Meanwhile, the Third Hokage, engrossed in the villagers' reactions, stood in place, emphasizing repeatedly that he was unaware of Jiraiya's actions and had never protected him.

Natsuki called out loudly, "Third Hokage!"

The Third Hokage, intrigued, wondered what Natsuki was up to.

Natsuki continued, "Our police force's detention center is quite basic."

"I'm afraid it won't hold Jiraiya. He might decide to escape on his own in a couple of days! What do you think!?"

The villagers looked at each other with suspicion.

Indeed, the police detention center might not be secure enough to hold someone of Jiraiya's prestige. If he managed to escape unnoticed, it could lead to chaos.

The Third Hokage forced a smile, "Natsuki, don't worry. Jiraiya will accept his punishment and won't escape from prison!"

"If he does, as the Hokage, I'll officially brand Jiraiya a traitorous ninja! Keep a close eye on him at all times!"

The surrounding villagers nodded in satisfaction at the Third Hokage's proclamation.

Various voices of support and celebration echoed through the crowd.

"There are still many official matters in the village that need attention, so I'll take the first step," the Third Hokage stated, maneuvering somewhat awkwardly out of the crowd.

Once again, Natsuki stood out as the most challenging person to handle.

Ignoring the Third Hokage, Natsuki focused on Jiraiya, who was being publicly reprimanded. Jiraiya simply turned around.

'Brat! When I come out, see if I don't take care of you!

'Jiraiya! How can you be Naruto's teacher with such a tarnished reputation!'