Ren relaxed his tense body, slowly turned his head, and chuckled at Jiraiya.
"Is there something you need, Lord Jiraiya?"
"You're the one who just ruined my reputation and interfered with my research, aren't you, kid?"
Although he had been caught red-handed before, each time it only caused a small commotion. In Konoha's bathhouse circles, his reputation as a pervert was already somewhat known. This time, being exposed in broad daylight meant he would likely be scolded by the Third Hokage again. He had truly made a name for himself in Konoha for the second time.
However, the last time was due to his fame from fighting Hanzō with Tsunade and Orochimaru; this time, his fame was utterly disgraceful.
And all of this was thanks to the brat in front of him!
"Hahaha, Lord Jiraiya, what are you talking about? I don't know. It's dinnertime, I should go eat."
After Ren finished speaking, he squatted down to avoid Jiraiya's hand on his shoulder, walked to the door, opened it, and was about to make a quick escape.
"Perfect, I'm hungry too. Let's go together, kid."
Jiraiya's expression suddenly changed. He cheerfully hooked Ren's shoulder and walked him out.
Something's not right, very not right!!
"It's an honour, Lord Jiraiya."
Ren remained calm on the surface, but his heart was in a panic.
This went wrong. Jiraiya, of all people, with so many windows, how did he find mine?
Forget it, I'll improvise. Anyway, I'll stick to my story. What can he do to a child like me?
"You stinky brat, don't think you can run away. Don't let this old man catch any weakness, otherwise, you'll be in for it."
This was Jiraiya's inner monologue.
Thus, with their hidden agendas, the two walked out.
As they reached the stairwell corner, they ran into Kana Maiko, who was coming from the office to check on Ren's progress.
"Ren? And Jiraiya? What are you doing here?"
Kana Maiko looked at the two, who were hooked arm-in-arm like good brothers, and asked in confusion.
"Ah, hahaha, long time no see, Vice Director Kana."
Jiraiya looked at Kana Maiko with an embarrassed expression, wishing he could escape immediately.
Ren, witnessing all of this, was utterly bewildered. What was going on? He wasn't surprised that Kana Maiko and Jiraiya knew each other, but what was with Jiraiya looking like a mouse seeing a cat?
Seeing Jiraiya's guilty steps backwards, Kana Maiko seemed to recall something, and her gaze gradually became dangerous.
"Someone outside was shouting about a peeping tom at the women's bathhouse and catching a pervert. That must have been about you, right?"
Although it was phrased as a question, it was already basically confirmed.
"How can that be called peeping? I was doing research, looking for inspiration for my great novel... like this..."
Looking at Kana Maiko, who was exuding a dark aura, Jiraiya's voice gradually weakened until he was completely silent.
"It seems you haven't learned your lesson. In that case, I need to go talk to Tsunade about this problem."
The dark aura around Kana Maiko suddenly vanished completely, replaced by an angelic smile, but to Jiraiya, this was more cruel than a public execution.
"Big sister, let's talk this over..."
Jiraiya was practically in tears. He truly hadn't worshipped the Six Paths Sage before leaving today; why was every bit of bad luck finding him?
Kana Maiko was not only the Vice Director of Konoha Hospital but also Tsunade's cousin and a collateral branch member of the Senju Clan.
Back then, the First and Second Hokage, considering the future of the Senju Clan, arranged for the Senju Clan to integrate into Konoha and intermarry with other clans. Although on the surface the Senju Clan had vanished, in another sense, they had survived.
The current Senju Clan territory only had Senju Tsunade and some elderly and weak members left.
Kana Maiko's mother was from the Senju Clan, and she changed her surname after marrying her father.
However, there were still some interactions between relatives. The two had grown up together, as close as siblings.
Later, they both studied Medical Ninjutsu, but Kana Maiko's kind nature led her to choose to continue contributing to logistics, while Tsunade served as both medical personnel and a combatant on the front lines.
As for Jiraiya, because he had previously peeked at Tsunade bathing, Tsunade's monstrous strength had broken six of his ribs, fractured both his wrists, and ruptured several internal organs with one punch!
Although both were Sannin and comrades who could entrust their lives to each other on the battlefield, normally, Jiraiya still felt a bit scared when he saw Tsunade's fist.
A childhood trauma!
"Alright, I won't talk to you anymore. I still have some things to do. Ren, you can go home today. Come find me next time you come. I'll help you plan your next stage of training in the next couple of days."
Kana Maiko turned to Ren, smiling radiantly.
Ren immediately nodded in agreement.
"As for you, Jiraiya, I won't pursue this matter this time. If there's a next time, just wait for Tsunade to come and spar with you."
"Yes," Jiraiya immediately let out a sigh of relief, then answered weakly.
Seeing Jiraiya admit his mistake, Kana Maiko nodded with satisfaction, then patted Ren's head and left.
Only one tall and one short figure remained dishevelled in the wind.
...
Hokage Building.
Today, the Hokage Office was unusually lively, with several Chunin and a few Jonin protesting to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"What's the matter that you've rushed here to see me?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared calm on the surface, but he knew everything perfectly well in his heart. He knew the ins and outs of the situation better than those involved. If you ask why...
Because he and Jiraiya were peeping at the same women's bathhouse...
After hearing Ren's shout, he almost threw his crystal ball at the time!
He then discovered Jiraiya on the rooftop. Seeing Jiraiya being chased all over the street, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew something was going to happen today and had already thought of a way to deal with it.
"Hokage-sama, we are here today to complain about Lord Jiraiya!"
The Jonin whose wife was peeked at stepped forward as a representative, answering while accusing Jiraiya.
"Lord Jiraiya publicly peeped at women bathing. The impact is severe, and the gravity of the situation is simply indescribable!"
A series of tearful accusations made Hiruzen Sarutobi slightly embarrassed. He also cursed Jiraiya fiercely in his heart, "Why didn't you learn the Telescope Technique properly? You said it didn't feel immersive, and now you've been caught! You've made me, an old man, lose face with you."
After hearing the accusations, Hiruzen Sarutobi slammed the table, startling everyone present.
"This is outrageous! How could I have such a disciple? Anbu, go and bring Jiraiya to me! I am largely to blame for such a terrible incident. Rest assured, I will give everyone an explanation."
"Yes."
Two Anbu Ninja flashed to the desk, knelt on one knee, and after receiving the Hokage's order, used the Instantaneous Body Technique to leave and "apprehend" Jiraiya.
Several Chuninn and Jonin looked at each other. What now...?
What should they do?