"Jiraiya, looking for another beating?" the Third roared.
Spittle flew, hitting Jiraiya, the two nearby Anbu, and even Ebara.
Jiraiya's response left Mito Men'en exasperated.
"Speak properly!"
He didn't believe Jiraiya attacked the Anbu.
Nor did Koharu or Danzo, honestly.
"I was home all night," Jiraiya said. "After reading some books, I got inspired to write one myself. At dawn, I went to Ebara's for advice."
All eyes turned to Ebara.
"He's right. I ran into Jiraiya leaving my house this morning," Ebara confirmed.
"There's something fishy here," Mito Men'en said.
"Where's the worker who saw the toad?" Koharu asked.
"Questioned all night and sent home. We have his statement and the Anbu's scene report," Danzo said, signaling an Anbu to fetch them.
The Third read first.
"That wasn't a summoned toad," he declared, passing the documents.
Koharu and Mito Men'en nodded in agreement after reviewing.
"Can I see?" Ebara asked.
"Sure," the Third said.
Ebara scanned the papers. The worker's "toad" wasn't a summoned one.
The statement described a massive, three-meter toad with low agility—unlike the highly intelligent, agile Myoboku toads.
The scene report noted heavy tool damage and fine scratches in the lab.
"Let me look," Jiraiya said, peeking over, squinting through swollen eyes.
"Puppet jutsu?" Ebara mused.
If the worker was certain about a toad, but it wasn't a summoned one, a puppet toad was likely.
The lab's damage and scratches could be puppet marks.
"I think so too," the Third said.
"Wind Country?" Koharu guessed.
Wind Country ninjas were known for poison and puppet jutsu, especially under the Second Kazekage, Samon, who boosted puppetry.
Their strength was growing.
"Can't confirm yet. We'll know when we catch them," the Third said.
Three options appeared in Ebara's mind.
[Option 1: Volunteer to hunt the enemy. System will provide clues. Reward: Lightning chakra nature!]
[Option 2: Offer side clues. Reward: 100 chakra points!]
[Option 3: Stay silent. Reward: +2 stamina points!]
Option 1 made Ebara's heart race.
His fight with Cat (Chapter 31) left him frustrated—Cat had ten jutsu, he had two.
With multiple chakra natures, he could unleash Lightning Thousand Years of Death, Ice Thousand Years of Death, Earth Thousand Years of Death, Explosion Thousand Years of Death…
The thought was glorious.
"I'll take the mission," Ebara told the Third.
"You?" Koharu scoffed.
She didn't believe Ebara could catch anyone.
It'd been eighteen hours, and even tracking-specialized Anbu had no leads.
Ebara just read a statement and report—how could he succeed?
"Of course, I'll need help," Ebara said.
The culprit killed three Anbu and escaped—likely jonin-level. Ebara alone would be toast.
"Who?" the Third asked.
"You free, Third? You'd be perfect."
Danzo snorted. "That's not help—that's clinging to a thigh."
The Third, intrigued by Ebara's confidence, said, "You volunteered, so I won't step in. Pick someone else."
Ebara sighed, disappointed. "Fine, let Jiraiya redeem himself."
"Good idea," Mito Men'en said.
"Then no extra help," the Third said to Ebara and Jiraiya.
Ebara nodded silently.
Jiraiya gritted his teeth. "I'll make that bastard taste my justice fist!"
A system prompt sounded in Ebara's ear.
[Choice successful! Gained Lightning chakra nature!]
[Enemy: Kurokawa. Current location: Suzuki Hot Spring Inn!]
The system even showed Kurokawa's face.
Couldn't get more helpful.
Konoha locked down at night, barring entry or exit.
After the incident, the Third ordered strict checks on anyone leaving.
Kurokawa couldn't have escaped.
Bidding the Third farewell, Ebara led Jiraiya out of Anbu HQ.
"Where's that punk? Take me to him," Jiraiya fumed.
He blamed his beating (Chapter 34) on this jerk.
"No rush. We need another helper," Ebara said.
"Helper? We're enough," Jiraiya boasted.
"You? Nah."
Jiraiya hadn't rested yesterday (Chapter 29) and got thrashed today. If he went kidney-weak mid-fight, they'd be screwed.
Ebara doubted he could handle Kurokawa alone.
Ignoring Jiraiya, he knocked on a secluded house's door.
Orochimaru stepped out.
"Ebara, Jiraiya? Why're you here?" Orochimaru asked, mildly surprised.
He was used to Jiraiya's bruised face.
"An enemy's in the village. Help us catch him," Ebara said.
"Sure," Orochimaru agreed quickly.
He hadn't gone full villain yet—cold face, warm heart.
"Tch, him? He'll just hold us back," Jiraiya sneered.
Growing up together, with Tsunade a girl and Ebara talentless, Jiraiya often clashed with Orochimaru.
Ebara picking him stung his pride.
"The pig-headed one holding us back is you," Orochimaru said flatly. "That look suits you."
Jiraiya fumed, but Ebara cut him off. "Save your energy for the enemy."
Jiraiya grumbled, "Why not Tsunade? She's way stronger."
Among the three, Tsunade's monstrous strength reigned.
Ebara shook his head. "Not Tsunade."
"Why?"
"I don't want her hurt."
Orochimaru: "???? So, I'll just leave?"