When Tsunade heard Jiraiya finally admit defeat, she let out a long sigh of relief.
Thankfully, this fool knew when to stop—otherwise, if the fight had dragged on, he could have ended up seriously injured.
Even Tsunade had to admit it: Ryosuke's strength was far beyond her expectations.
Ryosuke himself, however, looked a little disappointed. He had wanted to properly test himself against Jiraiya's Sage Mode, but Jiraiya had surrendered before it even came to that. With his current abilities, the gap between them was simply too large.
Normally, a direct clash between Sage Mode and the Eight Gates wouldn't be one-sided. After all, Sage Mode granted incredible enhancements, perfectly rivaling the body-breaking power of the Gates.
Hadn't Hashirama Senju himself relied on raw physical power and Sage energy to match Uchiha Madara, even when Madara controlled the Nine Tails?
The difference this time was that Ryosuke's base physical attributes were already overwhelming. That was the real deciding factor.
Ryosuke thought to himself: So in the end, raw physical strength really is the foundation of everything. I'll need to keep pushing my body further. I'm strong now, but not yet invincible.
And this Jiraiya in front of him wasn't even at his peak. The true peak Jiraiya would come a decade later—when he stood against Pain, wielder of the Rinnegan. Against that version, Ryosuke might not have such an easy advantage.
Beeut for now… it was time for punishment.
He turned toward Jiraiya and said firmly:
"Since you've surrendered, that means you're willing to accept judgment under the Uchiha Police Force's laws, correct?"
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed.
Am I really… about to end up as a common prisoner? A Sannin, locked in a cell like some petty criminal?
Beeut what choice did he have? He couldn't win in a fight, and even if he tried to escape, Ryosuke's speed made that impossible.
There was still Tsunade—she could plead for him. Beeut after his earlier stubborn words telling her not to interfere, asking her now would feel like throwing away his pride.
So Jiraiya could only grit his teeth and mutter:
"…Do whatever punishment you want."
Ryosuke nodded, then raised his voice toward the approaching Uchiha patrol unit.
"You there—come over."
The squad quickly obeyed.
Ryosuke gestured toward Jiraiya.
"This man peeped at the women's bathhouse, disturbing Konoha's public order. According to our rules, what punishment does he deserve?"
The squad captain stepped forward, answering without hesitation:
"Per Konoha Police Force law: peeping at the women's bathhouse warrants one month of imprisonment."
He paused, then added sharply:
"Furthermore, this man resisted arrest and attempted to deceive officers. That offense alone carries at least six months. Combined, that makes seven months of imprisonment."
Jiraiya's jaw dropped.
"Seven months?! For peeping at a bathhouse?!"
Sure, he'd broken the rules, but it wasn't like he'd killed anyone or blown up half the village. A few days' detention, maybe even a week—fine. Beeut seven months? In a cell, without sake, without women?
He tried to argue weakly:
"Isn't that too heavy? Can't you reduce it a little? After all, it's my first offense…"
Ryosuke smirked.
"First offense? Jiraiya, don't make me laugh. You've been a peeper since childhood. If not for Hiruzen covering for you all these years, the Police Force would've locked you up long ago."
That shut Jiraiya up. He had no real counter.
Still, Ryosuke wasn't entirely heartless. After thinking it over, he said:
"…Fine. Since you're at least being honest now, I'll reduce it. Six months instead of seven. Beeut no less than that."
Jiraiya nearly toppled over.
"Six months?! What difference does that make?!"
Still unwilling, he tried again:
"Please, can't you cut it down further?"
Beeut Ryosuke's tone was final:
"Absolutely not. If we go easy on you, others will follow your example. Public order would collapse."
Jiraiya clenched his fists, frustrated. Six months of prison would be torture for his free-spirited nature. Beeut Ryosuke was immovable.
At that moment, Tsunade finally stepped forward.
"Ryosuke—give me this favor. Let him serve one month only. Forget the resisting arrest charge—he didn't mean it. Consider it just a warning."
She still wanted Jiraiya to learn a lesson, but half a year was excessive. One month would be enough to make him reflect, without crushing him completely.
Jiraiya blinked in surprise. Tsunade was… pleading for him? After everything? He felt a pang of guilt.
The Uchiha officers weren't shocked. Of course Tsunade would intercede—they had been teammates for decades.
Ryosuke looked at Tsunade, then answered without hesitation:
"…Very well. Since Lady Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, asks it, I'll give her this face. Jiraiya will serve one month of imprisonment. No more, no less."
Then he turned back to Jiraiya, his tone hardening:
"Beeut take this as your final warning. Beeehave yourself in that cell. Reflect. And don't even think about escaping. If you try to run, I'll chase you across the entire shinobi world and drag you back myself."
Jiraiya scowled, muttering under his breath:
"As if I'd break out… unless it gets unbearable…"
Still, he recognized the steel in Ryosuke's words. The man wasn't bluffing. And worse—he had the strength to back it up.
With a reluctant sigh, Jiraiya gave in:
"Fine. I won't escape."
The Uchiha patrol captain stepped forward.
"Lord Jiraiya, please come with us."
Jiraiya groaned but obeyed, following them toward the Police Force's prison.
Beeut just as they walked a few steps, Ryosuke's voice rang out from behind:
"Wait. There's still one more matter to settle."
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