Homura Mitokado's words provoked Jiraiya's displeasure.
Jiraiya may appear frivolous on the surface, with a carefree personality and a penchant for peeping into women's bathhouses.
But when it comes to matters of principle, he is actually a very upright character.
It's true that he shares an extraordinary bond with Orochimaru.
However, it's also an undeniable fact that he deeply despises and rejects what Orochimaru has done.
Hearing the implication in Homura Mitokado's words that seemed to show some understanding for Orochimaru, he immediately retorted:
"Doing wrong is doing wrong. What kind of 'mitigating circumstances' can there be?"
"Even if there were reasons behind it, such actions are absolutely wrong!"
Suddenly rebuked by Jiraiya, Homura Mitokado retorted with equal displeasure:
"When I said Orochimaru's actions were understandable due to extenuating circumstances, I was referring to the premise of him using enemy corpses for experiments."
"Of course, experimenting on one's own comrades is unacceptable; it's a crime."
"But what's wrong with using enemies? They were criminals who invaded our Land of Fire!"
Homura Mitokado's words enraged Jiraiya.
The Old White Hair pointed a finger like a sword at Homura Mitokado and angrily scolded:
"Bastard! Even if they are enemies, their corpses should not be desecrated. That's the most basic line!"
"How can you even say such a thing!"
Having Jiraiya point his finger and curse at him, of course Homura Mitokado was extremely unhappy.
Ignoring Utatane Koharu's advice to let the matter rest and Hiruzen Sarutobi's warning look, Homura Mitokado stiffened his neck and continued to argue:
"Hmph! What the hell do you know!"
"Enemies are enemies! Every enemy who dares invade the Land of Fire deserves death a thousand times over!"
"Using their corpses to research Ninjutsu that can benefit the Village is the greatest contribution these enemies can make to Konoha!"
As he spoke, Homura Mitokado's face was a picture of disdain, his eyes and nose practically twisted with contempt:
"Since the time of the Second Hokage, Konoha has been doing this."
"What gives a youngster like you the right to wag your finger and give orders here!"
"Don't you forget! That you can become a Ninja and learn Ninjutsu is all thanks to the contributions of the Second Hokage!"
"The food you eat, the clothes you wear, everything you use was earned through everything the Second Hokage did. Don't be ungrateful!"
The Old White Hair was completely enraged by Homura Mitokado's words. His white hair practically stood on end, his face filled with dissatisfaction and fury. He lunged forward in a single stride, grabbed Homura Mitokado by the collar, and glared at him viciously:
"Don't you dare use the Second Hokage to pressure me."
"The Second Hokage's contributions are indeed the Second Hokage's contributions, but what does that have to do with you?"
"You're just a parasite sucking the blood out of Konoha! You have no right to represent Konoha!"
In terms of strength, Homura Mitokado was certainly no match for Jiraiya in his prime. Unable to break free from Jiraiya's powerful grip, he simply stiffened his neck, his face red as he shouted back:
"If I'm a parasite, then you're nothing but a fart!"
"I, this old man, have at least worked hard for Konoha for decades!"
"And you? You grew up in Konoha, raised by Konoha."
"But once you became strong, with wings hardened, you just ran off outside the Village without a word and didn't come back!"
"You'd rather believe in some 'Child of Prophecy' spouted by a bunch of Toads than make contributions to Konoha!"
"Konoha raised you, Hiruzen educated you. What have you ever done for Konoha?"
"All you know is to come back to Konoha and peep into the women's bathhouse! What kind of person are you to dare criticize me?"
Homura Mitokado had completely torn off the veneer. His words left everyone present stunned.
"Homura! Stop talking, calm down!"
Seeing Jiraiya's livid face, Utatane Koharu was terrified, her liver aching, and hurriedly tried to mediate.
"Homura! Jiraiya! Calm down! Stop arguing!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi also had a headache, but he couldn't not step in and speak.
"Was I wrong? Which of the things I said was wrong?"
Homura Mitokado was worked up, standing his ground firmly.
In contrast, Jiraiya, though seething with anger, loosened his grip on Homura Mitokado's collar.
The Old White Hair seemed to deflate, his face livid. He turned away sullenly and said in a low voice:
"I understand. It's my fault."
Jiraiya's heart had been thoroughly pierced by Homura Mitokado's words.
Words that struck at the very heart!
But could you say Homura Mitokado was wrong?
He was absolutely right!
Wasn't Jiraiya's own behavior exactly as Homura Mitokado had described?
Of course, it was also somewhat one-sided.
During the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars, Jiraiya had risked life and limb for Konoha and made numerous contributions.
And in the number of S-rank missions completed for Konoha, Jiraiya was also among the top, second only to Orochimaru.
Now that Orochimaru had betrayed the Village, among those remaining, Jiraiya had the most.
How could one say Jiraiya had made no contributions?
But in Jiraiya's heart, he always felt guilty about his behavior of leaving the Village.
So, after Homura Mitokado laid it all out on the table, he didn't try to justify himself or argue.
The atmosphere plummeted to freezing point. After being released by Jiraiya, Homura Mitokado regained his senses and realized just how dangerous his earlier behavior had been.
Not only could he have been crushed to death by an enraged Jiraiya at any moment, but he had also completely laid bare the conflict between the Village and Jiraiya for all to see.
Ultimately, a Kage-level expert operating outside was still a core strength of Konoha, someone who could help at any time when needed.
If his words ended up pushing Jiraiya away for good, who would fill the gap left by the missing Kage-level power?
Realizing this, Homura Mitokado felt immensely regretful.
"I think Elder Homura's words are still somewhat one-sided."
At that moment, Minato Namikaze stepped forward to speak.
He had to speak. His teacher had been severely criticized; as a disciple, how could he not stand up?
"The contributions Teacher Jiraiya made during the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars can still be verified."
"Not to mention the number of S-rank missions Teacher Jiraiya has completed, a record no one has surpassed yet."
"Just one point."
Minato Namikaze gave Jiraiya a thumbs-up, smiling as he said:
"Teacher Jiraiya taught me and nurtured me to become the Hokage."
"With me here to protect Konoha in Teacher Jiraiya's stead, isn't that enough?"
Truly worthy of being the heart-warming Little Sun.
Minato Namikaze's words made Jiraiya, who had momentarily fallen into self-doubt and despondency, smile again.
That's right! This Toad Sage may not boast about much else, but he truly has a knack for teaching disciples!
The Fourth Hokage was taught by me. Who can deny my contribution?
In high spirits, Jiraiya also gave Minato Namikaze a thumbs-up, feeling immensely gratified.
"That's right, that's right."
Utatane Koharu quickly chimed in in agreement.
"Indeed, Minato's growth into a great Ninja is greatly owed to you, Jiraiya."
Hiruzen Sarutobi breathed a sigh of relief.
"Heh, yes, hehe."
Homura Mitokado, his old face stiff, forced himself to say:
"I misspoke. What Minato said makes sense."
"Let's set aside Jiraiya's matter for now. I need to settle the score with you properly for slandering my grandfather."
"Homura Mitokado!"
Suddenly, Tsunade's icy voice rang out.
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