"Do... I have to go too?"
With a slight frown, Hirohiko looked at Chiba, who had already trussed the two ninja up hand and foot, and could not help asking.
"Of course. This is your achievement. If you don't go, wouldn't I be stealing your credit?"
At that, Chiba blinked and spoke as if it were only natural.
How could Hirohiko not go? When Chiba had devised this plan, half the reason had been to end the war, free up manpower for his expansion plans, and give himself more time. The other half had been to give this credit to Hirohiko. Hirohiko had captured these people; it was because of Hirohiko that they had obtained so much intelligence, truly ended this war, and allowed the village to achieve a real victory.
Chiba wanted Hirohiko to become a hero. There had never been a hero in Konoha's history who remained in prison forever, nor could any hero create heroic deeds from within a prison cell.
This was undoubtedly the best way to get Hirohiko out of prison. Even if, because of his criminal record, he could not truly be granted the title of hero, he could no longer remain behind bars.
Of course, because of his confirmed crimes, Hirohiko still could not regain complete freedom or accept missions. But this was enough. So long as Hirohiko did not return to that damned confinement room, Chiba's goal would have been achieved.
Coupled with the favorable impression the students had of him, as long as things followed their natural course, Hirohiko could slowly gain public support and earn everyone's understanding.
And once everyone understood him, the charges against him would not matter much anymore.
It was only a matter of time before Hirohiko regained his freedom.
He definitely had to go. Even if