Homesickness

As they drew closer to Konoha, Karot felt increasingly uneasy; perhaps this was a case of homesickness turning into trepidation.

"Karot, why are you walking slower and slower?"

Kakuzu noticed Karot's state and couldn't help but tease him. After all, Karot usually acted carefree and nonchalant, and this was the first time he'd seen Karot so conflicted. Kakuzu had a sudden inspiration and said...

"Do you have a wife at home, and you ran away on your wedding night?"

Karot was startled by Kakuzu's words. "How could you, an old man, say something like that?"

Seeing Karot's shocked expression, Kakuzu assumed he had guessed correctly and couldn't help but feel smug.

Karot couldn't stand Kakuzu's gaze. He teleported in front of Kakuzu and slammed his fist directly into Kakuzu's head.

"Bang!"

Kakuzu felt dizzy and collapsed to the ground.

"I told you a long time ago not to read those comic books, but you just wouldn't listen. Now your head is always full of wild thoughts."

"This time I'll help you sort out your thoughts, you don't need to thank me."

Karot stood in front of Kakuzu, brandishing his fist. Kakuzu dared not utter another word. Karot knew that if a problem could be solved with fists, there was no need for words; fists were simple and direct.

At this moment, Kakuzu's mind cleared up, realizing that he had been taught a lesson by Karot because his mouth spoke first and his brain followed. He had learned his lesson, but the tuition was quite heavy. This was a lesson he had learned from being used as Karot 'Karot punching bag under the guise of sparring time and time again.

"Can we go now?"

The Masked Man spoke to Zabuza.

"That's enough."

After a short rest, Zabuza regained some of his strength, and traveling was no longer a problem.

Haku couldn't understand what had happened while Zabuza was under the Genjutsu's spell, Zabuza gave him a look. Haku then swallowed his questions, content as long as he could stay by Zabuza's side. That was Haku's thought.

Upon hearing Zabuza's words, the Masked Man turned and left, followed by Zabuza and Haku.

"Arrive."

Looking at the gates of Konoha, Karot was overjoyed. He had left quietly years ago, but now he had returned with another person. It could be considered an achievement.

"Please wait a moment."

Just as Karot and Kakuzu were about to enter Konoha, they were stopped.

"You two, please come over and register."

The ninja guarding the Konoha Gate spoke to Karot and Kakuzu. He sensed a strong Chakra aura emanating from Kakuzu, indicating his considerable strength. Such individuals were required to register upon entering Konoha, and even within the Konoha, they would be monitored. This was for Konoha's security. As for Karot, he sensed no Chakra, but Karot's splendid attire suggested he was a young master, albeit with white hair. Kakuzu appeared to be his bodyguard; after all, it was common for wealthy people to hire ninjas for protection. Konoha itself offered such services.

This was the first time Karot had encountered such a situation, which was understandable. In the past, Karot always carried out missions in small teams or with the military, so he didn't need to register or be checked. Furthermore, he hadn't been to Konoha for several years, so it was normal that no one recognized him.

"OK."

Karot, a law-abiding villager, brought Kakuzu to the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper had them sit down and gave them two forms to fill out. The questions were simple: name, country, and purpose of their visit to Konoha.

Karot found it very amusing and immediately began to write.

Name: Vegeta; Land of Waves; Business: Konoha. Kakuzu glanced at Karot's answer and was a little confused. "How can you lie to your own people?"

Karot ignored Kakuzu's gaze and finished writing in a few quick strokes. After all, everyone has a few aliases when they're out in the world. As for why he was called Vegeta, it's because Karot and Vegeta are good partners who love and hate each other.

Right after the two finished writing, the Konoha ninja gave each of them a token. And so, Karot and Kakuzu entered Konoha.

Upon entering, both Karot and Kakuzu were stunned by the sheer number of people. Even Karot, a native of Konoha, was taken aback by the scene. Konoha's prosperity only fueled his admiration for Orochimaru.

"Karot, Konoha is really different."

This was the first time Kakuzu had ever seen such a bustling village. The endless stream of horse-drawn carts, the vendors vying to sell their wares, and the villagers coming and going all displayed the demeanor of people from a great nation.

"Yes, perhaps this is peace!"

Karot and Kakuzu traveled through many countries, where war and disease caused people to struggle on the brink of life and death. Larger countries were somewhat better off because they had basic order. However, without comparison, there is no harm. Just by looking at the villagers of Konoha, one can see that this place is far away from the harassment of war.

"Yes."

Kakuzu also strongly agreed with Karot's statement. Kakuzu and Karot had witnessed far too much during their travels over the past few years, and it was because they had seen darkness that they yearned for light even more. Konoha had given Kakuzu hope, and Karot had shown Kakuzu that he had the power to end the darkness. Therefore, he was willing to follow Karot.

Where do we go now?

As this was Kakuzu Konoha, excluding the assassination attempt on Dai, with a local like Karot present, Kakuzu naturally followed Karot's orders.

"Let's go eat ramen! Ichiraku in Konoha has the best ramen."

Upon returning to Konoha Karot naturally went to eat at Ichiraku Ramen first, as he hadn't had it in a long time and had been missing it.

"Okay, let's go eat then."

Karot admired Kakuzu for two abilities. First, Karot's strength was so formidable that Karot Kakuzu despair, believing Karot was unmatched in the Ninja World. Second, Karot possessed an extraordinary palate; he could discern the merits and flaws of any dish. Food that Karot could savor so vividly must be exceptional, which greatly intrigued Kakuzu.

After the goalkeeper saw that Karot and Kakuzu had walked away, he lit a piece of paper, and a masked ninja appeared in front of him shortly afterward.

"A Chakra with at least the chakra Jonin has come to Konoha. His purpose and origin are unknown."

After speaking, he handed Kakuzu's portrait to the masked ninja. As for Karot, he didn't sense any Chakra from him and treated him as just another Karami, nothing to worry about. The goalkeeper was confident because he was assigned to this position precisely because of his exceptional sensory abilities.

The Masked Man carefully put away the portrait, then Body Flicker Technique disappeared to report to the Hokage.