First Mission

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, though it was a question, his tone was certain.

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

This was the first time Karot and Hiruzen Sarutobi had met face-to-face. Hiruzen Sarutobi had seen Karot when he was born, with a tail like a monkey's. But he had paid more attention to Kakashi, who was a renowned prodigy from a young age. Karot, on the other hand, was like a nobody, unable to even condense his chakra. His attention eventually faded, but he never expected this nobody to give him such a huge surprise. This made him pay more attention to Karot, leading to this meeting.

"A worthy son of a worthy father."

The Third Hokage said with a face full of praise.

"I hope you become a ninja like your father in the future and protect Konohagakure."

"Yes, Lord Hokage, I won't disappoint you."

"Hm, since this is Karot's first mission, I'll arrange a simple one, C-rank, to clear out mountain bandits."

It was still wartime, and simple missions meant killing. Unlike Naruto's era, where they cleaned sewers or caught cats. Karot felt nothing, perhaps he had adapted to the way of life in this world.

"Yes, Lord Hokage, I guarantee the mission will be completed."

After giving his assurance, Matsushita took the mission details. Outside Konohagakure, an unknown group of mountain bandits had appeared, robbing and killing passing merchant groups and destroying small villages, affecting Konohagakure's income and requiring a solution.

During wartime, displaced ordinary people gathered together. Without income, they could only engage in risk-free businesses.

"Everyone, go home and pack up first. We'll meet at the village entrance at two o'clock this afternoon."

"Yes, Teacher Matsushita."

"Especially you, Karot, don't be late again."

"Don't worry, Teacher Matsushita, that was an exception. I'm very reliable."

"I hope so."

Karot knew the difference between important and trivial matters.

With that, everyone went home to pack their belongings.

"Miwako, wait a moment."

Hearing Karot's call, Miwako stopped and asked.

"Is something wrong, Karot?"

There's something I hope you can help me with.

"Oh."

Miwako looked at the slightly flustered Karot and almost burst out laughing, but she held it in. Was this still the same Karot who would argue endlessly?

Karot also felt a little embarrassed, asking for help from someone he had just met.

"I have a few space-time scrolls here. Can you help me seal some things?"

Miwako thought it was no big deal, just a small favor, and readily agreed to Karot's request.

Afterward, Miwako, with an incredulous expression, went on a rampage with Karot in the food street. Food was sealed away like flowing water. As each owner bid them farewell, Miwako didn't even realize how she left. Miwako felt her worldview had been completely reshaped.

"Did you receive the mission?"

Returning home, Karot found Hatake Sakumo already sitting in the living room waiting for him.

"Yes, Father, it's a C-rank mission. Clearing out mountain bandits."

"Mountain bandits? That should be quite simple for you. It will also let you experience the cruelty of the ninja world."

"After dinner, pack your things and depart. I'll be waiting here for your return."

After a simple meal, Karot set off.

Hatake Sakumo watched his eldest son leave, feeling a pang in his heart.

At such a young age, he had to face life and death, something his father couldn't prevent. To become strong, this kind of tempering was indispensable.

"Father, are you worried about my brother?"

At this moment, Kakashi came over and asked.

"Don't worry, with my brother's strength, he can handle it."

"Hm, I hope so!"

He was still worried until Karot returned, after all, a C-rank mission could turn into an A-rank or even an S-rank, there was no telling.

At two in the afternoon, Karot arrived at the meeting point on time, not late, which made Matsushita breathe a sigh of relief.

"Let's go."

With Matsushita's order, the three-person team left the gate and rushed into the forest.

While on the way, Karot watched the three of them travel with great interest, leaning forward with his hands behind him, maintaining such speed. Newton wouldn't even intervene.

The other three were also watching Karot. His attire was different, for instance, he had changed the color of his martial arts uniform to green. Before becoming invincible, one still had to be cautious when necessary. Karot was very prudent.

Especially Karot's method of travel was eye-catching; it was the normal way of running in our world. Yet, he could keep up with the group's speed.

During the journey, Matsushita kept observing Karot's condition. He found that Karot could only keep up with his speed, and Matsushita was constantly accelerating.

"As expected of Teacher Hatake's son!"

Matsushita thought to himself.

Because of Karot's graduation assessment, he was out on a mission and couldn't witness it firsthand. His knowledge of Karot's strength was only hearsay and from Hatake Sakumo's words, which led to this test. Karot's strength did not disappoint him.

Without any rest, they traveled for half a day and finally arrived at the bandits' lair.

"Rest here, eat something to recover your stamina, and we'll move at night."

Matsushita gave the order.

Everyone rested on the spot. Karot walked over to Miwako and handed her a scroll.

"Thank you, Miwako."

Miwako unsealed the scroll, formed hand seals, and pressed them onto it, shouting.

"Release."

Poof.

A pile of food appeared out of thin air on the scroll. Yes, you read that right, a pile of food for fifty people.

This scene terrified Matsushita and Sanada. Seeing their companions' expressions, Miwako felt satisfied, just like her first time.

"Karot, Karot, what is this?"

"Oh, this is my dinner, Teacher Matsushita."

"All of this?"

"Isn't this to be expected?"

Looking at Karot's lavish spread of meat and fish, and then at the soldier pills in his own hand, it instantly lost its appeal. No comparison, no harm.

Karot picked up a portion and gave it to Miwako, another to Matsushita. He then got up, took a portion, and brought it to Hyuga, handing it to him.

Hyuga hadn't expected Karot to offer him a portion, especially since he had reprimanded Karot when he first joined.

Hyuga took it and said.

"Thank you."

After all, no one can resist the temptation of delicious food. If they could, it's only because they haven't been truly hungry.

Immediately after, they witnessed Karot's eating performance.

Plate after plate of food was devoured by Karot, yet his stomach showed no change. His chopsticks moved among the dishes, bringing food to his mouth in a fluid motion. If there was one thing Karot was most satisfied with since arriving in this world, it was this space-time scroll. It could retrieve things you put in it, and they would remain in their original state. It was simply amazing.

Matsushita, Hyuga, and Miwako had never seen anyone eat so much. In no time, Karot finished all the food on the ground, patted his stomach, and said.

"About seventy percent full, that's enough. I'll have a late-night snack later."

Hearing Karot's words, the three companions simultaneously thought of one word.

"Glutton."