Arriving Home

"Lord Hokage, it's Karot who's back."

After returning from Ichiraku Ramen, Minato immediately reported to Orochimaru. As the Anbu Captain, Minato was very competent and was able to report the information to his superiors in a timely manner.

"It's good that you're back!"

Orochimaru muttered to himself, "If we're talking about who in Konoha most wants Karot to come back, Orochimaru is definitely one of them."

Orochimaru tapped the table rhythmically with his hand. As the Anbu Captain, Minato knew things were about to go wrong. Every time Orochimaru made this gesture, Minato would feel more tired than usual.

Minato became Orochimaru's Anbu Captain because Orochimaru could make Konoha stronger. Although he wouldn't become Hokage himself, Minato was very happy to contribute his strength to Konoha's prosperity. But Orochimaru was different; he used people to the point of exhaustion! There were no social security benefits back then, and no one could understand the hardships Minato.

"Minato, you're in charge of the rest of the work for today!"

After saying that, Orochimaru immediately dispelled the Clone Technique. Even though he was far away in the laboratory, Orochimaru learned that Karot had returned.

"Are you back?"

Orochimaru licked his lips and then returned to his research.

"It's like this again?"

When Minato saw that Orochimaru had once again left him with this heavy task, he couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed. Ever since Orochimaru learned of Minato's ability to handle government affairs, he often left them to Minato, ostensibly for training, but in reality, it was to extend Minato's working hours without paying overtime.

Minato always came home looking exhausted, leading Kushina to believe he'd found Minato new. But Orochimaru was different from the Third Hokage, and Kushina didn't want to risk offending him. So Minato's life was truly miserable. Minato secretly vowed to become the Fifth Hokage, then he could hire a few secretaries to work for him, and he could comfortably retire.

Karot and Kakuzu finally arrived at the Hatake Clan's doorstep. Nothing had changed; it looked exactly the same as when they left.

"Knock knock."

After Karot knocked on the door, it opened shortly afterward.

Who are you looking for?

The servants of the Hatake Clan opened the gate and, seeing two people at the door, asked a question.

Don't you remember me?

"Karot said."

Upon hearing Karot's words, the servant glanced at Karot.

"Young Master Karot, is that you?"

The servant said with a look of surprise.

"It's me, I'm back."

"That's wonderful! The head of the family will be very happy to see you back."

The servants quickly made way for Karot to enter.

"Go and prepare a guest room; my friend is going to be staying here for a while."

"Yes, young master."

The servant acknowledged and left.

"Karot, your house is quite big!"

"Of course, after all, our Hatake Clan is a prominent family in Konoha."

Speaking of his family, Karot is very proud; this place holds the best memories of his Karot.

"Just ranking among the top? Three Kage Level from one family—that's an incredibly powerful existence in the entire Ninja World. Some small ninja villages don't even have a single Kage Level."

"What's more, with someone as overpowered as you, your Hatake Clan could practically roam the Ninja World with impunity."

These Kakuzu only existed in Kakuzu's mind.

Karot arrived at the courtyard and saw Hatake Sakumo brewing tea. Karot remembered that every time he returned from a mission, Hatake Sakumo was always there brewing tea, waiting for him—waiting for his child to return home.

Kakuzu clearly sensed Karot's rapid breathing and quickened his pace.

"Father, I'm back."

"It's good to be back. Please have a seat."

"OK."

The father and son's conversation was brief and direct, because the way they expressed their feelings was very reserved.

How's the tea?

Karot and Kakuzu picked up their teacups and began to sip.

Taking a small sip, the bitterness of the tea stimulates the taste buds, and in an instant, the sweetness of the tea fills the mouth.

"Good tea."

Karot showed an expression of enjoyment. Because of Hatake Sakumo, Karot often drank tea and gradually developed some knowledge about tea. This time, he also brought back teas from different places for Hatake Sakumo to taste.

Kakuzu, however, drank it down in one gulp and found the tea extremely bitter, far less palatable than alcohol.

"It seems you've had a good time these past few years!"

When Hatake Sakumo saw that Karot's body was even more robust than before, he knew that the boy must be doing well, which had caused him to worry every day. Although he knew that Karot's strength meant he wouldn't be in any danger, as a father, Hatake Sakumo just couldn't bear to leave his son wandering alone out there. This had nothing to do with strength; it was the bond of family affection.

"Father, don't you know me? Why would I let myself suffer outside? It's only others who will suffer."

"Yes, that other person is me."

Kakuzu felt he was the most wronged one. Why was he so famous in the underworld, and why was he targeted by Karot, becoming Karot's nanny and taking care of his food, clothing, and shelter?

"Yes, I don't know who you got your personality from."

Hatake Sakumo shook his head.

"Of course it's you, Father, after all, I am your son."

Karot is good at flattery, but not everyone gets to enjoy it.

"Are you going out again this time you're back?"

Hatake Sakumo asked, naturally hoping that his children could all be by his side. Perhaps because he was getting older, Hatake Sakumo was now increasingly fond of his family's company, but he would not stand in the way of his children's paths.

"This time I need to get a good rest. After all, I've worked for so many years, and my body needs a break. In the past few years Karot has either been fighting or on his way to fight. He should take a good rest. A balance of relaxation and rest is the most scientific way to finish a battle."

In the Ninja World, you still talk about science? Aren't you afraid the Sage of Six Paths will kick his coffin open and fight you?! Karot has a scientist friend, so what's wrong with talking about science? Besides, even the Turtle School needs to rest properly.

"That's good."

"By the way, Kakashi is away on a mission. He'll be so happy to know you're back."

"I saw Kakashi, but he wasn't as happy to see me as you said! Father, Kakashi tried to hit me without saying a word. He has no respect for me as his older brother at all."

When Hatake Sakumo saw Karot complaining, he couldn't help but think of something.

"You yourself are not acting like an older brother at all, framing your younger brother, leaving without saying goodbye, and leaving behind a mess."

Under Hatake Sakumo's gaze, Karot's voice grew softer and softer; after all, he knew his own situation.