A Different Karot

Karot's sudden appearance delighted everyone present. After all, that was the power of spacetime! Karot's safe return was enough to show just how powerful he was, but they had no idea what had happened to Karot during that time.

"Karot, you..."

Karot knew what Hatake Sakumo wanted to ask and shook his head at Hatake Sakumo. Orochimaru, seeing Karot's action, also remained silent.

Hatake Sakumo and Orochimaru, both with keen eyes, noticed the difference in Karot. Hatake Sakumo could tell because of the father-son bond, while Orochimaru could see it naturally because of his terrifying insight and his unusual attention to Karot. After all, Karot had always been Orochimaru's number one experimental target, though Orochimaru dared not show it, fearing Orochimaru wouldn't be able to withstand Karot's wrath.

Seeing Urashiki following behind Orochimaru, Karot knew that Orochimaru's battle plan had succeeded, and now they no longer needed his powerful assistance.

"Now that the matter has been resolved, goodbye everyone."

After saying that Karot Instantaneous Movement away.

Hatake Kakashi reached out to call out to Karot, but before he could speak, Karot vanished. This left Kakashi somewhat embarrassed, as his hand was conspicuously outstretched. As Karot's younger brother Kakashi had sensed Karot's dejection from the moment Karot appeared. It was the first time he had ever felt such emotion from Karot. He wanted to ask what was wrong, but Karot didn't give him a chance.

"He'll talk when he wants to; all we need to do now is stay with him."

Hatake Sakumo patted Kakashi on the shoulder and said.

"Um."

Karot nodded, completely agreeing with his father Hatake Sakumo.

"Everyone, Kakashi and I are going back too."

"Kakashi, help me bring the fish bucket."

After saying Hatake Sakumo slung his fishing rod over his shoulder and walked away. Hatake Kakashi followed, carrying a bucket of fish.

Orochimaru, I'm leaving too.

Tsunade waved to Orochimaru and walked away nonchalantly.

"Tsunade, wait for me!"

Jiraiya didn't want to let Tsunade go so easily. He had finally revealed his feelings, and she was also interested. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Orochimaru watched them leave one by one with an air of nonchalance, leaving him with this mess to clean up. This was undoubtedly adding insult to injury for Orochimaru, who already didn't have enough time for experiments. However, our clever Lord Hokage naturally wanted to find a great scapegoat, Minato was undoubtedly the best choice. Orochimaru wouldn't let such a chosen worker slip through his fingers.

"Minato, the aftermath is up to you."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Minato couldn't disobey Orochimaru's orders; after all, Minato's Will of Fire was formidable. As long as it didn't harm Konoha, Minato would obey Orochimaru.

After Orochimaru assigned Minato the task, he left with his own men and the "new" group's men. Orochimaru had many questions he wanted to discuss with Urashiki. The laboratory was all set up; he was sure to give Urashiki an unforgettable experience.

"Mr. Sasuke, what should we do now?"

Boruto was truly amazed to see Urashiki defeated in such a way, and his curiosity about the Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan grew even stronger. He had just witnessed Shisui merely use his Sharingan slightly, and yet their seemingly invincible enemy was so easily defeated. How could there be such a vast difference between members of the Uchiha Clan? And then he thought of his childhood friend—what was her Sharingan ability?

Sasuke seemed to sense what Boruto was thinking and glanced at him, which startled Boruto. As the saying goes, a guilty conscience needs no Boruto.

Sasuke also admired Orochimaru and his team's method of resolving the Urashiki crisis.

"Kotoamatsukami is truly amazing! This Genjutsu truly deserves to be called the strongest Genjutsu!"

Sasuke had only heard of him before, but now he witnessed it firsthand, proving that the title of strongest was truly well-deserved.

"Once our energy is fully charged, we can go back."

This time, Sasuke and Boruto's mission is to return and protect Naruto. Now that the source of danger has been eliminated, Naruto's safety is not a concern at all in this era. As long as Karot is around, Naruto will not be in any danger. Even someone as powerful as Urashiki is like a clown in front of Karot. Sasuke can't imagine what danger Naruto could possibly face.

"All right!"

Boruto replied somewhat dejectedly. He came here hoping to make a name for himself, but alas! He didn't even get a chance to attack before it was all over. Even though he's weak, he can still annoy the enemy!

"Very good."

Naruto's loud voice rang in Sasuke and Boruto's ears. Naruto was very happy to learn that the two would be staying there for a while longer, because they had become good friends during their time together.

"I'll treat you two to Ichiraku Ramen."

After saying that, Naruto pulled the two of them away from there.

Only the working-class Minato was left to deal with; what a pitiful man.

"Brush."

Karot Instantaneous Movement to his home. He had discussed every single item in the room with the system, and how heated the discussions had been back then now evoked strong emotions.

"Knock knock knock."

"Dinner's ready, Karot."

Kakashi knocked on Karot's door and said.

"You and Father eat, I'm not hungry."

Karot lay on the tatami mat and said that since returning home, Karot had been lying there in a daze, feeling restless all over.

Where is Karot?

Hatake Sakumo noticed that only Kakashi had come down and asked a question.

"Karot said he wasn't hungry."

Hearing Kakashi's words, Hatake Sakumo couldn't believe his eldest son was saying them. Even when Karot was sick, he was the type to eat the equivalent of three people's meals! Now you're telling me he's not hungry? Hatake Sakumo would rather believe the sun rose in the west.

What exactly happened during the time Karot disappeared?

Hatake Sakumo said worriedly, "Karot's behavior is just too abnormal. Even if Hatake Sakumo is smart, he couldn't have imagined that Karot's disappearance of just a few minutes would actually mean that several years had passed."

"Yes."

Kakashi was also very worried about Karot. Although Kakashi always called Karot by his first name, that was just how the two of them interacted.

Without knowing the root cause of the problem, there's no way to address it effectively, so the Hatake father and son are at a loss. They can only rack their brains, trying to find a way to comfort Karot.