The ninjas had all left Konoha, and the buzz around the Chunin Ninja Exams was beginning to die down. But Karot had no such luck.
His good friend Hyuga Sanada sent him a wedding invitation, specifically requesting that Karot be his best man. He put Karot through the wringer, so Karot made sure he wasn't the only one suffering and called in his little brother, Uchiha Shisui, to help. Since Sanada was from a branch family, his wedding wasn't particularly lavish; he invited only a few friends and relatives. Sanada's parents had died in battle years ago, so Matsushita Hokuto stood in for the elders. He and Sanada had always been both teacher and friend to each other, making him the perfect choice. Poor Matsushita, though—he was still a bachelor, while even his own student had gotten married. Karot helped greet the guests, while Shisui served as a little doorman.
"Lord Orochimaru has arrived."
Shisui was doing a fine job as the doorman.
Orochimaru entered, followed by Kabuto, who was carrying a gift.
"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru. Please, have a seat."
Karot knew Orochimaru had come for his sake. He was delighted that he could make his friend's wedding such a grand occasion.
Karot pulled Sanada over to make a toast.
"Lord Hatake Sakumo has arrived."
Another big name had arrived, leaving Sanada's friends and relatives astonished. Sanada really had some pull—both one of the Sannin, Orochimaru, and Lord Sakumo had come.
"Father, you came too."
"It's your good friend's wedding. Of course I came to have a drink and celebrate. And when are we drinking to yours, Karot?"
Karot was mortified. His father really had no sense of timing when it came to pushing him to marry. He fled in embarrassment.
Then came even more exciting news: the Hokage