After arguing with Sanada for a while, Karot settled into his eating mode.
Sanada, Kakashi, and Hizashi were chatting happily. Sanada even wanted to play matchmaker and introduce Kakashi to a girl from the Hyuga Clan. Although the Hyuga Clan, it depends on the person. The Konoha Hatake brothers are famous geniuses in Konoha, and a marriage alliance with the Hatake Clan wouldn't be considered a step down; it would also increase the clan's strength—why not? It's said that people from large clans are shrewd and calculating. This was putting Kakashi on the defensive. Dealing with Sanada was already his limit, but with Hizashi added to the mix, Kakashi was defeated. He hadn't expected Hizashi, who seemed so honest and unassuming, to have such matchmaking intentions. Kakashi could only look to Karot for help.
"Hiccup~."
Karot let out a long burp. If he didn't stop soon, Kakashi would turn into a statue waiting for his husband.
"Sanada, you're mistaken. My brother already has a girlfriend; there's no need for an introduction."
Karot said this while picking his teeth.
Kakashi stared wide-eyed at Karot, thinking, "When did I get a girlfriend? How come I didn't know?"
"Really? Which family's daughter is she?"
Sanada was somewhat disappointed that his first attempt at matchmaking had failed, but men's gossip instincts are no less than women's, especially when it comes to gossip about Konoha's genius. Hizashi clearly shared Sanada's sentiments, his body involuntarily moving closer to the source, Karot.
"You know Tsunade-sama, right? She..."
Before Karot could finish speaking, Sanada shouted.
"What? Kakashi has fallen for Tsunade-sama?"
Sanada was utterly shocked. He hadn't expected Kakashi to be so bold as to fall for Tsunade, one of the Sannin Princess Tsunade. Hizashi's expression didn't change, but his dilated pupils betrayed his inner turmoil.
Sanada's roar broke the restaurant's clamor, plunging it into an eerie silence.
"Haha, everyone misunderstood. Kakashi has a deep admiration for Tsunade-sama. After all, Tsunade-sama is just too outstanding."
Karot stood up and explained things to Kakashi, and the restaurant returned to its lively atmosphere. What male ninja in Konoha didn't admire Princess Tsunade —she was beautiful, had a high social standing, and was incredibly strong?
"You're still the same as always, Sanada. Let others finish speaking."
Karot gave Sanada a good scolding. When Karot and Sanada first met, Sanada had a cool and arrogant demeanor, but after spending more time together, his goofy side began to show.
"Oh, oh. I understand."
Sanada scratched the back of his head sheepishly. The news he'd heard was so explosive that Sanada couldn't help but exclaim. After saying it, he realized he might have said something wrong again. He was clearly someone whose mouth flew ahead of his brain.
"Karot, continue."
Sanada's thirst for knowledge is now off the charts. He's desperately eager to know the truth behind the problem.
"I'm a little short on cash lately, and I didn't bring my wallet with me when I went out."
Karot looked troubled. As his long-time partner, Sanada knew Sanada well that he was about to suffer another major financial loss. Yet, he felt an itch to vent his frustration.
"This meal is on me. Now you can talk, right?"
Sanada waved his hand dismissively, giving the impression that he Hyuga -sama, would be footing the bill for tonight's expenses. If his hand hadn't been trembling, it would have been even more perfect.
Now that the scapegoat has arrived, Karot stopped keeping everyone in suspense.
"Kakashi likes Tsunade-sama's assistant, Shizune."
"They were classmates. Kakashi fell in love with her at first sight. If it weren't for the Third Shinobi World War, they might already be married, and I'd be holding my nephew by now."
Kakashi and Shizune's story unfolds through Karot's words: one a young genius, the other a young girl in the throes of first love, both hampered by this damned war. Of course, there's artistic license involved, but our Sanada is oblivious, his eyes reddening with sorrow for Kakashi and Shizune's unrequited love.
"Kakashi, you've suffered so much."
Sanada patted Kakashi's shoulder, his voice choked with emotion, and said, "This married man is really sentimental." Kakashi, however, was still in shock, his mouth agape and his eyes vacant.
"Sanada, it's best you just keep this to yourself. Don't tell anyone."
Karot instructed Sanada. However, Sanada, being a blabbermouth, would definitely spill the beans once he knew the secret, which was Karot's intention. It seemed that the Hatake Clan, by his and Kakashi's generation, had little interest in women. Karot focused on training, while Kakashi preferred reading. Therefore, for the sake of the next generation of the Hatake Clan Karot had no choice but to resort to this tactic: first, create public opinion, pushing Kakashi into the spotlight, and then arrange for Kakashi to meet Shizune. Shizune was a pretty girl with a good figure; he believed the next generation wouldn't go hungry.
Sanada got to know the secret as he wished, and Karot's order was also placed, so it could be said that everyone was happy.
After walking out of the restaurant for a while, Kakashi was jolted back to his senses by the wind. He immediately grabbed Karot by the collar.
"You're making others pay the price by betraying your brothers, Karot. You're really something, aren't you?"
"Oh dear, how could that be, Kakashi? We're best friends and family."
As he spoke, Karot pried Kakashi's fingers apart with his hands.
When did I ever like Shizune?
Kakashi roared at Karot, like a roaring emperor had been summoned. He even sprayed Karot's face with saliva.
Karot wiped his face, his hands were wet, showing just how excited Kakashi was, completely losing his usual calm and composure.
"Kakashi, you need to understand your father. He's getting old and wants to hold his grandchildren and enjoy family life. Can't you even grant him such a simple request?"
Karot immediately brought out Hatake Sakumo, putting Kakashi's arrogance to his knees. After a brief moment of surprise Kakashi reacted.
"You are the eldest son, and it's your duty to continue the family line. Why should you be the first to come?"
"Ah! You caught me. You're getting harder to fool as you grow up. You're not cute anymore. Give me back my stupid little brother."
"You damn bastard!"
Kakashi saw the regretful look on Karot's face. Enraged, he immediately attacked, wanting to leave a mark of brotherly love on Karot's sour face.
Kakashi threw a punch straight at Karot's face, but Karot turned his head to dodge. Kakashi didn't expect to hit Karot with one punch; it would be a miracle if he did. Kakashi real counterattack was to step forward and grab Karot.
"Kindness?"
Kakashi's sudden hug caught Karot completely off guard.
"Bang!"
After a puff of smoke, a clone of Kakashi appeared behind Karot. Kakashi had summoned it by Hand Seals while embracing Karot.