Lin Cheng and Kimimaro Enter the Third Hokage's Storyline

In the following days, several old retainers who supported the former lord of the Land of Snow heard that the princess had survived and rushed to her side.

These old retainers busied themselves with comforting Princess Kazahana Koyuki, who had lost her father, while working to rebuild the castle for her.

Half a month later, thanks to the efforts of the group, the castle was rebuilt.

The surrounding nations also recognized Kazahana Koyuki as the Daimyo of the Land of Snow.

With the mission complete, Kakashi immediately breathed a sigh of relief and departed with peace of mind, returning to Konoha.

Leaving at the same time were Lin Cheng and Kimimaro.

Of course, the two of them headed in the exact opposite direction of Kakashi.

Lin Cheng had not been speaking nonsense when he said those things.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was truly the kind of man who would do certain things for the sake of so-called "peace"!

The death of Hizashi Hyuga was proof of that!

And Kakashi, who knew about this matter, naturally understood what Lin Cheng meant.

Although he did not know if Lin Cheng was truly aware of the incident, it was enough that he himself knew Sarutobi Hiruzen was indeed capable of such acts.

A week later, after hurrying along the road, Kakashi finally returned to the long-missed Konoha.

After casually greeting the acquaintances he met along the way, Kakashi headed straight for the Hokage's office.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Please, come in!"

"Lord Third!"

Entering the room and closing the door behind him, Kakashi immediately bowed to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"How did the mission go?"

Taking a puff from his pipe, Sarutobi Hiruzen asked.

"Reporting to Lord Third! Although there were some twists and turns, the mission was ultimately completed successfully!"

"Oh? Twists and turns? Kakashi! Can you tell me in detail?"

Seeming to notice the flicker of hesitation in Kakashi's eyes, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately asked.

"Yes! Lord Third!"

Following this, Kakashi recounted how he had been outmatched and was about to flee, only to receive help from the brothers Lin Cheng and Kimimaro.

When he mentioned that the brothers were rogue ninjas from the Mist Village being hunted, Sarutobi Hiruzen's spirit suddenly sharpened.

When he reached the part about taking it upon himself to invite the brothers to join Konoha, Kakashi hesitated.

"Was it some sort of unfavorable remark about me? Speak freely, Kakashi!"

Seeming to have guessed something, Sarutobi Hiruzen took another deep drag from his pipe and said in a low voice.

"Yes! Lord Third!"

Acknowledging the order, Kakashi repeated every word Lin Cheng had said, exactly as it was spoken.

After hearing Kakashi's account, Sarutobi Hiruzen fell silent.

He simply puffed on his pipe, one breath after another.

After a long while, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed.

"I never imagined that my reputation, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had become so tarnished.

To be distrusted—even looked down upon—by two rogue brats from another village! Heh!"

"Lord Third!"

"No need to comfort me! The fact that you hesitated before saying those words proves that you think the same way in your heart!

There are some things you young people still don't understand! Forget it, I don't blame you for this!"

Waving his hand, Sarutobi Hiruzen signaled for Kakashi to leave.

"Regardless, you worked hard on this mission, Kakashi! Go back and get some rest!"

"...Yes! Lord Third!"

After a brief silence, Kakashi chose to bow and leave.

He was merely an ordinary member of the village.

It was better not to get involved in the affairs of the upper echelons!

"...Lin Cheng? Kimimaro? To possess such astonishing strength at that age!

They are truly geniuses! What a pity! What a pity!"

Shaking his head, Sarutobi Hiruzen said nothing more.

He continued to puff on his pipe, his expression lost in deep thought.