Reunion with Kakashi

The unexpected encounter with Kakuzu reminded Lin Cheng that the troublesome Akatsuki was still lurking in the shadows.

Considering the extremist ideologies of those fellows, Lin Cheng decided to steer clear of them for the time being!

Therefore, the Transformation Technique, which had not been used for a long time, came in handy once again!

After so much effort, and having learned disguise techniques while studying medicine under Shennong, Lin Cheng managed to barely evade the secret tracking of certain people.

At the same time, to be safe, Lin Cheng deliberately avoided Amegakure while continuing his travels.

He knew that it was the lair of Akatsuki!

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was the year 57 of Konoha.

The sound of battle in the distance once again attracted the curious Lin Cheng and his brother.

Arriving nearby to observe from the shadows, Lin Cheng and Kimimaro exchanged glances and couldn't help but smile silently.

"I didn't expect it to be Kakashi! He truly lives up to his reputation as the 'Five-Five Split'! He's always in such a sorry state when he fights!"

"Heh heh! He does that to stay true to his nickname!"

"Who's there?!"

Having just finished off his target, Kakashi was startled and immediately assumed a defensive stance!

"Long time no see, Kakashi! You're as pathetic as ever! When will I ever see you finish off an enemy cleanly and efficiently?"

Stepping out from the shadows, Lin Cheng removed his disguise mask and mocked him.

"No way! No way! That wouldn't fit his 'Five-Five Split' reputation! He can't change that!" Kimimaro, who now possessed a completely cheerful personality, immediately chimed in to tease him.

"Lin Cheng?! Kimimaro?! It's you two!"

Looking at the two people before him, Kakashi was shocked at first, but then his expression turned to one of immense joy.

Although the two had changed significantly, Kakashi recognized them at a single glance!

"How about it? Happy to see us brothers again, aren't you?!"

Walking up to him, Lin Cheng placed his hands on his hips and asked with a grin.

"Of course! By the way, what are you doing here?"

After the initial joy, Kakashi couldn't help but ask this question.

"That's a strange thing to ask! We brothers travel the world every single day! It's been years, and this is the first time we've run into each other! Is it really that surprising?"

Lin Cheng, hands still on his hips, curled his lip and raised an eyebrow, his face showing a look of disdain.

"...You're right!"

Having been thoroughly looked down upon by Lin Cheng, Kakashi instantly wilted like an eggplant hit by frost.

"Haha! Haha!"

"Haha! Haha!"

Seeing Kakashi in this state, the brothers laughed unreservedly!

After a long while, the two brothers, breathless from laughter, finally stopped under Kakashi's resentful gaze.

Afterward, the three left the vicinity and found a quiet place to chat about their situations over the past few years.

Since Kakashi spent most of his time performing missions for the Anbu of Konoha, the only things he could talk about were some interesting anecdotes he encountered during his missions.

As for Lin Cheng and Kimimaro, it was much simpler.

Aside from some of Lin Cheng's private matters, there was basically nothing they couldn't talk about!

Thus, the brothers recounted some of the things that happened after they left the Land of Snow.

The subsequent pursuit by Mist Village, the beating of the Tsuchikage's disciple followed by the pursuit from Iwagakure.

Going to the Land of Lightning, only to have their bloodlines coveted by ninjas from Kumogakure, leading to another pursuit.

Finding Princess Tsunade to ask for medical treatment, only to be rejected by her.

Later, going to learn medicine from the legendary Shennong, only to run into Orochimaru.

And so on, and so forth.

After listening to the brothers' back-and-forth account, Kakashi's expression was one of utter astonishment!