Although he had learned long ago, when the Third Hokage had privately instructed him,
that if he ever ran into the Lin Cheng brothers again, he was to invite them back to Konoha,
and have them become ninjas on Konoha's side, he'd known that the brothers' lives over the past few years must have been quite eventful.
But he'd never imagined that their lives over the past few years had been this eventful!
At the same time, from the way they talked about certain things, even if they only mentioned them in passing,
Kakashi had still reached a conclusion that shocked even him!
Lin Cheng's strength was probably already infinitely close to Kage Level—or he might even have reached it!
Thinking about that, and then considering Lin Cheng's age, Kakashi felt as though he'd wasted his whole life.
Though he felt a little discouraged, Kakashi didn't forget to recruit the Lin Cheng brothers on the Third Hokage's behalf.
"Speaking of asking Lady Tsunade for help, I think you could consider joining Konoha first!"
"Oh? Why? The two of us are free right now! Why would we go to Konoha and let ourselves be constrained?"
A playful glint flashed in his eyes as Lin Cheng looked at Kakashi with amusement.
"Besides, I remember telling you that the Third Hokage was too benevolent, didn't I?"
"About that, after I returned to Konoha back then, I did tell the Third Hokage about it!
The Third Hokage later promised that he'd never let the sort of thing you described happen!
And, speaking as a friend, coming back to Konoha with me really is the best choice for you!"
Watching as the Lin Cheng brothers listened quietly, Kakashi let out a breath.
Then he continued, "Kimimaro's illness will need to be treated sooner or later!
Most importantly, it clearly can't be put off for too long!
And Konoha has the most comprehensive and complete knowledge of Medical Ninjutsu!
The only person who can guarantee that Kimimaro will be cured is Lady Tsunade!
Joining Konoha will bring you one step closer to that goal!
As your friend, I think coming to Konoha is the right choice!"
"...To be honest, Kakashi, you're not a very good salesman!
But I think the two of us can go back to Konoha with you and give it some thought!
There are some things I think I'd rather discuss with the Third Hokage in person and settle face-to-face!"
Lin Cheng lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then looked up and said gravely.
"Sure! I think that's the right choice!"
"You know, Kakashi, no one's going to say their own home is bad!
But don't forget, wherever there's light, there's darkness!"
"...You're right! I can't argue with that. So, what do you say? Should we rest for the night?
Or set out now?"
Understanding what Lin Cheng meant, Kakashi knew they couldn't keep discussing the subject.
So he immediately changed the topic.
"It's up to you! Little Kimimaro and I are fine either way!"
Seeing Kakashi's reaction, Lin Cheng didn't insist on dragging out the previous topic and spoiling the mood.
He simply shrugged and left the decision to Kakashi.
"In that case, let's set out!
I'm sure the Third Hokage will be looking forward to your arrival!"
"Ha! I hope so!"
After a somewhat tense conversation, the Lin Cheng brothers set off with Kakashi on their journey back to Konoha.
But the journey back wasn't peaceful!
That was because the three of them eventually encountered unexpected enemies along the way!
The Explosion Corps of Iwagakure!
And their opponents had clearly come prepared, with Hatake Kakashi of Konoha as their target!
The only thing that had caught Iwagakure off guard was the unexpected presence of the Lin Cheng brothers.
Before you continue