Joining Konoha

Laughter can make people forget their troubles!

With the goofy Lin Cheng for company along the way, Kakashi soon forgot the pressure Lin Cheng had brought upon him.

As they continued forward, the rest of the journey was quite peaceful.

When the Lin Cheng brothers followed Kakashi into Konoha, they couldn't help but sigh in admiration as they walked.

"As expected of Konoha! It truly is prosperous!"

"Of course! This is the result of everyone's collective effort! The prosperity of Konoha is inseparable from the contributions of every single person in the village!"

Nodding, Kakashi said with a touch of emotion.

"Bastard! Don't run!"

"Don't run! Damn brat!"

Just as Kakashi was lost in his sentimental sighing, a yellow-haired brat with a smug look on his face dashed past the three of them.

Close behind him were several angry Konoha villagers.

"This is~?"

Seeing the puzzled gazes of Lin Cheng and Kimimaro, Kakashi couldn't help but feel a bit awkward.

"Ahem! Kids, you know! It's normal for them to be mischievous!"

"Heh! You're right! Kakashi!"

A meaningful glint flashed in his eyes, and Lin Cheng stopped dwelling on the matter.

A moment later, after passing through the bustling streets, Lin Cheng and Kimimaro followed Kakashi to the center of Konoha.

The Hokage Building!

Arriving outside the Hokage's office, Kakashi signaled for Lin Cheng and Kimimaro to wait for him outside for a moment.

He then knocked on the door and walked inside.

"Lord Third!"

"Ah, Kakashi! How was it? Did the mission go smoothly?"

As a long-time smoker, the Third Hokage always had a pipe in his hand during his leisure time.

"Reporting to Lord Third! The mission went very smoothly!"

"That's good! If there is nothing else, you may take a break for a while. Don't push yourself too hard!"

Taking a deep drag of his pipe, the Third said in a deep voice.

"There is indeed something else to report!"

Understanding the Third Hokage's intent, Kakashi immediately replied.

"What is it?"

Although he already had a vague idea of the answer in his heart, some things still required Kakashi to confirm them personally.

"Reporting to Lord Third! Lin Cheng and Kimimaro are right outside!"

"Oh? They agreed to join Konoha?"

Extinguishing his smoking pipe, the Third Hokage asked in a deep voice.

"There are some things Lin Cheng wishes to discuss with you personally, Lord Third! Also, over these past few years, the brothers have met with Lady Tsunade and Orochimaru!"

"...Tsunade and Orochimaru, you say? I understand. Please, have them come in!"

"Yes! Lord Third!"

Opening the door and signaling for the Lin Cheng brothers to enter, Kakashi prepared to ask for permission to leave.

"Lord Third! If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave!"

"No need! Since you were the one who invited them, there is no need for you to avoid this."

"Yes! Lord Third!"

"Lin Cheng, along with my brother Kimimaro, pays respects to Lord Third Hokage!"

Bowing slightly, Lin Cheng said with a light laugh.

Beside him, Kimimaro followed suit, bowing slightly, but remained silent.

"Welcome to Konoha! Lin Cheng! Tell me your conditions! I trust Kakashi's judgment, so I have high hopes for you brothers!"

"I have no special requirements! As long as you do not treat us brothers as bargaining chips to be sold off, that will suffice!"

Furthermore, Kimimaro and I wish to fill the gaps in our foundational knowledge of ninjutsu.

Personally, I also wish to study medical ninjutsu.

Seeing the Third Hokage be so straightforward, Lin Cheng did not mince words and stated his conditions directly.

Finally, Lin Cheng paused and added one more thing.

"Also, we brothers will not be separated on missions, and we will only accept protection-type missions!"

"...Very well! I agree to your conditions!

However, you will only be permitted to study medical ninjutsu after you have completed one year of missions for Konoha!

I hope you can understand this!"

After pondering for a moment, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, spoke thus.

"Understood! That condition is no problem at all!"

Nodding, Lin Cheng signaled his agreement.

"Since that is the case, then in the name of the Hokage of Konoha, I welcome the two of you to our ranks!"

Seeing Lin Cheng agree so readily, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression turned solemn.

He stood up and announced with a sincere tone.

"We are at your service, Lord Hokage!"

As the brothers bowed once more, they officially joined the ranks of Konoha.