Joining Konoha

Laughter could make people forget their troubles!

With the jokester Lin Cheng keeping him company, Kakashi soon forgot the pressure Lin Cheng had put on him.

The rest of the journey was peaceful enough.

When the Lin brothers entered Konoha with Kakashi, they couldn't help looking around as they walked, marveling at what they saw.

"No wonder it's Konoha! It's so prosperous!"

"Of course! This is the result of everyone's hard work!

Konoha's prosperity depends on the efforts of every person in the village!"

Kakashi nodded, sounding a little wistful.

"Bastard! Don't run!"

"Stop! Damn brat!"

Just as Kakashi was lost in admiration, a smug-looking blond boy ran past Lin Cheng and the others.

A few angry Konoha villagers were right behind him.

"What was that~?"

Seeing the puzzled looks on Lin Cheng and Kimimaro's faces, Kakashi couldn't help feeling awkward.

"Ahem! He's just a kid! It's normal for children to be mischievous!"

"Heh! You're right, Kakashi!"

A meaningful glint flashed in Lin Cheng's eyes, but he didn't dwell on the matter.

A short while later,

After crossing the bustling streets, Lin Cheng and Kimimaro followed Kakashi to the center of Konoha.

The Hokage Building!

When they reached the Hokage's office, Kakashi motioned for Lin Cheng and Kimimaro to wait outside for a moment.

Then he knocked and went inside.

"Lord Hokage!"

"Kakashi! How did it go? Was the mission smooth?"

As a longtime smoker, the Third Hokage always had his pipe in hand whenever he had a spare moment.

"Reporting to you, Lord Hokage! The mission went smoothly!"

"Good. If there's nothing else, you can take some time off.

Don't work yourself too hard!"

The Third Hokage took a deep drag on his pipe and spoke in a low voice.

"I do have something else to report!"

Understanding what the Third Hokage meant, Kakashi immediately replied.

"What is it?"

He already had a vague idea, but some things still needed to be confirmed by hearing Kakashi say them himself.

"Reporting to you, Lord Hokage! Lin Cheng and Kimimaro are waiting outside!"

"Oh? Have they agreed to join Konoha?"

The Third Hokage extinguished his still-smoking pipe and asked in a low voice.

"There are some things Lin Cheng wants to discuss with you in person, Lord Hokage!

Also, the brothers have met Lady Tsunade and Orochimaru over the past few years!"

"...Tsunade and Orochimaru? I see. Please show them in!"

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

Kakashi opened the door and motioned for the Lin brothers to enter, then prepared to ask permission to leave.

"Lord Hokage! If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave!"

"No need. Since you were the one who brought them here, there's no need to keep you out of this."

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

"Lin Cheng and my younger brother, Kimimaro, pay our respects to the Third Hokage!"

Lin Cheng bowed slightly and smiled.

Kimimaro followed his example, bowing slightly without saying a word.

"Welcome to Konoha, Lin Cheng! Tell me your conditions!

I trust Kakashi's judgment, so I have high hopes for you two brothers!"

"I don't have any special demands. Just don't use us as bargaining chips and sell us off!

Also, Kimimaro and I want to make up for the gaps in our basic ninjutsu knowledge.

I'd also like to study Medical Ninjutsu."

Seeing how straightforward the Third Hokage was, Lin Cheng got right to the point and stated his conditions.

Finally, Lin Cheng paused, then added,

"One more thing: the two of us won't split up on missions, and we'll only accept guard missions!"

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

However, you'll have to complete a year of missions in Konoha before you're allowed to study Medical Ninjutsu!

I hope you can understand."

After a moment's thought, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi replied.

"That's fine! I have no problem with that condition!"

Lin Cheng nodded in agreement.

"Then, in the name of the Hokage of Konoha, I welcome you two brothers to join us!"

Seeing Lin Cheng agree so readily, Sarutobi Hiruzen grew solemn.

He rose to his feet and made the announcement sincerely.

"We are at your service, Lord Hokage!"

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