Konoha High Command

After that, Sarutobi Hiruzen casually asked about Tsunade and Orochimaru.

Lin Cheng wasn't surprised by the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi's question.

Ever since he'd brought it up to Kakashi, he'd been prepared for this!

Lin Cheng's answer to Sarutobi Hiruzen's question seemed baffling at first.

But the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately understood what he meant.

"When I first met Lady Tsunade, I was curious about her Strength of a Hundred Fist, so I took one of her punches head-on!

She hit me so hard I spat up blood!

As for Orochimaru, he seems to be searching the world for talented people!"

After hearing Lin Cheng's answer, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent for a moment.

Then he arranged for the Lin Cheng brothers to go on a mission with Kakashi and another person.

He also told the brothers to spend a few days enjoying themselves in Konoha first.

Lin Cheng readily agreed and then tactfully took his leave.

A short while later, Konoha's two advisers, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, arrived one after another, followed by Danzō, the head of Root.

"Hiruzen! You've just accepted two foreign shinobi of unknown origins into Konoha?"

As soon as she entered, Utatane Koharu fired the question at him.

"Hiruzen! You've been in office for so many years. Why are you still so impulsive?

What if they're spies from another country?"

Mitokado Homura's tone wasn't as harsh as Utatane Koharu's, but he still made his displeasure clear.

"People of unknown origin like these should be handed over to me!

Once they join Root, I'm sure that even if they're spies from another country, they won't be able to stir up trouble!"

Staring intently at the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shimura Danzō declared firmly.

"Hmph! I'm not senile yet. I understand that perfectly well!

I was the one who had Kakashi specifically invite them to join Konoha!

Handing them over to Root? What would that do to my reputation?

This matter is closed!"

How could the Third Hokage not understand what his old friend was thinking?

Besides, he'd already given his word to the Lin Cheng brothers. He couldn't go back on it!

"Hmph! Hiruzen! You're letting shinobi of unknown identity join Konoha. You'll regret it!"

With a cold snort, Shimura Danzō swept out of the room.

"Fine, have it your way! You're still Konoha's Hokage, after all. You can decide these things yourself!

I hope you haven't made a mistake."

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu shook their heads and left with helpless expressions.

That left the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi sitting alone in his office, taking one drag after another from his pipe.

Meanwhile, since the Lin Cheng brothers had arrived so suddenly, the Third Hokage hadn't had time to find them a place to stay.

So he had to entrust the matter of their lodging to their friend Kakashi.

After leaving the Hokage Building, the three discussed it.

They decided that, for the time being, the brothers would stay at Kakashi's home.

Kakashi was naturally happy to agree.

With their lodging settled, all that remained was to figure out what to eat.

So the three of them decided to find somewhere to have a meal.

Since it was the Lin Cheng brothers' first day in Konoha, Kakashi decided to treat them.

They chose a barbecue restaurant in Konoha.

As it happened, the three ran into Asuma, Kurenai, and Might Guy right outside the restaurant. They were there to get barbecue too!

Lin Cheng and Kimimaro soon got to experience the warm welcome of Might Guy, Konoha's Blue Beast!