Encountering Kai, Kurenai, and Asuma

"Yo! Isn't this Kakashi? Long time no see! Kakashi!

How about we have a duel that represents our youth?"

Seeing Kakashi, Might Guy's eyes shone with a burning light as he darted directly in front of him.

"...Hey, Guy! Can you please look at the situation clearly before you start shouting?

My friends are right here!

You're making me so embarrassed!"

His eyelids drooping instantly, Kakashi wore a look of pure awkwardness and helplessness.

Kakashi's words left Might Guy stunned for a moment.

Immediately after, Might Guy shared his opinion with overflowing enthusiasm.

"Friends?! If someone can be your friend, Kakashi, then they must be a person who loves youth!"

"...Guy~"

Might Guy's behavior left Kakashi feeling both helpless and speechless.

"Heh! Anyone who can be a friend of Kakashi's certainly isn't a simple person!

Aren't you going to introduce us? Kakashi!"

Exchanging a glance with Kurenai, Asuma asked with a smile.

"Sorry! I'll introduce you right now!"

Reminded by Asuma, Kakashi finally snapped back to reality.

"These two are old friends I met many years ago! Lin Cheng! Kimimaro! They once saved my life!"

After introducing Lin Cheng and Kimimaro to Asuma and the others, Kakashi turned to introduce his companions.

"These three are my good friends and classmates! Asuma, Kurenai, and Might Guy!"

"Greetings to the three of you! My brother and I just joined Konoha today; we look forward to your guidance in the future!"

Nodding with a smile, Lin Cheng said politely.

"Hello."

Seeing Lin Cheng look at him, Kimimaro understood his intention and nodded to greet Asuma and the others.

"Hello!" Kurenai said.

"You've already joined Konoha? That's great! We're all family now!" Asuma said.

"Welcome! Let us burn with youth together!" Might Guy said.

"Thank you!" Lin Cheng replied.

"To celebrate Lin Cheng and Kimimaro joining Konoha, it's my treat today!"

Shrugging, Kakashi took the lead and walked into the barbecue restaurant.

"Kakashi is paying? Since my fated rival is treating, I must eat plenty!"

Kakashi's words revitalized Might Guy, who darted into the restaurant in a single bound.

Seeing this, a slightly stunned Lin Cheng and the others exchanged glances before nodding at each other with understanding.

Afterward, the group began to order food.

Because Lin Cheng and Kimimaro were new members and unfamiliar with the menu, the various grilled meats were ordered by the enthusiastic Might Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai.

As they ate, Kakashi provided detailed introductions for both sides.

Upon learning that Lin Cheng and Kimimaro were originally Bloodline Limit ninjas from the Land of Water, the usually quiet Kurenai suddenly exclaimed.

"What's wrong, Kurenai?"

Confused by her sudden cry, Asuma asked curiously.

"Laughing Asura Lin Cheng? Bone Lord Kimimaro?"

Ignoring Asuma beside her, Kurenai looked with uncertainty at the seemingly kind-hearted Lin Cheng across from her, as well as the shy-looking Kimimaro.

"Yes, some people did give my brother and me those titles!"

Nodding, Lin Cheng generously acknowledged the monikers.

"I never imagined! The famous Laughing Asura Lin Cheng and Bone Lord Kimimaro would be so young!

It's truly surprising!"

Shaking her head, the usually composed Kurenai couldn't help but sigh.

"Laughing Asura? Bone Lord? They sound so imposing!"

A flash of curiosity crossed his eyes as Asuma praised them with interest.

"Of course! The reputations of these two were shouted out by their enemies! They certainly didn't crown themselves!"

Kurenai's expression turned solemn, her tone heavy.

"Oh? Then after we finish lunch in a while, we must spar! It can be a way to understand each other's combat styles and lay a foundation for future cooperation."

Kurenai's expression couldn't help but surprise Asuma.

Because of this, the idea of testing Lin Cheng's strength sprouted in Asuma's heart.

Kurenai was also curious about the strength of the Lin Cheng brothers, so she didn't speak up to stop it.

As for Might Guy, who was standing to the side, he immediately revealed a look of boiling passion.

"A duel? Count me, Might Guy, in! Youth! It should be this hot-blooded! Kakashi! As my eternal rival, how about we have a match first in a moment?"

"I refuse!"

"Uh~ why?"

"I believe Lin Cheng and Kimimaro would be more interested! After all, both of them really love to fight!"

Shrugging his shoulders, Kakashi explained it this way.

"Oh? Then I'll choose Kimimaro! Don't worry! I'll know when to hold back!"

Once the words were out, Might Guy felt he might be suspected of bullying the young, so he immediately added.

"Then I will thank you on behalf of Little Kimimaro first!"

Stopping Kimimaro from speaking, Lin Cheng smiled and expressed his gratitude.

And this scene was captured perfectly by everyone present.

The boisterous Might Guy didn't care about such details.

Kimimaro, who always had a tacit understanding with Lin Cheng, understood his brother's meaning.

As for Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai, they were all lost in thought.