Homura and Koharu immediately recognized the potential trouble Kakashi possessing the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan would bring.
Hearing the advisors' concerns, Minato Namikaze's expression darkened slightly.
Only Kakashi remained impassive, his gaze shifting subtly between the Third Hokage and the two advisors.
Kakashi knew he would eventually obtain the Sharingan. With Minato Namikaze's support, he was confident the Third Hokage would also approve, so he felt no urgency.
In Kakashi's eyes, the Third Hokage appeared younger than he did at the start of the series, radiating an even greater, intangible authority, yet still maintaining his approachable demeanor.
"This Sharingan was Obito Uchiha's dying gift to Kakashi," the Third Hokage declared, prioritizing the deceased's wishes over the advisors' concerns. "Obito Uchiha was a hero of Konoha. We cannot disregard the will of the dead."
He then turned to Kakashi. "Kakashi, I ask you: Do you intend to return the Sharingan Obito Uchiha gave you to the Uchiha Clan, or..."
"Lord Hokage!" Kakashi replied firmly. "I wish to live on, protecting Obito's Sharingan alongside me!"
Before the Third Hokage could finish speaking, Kakashi raised his head and replied with unwavering resolve.
Hearing Kakashi's answer, a smile immediately appeared in the Third Hokage's eyes.
"Absolutely not!"
"Kakashi, you're still just a child. You don't understand anything..."
Koharu's expression darkened slightly. Unlike the Third Hokage, she felt that Kakashi had insulted her authority. She retorted coldly, "I am already a Jonin of Konoha! I am no longer a child!"
But before Koharu could finish, Kakashi firmly interrupted her, using his Jonin status to silence her.
"You..."
"See? I told you Kakashi was too young to be promoted to Jonin. He's already defying his elders!"
Koharu's aged face flushed crimson with anger. She hadn't expected Kakashi to use his Jonin rank to contradict her, and she sputtered in fury.
Homura, having already discerned the Third Hokage's intentions, remained silent. However, he deeply agreed with Koharu's concerns.
Homura then remarked calmly, "If becoming a Jonin at such a young age will make him arrogant and complacent, perhaps we should revoke Kakashi's appointment. After all, it hasn't been publicly announced yet."
"Lord Homura, Lady Koharu..."
Hearing that both advisors, Homura and Koharu, disapproved of Kakashi, Minato Namikaze quickly interjected. He knew that Kakashi possessed the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan, which had stirred the advisors' jealousy, explaining their opposition.
"Enough," the Third Hokage declared firmly, his voice cutting through the air. "Kakashi has proven his strength and capabilities as a Jonin. The appointment stands."
"As for the Sharingan, as long as Kakashi agrees to keep its secrets confidential, I will handle the rest with Uchiha Kyūfu."
The Third Hokage frowned slightly at Homura and Koharu's expressions before speaking decisively. His resolve was far stronger than it would be decades later.
Hearing the Third Hokage's firm stance, Homura and Koharu reluctantly fell silent, standing aside without another word. Their expressions, however, remained remarkably expressive.
Kakashi, observing the scene from the sidelines, couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Yet he dared not show any reaction on his face, lest he incur the advisors' lasting resentment.
"Minato, summon Uchiha Kyūfu, the Clan Head of the Uchiha Clan, immediately," the Third Hokage instructed.
"Yes, Lord Hokage!" Minato Namikaze replied with a smile, instantly vanishing in a flash of light. The Third Hokage's acknowledgment of Kakashi's Sharingan had greatly relieved Minato.
*Whoosh!*
"Kakashi, show me your Sharingan!"
Seeing Minato Namikaze leave, the Third Hokage immediately turned to Kakashi. Kakashi had always kept his Sharingan concealed, and the Hokage had never seen it before.
"Yes, Lord Hokage!" Kakashi replied, lifting his forehead protector slightly to reveal the Sharingan in his left eye.
Instantly, Kakashi felt his chakra draining at an accelerated rate.
"Double Tomoe Sharingan..."
"It really is a Sharingan..."
Homura and Koharu's pupils trembled slightly as they whispered in awe at the sight of Kakashi's Sharingan. Though they had already known about it, witnessing the Uchiha Clan's eyes truly being transplanted still left them stunned.
The envy in their eyes deepened, but they dared not covet the Uchiha Clan's power.
"Heh, this Sharingan suits you well, Kakashi!" the Third Hokage chuckled, his eyes showing no envy, only a warm, approving smile for his junior.
"It does look pretty cool!"
"Now, let's focus on how to deal with Fugaku Uchiha!"
Koharu and Homura suppressed their envy and declared their support for the Third Hokage's decision.
They were already strategizing how to persuade Fugaku Uchiha.
*Whoosh!*
Minato Namikaze's figure reappeared in the Hokage's office.
"Lord Hokage, the Uchiha Clan Head has arrived and is on his way!"
** End of Chapter **