"No, even with Lord Hokage's guarantee, it's unacceptable! If outsiders learn that Uchiha eyes can be transplanted, our clan will become a target for those seeking our eyes!"
After a long hesitation, Uchiha Fugaku finally voiced his opposition.
The Third Hokage opened his mouth to reply but found himself at a loss for words. Fugaku's concerns were entirely valid—this matter posed a significant threat to the Uchiha Clan.
"I propose this instead," Homura suddenly interjected, seeing the Third Hokage's hesitation. "Let Kakashi join the Anbu."
"Hmm! Having Kakashi join the Anbu could work," the Third Hokage's eyes lit up. "That way, even if the Sharingan is revealed, Kakashi's identity will remain hidden. As long as we forbid him from exposing the Sharingan in public, there shouldn't be any problems!"
The Third Hokage turned to Uchiha Fugaku. "Clan Leader Fugaku, this way we honor the deceased's wishes while preventing the Sharingan's existence from becoming public knowledge. Would this arrangement be acceptable?"
Uchiha Fugaku's brow furrowed again. He hadn't expected the Third Hokage to be so insistent.
"Very well," Fugaku conceded, "as long as Lord Hokage guarantees that Kakashi will never expose the Sharingan in public, the Uchiha Clan will tacitly approve this arrangement. However, I insist that this matter remain confidential within Konoha."
Uchiha Fugaku's request was understandable. This way, even Konoha's ninja would assume Kakashi's Anbu identity belonged to the Uchiha Clan. As for the Anbu itself, its members typically remained unaware of each other's true identities, operating solely under codenames.
"Kakashi," the Third Hokage asked, turning to him, "if you wish to protect the Sharingan your comrade entrusted to you, can you fulfill these conditions?"
The Third Hokage didn't respond to Uchiha Fugaku directly, instead addressing Kakashi. Only with Kakashi's agreement would he consider accepting the terms.
"Lord Hokage, I can do it!" Kakashi replied immediately, his voice firm. Yet inwardly, he was surprised. *So this is how I was forced into the Anbu in the original timeline, not by my own application!*
Moreover, Kakashi was certain that his legendary titles—"Konoha's First-Rate Technician," "Sharingan Kakashi," and "Copy Ninja Kakashi"—only became renowned after the Uchiha Clan's massacre.
If the Uchiha Clan hadn't been annihilated, he would never have been able to openly leave the Anbu and publicly display his Sharingan to achieve such fame.
Originally, Kakashi had hesitated, wondering if he should use his future strength to prevent the Uchiha Clan's tragic fate. Now, he completely abandoned that idea. As long as the Uchiha Clan existed, he could never openly wield his Sharingan.
***
Kakashi spent the next two days in Konoha Hospital.
During this time, news arrived from the battlefield against the Iwa-nin. With their supply lines severed by Kakashi and his team, the Iwa-nin were unable to sustain their forces and were forced to retreat, ultimately surrendering to Konoha.
A week later, representatives would arrive in Konoha to sign a peace treaty.
As the defeated village, Iwa-nin would also pay reparations to Konoha.
Konoha's victory against the Iwa-nin was entirely due to the efforts of Minato Namikaze and his team. All the returning shinobi and Konoha villagers felt genuine gratitude toward Minato, further solidifying his already considerable prestige within the village.
Although Konoha had secured victories against both Sunagakure and Iwa-nin Village, the conflicts had taken a heavy toll. The Third Hokage, realizing his own limitations, recognized that Konoha was at a turning point, requiring a new generation of leadership. He proposed holding elections for the Fourth Hokage after the peace treaty with Iwa-nin was signed.
The Konoha leadership immediately began the selection process for candidates for the Fourth Hokage position.
Kakashi remained unaware of these developments during his stay at Konoha Hospital. However, he knew that Minato Namikaze's appointment as the Fourth Hokage was imminent.
Before that, Kakashi had to attend Konoha's solemn funeral ceremony for the shinobi who had sacrificed their lives on the battlefields of the Third Shinobi World War.
Immediately after the funeral, Kakashi would join the Anbu.
"The funeral is tomorrow," Kakashi murmured from his hospital bed. "Lord Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade, who led the final withdrawal from the battlefield, should be returning to the village today."
Rin, whose bed was next to Kakashi's, smiled and sighed, "Yes, it's been so long since we've seen Lord Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade!"
Over the past few days in the hospital room, Rin had grown closer to Kakashi, talking to him more than ever before. She could clearly sense that he had changed, becoming more human and compassionate.
The old Kakashi had been a shinobi bound by rigid rules, completely suppressing his personal emotions.
Kakashi had even taken off his mask!
Rin was overjoyed by Kakashi's transformation, which only strengthened her feelings for him. Although he had rejected her confession before, she was determined not to give up so easily!
Gazing at Kakashi's handsome, unmasked face, Rin's cheeks flushed slightly.
"Kakashi!" she called out softly, a thought having just occurred to her.
"Rin! What is it?" Kakashi asked, turning to look at her.
"Could you... put your mask back on?" Rin whispered, her voice so faint it was barely audible.
"Huh? Why? Do you think I look ugly?" Kakashi asked, taken aback. He had checked in the mirror earlier and knew he looked exactly as everyone had imagined: sharp features, undeniably handsome!
"No... no, that's not it..." Rin stammered, her face growing even redder. "It's just... you're too... too handsome..."
She trailed off, too embarrassed to finish the sentence.
** End of Chapter **