“No, even with the Hokage’s guarantee, it’s unacceptable. If outsiders learn that Uchiha eyes can be transplanted, our clan will become a target!”
After a long hesitation, Uchiha Fugaku finally voiced his opposition.
Hearing this, the Third Hokage opened his mouth but couldn’t find a rebuttal. Fugaku’s concerns were valid, as such knowledge would endanger the Uchiha clan. “I suggest we have Kakashi join the Anbu,” Homura suddenly proposed.
“Yes, having Kakashi join the Anbu would work. That way, his identity would remain hidden even if the Sharingan is exposed. As long as he doesn’t reveal the Sharingan in everyday situations, it should be fine,” the Third Hokage agreed, his eyes lighting up. He then turned to Fugaku.
“Clan Head Fugaku, this way, we respect the deceased’s wishes without risking the exposure of the Sharingan. Is that acceptable?”
Fugaku frowned, not expecting the Hokage to be so insistent.
“Fine. We will acquiesce as long as the Hokage guarantees that Kakashi won’t reveal the Sharingan publicly. I also hope this matter isn’t disclosed within Konoha,” Fugaku conceded.
Fugaku’s request was reasonable. This way, other Konoha ninjas would assume Kakashi’s identity within the Anbu to be that of a Uchiha. Within the Anbu, members generally don’t know each other’s identities and only use code names.
“Kakashi, do you agree to these conditions to protect the Sharingan left by your comrade?” the Third Hokage asked, addressing Kakashi instead of answering Fugaku directly.
“Yes, Lord Hokage, I can do it,” Kakashi replied resolutely. He was surprised to realize that in the original story, he was forced into the Anbu rather than choosing to join voluntarily.
Moreover, Kakashi was sure that nicknames like ‘Konoha’s Top Technician,’ ‘Sharingan Kakashi,’ and ‘Copy Ninja Kakashi’ would become renowned only after the Uchiha clan’s downfall. If the Uchiha clan hadn’t been exterminated, he wouldn’t have been able to use the Sharingan and gain fame openly.
Initially, Kakashi had considered preventing the Uchiha clan massacre if he became strong enough, but now he dismissed that thought. He couldn’t openly use the Sharingan as long as the Uchiha clan existed.
For the next two days, Kakashi stayed in Konoha Hospital.
During this time, news from the battlefield with the Iwa-nin arrived. Due to Kakashi’s team destroying their supply lines, the Iwa-nin were forced to retreat and surrender to Konoha. They would send a delegation to sign a peace treaty in a week and offer reparations to Konoha.
The key to Konoha’s victory over the Iwa-nin was the efforts of Minato’s team. This earned Minato even more respect and admiration from the villagers and returning ninjas.
Despite victories over the Sand and Iwa-nin villages, Konoha was significantly weakened. The Third Hokage realized the need for new leadership and proposed the election of a Fourth Hokage after the treaty signing.
Thus, the search for the Fourth Hokage began.
Still in the hospital, Kakashi was unaware of these developments but knew Minato’s appointment as the Fourth Hokage was imminent. Before that, however, he would attend the grand funeral for the ninjas who had fallen in the Third Great Ninja War.
After the funeral, Kakashi would enter the Anbu.
“Tomorrow is the funeral. Jiraiya-sensei and Kushina should return to the village today,” Kakashi murmured, lying in his hospital bed. Rin, in the adjacent bed, overheard him.
“Yes, it’s been long since we’ve seen Jiraiya-sensei and Kushina,” Rin smiled wistfully. She felt closer to Kakashi, noticing his change over the past two days. He was more personable now, unlike before when he strictly adhered to ninja rules and ignored personal feelings.
Kakashi had even removed his mask, which made Rin very happy. Despite his previous rejection, she felt more determined than ever to win his affection.
Looking at Kakashi’s handsome face without the mask, Rin’s cheeks reddened slightly.
“Kakashi!” Rin said softly, turning to him.
“Yes, Rin? What is it?” Kakashi asked, looking at her.
“Can you put your mask back on?”
Kakashi was taken aback. “Why? Do I look bad without it?”
“No… It’s because you’re… too handsome,” Rin replied, her face turning bright red as she mumbled the last part.
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