It wasn't until the following day that Rin finally woke up. Though her injuries were severe, she had received treatment and regained the ability to move.
Immediately afterward, Kakashi, led by Minato Namikaze, began the journey back to the village. The news of their victory in the great battle, along with Uchiha Obito's ashes, needed to reach Konoha quickly.
As for Kakashi's eye, he followed the same method as in the original story, wearing his ninja headband tilted to cover his left eye to reduce the Sharingan's chakra consumption.
Throughout the journey, Kakashi remained silent, focusing on absorbing the memories of the original Kakashi.
From those memories, he learned about the current state of Konoha.
In February of this year, Konoha won the Battle of Kikyo Pass. Afterward, the Orochimaru incident occurred, where his human experiments were discovered, leading to his defection from the village.
Just as in Kakashi's memories, Orochimaru had left before Kakashi obtained the Sharingan. This explains Orochimaru's surprise in episode 40 of the anime when he saw Kakashi struggle after using a sealing technique on Sasuke and his realization that Kakashi had a Sharingan. If Orochimaru had defected after losing the election for the Fourth Hokage, he wouldn't have been unaware of Kakashi's Sharingan.
Following Tsunade's departure, the Iwa-nin quickly discovered Orochimaru's defection, sparking a battle. With their victory at the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, they had cut off the Iwa-nin's supply lines, signaling Konoha's impending victory in the war against the Iwa-nin.
The Third Great Ninja War was effectively over.
"Next year, the Nine-Tails will attack. Before that happens, I must find Tsunade," Kakashi thought. To control his Sharingan freely, he needed the help of one of the Sannin, Tsunade.
"I also need to get accustomed to this body. After the Nine-Tails' attack, the war with the Cloud Ninja will begin, and I'll undoubtedly be sent to the front lines. I can't afford to die there."
As his soul's dominance over his consciousness grew, the original Kakashi's soul weakened, and his grasp of his abilities became mere memories rather than instinct. This meant that Kakashi's strength would diminish, a possibility he hadn't anticipated.
"Fortunately, I can attribute this to the Sharingan draining my chakra. It's a plausible excuse that won't reveal I'm not the original Kakashi."
"The primary goal now is to integrate Kakashi's combat experience into myself, then deal with everything else."
"Having taken over Kakashi's body and gotten a second chance at life, I must at least uphold Kakashi's reputation."
Kakashi quickly set a goal for himself.
After a day's journey, Kakashi and Minato returned to Konoha.
"Rin, your injuries aren't fully healed. I'll take you to the Konoha hospital for treatment," Minato said, placing a hand on Rin's shoulder.
"Kakashi, wait here. I'll take you to see the Hokage afterward," Minato added, then used the Body Flicker Technique to transport Rin to the hospital, returning to Kakashi instantly. Rin needed proper medical attention that could only be provided at the hospital.
Kakashi also needed treatment, but Minato had to inform the Third Hokage about Kakashi's Sharingan as soon as possible. The sooner, the better.
Minato then touched Kakashi's shoulder and used the Body Flicker Technique again.
Kakashi found himself in front of the Hokage's office in a flash, following Minato inside.
Soon, Kakashi stood in the Hokage's office, facing the legendary Third Hokage. Also present were the two elder advisors, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.
"Minato, you're back! Was the mission successful?" The Third Hokage's eyes lit up with joy as he saw Minato and Kakashi. Seeing them meant that the mission was likely completed, signaling a victory over the Iwa-nin. His excitement was palpable.
Homura and Koharu were equally delighted, their eyes filled with anticipation as they looked at Minato.
"Yes, Lord Hokage, we completed the mission, destroying the Kannabi Bridge and cutting off the Iwa-nin's supply lines," Minato replied promptly.
"Ha ha! Excellent!" The Third Hokage laughed heartily, standing up in excitement.
"Wonderful! We've defeated the enemy once again!" Homura and Koharu also stood up, their faces beaming with admiration for Minato. Completing such a complex mission with a four-man squad was a feat only Minato could achieve.
"Minato, Kakashi is injured. What about Rin and Uchiha Obito? Are they safe?" The Third Hokage quickly asked, noticing Kakashi's injuries and fearing the worst for the others.
"Lord Hokage, Rin is safe, but Obito sacrificed himself for Konoha. I didn't arrive in time," Minato replied, his face full of sorrow. Despite being accustomed to the deaths of comrades, losing a student was still deeply painful for him.
Minato then explained the details of the mission, including Obito's last moments and his decision to give Kakashi his Sharingan.
"What..."
"Kakashi has transplanted Uchiha Obito's Sharingan..."
"How can this be? Uchiha Fugaku will never allow it..."
"We must return Uchiha Obito's Sharingan to the Uchiha clan..."
Homura and Koharu exclaimed in shock, while the Third Hokage remained silent, pondering the implications.