As team Minato returned to the village, Obito watched Rin's expression, noticing she was beating herself up over Kakashi's death. He tried thinking of comforting words, but what could he really say? He was much the same but more directly. His words reached Kakashi's cold heart and got him killed, was he no more responsible for Kakashi's death than the stone nin?

Regardless of his feelings, the mission had been a success, at least that's how the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi saw it. They were standing in front of Hiruzen's desk within the confines of his office at the Hokage's estate.

"Report," Hiruzen said in a gruff tone, his eyes fixed on the trio.

Minato stepped forward, his expression solemn. "The mission was a success, Lord Hokage. We managed to destroy the Kanabi Bridge, but at a great cost." He glanced at Obito and Rin, a flicker of pain crossing his features.

Hiruzen's gaze shifted to Obito, his eyes narrowing as he took in the young Uchiha's strange new eyes. "And what of you, young Obito?"

Obito swallowed hard, his hands clenching at his sides. "I... I awakened my Sharingan, Lord Hokage. It happened when Kakashi was..." He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

Rin's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "It's my fault, Lord Hokage. I was captured, and Kakashi sacrificed himself to save me."

Hiruzen's expression softened, and he leaned back in his chair, stroking his goatee thoughtfully. "The Sharingan is a powerful technique, Obito. Not many obtain it at your age."

Obito nodded, his jaw set with determination. "I understand, Lord Hokage. I'll do whatever it takes to master its power and ensure no one else has to sacrifice themselves for me." But Obito had more to say. "Lord Hokage, my Sharingan also evolved, the pattern took a different shape, my eyes bled, they burned when with great pain, and I... passed through someone like..."

"A ghost," Minato finished, his voice carrying pride in the memory. Obito nodded, "I don't understand why."

The Third was silent for but a moment, contemplating the news. "I don't particularly know what is happening with your Sharingan, Obito, but if anyone can give you answers the clan would."

Obito flinched, he'd not been in good terms with the Uchiha clan. They always treated him harshly just because he wasn't a genius prodigy, he was loud, obnoxious, and frankly slow witted. They dubbed him the black sheep because of these traits.

The Third Hokage's gaze swept over the three shinobi, his eyes lingering on the vacant space where Kakashi should have stood. "You have all faced unimaginable hardship on this mission. Take some time to rest and grieve for your fallen comrade. We will discuss the next steps in due course."

A few days after their meeting with the Third Hokage, Obito found himself summoned to the Uchiha compound, a place he had grown to despise over the years. The contemptuous glares and whispers from his clansmen had always made him feel like an outcast, a disappointment to the proud Uchiha name. The nickname they gave him didn't help.

As he walked through the familiar streets, he couldn't help but notice the wary looks cast his way. Rumors of his unique Sharingan had spread like wildfire, and the elders were no doubt eager to assess the truth behind these claims.

Obito was ushered into a dimly lit room, where a council of Uchiha elders sat in a semicircle, their faces impassive masks. At the center sat Kenzo Uchiha, the current clan head, his piercing gaze fixed on Obito as he approached. He noticed a stone tablet behind them, words on it he couldn't quite read.

"Obito Uchiha," Kenzo's deep voice resonated through the chamber. "It has been brought to our attention that you may have awakened a rare and powerful form of the Sharingan during your recent mission."

Obito swallowed hard, his palms sweating. "Yes, sir. My Sharingan evolved, and I gained new abilities."

Murmurs rippled through the council, and Kenzo held up a hand, silencing them. "Describe these abilities to us."

Obito took a deep breath, recounting the events of that fateful day. "When Kakashi was crushed by the boulder, something within me snapped. My eyes burned, and I could see everything with clarity like never before. And a whisper resonated within me, saying one word, Kamui. I could create a rift in space that swallowed things up, and even phase through solid objects, as if I were a ghost."

The elders exchanged grave glances, and Kenzo leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "You speak of the Mangekyou Sharingan, a legendary form of our doujutsu that has not been seen since the era of Madara and Izuna Uchiha."

Obito's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest. To possess such a rare and coveted power was both a blessing and a curse. Even just being put in the same sentence as Madara Uchiha was a hard pill to swallow.

Kenzo's gaze hardened. "You must understand the gravity of this situation, Obito. The Mangekyou Sharingan is a double-edged sword. Its power is immense, but it comes at a heavy price. Overuse will lead to blindness, a fate worse than death for an Uchiha."

Obito nodded, his throat dry. He had already witnessed the toll it had taken on him, the burning sensation in his eyes a constant reminder of the sacrifice he had to make to use.

"You will be closely monitored and trained in the proper use of your newfound abilities," Kenzo decreed. "The Mangekyou Sharingan is a secret that must be guarded at all costs. However, since you are an outcast among the clan we are willing to be lenient with you. We will summon you again when needed."

A week had passed since Obito's meeting with the Uchiha. Obito was sitting at Ichiraku, alone in his thoughts. As much as Obito wanted to be a strong Shinobi, he feared that it would come at the cost of his eyes. He stared down at his soup, seeing his reflection. Obito chuckled, he forgot that he stopped wearing his goggles since that day.

"Is this spot taken?" A feminine voice Obito knew all too well. He turned to his left, seeing Rin smiling at him. If it was over a week ago, he would have been more enthusiastic, flustered at being alone with Rin. But since Kakashi's death, he had essentially lost his crush on Rin, and his dream of becoming Hokage.

"No, it's free," Obito replied, managing a small smile. Rin took a seat beside him, her expression turning somber.

"Obito, I have something to tell you," she began, fidgeting with her fingers. "I've decided to leave the village soon to study under Lady Tsunade."

Obito's quirked a brow. "Tsunade? One of the Legendary Sannin?"

Rin nodded, her face was etched with sorrow. "After what happened during our mission, I realized how weak I was. I never want to be a burden again." Her voice trembled with determination. "Lady Tsunade is renowned for her strength and medical ninjutsu. I want to become strong like her, so I can protect myself and my comrades."

Obito remained silent, processing her words. He understood her desire to become stronger, but the thought of her leaving filled him with a sense of loss.

"When do you leave?" he asked quietly.

"In a few days," Rin replied. "Lady Tsunade is currently traveling, but she agreed to take me on as her student when she returns."

Obito nodded slowly, his gaze downcast. "I see."

"So, what about you, Obito?" Rin asked, a hint of concern in her voice. "What are your plans while I'm gone?"

Obito forced a smile, not wanting to worry her. "Oh, you know me. I'll probably just laze around the village, maybe take a few missions here and there." He chuckled weakly, but the truth was, he had no idea what he would do without her or Kakashi. The thought of being truly alone terrified him.

Rin tilted her head, studying him carefully. "Are you sure? You don't have to put on a brave face for me."

Obito's smile faltered, and he sighed deeply. "Honestly, Rin, I'm not sure what I'll do. Everything feels... uncertain without you and Kakashi around." He clenched his fists, his eyes downcast.

Rin placed her hand on his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Hey, it's not like I'll be gone forever. I'll come back, stronger than ever. And who knows, maybe you'll be the one to surpass us all."

Her words brought a faint smile to Obito's lips. "Yeah, maybe." But to Obito the only way he'd become strong was if he used his eyes, the Mangekyou, and eventually he wouldn't even be able to see Rin's smile. He hid that emotion as Rin finished her ramen. Hopefully he'd remember how everyone looked if he was permanently blinded.