Natsuhiko did intend to make contact with the Uchiha clan.
However, up to this point, he had neither a good opportunity nor a proper point of entry.
As a member of the ANBU, he had very little personal time. He neither had the time nor the ability to investigate the true internal situation of the Uchiha clan.
He knew the general outline—but he had no idea who belonged to which faction.
He disliked Uchiha Fugaku's indecisive personality. Even if he were to make contact, he had no intention of approaching someone like him.
To be honest, if Natsuhiko had transmigrated into the Uchiha clan instead, he might have unhesitatingly chosen to stand by Fugaku's side.
With Fugaku's weak temperament, as long as Natsuhiko handled things skillfully and showed tangible results—
Covertly controlling the Uchiha clan wouldn't have been impossible.
But as an outsider—
Especially as a member of the Senju clan, the Uchiha's number-one rival—
Natsuhiko felt it was better to forget about that idea.
He would rather approach more rational members within the Uchiha clan.
Unfortunately, he didn't even know who those rational individuals were.
Aside from lacking knowledge of the Uchiha's internal affairs, Natsuhiko had also had little contact with Uchiha peers of his generation.
It was either a group of hopeless, self-righteous fanatics—people whose names he barely remembered and had hardly interacted with—
Or those who had already died on the battlefield, such as Uchiha Obito.
The one he had the best relationship with—and the one he personally considered to have the best temperament—
Was his deskmate, Uchiha Sora.
Unfortunately, he had no idea about her family background.
He suspected it was probably nothing remarkable.
If her background had been prominent, perhaps Obito would have treated her with more respect back then.
Beyond that, she didn't seem to have much contact with Uchiha members from other classes either.
Most likely, she was just an ordinary member of the Uchiha clan.
"Luckily, I never planned to approach them so soon anyway," Natsuhiko thought silently. "And with my current status, there's no way I'd attract any attention. It's better to wait until I have more capital before considering it."
Since he had no intention of publicly revealing his Senju identity, as far as others were concerned he was merely a civilian ninja.
Even as an ANBU squad leader, that level of influence was far from enough.
But once he became a division commander, everything would change dramatically.
Ordinary division commander weren't worth much.
But an ANBU division commander was entirely different.
That was Natsuhiko's best opportunity—a way to leap across social ranks.
Of course, even after attaining that position, he couldn't act too openly.
He understood his limits clearly.
He knew what he could do, what he could do discreetly, and what he absolutely must never do.
Besides, if anyone was truly anxious, it wasn't him.
The Uchiha clan's current situation was far more urgent than his own.
Natsuhiko had options—he could hedge his bets on both sides.
The Uchiha clan, however, could not.
"It's just a pity… In the end, the Fourth Hokage falls, and the Uchiha won't last more than a few years before their destruction. My old deskmate will probably…"
He shook his head lightly, stopping that train of thought.
Whatever future awaited the Uchiha clan ultimately had little to do with him.
Though he greatly desired their support and power, there were many matters he couldn't address at this stage.
Especially when his own position was not yet firmly secured, he had no intention of worrying about the Uchiha's fate.
...
After Kakashi and the others finished their visit, Natsuhiko remained in the hospital for a few more days before finally being discharged.
Counting it carefully, he realized he had stayed there for nearly a week.
That week had made him feel like he was practically starting to grow mold.
If Konoha didn't let him move around soon, he might have to find a way to sneak out and do some light training himself.
Natsuhiko had absolute confidence in his control over his own abilities. But he knew exactly what he lacked.
Combat experience—especially how to use his techniques efficiently, creating the greatest lethality at the smallest possible cost. That was what he needed most.
Stretching hard, he raised his head and basked in the sunlight. The warmth felt exceptionally comfortable.
At the same time, he opened his status panel to check his condition.
When he saw the information displayed, the smile at the corner of his mouth grew even wider.
"Looks like this period hasn't been without good news."
Name: Senju Natsuhiko
Gender: Male
Birthday: March 24, Year 37 of the Konoha Calendar
Rank: Jōnin (Officially Chūnin)
Bloodline Development: Beginner (Senju Secret Techniques)
Seeds:
Jōnin-level Chakra Quantity Seed (60% mature)
Intermediate Sage Technique Seed (90% mature)
Advanced Earth Release Seed (71% mature)
Advanced Water Release Seed (71% mature)
Beginner Sealing-Type Seed (85% mature)
Fruits: None
Mission: Become the true Big Boss of the ninja world (Unique)
...
The Beginner Sealing-Type Seed being at 85% made Natsuhiko extremely satisfied.
The remaining 15% would likely be completed in less than a week.
The Intermediate Sage Technique Seed would still require some time, but it was definitely something he could obtain in the near future.
This time, he had completed his mission, assisted the Third Division in escorting Root members back, and even ended up staying in the hospital for so long.
By all logic, he should be entitled to a decent vacation.
The only question was whether that vacation could last a full week.
"No matter what, before the next mission, I must finish cultivating these seeds. It'd be best if I could learn the Flying Thunder God Technique as well!"
His gaze shifted slightly toward the Hokage Rock in the distance—especially the statue of the Fourth Hokage.
The Flying Thunder God Technique.
The most critical point was almost within his grasp. How could he not feel excited?
Besides, Minato Namikaze had promised to personally teach him the Flying Thunder God Technique—even though at first Natsuhiko had only hoped to learn sealing techniques.
Of course, even now, he still preferred to learn more sealing techniques.
But if he could gain experience with the Flying Thunder God Technique and turn that experience into his own weapon, why would he refuse?
"Flying Thunder God Technique… I've waited a long time for this. Now it all depends on this moment."
Slowly withdrawing his gaze, Natsuhiko turned and headed toward home.
Having not returned for over half a month, he knew that once he got back, a detailed mission report would be unavoidable.
That elder would definitely not let him off easily.
But Natsuhiko wasn't too concerned.
There were many things he had concealed from the elder—and this time would be no different.
He held no ill will toward the Senju clan.
Nor toward the elder who had raised him.
It was simply that many of his decisions and ideas clashed somewhat with the traditional values of the Senju clan.