"That's the full account of the situation. That concludes my report."
Natsuhiko knelt in seiza before the elder, his voice calm and faintly gentle.
Things had unfolded just as he expected. After returning to the district where he lived, he hadn't even made it home before being summoned.
For an ANBU member, being away on a single mission for over half a month could only mean one thing—
The mission had been extremely important, and extremely difficult.
The elder of the Senju clan was named Senju Shoma. In his youth, he had studied under Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama.
There were even rumors that after Tobirama established the ANBU, Shoma had joined and served within it for a long time.
Natsuhiko didn't know whether those stories were true.
But true or not, he knew one thing for certain—this elder paid exceptionally close attention to ANBU affairs.
In addition, his hatred toward Hiruzen Sarutobi ran deep.
After being summoned, Natsuhiko obediently gave a "relatively detailed" account of the mission.
One could say that, aside from not mentioning that he personally killed Kusunoki, nor revealing the true identity of Sasori—
He told Shoma everything else.
That included Lizardmaru, the puppet of the Third Kazekage, and even the inspections he underwent after returning to the village.
His report caused Senju Shoma to furrow his brow.
At that moment, Shoma felt conflicted.
He was happy—excited, even—because the gains Natsuhiko had obtained during this series of events were almost unimaginable.
A summoning beast comparable to Kage-level strength—
One that could even fight on equal footing with the mysterious puppeteer controlling what appeared to be the Third Kazekage's puppet.
In the peak days of the Senju clan, such a gain might not have seemed extraordinary.
But could the current Senju clan be compared to its former glory?
The summoning beast Natsuhiko had obtained had greatly strengthened the clan.
How could Shoma not feel pleased and exhilarated?
However, upon returning, Natsuhiko had been investigated due to Kusunoki's death.
Even Shoma had no grounds to object to such an investigation.
Still, it displeased him greatly.
According to Natsuhiko, it had been that Yamanaka brat who personally conducted the inquiry.
In Shoma's eyes, Yamanaka Inoichi was just a brat.
But even so, he had to admit—
The fact that this "brat" had become head of the Yamanaka clan proved everything.
And the Yamanaka clan's secret techniques were terrifying.
That said, Shoma also understood certain realities. After all, he had once served in the ANBU himself.
If the rules hadn't changed, the issue wouldn't be too serious.
Moreover, Natsuhiko wasn't without protection in the ANBU.
Shoma had only ever asked him to report on completed missions, never on ongoing ones.
Strictly speaking, that was a violation—but not a serious one.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have foolishly sent Natsuhiko into the ANBU in the first place. That would have been walking into a trap.
And Shoma didn't believe Hiruzen Sarutobi was unaware of Natsuhiko's background.
Though Shoma could be muddle-headed at times, he remained clear-minded about certain matters.
He had never concealed his dislike for Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Moreover, the clan members who shared his ideals had long since been dispersed—something even Natsuhiko himself knew little about.
What Natsuhiko didn't know was that the investigation he had secretly worried about didn't amount to much in Shoma's eyes.
"I understand," Shoma finally said after a long moment of thought, nodding slowly. "Your performance this time was outstanding. I am proud of you."
"Thank you for your praise, Elder." Natsuhiko lowered his head slightly, his tone still warm. "Without the clan's nurturing, I would not be who I am today."
"I want the truth, Natsuhiko."
Unexpectedly, Shoma sighed softly and looked at him seriously.
"I've always known. You never truly wanted to join the ANBU, did you?"
"That was many years ago, Elder." Natsuhiko shook his head gently, as though the matter no longer concerned him. "And I've already adapted to life in the ANBU. Everything is fine now."
Senju Shoma did not respond immediately. He simply looked quietly at Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko, meanwhile, maintained his gentle smile, meeting the elder's gaze with an earnest expression.
When he had first entered the ANBU, Natsuhiko had indeed harbored considerable resentment. Even now, he still felt that the ANBU was no place for a normal human being.
Perhaps his view would change in the future.
But not now.
For Shoma to speak like this carried a certain meaning—it was, in a way, lowering his stance and also acknowledging Natsuhiko.
That realization made Natsuhiko sigh inwardly.
Strength truly was the greatest source of one's right to speak.
When you had strength, even the de facto leader of the Senju clan would change his attitude toward you.
Shoma might be old-fashioned, but he was no fool.
After the decline of the Senju clan, even some clan members no longer fully acknowledged his authority.
Yet at that very time, he had gathered a group of people once more, using them as a foundation in his attempts to revive the clan.
Although Natsuhiko had no idea where those people were, he still respected Shoma deeply.
After all, he had been raised by him since childhood.
"I hope it is as you say," Shoma finally sighed after a long pause. "From now on, if you need any materials, or if there are techniques you wish to learn, you may come to me—as long as you meet the requirements."
"Thank you, Elder." Natsuhiko's smile grew even brighter upon hearing this. "I will not disappoint your kindness."
"You may go." Shoma waved his hand. "You've just returned from the hospital, and I called you here immediately. You must be tired. Go rest."
"Yes, Elder." Natsuhiko nodded and rose to his feet.
He bowed respectfully to Shoma—he had always been meticulous about such etiquette.
Only after completing the gesture did he slowly turn to leave.
But just as Natsuhiko reached the doorway, Shoma spoke again.
"Natsuhiko, there is something I hope you will remember."
"Please speak, Elder." Though slightly puzzled, Natsuhiko remained patient.
"Always remember…" Shoma's tone became exceptionally serious and firm. "You are a member of the Senju clan."
"…."
Natsuhiko paused for a moment.
But in that instant, he understood Shoma's meaning.
Shoma was worried.
Worried that the person he had personally raised might harbor resentment because of decisions made years ago.
But clearly, Shoma was overthinking it.
Natsuhiko himself knew very well—
If he had not gone to the ANBU, even if he possessed his current strength, how could he have gained Lizardmaru?
Moreover, it was precisely because he joined the ANBU that he avoided the true meat grinder of war.
The Third Great Ninja War battlefield—
That was something Natsuhiko absolutely did not dare to involve himself in.
"Of course I know."
At that thought, Natsuhiko's expression grew serious as well.
"I am a member of the Senju clan. Forever."
...
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