"These colored contacts work well."
Natsume glanced at the mirror and deactivated his Mangekyo Sharingan.
If the eyes were transplanted, they'd have to stay activated all the time.
Just like Kakashi Hatake, who constantly drained his chakra and ended up exhausted.
Of course, it's also possible he just rewarded himself too much after reading Icha Icha Paradise.
After spending 50 Fate Points to transfer the Mangekyo Sharingan's powers, Natsume gained a unique ability:
Ocular Power.
Within certain limits, it can grow automatically or be trained.
Overuse, though, leads to vision loss or even blindness.
Usually, you only need chakra unless you're using ocular jutsu or Susanoo.
"Kabuto, I'll leave the rest to you."
Natsume turned to see Kabuto Yakushi fiddling with medical equipment.
"Mm."
Kabuto didn't even look up, but his eyes shone with excitement.
Finally, a chance to practice for real! Not only could he use Hashirama cells, but also his own poisons.
These chances weren't common.
Uchiha Shisui was gravely injured, so Natsume let Kabuto test the Hashirama cells on him.
He still had plenty left.
And even if he ran out, he could always trade with Orochimaru.
After the beating Orochimaru just took, Natsume doubted he'd dare try anything.
If Shisui didn't survive, that was actually a release for him.
As a certain hero of justice would say: drown in your ideals.
Konoha wasn't a place for Shisui.
His ideals were too unrealistic.
But Natsume still hoped he'd live—to serve as his tool.
He trusted Kabuto's skills.
Even though Kabuto never followed Orochimaru, he'd studied with Tsunade long enough.
Natsume didn't waste any more time and headed home.
…
"Where's sensei?"
He glanced around, not seeing Tsunade.
"She went to the Hokage's office," Shizune replied, amazed. "I heard a mysterious powerhouse appeared in the Forest of Death this morning and threatened Konoha, but the Hokage arrived in time with reinforcements and drove him off."
"As expected of the strongest Hokage!"
Natsume gave a thumbs-up. "With the Hokage around, Konoha will always prosper."
Shizune scratched her head.
Natsume sounded sincere, but somehow it felt a bit sarcastic?
Probably just her imagination.
With Tsunade gone, Natsume could only train by himself.
He went upstairs.
On the top floor were some things left by Hashirama and Tobirama Senju.
No forbidden jutsu, of course—those had all been taken by Konoha.
What was left was mostly trivial.
But still worth referencing.
Tobirama, who understood the Uchiha even better than the Uchiha themselves, left behind quite a bit of research on the Sharingan.
If he hadn't, Natsume would've had to figure something else out.
Luckily, he found what he wanted: ways to improve ocular power.
For example, the simplest: using the Sharingan to track fast-moving objects.
Why are the Uchiha so good at throwing ninja tools? This is one reason.
They train for it.
Natsume summarized the notes in one line:
"There's nothing to it—just practice."
It's all about repetitive training to accumulate experience.
It felt similar to training spiritual energy.
After putting the research away, Natsume thought of the Hyuga clan.
They were also ocular power users—surely they had materials too.
He thought it was worth comparing.
Normal Uchiha would never get their hands on Byakugan training methods.
But Natsume had a cute little insider.
He made hand seals and connected to Slug's vision, frowning.
After all this time, he'd figured out Hinata Hyuga's daily routine.
Aside from eating, she just trained.
Very monotonous.
It was nearly dusk—training had just ended, and dinner was soon.
Hinata was in her room, but injured.
Normally, a Hyuga medical ninja would treat her.
But with Hinata's personality, she might just endure without saying anything.
Natsume sighed.
He used Reverse Summoning.
Hinata was startled by the sudden smoke, but quickly realized who it was and put her hands behind her back.
"Natsume-nii…"
Her personality hadn't changed—she bowed her head and greeted him softly.
Her hands hurt, but for some reason, she felt sweet inside.
"Show me your hands."
Natsume looked at her petite body, wondering how anyone could bear to hurt such a cute girl.
"Eh?"
Hinata looked up, confused.
"Your hands."
Natsume squatted down, took her right hand from behind her back, and saw it was covered in bruises.
Feeling the warmth of his touch, Hinata's pale cheeks immediately turned rosy.
Seeing Natsume's expression, she tried to pull her hand back in panic, but couldn't.
"Why not see a medical ninja?"
Natsume frowned slightly.
"I… I was afraid… Father would be disappointed."
Hinata looked like she might faint, but mentioning her father woke her up a bit.
So that was it.
Natsume checked her left hand—also covered in bruises.
Hiashi Hyuga's high expectations had dramatically increased her training.
Only her personality could endure it.
Anyone else would at least complain.
"I'll take you to a skilled medical ninja."
He didn't mean Tsunade, but Nonou Yakushi.
"Out… outside?"
Hinata's eyes widened, conflicted. "Father… forbids me to go out. If he finds out, he'll be angry."
"Then let's make sure he doesn't."
Natsume smiled, unconcerned.
"But…"
Hinata was a good kid by nature, and Hiashi's strictness made her afraid to break the rules.
"What? Don't trust me?"
Natsume tilted his head.
"No, no! I trust you!"
Hinata suddenly spoke fluently, then realized what she said—her heart pounded, her face like a dewy rose.
Natsume made hand seals.
Shadow Clone plus Transformation Jutsu.
A second Hinata appeared.
"She can cover for you. How about it?"
Natsume pointed at the clone, grinning. "Ninjutsu is amazing."
Hinata curiously eyed the clone identical to her, then quietly said, "Sorry to trouble you, Natsume-nii."
If Hiashi heard that, Natsume would be a dead man.
To so easily take away the Hyuga heiress!
Reverse Summoning works only on contract partners.
For Hinata to leave was tricky.
But now, with Mangekyo Sharingan, it wasn't a problem.
Still, his first use of Mangekyo was to help the Hyuga heiress run away from home.
If Uchiha ninja knew, they'd probably evolve their Sharingan out of sheer anger.