Hikaru did have plans to make contact with the Uchiha clan—but for now, he lacked both a proper opportunity and a suitable point of entry.
As an ANBU operative, very little of his time truly belonged to him. He neither had the leisure nor the means to investigate the Uchiha's internal situation in any real depth. He understood the general outline, of course, but had no idea who aligned with whom inside the clan.
Uchiha Fugaku's indecisive, soft-handed nature was something Hikaru deeply disliked. Even if he were to approach the Uchiha leadership, Fugaku would never be his first choice.
To be honest, if Hikaru had reincarnated as an Uchiha, he might have chosen to stand behind Fugaku without hesitation. Fugaku's weakness made him controllable—so long as Hikaru's methods were sharp enough and he could present tangible change, covertly steering the entire clan wouldn't be impossible.
But approaching things as an outsider—especially as someone from the Senju, the Uchiha's historical nemesis—was a different matter entirely. That was a path best avoided.
If anything, Hikaru would rather deal with more rational figures within the Uchiha. The problem was, he didn't know who those people were.
Beyond that, his contact with Uchiha peers had always been limited. Most of the ones he knew either fell into two categories:
One—hopelessly self-important, borderline unhinged types whose names he could barely remember and had never bothered engaging with.
Two—those already dead on the battlefield, like Uchiha Obito.
Among his classmates, the one he'd gotten along with best—and whose personality he genuinely liked—was his former desk-mate, Uchiha Saya.
Unfortunately, Hikaru knew nothing about her family background. Judging by things like Obito's attitude back then, her status was probably unremarkable. If her background had been strong, Obito would have shown her at least a little respect.
She also didn't seem particularly close to other Uchiha students from different classes.
Which meant the most likely conclusion was simple—she was just an ordinary Uchiha.
Fortunately, Hikaru thought to himself, I'm in no rush to approach them anyway.
And with his current status, it was impossible for him to attract serious attention from the Uchiha clan regardless. It would be far better to wait until he possessed more leverage.
After all, since he had no intention of publicly revealing his Senju identity, even as an ANBU squad captain, his influence as a "civilian ninja" was still far too limited.
But if he became a division captain, everything would change.
An ordinary captain wasn't worth much—but an ANBU division captain was a completely different matter.
That was Hikaru's best path forward. The cleanest way to leap across an entire tier of status.
Of course, even after taking that position, he couldn't act too blatantly. Hikaru understood his limits very clearly—what he could do openly, what needed subtlety, and what was absolutely forbidden.
Besides… the one who was truly pressed for time wasn't him.
It was the Uchiha clan.
Hikaru had choices. He could hedge his bets. The Uchiha could not.
"It's just a pity," Hikaru thought, shaking his head lightly, "that in the end, the Fourth Hokage will fall, and the Uchiha won't last many more years either. Those classmates of mine…"
He let the thought trail off.
Whatever the Uchiha's future held, it ultimately wasn't his problem—not yet. Even if he desperately wanted their support and power, there were still too many unresolved matters in front of him.
Until his own position was firmly secured, he wouldn't spare much attention for the Uchiha's fate.
After Kakashi and the others finished visiting him, Hikaru stayed in the hospital a few more days before finally being cleared for discharge.
Only then did he realize he'd been stuck there for nearly a full week.
Another few days, and he felt like he'd actually start growing mold.
If Konoha had kept him confined any longer, he might have seriously considered sneaking out just to stretch his legs.
Hikaru had absolute confidence in his mastery of his abilities—but he also knew exactly what he lacked.
Combat experience.
More specifically, the experience to optimize his fighting—to use the right techniques, in the right way, at the lowest possible cost for the greatest possible effect.
That was what he truly needed.
He stretched hard, lifting his face toward the sunlight. The warmth felt indescribably pleasant.
At the same time, he summoned his status panel.
The moment he saw the updated information, the smile on his face widened.
"Looks like this time wasn't all bad news."
Name: Senju Hikaru
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: Konoha Calendar, Year 34, March 24
Rank: Jōnin (officially Chūnin)
Bloodline Development: Beginner (Senju Secret Arts)
Seeds:
Jōnin-level Chakra Capacity Seed (60% mature)
Intermediate Sage Arts Seed (90% mature)
Advanced Earth Release Seed (71% mature)
Advanced Water Release Seed (71% mature)
Beginner Sealing Arts Seed (85% mature)
Fruits: None
Mission: Become the true ultimate boss of the ninja world (Unique)
Eighty-five percent.
The Beginner Sealing Arts Seed being at eighty-five percent maturity made Hikaru extremely satisfied.
The remaining fifteen percent would likely take less than a week.
The Intermediate Sage Arts Seed would need a bit more time, but it was clearly approaching harvest as well.
This mission, assisting the Third Division and escorting Root personnel, plus his extended hospital stay—by all rights, he should be granted a proper leave.
Whether that leave would last a full week, though, remained to be seen.
"No matter what," Hikaru thought, "before my next mission, I must finish harvesting my seeds. Ideally, I'll master the Flying Thunder God Technique."
His gaze drifted toward the Hokage Monument in the distance—especially the Fourth Hokage's stone face.
Flying Thunder God.
The final key obstacle was almost within reach. How could he not be excited?
Besides, Minato Namikaze had already promised to personally guide him. Even though Hikaru's original goal had only been sealing techniques, learning Flying Thunder God—and adapting it into his own weapon—was an opportunity he'd never refuse.
"Flying Thunder God…" Hikaru murmured, smiling faintly. "I've waited a long time for this."
He lowered his gaze and turned toward home.
After being gone for more than half a month, a detailed report was inevitable. That elder would never let him off easily.
But Hikaru didn't mind.
There were many things he would continue to keep hidden.
He bore no ill will toward the Senju clan, nor toward the elder who raised him—but his personal choices and worldview were never going to fully align with traditional Senju ideals.
And that… was simply how it had to be.
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