Natsuhiko had guessed correctly.
Revealing his identity had, to some extent, earned him a measure of acknowledgment from Namikaze Minato.
However, Natsuhiko was fully aware that this acknowledgment was minimal.
He also understood clearly that his actions might, in certain respects, provoke Minato's displeasure—or even be interpreted as harboring ulterior motives.
If Minato thought that way, Natsuhiko wouldn't find it strange at all.
After all, if the situation were reversed—if someone like Natsuhiko approached him, subtly passing ambiguous messages through Kakashi—
While leaving many things unclear, hiding his true identity, and harboring resentment toward the Third Hokage's faction—
He himself would be wary.
So how could Minato not be?
Minato wasn't foolish.
He was kind, and he bore goodwill toward the people of the village.
But he had fought on the battlefield for many years, facing crisis after crisis. If he were even a little naïve, he would have long since perished in war.
Therefore, what Natsuhiko needed to do now was carefully control the tone of his interactions with Minato, ensuring that things did not develop in a negative direction.
He still had his eyes on sealing techniques—and the Flying Thunder God Technique.
If their relationship soured because of this, he would lose far too much.
"I imagine Hokage-sama must have many questions right now."
Natsuhiko's voice remained as gentle as ever.
He slowly removed his mask, revealing his face.
Taking off the mask in front of Minato was itself a gesture of sincerity.
"Yes. I do have many questions."
Minato nodded seriously.
"Natsuhiko-kun, I'm curious. The things you asked Kakashi to relay to me—what exactly were you thinking?"
"To be honest, I didn't think too deeply about it. In fact, if possible, I wouldn't dare—nor would I wish—to meet the Fourth Hokage personally."
Natsuhiko let out a faint sigh, appearing somewhat helpless. His answer caused a subtle shift in Minato's expression.
"In truth, Hokage-sama should be able to sense that your orders don't truly get transmitted, isn't that so?
"Leaving aside other departments—just within the ANBU alone, many of the orders we receive come from the Third Hokage, not from the Fourth.
"So, Fourth Hokage-sama—if it weren't truly necessary, I wouldn't have dared to come see you."
Natsuhiko spoke with sincerity. The trace of helplessness in his tone was unmistakable.
Minato's expression grew complicated.
He was naturally aware of these matters.
But hearing them spoken from the perspective of an ANBU member struck him much harder.
The ANBU was one of the Hokage's core sources of power—this was true in any village.
And yet, as Hokage, his control over the ANBU was nearly nonexistent.
How could that not weigh on him?
And it wasn't just the ANBU.
His authority over the Administrative Department was also limited.
The department head, Nara Shikaku, treated him with respect.
Shikaku would follow his directives, prepare analytical reports, draft documents and policies, and submit them for approval.
But during the process, he would also notify the Third Hokage—or even Shimura Danzō and others.
To put it plainly—
Minato held the title of Hokage.
But he did not hold the Hokage's actual power.
"Then, Natsuhiko-kun—why did you choose to do this?"
Taking a deep breath, Minato's expression turned serious. His voice even carried a hint of chill.
"You know my current situation. By coming to see me and telling me all this—are you trying to push me into openly opposing the Third Hokage? Or perhaps—"
"No, no, no, Fourth Hokage-sama, you misunderstand."
Natsuhiko immediately interrupted him.
He absolutely could not afford to take the blame for something like that.
Even though he indeed had certain intentions, he would absolutely never admit them.
"Fourth Hokage-sama, if you were to openly fall out with the Third Hokage—leaving aside whether you could win or not—
Just the mere occurrence of such a conflict would have consequences for Konoha that are impossible to predict!"
Since he had no intention of admitting anything, he chose to reason it out calmly. Natsuhiko's expression did not change in the slightest; he maintained his gentle smile.
"The war has just ended, and Konoha is still very weak. If something like that were to happen now, the outcome would be disastrous.
"Although I must admit something—being a member of the Senju clan, I do hope the Third Hokage would completely lose power.
"But as a member of Konoha—and especially as an ANBU—I know even better what the correct choice should be."
After saying this, Natsuhiko fell silent.
However, his sensory perception remained locked onto Minato.
Though Minato's face was expressionless, Natsuhiko clearly sensed that he had just let out a quiet breath of relief.
That told him he had passed the first hurdle.
Once the most troublesome first stage—establishing trust—was cleared, the rest would be much easier.
"Then why did you come to see me, Natsuhiko-kun?"
Minato remained silent for quite a while before sighing softly.
"I don't believe it was for sealing techniques. Nor do I believe it was merely for Kakashi. Speak plainly. Perhaps then we can continue this conversation."
"You're right. Taking such a risk to meet the Hokage must have a significant reason."
Natsuhiko nodded with a faint smile.
"Actually, I believe Hokage-sama has already guessed my first reason."
"Guessed?" Minato frowned slightly. Then he said seriously, "The Flying Thunder God Technique?"
"Yes."
Natsuhiko lowered his gaze to the scroll on the ground and spoke calmly.
"My first objective is to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique."
Minato nodded.
He had indeed guessed that Natsuhiko wanted to learn it. The fact that Natsuhiko could activate the Flying Thunder God mark already revealed a great deal.
And as a member of the Senju clan, understanding—and wanting to learn—this technique was hardly strange.
"I see," Minato nodded again. "And besides that?"
"Besides that… I hope the Fourth Hokage-sama will win."
Natsuhiko spoke very calmly, his tone still impossibly gentle.
"As a member of the Senju clan, I believe Hokage-sama understands our thoughts."
You hope I can win?
Minato looked at Natsuhiko steadily.
He had indeed thought of many possibilities.
What Natsuhiko represented now was likely not just himself—but the Senju clan.
Hoping he would win… meant hoping he would defeat the Third Hokage and reclaim the authority that rightfully belonged to the Hokage.
So that the Senju clan could once again stand upon Konoha's political stage?
Minato stared into Natsuhiko's eyes, trying to discern something deeper.
But unfortunately, Natsuhiko remained gentle and calm, as if no other emotion existed.
"How do you hope I win?" Minato finally asked after a long silence.
"Without turning hostile. Without causing any harm to Konoha. To become the true Hokage."
Natsuhiko answered immediately with the most standard response possible.
"Is that so?" Minato asked in a low voice. "Is that the Senju clan's position?"
"No. That is my personal view."
Natsuhiko shook his head.
"I have not reported this back. There are some within the Senju clan…"
He stopped there.
Minato nodded lightly. Extremists existed everywhere; that was nothing unusual.
What puzzled him was whether Natsuhiko could truly represent the Senju clan.
After a long moment, Minato let out a bitter smile inwardly.
Whether he could represent them or not—what difference did it make?
Given Minato's current situation, what power did he really have?
Lifting his head, Minato fixed his gaze on Natsuhiko.
At last, he made a decision.
"I understand, Natsuhiko-kun. From now on, I hope to receive more information from you—about the ANBU and about internal matters in Konoha that I cannot access, but you can."
"No problem, Hokage-sama."
"Additionally, I will personally teach you the Flying Thunder God Technique. I hope you will master it."
"Yes, Hokage-sama… Eh?"
Personally teach?
Wait, shouldn't I be learning basic sealing technique from Kushina first?!