When Tsunade returned home, Uchiha Hikaru, Uchiha Mikoto, Nawaki, Uzumaki Kushina, Namikaze Minato, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and others were already waiting there.
Namikaze Minato, as Jiraiya's disciple, was also brought here today, a rare occasion.
In the past six months, Namikaze Minato's strength had improved at a visible rate. Jiraiya was indeed talented at laying foundations for others, and Namikaze Minato was truly outstanding. Under Jiraiya's tutelage, Namikaze Minato's current strength was already among the best in his grade.
Although he was still far from Uchiha Hikaru, and even significantly behind Uzumaki Kushina, he had still caught up with, and even surpassed, those clan disciples.
Furthermore, everyone was optimistic that Namikaze Minato would meet the graduation standard in his second year. As for whether he would apply for early graduation, that would depend on Namikaze Minato and Jiraiya's own wishes.
As for applying for early graduation with Uchiha Hikaru and the others, that was impossible. The current Namikaze Minato had not reached the level for early graduation, and Sarutobi Hiruzen would not allow him to do so.
Namikaze Minato was momentarily surprised by Uchiha Hikaru's application for early graduation, but quickly came to terms with it. He knew there was a significant gap between himself and Uchiha Hikaru, but he would catch up!
"Brat, this sword is yours." Tsunade greeted the others and then tossed the Sword of the Thunder God to Uchiha Hikaru.
"Is this the Second Hokage's Sword of the Thunder God?" Jiraiya exclaimed in surprise upon seeing the sword.
He had coveted this sword before and had even asked the old man for it, but the old man was stingy and unwilling to give it to him.
"Yes, it is indeed the Sword of the Thunder God." Tsunade said proudly, her arms crossed. "Oh, by the way, officially, this Sword of the Thunder God was exchanged for Chidori. Remember to prepare a scroll of the Chidori jutsu and give it to the old man."
"Yes, I understand." As expected, Uchiha Hikaru showed no aversion to giving up Chidori. Instead, he played with the Sword of the Thunder God with adoration, injecting chakra into it. Instantly, lightning burst forth from the blade.
"It's this sword!" Uzumaki Mito instantly recognized the Sword of the Thunder God, saying with a dazed expression, "I remember Tobirama forged this sword to solve his problem of not being proficient in Lightning Release."
"Lord Second isn't proficient in Lightning Release?" Orochimaru looked at Uzumaki Mito with curiosity. His idol wasn't the strongest First Hokage, nor his teacher Sarutobi Hiruzen, but Senju Tobirama.
He just never expected that Senju Tobirama was not proficient in Lightning Release.
"Later, Tobirama did develop Lightning Release, but in the early days, Tobirama was indeed not very proficient in Lightning Release. Moreover, this Sword of the Thunder God was forged with many special materials, making it incredibly sharp.
Apart from a few rare weapons in this world, this Sword of the Thunder God is indeed one of the best." Uzumaki Mito reminisced while looking at the Sword of the Thunder God. "Hikaru, try injecting Lightning Release chakra into it."
"Yes!" As Uchiha Hikaru injected Lightning Release chakra into it, the lightning on the Sword of the Thunder God intensified by at least twofold.
"Lightning Release can enhance the power of the Sword of the Thunder God, even allowing it to easily block some ninjutsu." Uzumaki Mito also explained upon seeing this. "However, ultimately, the Sword of the Thunder God is just an external object. Don't rely on it too much in the future; your own strength is the key."
"I understand, Mito-baasan!" Uchiha Hikaru said, then formed the hand sign for Chidori with one hand. In an instant, Chidori chirped, and the lightning of Chidori enveloped the Sword of the Thunder God, further enhancing the lightning, making everyone turn their heads.
It was clear without a doubt that the Sword of the Thunder God was even more compatible with Uchiha Hikaru than they had imagined.
Uchiha Hikaru also showed a satisfied expression. He hadn't yet developed Chidori Stream, but with the Sword of the Thunder God, Chidori Stream was effectively completed in an indirect way.
With this, Uchiha Hikaru now had the qualifications to challenge Special Jonin. Even against some veteran Jonin, Uchiha Hikaru was not afraid in the slightest.
As of now, Uchiha Hikaru had initially grown, but it wasn't time for Uchiha Hikaru to get carried away. Not only did strong individuals from other villages know about his situation and want to eliminate him as a hidden danger, but the hidden Uchiha Madara was also a problem Uchiha Hikaru had to face.
Before Uchiha Madara's death, Uchiha Hikaru still needed to remain more low-key.
At the very least, he couldn't display strength beyond Uchiha Madara's control.
"It seems the Sword of the Thunder God suits you very well. Don't let this sword down!" Tsunade looked at Uchiha Hikaru like this, filled with relief. If her great-uncle had seen this scene, he would probably be smiling in the afterlife, wouldn't he?
"I will, Tsunade-sensei!" Uchiha Hikaru knew that the Sword of the Thunder God wasn't omnipotent or invincible; at least Naruto and Sasuke had shattered the Sword of the Thunder God.
If they could damage the Sword of the Thunder God, let alone other strong individuals, so he still needed to improve his own strength.
"By the way, Orochimaru, how's your squad doing?" Tsunade then turned to Orochimaru and asked, "I heard from Sarutobi-sensei that Hyuga Hizashi will apparently be joining your squad."
"Hmm!" Orochimaru nodded calmly. Hyuga Hizashi, Nawaki, Uchiha Mikoto—this squad lineup was already quite good.
It was perfect for him to conduct his research. Senju and Uchiha, he was probably the first person to lead a lineup like this.
Moreover, the Hyuga clan wasn't bad either; they were a prestigious family that had existed for thousands of years, possessing one of the Three Great Dojutsu.
The Byakugan's strategic significance was immense, and coupled with Uchiha Mikoto's meticulousness, it could perfectly compensate for Nawaki's impulsiveness.
"You two get to lead students, unlike me." Jiraiya scratched his hair in annoyance. "This brat Minato clearly can't graduate early this year, and finding teammates who can match him is incredibly difficult."
Namikaze Minato gave an awkward laugh, feeling like he was holding Jiraiya-sensei back. He was truly sorry.
"Isn't that your own problem? This brat Namikaze Minato could just barely graduate early if he really wanted to. You could just keep him with you then. Don't think we don't know your little schemes." Tsunade said disdainfully, her arms crossed.
Jiraiya wanted to form a class entirely of civilian ninja. Tsunade wouldn't stop him, as many civilian ninja still carried the Senju bloodline.
This was also what her great-grandfather and great-uncle wanted to see, but civilian ninja were inherently lacking in some aspects.
Jiraiya had even raised the requirements to Namikaze Minato's level; it would be strange if he could find anyone.