Where There's Hikaru, There's Tsunade!

Senju Tobirama was ruthless towards other clans, including his own Senju Clan, as he continuously stripped power from the major clans. Although this was to consolidate the Hokage's position and authority, it also revealed what type of person Senju Tobirama was.

If he treated his own clan members like this, it was even more so for the Uchiha, whom he had always disliked.

The Uchiha's ambition to contend for the Hokage position was incredibly difficult.

Despite the Uchiha's continuous efforts, they remained very distant from the Hokage position.

"Hoo~~~~"

The Third Hokage took large gulps of smoke, his gaze fixed on the photographs on the table.

At this moment, Hikaru was unaware that his existence had caused the Third Hokage considerable distress and indecision, unsure whether to merge him with others or keep him separate.

His request for early graduation was rejected, so Hikaru could only calm himself and wait for the next opportune moment. Of course, his training would not cease, though training in certain aspects would gradually slow down, with a focus placed on taijutsu and ninjutsu.

Hikaru had already decided on the next time he would apply for early graduation: together with Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya. The three of them would graduate at the age of six, and the Third Hokage himself would personally take them in.

Hikaru didn't seek the same treatment as them; he only wished to find a suitable teacher. If the three of them graduated at the same time, it would align with the graduation of the cohort a year ahead of them, making team assignments much easier. Even if he wasn't assigned to a team and ended up as part of a rogue squad or a wanderer, Hikaru would have no complaints.

He didn't believe the Third Hokage would refuse his early graduation request again at that time.

Because the Third Hokage personally intervened, the Uchiha shifted their attention away from Hikaru and Tsunade. Unfortunately, Hikaru and Tsunade, the individuals involved, were unaware of this. They only felt that things had become much quieter recently.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, half a year passed. Hikaru, Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and others born around the same time turned six years old.

There was no difference from the original story; Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya had no intention of advancing to the higher classes and wanted to graduate early.

Children with average aptitude and little ability still needed to continue their studies at the Ninja Academy. It was impossible for these children to graduate in a short period; it was common for many children to stay at the Ninja Academy until they were twelve or thirteen before graduating.

Children from noble families, especially those from the major clans, usually graduated earlier.

"Hikaru, are you planning to advance to the higher classes?"

In the training ground, Tsunade and Jiraiya sat on the grass, watching Hikaru practice side kicks repeatedly and endlessly. A deep mark was left on the massive tree stump, clearly Hikaru's doing. Training equipment like this needed to be replaced every few days.

What Hikaru hadn't expected was that he hadn't discovered many of the effects of the God-tier Evolution Potion, such as its regenerative properties. Hikaru's recovery ability was incredibly strong; even if he was covered in wounds during training, he would be full of vigor the next day after a night's sleep.

This indirectly saved Hikaru a lot of trouble, as he no longer needed to rush to the hospital and worry about his small wallet.

Gradually, Tsunade and Jiraiya began to gravitate towards Hikaru, and the relationship between the three of them deepened, becoming inseparable friends, especially between Tsunade and Hikaru.

Now, a saying circulated throughout Konoha: wherever Hikaru appeared, Tsunade was sure to be there.

For some reason, Tsunade liked to follow Hikaru around. She felt very comfortable with him. Unlike with Jiraiya, she wouldn't be angered to the point of exploding within minutes, and when with Orochimaru, she couldn't even utter a few words in half a day, which could be incredibly boring.

Coupled with the culinary exploits, their relationship progressed by leaps and bounds. Of course, it was mostly Tsunade who actively approached Hikaru, rather than Hikaru deliberately following Tsunade.

As for Jiraiya, his reason for following Hikaru around was simpler: he could often get free meals, and he wasn't bored or beaten up when he was with Hikaru. Over time, Jiraiya had almost become Hikaru's shadow.

Only the relationship between Orochimaru and Hikaru remained as distant as ever. They would nod when they met as a form of greeting, and they wouldn't say an extra word if there was nothing to discuss.

Hearing Tsunade's question, Hikaru stopped his raised foot in mid-air, maintaining a one-legged stance.