Amamiya Maki went to Konoha Hospital alone.
Tsunade had just finished a lengthy operation and was washing her hands at a sink.
"The Sword of the Thunder God? My second grandfather's keepsake?"
Tsunade turned off the tap and dried her fingers with a disinfectant towel, sounding somewhat surprised.
"You're getting bolder by the day, setting your sights on Grandpa Tobirama's keepsake."
"Each of the three Ninja Blades has its flaws. None feels right in my hands," Maki said calmly, laying out his reasoning.
"Not one suits my fighting style. I need a sword that's light, fast, and works perfectly with the Body Flicker Technique and Rasengan."
"The Sword of the Thunder God was left behind by Lord Tobirama. It conducts chakra and can pierce defenses. It's exactly what I need to cover all my weaknesses."
Tsunade tossed the used towel into a collection bin and turned to face him.
"Do you know why that sword has been kept sealed away all these years?"
"It's not that nobody can wield it. Before he died, my second grandfather inscribed multiple layers of sealing formulas on it. Without undoing them, it's just a hunk of scrap metal that can't conduct a trace of chakra."
"What makes you think you can undo them?"
"I'd like to try. If I can't find a solution, I'll return it immediately. I won't pester anyone."
Tsunade watched him silently for a long time before slowly nodding.
"This isn't something I can decide on my own."
"The Sword of the Thunder God is an S-rank sealed relic. Accessing or borrowing it requires the Anbu commander's handwritten signature, as well as formal approval from the Hokage's office."
"The current head of the Equipment Division is Hatake Sakumo. Have you heard of Konoha's White Fang?"
"I have. Lord Sakumo earned his