Just thinking about it made Tom's blood stir.
In the vast world of ninjas, Mu Dun was undoubtedly one of the most powerful and legendary abilities. And for someone like Tom—who wasn't the protagonist of this world, who didn't have the plot armor and destined aura of someone like Naruto—the only way to survive was through sheer strength.
After all, even Neji Hyuga, one of the most promising of the original Konoha 12, had died during the Fourth Great Ninja War. Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, had fallen before the war even began.
Jiraiya's death was more than just the result of a battle. It was like the will of the world had decided his fate—a subtle but terrifying indication of how dangerous this world could be, especially for those without "main character privilege."
So, Tom knew exactly what he needed to do: grow stronger. Always.
And what better way to gain power than through Mu Dun—an ability that, in the original story, was exclusive to Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, and those who obtained his cells?
After successful transplantation, the enhancement from Mu Dun was immediate and dramatic. Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Obito—two monsters of their time—each used Mu Dun to match, if not overpower, entire villages. Even someone like Danzo, who barely qualified for shadow-level status, became vastly stronger after acquiring a fragment of that power. Yamato, the most "normal" user of Mu Dun, still proved critical in the Fourth Ninja War because of it.
The terrifying strength displayed by Obito, who operated under the alias "Masked Man," showed just how high the potential of Mu Dun could be when paired with a powerful chakra system.
Tom also recalled that the test data from Orochimaru's early Mu Dun experiments were still stored within the Root organization's vault. Although these were classified as top-secret, it wasn't a concern for Tom. After all, he was a transmigrator—someone who had arrived in this world with memories and knowledge far beyond what should've been possible.
Deep beneath Konoha, hidden in the Root's underground base, a figure clad in black silently emerged from the shadows. Four Root shinobi immediately surrounded him.
"I want to see Lord Danzo. I have something important to discuss."
This mysterious figure was Tom. At this moment, he was wearing a large black robe and a silver oni mask. Faint layers of chakra surrounded him like mist, making it impossible for the ANBU to sense his exact strength.
Danzo appeared from the shadows slowly, his voice calm but edged with suspicion.
"Who are you, and why the mask? Do you have something shameful to hide?"
Tom let out a soft chuckle, the sound slicing through the air like a blade drawn across glass.
"Lord Danzo, it's not shame but caution. If you really want to see what's beneath the mask, I wouldn't mind showing you… but I doubt it will help your mood."
Danzo frowned. "The old man isn't interested in your games. If you've come to Root, then speak. I don't have time for nonsense."
That was Danzo—direct and dangerous. Had his methods been more righteous, he might have become one of the most respected leaders in Konoha's history. But he had chosen a different path—one that worked in the shadows.
Tom bowed slightly and pulled out a thick folder with the crest of the Uchiha Police Force stamped on the front. He passed it to one of the surrounding Root ninjas, who handed it to Danzo.
The moment Danzo flipped through the contents, his expression shifted slightly.
"Izanagi Research Report…"
As a senior figure in Konoha and one of the orchestrators behind the fall of the Uchiha clan, Danzo had long desired the ability to control life and death through Izanagi. This technique, developed by the Uchiha, allowed the user to rewrite reality for a brief time, restoring their body even after fatal injuries. However, each use cost the user one Sharingan eye permanently.
The origin of the Izanagi was said to come from the Sage of Six Paths himself. A divine technique, it required not just the Sharingan, but a deep understanding of both Yin and Yang chakra principles.
Danzo had once worked with Orochimaru to develop prosthetics embedded with multiple Sharingan eyes just to take advantage of this power. But the truth remained: without Uchiha blood, Danzo's use of the technique was crude and flawed.
Tom's report not only outlined the theoretical underpinnings of Izanagi but included experimental records from the Uchiha clan's hidden archives—an irresistible bait for someone like Danzo.
"So, kid," Danzo finally asked after a moment, "what do you want in return?"
Tom didn't hesitate.
"I'd like access to the research materials regarding the transplantation of the First Hokage's cells."
Danzo considered this for a moment, then nodded.
"A—bring me the research report on the First Hokage's cell transplantation."
Moments later, a thick file was handed over to Tom.
Rather than leaving, Tom sat down under Danzo's watchful eyes and began reading it on the spot, flipping page after page. Thirty minutes passed in silence as he memorized everything. Finally, he closed the folder and looked up.
"Thank you, Lord Danzo."
With that, his body vanished into a puff of smoke, leaving behind only the black robe and silver mask.
"A shadow clone? Interesting… you're a bold one, kid," Danzo muttered, staring at the discarded garments.
Back in a hidden corner of Konoha, Tom reflected deeply on what he had learned.
In the past, Konoha had poured massive resources into replicating Hashirama's unique ability, but the adult test subjects often failed. They simply couldn't bear the life force and chakra requirements of the First Hokage's cells, leading to systemic rejection.
Later, Orochimaru had decided to experiment on children—easier to mold, more adaptable. By sheer chance, Yamato had survived and successfully awakened Mu Dun.
It turned out the key wasn't just vitality, but compatibility. Only those with powerful life force and regenerative capabilities could sustain the cells' rapid growth. And chakra—plentiful, balanced chakra—was a must.
Tom had that.
Thanks to the traits he'd extracted with his system—enhanced vitality, genius-level chakra control, and regenerative healing—he was a perfect candidate for Mu Dun. He had long foreseen this path and prepared for it meticulously.
During a prior mission, he had secretly collected a sample of Yamato's cells. It was a calculated risk, but one that would now pay off. Yamato's cells were much more stable than Hashirama's, making them the ideal material for transplantation.
He examined the small, vial-like container he had safely hidden. It glowed faintly with living chakra—just enough for a single procedure.
Tom took a deep breath.
With this, he wouldn't just replicate Yamato's version of Mu Dun. He would evolve it—fuse it with his own unique chakra, his knowledge from a different world, and his ambitions. This wasn't about emulating the First Hokage.
It was about surpassing him.
And with that, Tom walked toward the hidden medical chamber he had prepared, where the Mu Dun transplant would begin.
He was ready.
The world wouldn't see him as just another Uchiha anymore.
They would know him… as the one who wielded the true power of the forest.