Tamura Hao said calmly, "You could say I'm an extension of Tobirama's legacy. Back then, he conducted extensive research, including cellular cloning, to reproduce Hashirama's Wood Release and to create a new generation strong enough to secure the Senju clan's place in Konoha."
"He died in battle during a mission in the Land of Lightning before that work could be completed. I'm the remnant of one of those unfinished experiments."
This was a cover Hao had prepared in advance. When he learned Konoha had begun formal talks with the Uzumaki clan, he realized Uzumaki Kushina would soon be taken to the Leaf.
He had to act before that happened—either prevent the future mother of the protagonist from being taken, or change her destiny entirely.
If Naruto's birth couldn't be prevented, then the surrounding conditions could be altered—shifting his origin point would inevitably affect the "power of destiny" that surrounded him.
Uzumaki Masahiko was stunned into silence. It took several seconds before he responded.
"Did Tobirama's research really go that far into taboo territory?"
He knew the Second Hokage had always been drawn to the dangerous and forbidden, but this was beyond what he'd imagined.
"How is my little sister doing these days?"
The mention of Mito brought a complicated look to Masahiko's face.
"She lives comfortably in terms of status and wealth, but emotionally… not so much. Especially since Tsunade has inherited Hashirama's love of gambling—and his bad luck. She loses every time. Grandma Mito's been worried sick. Tsunade's reputation is in tatters, and there's no hope for her to marry well."
Tamura Hao sighed and played his part well, careful not to slip. This elder of the Uzumaki clan was no fool.
"Tsunade still hasn't given up gambling?"
Masahiko laughed. That sounded exactly like the Tsunade he remembered—hot-headed, impulsive, and cursed with terrible luck.
He didn't question the young man's off-hand way of referring to everyone. Given his background, it made sense.
"I made a batch of sakura mochi. My sister used to love them when we were kids. Take them back to her."
He still harbored doubts. According to his scouts, this team had immediately visited the Great Elder—the one most hostile to Konoha, and the Senju clan in particular.
Plus, none of the chakras from the men outside carried the Senju's signature vitality.
Tamura Hao understood this was a test. With his ability to perceive emotional intent, he could tell Masahiko wasn't convinced yet.
"Mito-sama likes sakura mochi? I've never seen her eat it," Hao said, frowning slightly, throwing a bit of doubt back.
"She liked it as a child. Her taste probably changed after marriage."
Masahiko replied lightly but inwardly was beginning to believe Hao's story. He must be close to Mito to know such childhood details.
Still, the more Masahiko warmed to him, the more Tamura Hao grumbled in his heart. The elder's caution was predictable—a classic test scene right out of every old drama.
"My sister didn't send you, did she?"
Masahiko cut to the point. The visitors' immediate audience with the Great Elder suggested serious intentions.
Tamura Hao nodded faintly, putting on a helpless face. "There are many views within the clan. Grandma Mito advocates peace and compromise—but that just encourages Hiruzen Sarutobi and his clique to keep testing how far they can push us.
Our faction sees through their ambition. The coming war threatens not just the Uzumaki, but us Senju as well.
That's why I came—on behalf of the remaining Senju—to formally invite the Uzumaki clan to return to Konoha. Let us live together, plan for the future, and protect each other."
He paused for effect before continuing.
"The most critical point is the Nine-Tails. Power determines everything—especially in times like these. With Hashirama and Tobirama gone, the Senju have declined, politically marginalized by Hiruzen and the council. Even Grandma Mito can barely contain the Nine-Tails now. It's dangerous to leave it unchecked…"
He had pieced this story together from Dodai's intel and his own knowledge of Naruto's plot. It sounded plausible—and persuasive.
Masahiko's expression grew increasingly serious. This was more complex than he thought.
"Our elite forces were lured to the border with Iwagakure. The alliance of the Four Great Villages was no coincidence. The Uzumaki can't stand alone anymore. We must unite."
At last, Hao laid bare his intent—to draw the Uzumaki into his scheme and steal away the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
Masahiko was no fool. He didn't like being pressured.
"You underestimate Uzushio. We are not so weak. This is our home—we will defend it."
His tone was firm. The Uzumaki would not be cowed.
"Confidence is good. I'll be watching. But I'm taking the Jinchūriki today. I can't let her fall into Hiruzen's hands."
Tamura Hao's voice was calm, but resolute.
"…Fine."
After a long silence, Masahiko nodded. The agreement had already been settled, even mentioned in Mito's letter.
With the formalities over, Masahiko looked over the youth once more.
"What traits did you inherit from Tobirama?"
He was skeptical. The boy's chakra was faint—far from what he expected of Tobirama's legacy.
"IQ, maybe?"
Tamura Hao replied with a wry smile, then retrieved a blade from a seal inside his armor. Injecting chakra, a faint lightning edge formed.
"I have a lot of issues. Chief among them: my chakra reserves are terrible. Grandma Mito said you might be able to help."
He didn't know all the secrets of the Uzumaki clan, but with their sealing arts and bloodline vitality, surely something could boost chakra.
He also used the Thunder God Sword as a trust token, knowing it would convince Masahiko further.
Masahiko's eyes widened as he saw the weapon. That was unmistakably the Second Hokage's blade.
"Your chakra output is tragically low."
He stared at the pitiful arc of lightning, baffled this weakling was somehow tied to Tobirama.
Definitely an immature creation.
"My sister must've sent you here for the Yang Seal my father developed. But it's not free."
He leaned back, reminiscing.
"Hashirama once asked my father to simplify Mito's Yin Seal, so it could be taught to regular ninja—to boost their stamina and chakra control in battle. But Hashirama died too early, and Tobirama soon after. The project was abandoned when Sarutobi became Hokage."
Still, his father had succeeded in simplifying the seal before his death, creating a version known as the Yang Seal.
It lacked the power and sophistication of the full Yin Seal, but it was much easier to learn—no need for Yin-Yang affinity. Just precise chakra control.
It might be just what Tamura Hao needed.