There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch!

In the office, Kagami Uchiha and Soto Uzumaki sat across from each other in a cordial atmosphere.

Looking at the young Kagami Uchiha, Soto Uzumaki said with feeling, "Lord Hokage, you've taken on such a heavy responsibility at your age. Even in the Land of Whirlpools, I've heard about the changes in Konoha these past few years. You've accomplished a great deal for someone so young."

"Hahaha, you flatter me, Elder Soto. I'm only building on the work of those who came before me."

"Without the foundation laid by the Former Hokage, it wouldn't have been easy for me to achieve anything." Kagami Uchiha waved a hand, his tone modest.

At the mention of the Former Hokage, Soto Uzumaki could not help sighing.

"Ah, two generations of Hokage from the Senju Clan devoted their lives to Konoha, even giving their lives for it. When we first met, they were as full of promise as you are today, Lord Hokage. You never know what fate has in store..."

Kagami Uchiha's expression darkened, but he soon rallied and said firmly,

"Yes, the Senju Clan has given a great deal to Konoha. Now it's the Uchiha Clan's turn as fellow founders of the village. I won't let Konoha decline under my watch."

After chatting about their families for a while, the two finally turned to business.

Soto Uzumaki grew solemn and spoke in a measured tone.

"Lord Hokage, we deeply appreciate your sending someone to warn us of the dangers the Land of Whirlpools may face."

"After discussing it among ourselves, we agreed that your concerns were justified. Many ambitious people do covet our Sealing Techniques."

"When Lord Hashirama and Lord Tobirama were alive, people from other countries tried to obtain those secret techniques. We refused them. Perhaps they feared Konoha, because none