There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch!

Inside the office, Kagami Uchiha and Soto Uzumaki sat facing each other, the atmosphere quite harmonious.

Looking at the young Kagami Uchiha, Soto Uzumaki sighed, "The Lord Hokage so young yet shoulders such a heavy responsibility. I've heard about the changes in Konoha these past few years in the Land of Whirlpools. He's truly young and promising."

"Haha, you flatter me, Elder Zonghu. I am merely standing on the shoulders of giants to forge ahead."

"If it weren't for the foundation laid by the Former Hokage, I think it wouldn't have been easy for me to achieve anything," Kagami Uchiha said humbly, waving his hand.

Upon hearing Kagami Uchiha mention the Former Hokage, Soto Uzumaki couldn't help but sigh:

"Alas, both Hokage of the Senju dedicated their lives and even their lives to Konoha. When we first met, they were just like you, Lord Hokage, full of youthful vigor. How unpredictable life is..."

Upon hearing this, Kagami Uchiha's face initially darkened, but then his expression brightened, and he said firmly:

"Yes, the Senju has indeed sacrificed a lot for Konoha, so now it's the Uchiha Clan's turn, who are also founding members of the village. I will definitely not let Konoha decline in my hands."

After chatting about everyday matters for a while, the two finally got down to business.

Soto Uzumaki spoke solemnly and in a steady tone:

"Lord Hokage, we are deeply grateful for your kindness in sending someone to remind us of the potential dangers facing the Land of Whirlpools."

"Indeed, after discussing it internally, we all agree that your concerns are valid; the Sealing Technique is indeed coveted by many ambitious individuals."

"Back when Lord Hashirama and Lord Tobirama were alive, people from other countries did indeed want these secret techniques, but we refused them at the time. Perhaps it was because they were afraid of Konoha, because those people never came to ask for them again."

He paused here, then continued:

"However, things are different now. Just two years ago, people from Kirigakure came and demanded Sealing Jutsu from us again. This time, their attitude was very firm, but we still refused them."

"Perhaps because Konoha defeated Iwagakure in the Land of Grass, no one from Kirigakure has come recently, so everyone in the Land of Whirlpools is very grateful to you, Hokage."

"That Proclamation Against Iwagakure really got my blood pumping. If I weren't so old, I would have come to Konoha long ago to fight Iwagakure together."

"Hahaha, Elder Muneto is truly vigorous despite his age, not inferior to any young man. However, Kirigakure dared to come here and forcibly demand the Sealing Jutsu; I think they don't take Konoha seriously." Kagami Uchiha smiled faintly, then said in a cold tone:

"If they dare to come again, you should ask the Fourth Corps of Konoha stationed in the east for help. I have already given the order that if Kirigakure dares to cross the line, their claws will be chopped off."

Hearing this, Soto Uzumaki felt a warmth in his heart, and his tone was firm and powerful. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. The Land of Whirlpools will never forget the friendship of Konoha. Whenever Konoha is in trouble, the entire Uzumaki Clan will go through fire and water for you!"

"Of course, Konoha and Land of Whirlpools have been blood allies for generations. Even if the Hokage isn't a member of the Senju Clan, he won't forget this agreement!" Kagami Uchiha said with satisfaction.

He then changed the subject, asking, "By the way, what are the plans of the Land of Whirlpools for the exchange program between the younger generation of the two countries?"

Soto Uzumaki was silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "It's like this, Lord Hokage. Regarding the exchange between the two countries, the clan's intention is to let the younger generation decide for themselves. So this time, I specially brought some juniors along so they could see Konoha with their own eyes and experience the profound heritage of the Five Great Nations."

"Very good, Elder Zonghu. If these young people like Konoha, they can stay in Konoha for a period of time. Konoha will make special arrangements for them, and all expenses will be sponsored by Konoha."

"I have designated a large territory for the Uzumaki Clan within the village."

"This, Lord Hokage, isn't dividing up territory a bit too much? After all, they're only residing here temporarily..." Soto Uzumaki looked troubled.

"Oh... that's too formal. We're all family, no need to be so formal," Kagami Uchiha waved his hand dismissively.

Upon hearing this, Soto Uzumaki pondered to himself.

What is this Uchiha Clan kid up to? He's being so attentive; even back when the Senju was in charge, the Uzumaki Clan didn't receive this kind of treatment...

He remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he remained wary.

Konoha's goodwill is certainly valuable, but there's no such thing as a free lunch. The other party's generosity is probably not just for the sake of friendly relations between the two clans.

Kagami Uchiha looked up at the old man opposite him, his gaze open and honest, without the slightest hesitation.

They act like everyone's on their side and they're the good guy.

Soto Uzumaki picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then calmly said, "Then thank you very much, Lord Hokage, for your care of my clan's juniors."

"Elder Muneto, you're too kind. It's getting late. I think Lady Mito's clansmen back home have been waiting for a long time. Why don't you go and visit her first?" Kagami Uchiha with a smile and a gentle tone.

Soto Uzumaki's heart stirred. Realizing it was inappropriate to continue the conversation now, he rose and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect. "Very well, then I shall take my leave. I will return another day to discuss the remaining matters with Lord Hokage."

"Take care." Kagami Uchiha nodded slightly.

Outside the gates of the Senju Clan's residence.

On the stone path outside the courtyard, Mito Uzumaki stood quietly, dressed in an elegant kimono, a few strands of silver hair already adorning her temples, her gaze gazing into the distance at the end of the street. In her hand, she held the young Nawaki.

Nawaki's little hand was held firmly by Mito's, and she looked around curiously, quietly keeping the old man company as he waited.

A short while later, the sound of footsteps approached from afar.

Soto Uzumaki led a dozen or so Uzumaki Clan boys and girls as they traveled. The boys had just strolled around Konoha City, their faces still showing some curiosity, but now that they were about to meet their elders from their hometown, their expressions all became more composed.

Upon seeing the approaching figure in the distance, Mito Uzumaki trembled slightly, and her eyes instantly reddened.

After being away from my homeland for decades, I finally met my fellow villagers from my ancestral home today.

She could no longer hold back, and two streams of hot tears rolled down her cheeks.

Soto Uzumaki hurried forward, his voice slightly choked with emotion. "Mito, it's been so long."

Mito Uzumaki raised her hand to wipe away the tears from the corner of her eye, her voice trembling slightly. "Brother Muneto... it really is you."

Upon their long-awaited reunion, the two were overwhelmed with emotion, leaving only a sigh of regret.

Mito's gaze passed over Muneto and landed on the dozen or so red-haired boys and girls behind him. A warmth appeared in his eyes as he carefully examined each young face.

"Are these the current descendants of my Uzumaki Clan? They are all full of energy and spirit, truly admirable."

Soto Uzumaki turned around and ordered the group of boys behind him in a deep voice, "What are you kids standing there for? Hurry up and greet Lady Mito!"

More than a dozen boys and girls immediately bowed and greeted in unison, "Greetings, Lady Mito!"

Mito Uzumaki nodded with a smile, scanning each of the younger generation from her hometown.

At this moment, Soto Uzumaki noticed the child Mito was holding hands with and asked, "Who is this?"

Mito Uzumaki lowered her head, gently patted Nawaki's head, and introduced him with a smile, "This is Hashirama's grandson, Nawaki."

"Oh! So this is Lord Hashirama's grandson!" Soto Uzumaki exclaimed in amazement, carefully examining Nawaki. "Indeed, he possesses extraordinary bearing. Such composure at such a young age; he will surely become a pillar of society in the future."

Nawaki, somewhat shy from the praise, lowered its head slightly.

Suddenly remembering something, Soto Uzumaki asked, "Where's Tsunade? Why isn't she here?"

"Tsunade is still training in the Land of Grass. Judging by the time, she should be returning to Konoha around the end of the year," Mito Uzumaki replied.

"I see."

"It's windy outside, let's go inside first." Mito Uzumaki extended her hand in invitation, taking Nawaki and leading Soto Uzumaki and the other youths from the Land of Whirlpools into the gates of the Senju mansion.