He stared up at the cliff-side for a moment, before smiling at the other (not quite as pretty) man. "If that's the case, then it's just a matter of getting permission! But I'm sure that will be easy if we simply ask him."

There wasn't really any need to drag this random man into it, but he suspected although the Hokage was likely to humor him and extend a diplomatic offer to look closer, said Hokage would still expect him to be accompanied for one reason or another. It seemed much more expedient for it to be this person.

"Manually carved? Wouldn't that take longer than it's been for the newest Hokage to finish it?"