Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged a glance, a flicker of understanding passing between them. Then they stood up and loudly voiced their support.
Utatane Koharu: "The Third Hokage is truly selfless. For Konoha's stability, he is willing to come out of retirement once more. This is a blessing for Konoha!"
Mitokado Homura: "I agree with the Third Hokage's proposal. Having him take up the Hokage Position again will do the most to heal the village's divisions and stabilize the war effort."
Utatane Koharu chimed in again: "The Third Hokage governed for twenty years. He has abundant experience and tremendous prestige. Returning to the Hokage Position will surely soothe the people and restore order in Konoha."
Shimura Danzō flew into a rage and sprang to his feet, slamming the table. "I..."
Suddenly, he met Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze. The fear that welled up from the depths of his soul burst forth, and his objections and questions turned into: "I... I have no objections."
Hiruzen Sarutobi in early 49 Konoha still had four or five parts of the Shinobi Hero about him, enough to make Danzo defy his own wishes.
It was precisely this cat-and-mouse relationship that had allowed the Third Hokage to give Danzo limitless power!
Konoha's jonin overwhelmingly supported Orochimaru, but the Elders' firm opposition left the assembly evenly split.
When Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward, he brought the prestige he had built over twenty years to bear and offered what seemed like a compromise.
Everyone was dazzled by the advantages of an old-time Hokage: years of governance and a gentle manner. They passively accepted Hiruzen Sarutobi's proposal to return to the Hokage Position.
Especially when Hiruzen Sarutobi magnanimously said that he had already held a celebration when he became Hokage, so there was no need for another one this time.