At a meeting of Konoha's upper leadership, Sarutobi Hiruzen summoned Hokage Advisor Shimura Danzō and Hokage Consultants Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu to discuss whether they should seek an opportunity to withdraw from the war and begin peace negotiations with the other shinobi villages.
"We've already lost too many shinobi. The people are unsettled, and we can't keep going like this. Sunagakure has already withdrawn; this may be our chance to seek peace," Sarutobi Hiruzen said heavily.
As Konoha's consultants, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu were both advanced in years. They too had witnessed the casualties and destruction brought by the war, and they leaned toward supporting Sarutobi Hiruzen's proposal. "We can cede some benefits in exchange for peace and stability," Mitokado Homura said.
"That's right. If we keep fighting, Konoha will fall into an even deeper predicament. Making appropriate concessions is meant to preserve our strength," Utatane Koharu agreed.
However, the most contentious voice at the meeting came from Shimura Danzō.
As the representative of Konoha's Hawks, Danzō had always been known for his radical and uncompromising stance.
In his eyes, Konoha was the most powerful shinobi village in the world. Any form of compromise or concession was unacceptable, much less yielding benefits during negotiations.
"Sarutobi, you're too weak!" Shimura Danzō angrily slammed his hand on the table and rose to his feet, his gaze dark. "Yield benefits? That's what cowards do! We are Konoha, the strongest in the shinobi world. Are you really going to let our enemies gain the upper hand for the sake of so-called peace?"
Danzō's tone was aggressive, his eyes brimming with contempt and dissatisfaction.
He believed Sarutobi Hiruzen's proposal was nothing short of betraying the village's interests. Konoha should not show weakness because of a temporary setback; it should continue its fierce offensive,