In the capital of the Land of Fire, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and several high-ranking officials received Konoha's delegation.
During the meeting, Sarutobi Hiruzen gave a detailed report on the course of the shinobi war and the sacrifices Konoha had made, focusing on the necessity of ending the war through a peace treaty.
However, just as Sarutobi Hiruzen was speaking, Shimura Danzō suddenly rose to his feet and said coldly, "Lord Daimyo, Sarutobi Hiruzen is no longer fit to serve as Hokage! His weak and incompetent performance during the war caused Konoha's shinobi to die in vain. More importantly, he humiliated the nation and surrendered its interests during the negotiations, accomplishing nothing and allowing Konoha to lose the benefits it deserved!"
The atmosphere in the entire hall instantly grew tense. The Daimyo of the Land of Fire and the officials present all looked at Danzō in surprise, while Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression turned somewhat grave.
He understood that Danzō had long harbored dissatisfaction, and had finally chosen this critical occasion to make his move.
"Sarutobi's weakness can no longer lead Konoha toward prosperity. Only I, Shimura Danzō, have the ability to make Konoha rise again." Danzō's voice was full of confidence as he swept his oppressive gaze across the hall.
Faced with Danzō's public impeachment, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt helpless, but did not argue back. Deep down, he had long considered stepping down.
During the Third Shinobi World War, Konoha had lost a great number of outstanding shinobi, and this filled him with a heavy sense of responsibility.
He knew that, as Hokage, he could not escape the consequences of the war, nor could he easily account for them to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
"Danzō is right. Konoha sacrificed too much in this war, and as