Seeing that no one responded, Hiruzen Sarutobi could only reveal the only solution.
"There's no other way. We can only go to the Land of Fire's daimyo and apply for funding."
Though it was rather embarrassing to say so, this was currently the best option. The Land of Fire's daimyo allocated funds to Leaf Village every year, and during wartime, the village relied entirely on the daimyo's support from behind the scenes.
They might be able to secure some funding, but going there to ask always meant enduring a round of mockery.
The other four higher-ups said nothing, tacitly accepting this arrangement.
What did the Hokage going to ask the daimyo for money have to do with them, the senior advisors? As long as they got the money, that was all that mattered.
The Third Hokage glanced at the severely weakened Minato Namikaze and said helplessly, "Minato's serious injuries haven't healed yet, so leave this matter to me. I've done it several times already; I know the ropes."
As one matter after another was settled, the high-level meeting drew to a close.
Minato stood and solemnly placed the Hokage's hat from his head onto the table.
"Regarding this Nine-Tails incident, as Kushina's husband and the Hokage, I cannot escape responsibility. Therefore, I am no longer suited to continue bearing the title of Hokage."
The moment he said this, everyone present was stunned.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had already tried to persuade Minato the night before. He had not expected Minato to bring it up publicly anyway. As long as Minato did not mention it, everyone could have let the matter pass in silent understanding.
Unfortunately, Minato did not want to pretend nothing had happened. Though they did not say it aloud, they surely remembered it clearly in their hearts.
Though Danzō was