Their attitudes were very strange. They neither objected immediately nor offered immediate support. In the end, Mitokado Homura broke the silence and gave an ambiguous answer:
"We understand Akatsuki's intentions. Everyone present has read the letter you delivered."
"We can agree not to interfere. As for whether you can succeed, that will depend on your own abilities. If you fail, there will be no need for anyone to spell out the consequences."
No one present dared to say for certain who would become the beaten dog.
Taking a wait-and-see approach would allow them to stay out of it while still profiting from the situation, but doing so would offend Kumogakure.
To put it bluntly, a starving camel was still bigger than a horse. Mitokado Homura still believed Kumogakure was not as weak as people imagined.
A village that had operated for over a century was facing a terrorist organization that had only recently risen to prominence. Naturally, everyone was more inclined to believe the former would win. Choosing a side now was not the best option for Konoha.
They chose to wait for a suitable opportunity.
The Hokage's advisors and Danzo held different opinions. In the end, the final decision rested with Hiruzen Sarutobi. He held the deciding vote, while both sides could only offer proposals.
Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into thought. Out of habit, he picked up his pipe and took a deep drag in front of everyone before speaking.
"Your proposal is quite good. I can find no reason to refuse it, but the specifics will need to be negotiated in the Land of Iron. We will give you a definite answer then."
Stall!
There was no helping it. A major decision concerning the village could not possibly be decided by a vote on the spot. They needed time