The Third Hokage fixed his gaze ahead, determination written across his face. He could give his life for the village; protecting Konoha was a Hokage's duty.
Unfortunately, although the Third Hokage had declared his willingness to live and die with the village, the higher-ups were unwilling to fight the enemy to the bitter end.
Danzo, especially, who stood behind them, seemed reluctant. After a brief hesitation, he said:
"Going over there rashly won't accomplish anything. I suggest we stay behind and hold the rear."
He knew full well how terrifying the Root ninja he had trained were. Every one of his subordinates had died at the enemy's hands, and coupled with what Hyuga Hiashi had said, he knew the opponent was powerful. If they went to fight him head-on and ended up dying at his hands, what then?
He had yet to obtain the position of Hokage. Danzo was not prepared to die for the village, so at the crucial moment, he retreated once more.
Faced with Danzo's retreat, the two Hokage advisors beside him also looked hesitant. In the end, they joined him in trying to dissuade the Third Hokage.
"Danzo makes sense. The village's defenses are strong right now, so this isn't the time to engage him recklessly. If something happens to us, Konoha will be left leaderless. For the sake of maintaining stability, we should avoid a direct clash with him for now."
Mitokado Homura's voice rang out. In an instant, the Third Hokage, who had been prepared to fight the enemy head-on, began to hesitate as well.
He had not expected his three companions to retreat out of fear of death.
Konoha was currently facing a shortage of rising talent. If more of their senior leadership fell, the village would likely no longer be able to