That evening, Jiraiya called an emergency meeting.
The Second had stripped Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura of their elder positions, and the two had now joined Hiruzen Sarutobi in retirement.
All of Konoha's middle and upper leadership gathered in the conference room.
Jiraiya sat at the head table, with four empty seats beside him.
Those seats had been reserved for the four advisory elders during Minato's tenure, but they were unlikely to return.
Jiraiya glanced over the two rows of long tables before him. It seemed everyone who needed to be there had arrived.
"Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura have resigned as elders to enjoy their retirement. The first item on our agenda is deciding who should serve as advisory elders."
"Everyone, feel free to speak."
No one said a word.
They looked at one another before finally turning their gazes toward Shikaku Nara, the Jonin Commander.
Shikaku Nara pressed a hand to his forehead. What a pain!
He paused, swept his gaze over the others, then settled on Jiraiya.
"I believe Konoha is currently in a period of transition, with much to rebuild. Beyond ability and experience, our advisory elders need considerable prestige and the ability to bring people together. They must reassure the people, unite all sides, and bring tangible, positive changes to the village."
"Therefore, I propose..."
Shikaku raised his voice slightly and spoke clearly.
"We can, and should, invite Lady Tsunade back to serve as an advisory elder."
Jiraiya's right hand unconsciously moved to his chin, a thoughtful gleam passing through his eyes.
Shikaku's proposal clearly struck a chord with him, and it also reflected the confidence many people had in Tsunade's abilities.
Now that I'm stuck here, dragging Tsunade back wouldn't be a bad idea.
*Maybe the First and Lady Mito could even keep her