High Emotional Intelligence: Set aside our former pride.
Low Emotional Intelligence: Should we consider surrendering!
Although Hiruzen didn't say those words directly, everyone present, even the newly joined Torifu, who was effectively the head of the Akimichi Clan behind the scene, could understand the implication.
However, having just joined Konoha's Elder Council and immediately facing such a serious issue, the Hyuga Clan's Elder, Hyuga Kazunari, and Torifu exchanged a glance, both feeling wary.
Both saw the same thought in the other's eyes: 'Damn, is this old fox Hiruzen trying to make us the fall guys?'
With this in mind, Kazunari and Torifu remained silent.
Hiruzen understood their position perfectly.
But this time, the two had misunderstood him.
In the past, Hiruzen might have thought that way, but today, he genuinely wasn't!
Sora's power was terrifying.
It was no exaggeration to say that, with Konoha's excellent Ninjas being successively killed by Sora, Hiruzen had started to miss the White Fang.
'With the White Fang's sharpness, if he were still here, he might have been able to pose some kind of challenge to Yuki Sora!'
Thinking of this, Hiruzen couldn't help but sigh again.
It was a shame the White Fang was dead… by his own hand, no less. What could he do about it now?
In any case, Hiruzen's courage had been completely shattered by Sora.
Now, Hiruzen only wanted to preserve Konoha from Sora's grasp, to ensure the foundation passed down from the First and Second Hokages wasn't lost.
After all, outsiders might praise him as the 'Strongest Hokage', but while others didn't know the truth, Hiruzen knew it all too well.
What 'Strongest Hokage'? He was just the world's number one paper-pusher, not even fit to hold the First and Second's shoes.
And Yuki Sora? He was the genuine article, the [Strongest Mizukage]!
So, facing a Mizukage of the same caliber as the First and Second Hokages, Hiruzen felt that kneeling wasn't particularly shameful.
Therefore, during the meeting, Hiruzen glanced at Koharu.
As long-time partners, when Hiruzen patted his butt, Koharu naturally knew what position to take.
"Cough! Cough!'
Koharu coughed twice, drawing everyone's attention.
"I believe, given Konoha's current situation, we should focus on recuperation and avoid further conflict with Yuki Sora."
"As for the problem of Yuki Sora, there's still time. In ten, twenty years, we might find a solution!"
"Elder Koharu speaks wisely!" Hearing Koharu's words, the others understood.
Talking about 'ten or twenty years' was just a euphemism for hoping to 'pull a new SSR card', wasn't it?
Konoha was a place of outstanding talent. Pulling another SSR wasn't impossible...
Everyone nodded silently, agreeing with Koharu's opinion.
But there was still one problem: Someone had to actually go and sign the agreement. Who would that be?
They all looked at each other again.
But this matter ultimately needed someone to resolve it.
"Cough! Cough!"
Homura Mitokado coughed twice, preparing to broach the subject and, with his companions, push forward a scapegoat.
And who would the scapegoat be?
Among the five people present, one wasn't part of their old schoolmate group. Who could it be? The Hyuga Clan's Elder?
"As for the representative to negotiate peace with Kirigakure..." Homura began to speak.
"I will go," Hiruzen stated, directly cutting off Homura's opening lines.
This shocked Homura.
However, facing everyone's gazes, Hiruzen showed a gentle smile. "I am the Hokage of this village. Of course, this falls to me!"
"Saru!"
Hearing Hiruzen's words, everyone was moved.
At this moment, it was as if they had returned to that battlefield surrounded by Kumogakure's Ninjas, needing a rearguard.
That time, it was also Hiruzen who had stepped forward without hesitation, saying he would cover their retreat.
This moment was just like that moment!
Homura was very agitated… He wanted to dissuade Hiruzen, this time sincerely: "Saru, you are our Hokage!"
"If you do this, you will have to bear the responsibility and be forced to step down from your position!"
"Konoha cannot do without you right now!"
"Perhaps... perhaps I should go instead. This old bones of mine are useless anyway. It would be better to step down and teach at the Ninja Academy!" Homura said.
"Yes, Hokage-sama, our Hyuga Clan can also be the ones to make this sacrifice!" Kazunari said.
Spurred by Hiruzen's self-sacrifice, everyone became proactive.
However, Hiruzen's mind was already made up.
"Enough. No more discussion. The matter is settled!"
"Everyone, we should instead think about what we must offer to survive under Yuki Sora's oppressive might!"
"This requires careful consideration!" As he spoke, everyone prepared to discuss.
But then, Koharu, who had spoken first, interjected again.
"Wait! There's one more thing."
"What?" Everyone looked at Koharu in confusion, unsure what else was needed.
Only Homura, who had partnered with them for many years, realized it at that moment.
He looked at Hiruzen in shock. "Could it be... you intend to decide on the Fifth…?"