His words were clear, structured, and precise. Each argument balanced pros and cons. By tying "the sacrifice of shinobi" directly to "Konoha's collective interest and future resources," Nara Shikashin struck directly at the hearts of most clan leaders present. To them, the continuation and prosperity of their clans came first. The death toll of ordinary shinobi was just another line on a mission report. Shikashin dismantled Tsunade's compassion-driven proposal and reframed it as a dangerous gamble that could jeopardize Konoha's foundation.
His logic was flawless, calm, objective, and exact. Each point exposed a weakness in Tsunade's stance. It aligned more closely with the interests of the clan representatives. When he finished, murmurs of agreement filled the room. Akimichi Torifū and Yamanaka Inoichi's father both nodded in silence. The Aburame clan head lowered his eyes. Hyūga Hiashi remained still, eyes closed as if detached. Uchiha Fugaku's gaze was cold, the faintest trace of mockery on his lips. The civilian jōnin looked at one another, hesitant to speak.
Tsunade felt her heart sink. An icy chill rose from her feet and spread through her body. She looked around at the faces, indifferent, nodding, or silent, then at Hiruzen behind the veil of smoke. His expression showed no trace of hesitation. Konoha's interests, the clans' interests. But nowhere in the room was there concern for the ones screaming in the mud or bleeding out on hospital beds.
Only Ryo's voice echoed faintly in her ears.
'You crazy woman. I've always sided with reason, not emotion.'
"I support Tsunade-sama's proposal."
A clear voice cut through the suffocating silence.
All eyes turned toward the corner. Katō Dan had stood up, his expression calm and resolute.
"Dan?" Tsunade looked at him, surprised.
"Tsunade-sama is right," Dan said. His voice wasn't loud, but it carried. "The frontlines are on the verge of collapse. More comrades fall every day. Many are fresh graduates, full of potential and dreams. Their blood shouldn't be drained for a war with no end. Joining forces with Hanzō and focusing our strength on defeating Suna is the most realistic way to break the stalemate, end the war quickly, and save lives. There are risks, yes, but that's better than endlessly feeding lives into a war with no bottom. Compared to some abstract idea of 'prestige,' the lives and futures of Konoha's shinobi are our real foundation. I trust Tsunade-sama's judgment and I'm willing to share the risk."
His sincerity, his respect for life, cut through the air of calculation that filled the room like a breath of clean air. Some civilian jōnin looked up, eyes showing quiet approval and gratitude.
Tsunade felt something stir in her chest, warmth and surprise. He wasn't comforting her with empty words. His courage, standing with her while others fell silent, made her see the silver-haired man in a new light.
Hiruzen's brow furrowed slightly at Dan's words, but the expression quickly faded. Calm authority returned to his face.
"Very well. I've heard all opinions." He tapped his pipe. "Tsunade's proposal concerns Konoha's strategic direction. We will now proceed to a vote. Those in favor of Tsunade's plan, raise your hands."
The chamber was silent. Tsunade's eyes swept across the room, scanning faces both familiar and unfamiliar.
The Ino–Shika–Chō trio didn't move.
The Aburame clan head kept his gaze down.
Hiashi's eyelids twitched slightly but did not open.
Fugaku's smirk deepened.
The Shimura clan head was motionless.
The Sarutobi clan head remained silent.
Several clan leaders gave faint sighs.
Most of the elite jōnin and clan-aligned shinobi stayed still. Only a few hands rose, Dan's among them, and a few civilian jōnin whose eyes flickered with guilt and sympathy.
Tsunade's fists clenched, her nails piercing into her palms. But the pain was nothing compared to the coldness spreading in her chest. Out of more than a hundred people, only a handful had chosen to support her.
Hiruzen scanned the room, his tone steady and final.
"Those opposed, raise your hands."
A wave of arms rose. It looked like a forest swallowing the few small flames that had dared to burn. The contrast was overwhelming. The result was obvious without needing confirmation.
"The proposal is rejected." Hiruzen's voice carried a faint note of relief beneath its solemn tone. "Konoha's strategic course remains unchanged. The front line will hold. This meeting is adjourned."
The heavy doors creaked open. One by one, the jōnin filed out. None looked at Tsunade. Some quickened their pace, others whispered quietly as they passed. Nara Shikashin paused briefly as he passed her. His expression was complicated. In the end, he gave only a small nod and left.
Dan lingered. He looked like he wanted to say something. Tsunade gave a faint, tired shake of her head. He paused, then followed the others.
Soon, the hall was empty. Only drifting smoke remained. Tsunade sat still, pale and unmoving. Hiruzen remained at the head of the table, silently smoking.
Slowly, Tsunade stood. Her back was straight, but her posture radiated exhaustion and loneliness. At last, she understood.
So this was Konoha.
The so-called Will of Fire, in the face of power and interest, had no place for the lives of ordinary shinobi. The tears and blood she had tried to protect meant nothing. Here, only benefit and cost were calculated. Her kindness, her urgency, her compassion, all reduced to childish dreams in the eyes of this cold machine.
In that moment, the image of Konoha she had always held close cracked. A deep fissure spread across it, revealing the darkness beneath.
She didn't look at Hiruzen again. She turned and walked to the door. Every step echoed in the chamber. Heavy. Hollow. Final.
Hiruzen watched her go. Her back was straight, her steps steady, but she carried a quiet despair. The ember of his pipe dimmed. Words came to his lips — "Tsunade, please understand... everything I do is for Konoha..." — but he couldn't speak them.
All for Konoha?
Tsunade's lips curled into a bitter smile as she crossed the doorway.
Is this really a price those dying on the frontlines are willing to pay?
And if this is Konoha's future, what will remain of it?
(To be continued.)