A harder version of the peace path accepts restraint because Japan cannot fight the United States in 1941, then uses the breathing space to improve its armed forces. Leaders could point to defeat by Soviet armor as evidence that Japan needed more tanks, infrastructure, technology, equipment, and training before another great-power conflict. Returning formations would become a pool for reorganization rather than an immediate instrument of expansion. The scenario may delay the Pacific War and give Japan time to prepare more thoroughly instead of preventing the conflict.
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A peace used to rebuild for a later war
A temporary deal could be sold to the army as time to rebuild industry, training, technology, and armored strength before confronting America later.