"What's going on with Hiruzen and Orochimaru?"
Seeing that Danzo's fate had been decided, Mito lightly asked the question.
Orochimaru had been an important helper in Danzo's plan this time. He could not escape the charge of being an accomplice.
And Orochimaru's most significant identity was that of the Third Hokage's disciple, making it ambiguous whether the Third Hokage had been involved in this matter.
Everyone once again turned their attention to the Third Hokage.
"Mito-sama, you know me. If I had known Danzo would do something like this, I would have been the first to object. As for Orochimaru helping Danzo, I knew nothing about it either. But from what I know of Orochimaru, Danzo must have deceived him into doing this. If he had known the Barrier Seal he was breaking belonged to the Senju Clan, he definitely would not have helped Danzo."
The Third Hokage had long prepared his speech and delivered it slowly.
The Third Hokage had not expected Orochimaru to be dragged into this matter. But his attitude toward his own excellent disciple was naturally different from his attitude toward Danzo. He could only protect him at all costs.
As for punishment, that could wait until this matter was over—or until the war had ended.
"So that's how it is. I believe you. Orochimaru is an outstanding ninja, and Tsunade's letters to me praised him many times. His performance on the battlefield has been exceptionally brilliant. Since Danzo deceived him, then let his merits offset his faults."
Mito nodded after hearing the Third Hokage's explanation.
Seeing Mito let Orochimaru off so lightly, the Third Hokage breathed a huge sigh of relief. He had been quite worried that Mito would demand severe punishment for Orochimaru.
After all, no matter how unaware Orochimaru had been, it did