Wang Chao stepped on the Iron chain around Danzo's ankles while Ma Han pinned his shoulders, forcing him facedown. The back of Danzo's head settled into the groove at the center of the guillotine frame. Beneath his neck lay the Iron-black cutting block.
The guillotine blade hung a hand's breadth above the back of Danzo's neck.
Its silvery edge gleamed coldly in the sunlight, like a strand of moonlight pulled taut.
Danzo lay against the block, his cheek pressed to the cold Iron.
He raised his one eye. His gaze passed Wang Chao's vest, Ma Han's knee, and the crossbeam of the frame before coming to rest on the raised platform.
On Uchiha Yongye's face.
Hatred churned in that eye, so fierce it seemed almost solid—a knife thrust from its socket, cutting at him again and again.
Before they brought him out, Wang Chao had spoken into his ear.
"In a moment."
"Tell the truth about your crimes and Hiruzen Sarutobi's."
"If Lord Yongye isn't satisfied."
"Uchiha Itachi's case will be overturned. He'll go free."
"And your whole clan will have died for nothing!"
Danzo had been lying on the floor then, his one eye fixed on Wang Chao's shoes. Without a moment's thought, he nodded.
He could not let that ungrateful wretch Uchiha Itachi live. And he could not let his whole clan die for nothing!
More importantly, Danzo was all too happy to drag Hiruzen Sarutobi's name through the mud!
Danzo hated Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He hated him for wiping out his entire clan and pretending to be innocent. He hated him for spending decades as a hypocrite while calling himself the strongest Hokage. Ruining Hiruzen Sarutobi's reputation for good was the last satisfying thing Danzo could do before he died.
But he hated Uchiha Yongye even more!
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