Hiruzen Sarutobi's fingers clenched again in midair, still grasping at nothing.
His gaze moved from Asuma to the Flying Swallow lying on the ground by his feet.
A dark Kurenai sheen still coated the Flying Swallow's edge. A bead of blood clung to it, slowly sliding downward.
He raised his hand and reached toward the blade.
Before his hand got halfway there, Zhan Zhao brought his foot down from the side. His sole pinned Hiruzen Sarutobi's wrist with just enough pressure to stop his fingers two finger-widths from the hilt.
"Mmgh... let me go!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's muffled struggle sank into a deeper, hoarser growl. His shoulders heaved twice beneath Zhan Zhao's restraint before going still. His pinned wrist slowly relaxed, his clenched fingers loosening into a natural curl.
Yongye drew his gaze away from Hiruzen Sarutobi and looked at the center of the desk.
He raised his right hand, caught the edge of the Gavel between his fingers, turned it partway in his palm, and brought it down.
Crack.
"The public trial is over. The verdict is as follows."
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Aburame Ryoma held high office in Konoha yet committed monstrous crimes. They are to be executed immediately!"
"Orochimaru confessed and rendered meritorious service. Kimimaro's offense is less severe. Both will remain in custody for now and be given a chance to atone through service."
"Bring out the Dog-Head Guillotine. Execute the condemned one by one in public as a warning to others!"
Zhan Zhao released Hiruzen Sarutobi's shoulder. Wang Chao came over from the side, crouched, seized Hiruzen Sarutobi's chain-bound hands with one hand, and hauled him to his feet.
Ma Han and another Security Force member went to Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura. Each took hold of a prisoner's arms and dragged them