The Third Hokage looked at the half-dead Danzo in the clay pot, then at Yūto, who stood before him with a respectful attitude despite his ruthless methods.
His first instinct was to tell Yūto, "Go bring back that wayward student Orochimaru too!"
But he swallowed the words just as they reached his lips.
He truly did not dare let Yūto act again. Yūto had already turned Danzo into clay pot chicken. If he went after Orochimaru next, heaven knew what even more horrifying state he would leave Orochimaru in.
The Third Hokage was afraid. He simply could not bear to see his favorite student meet such a miserable end too.
So he opened his mouth, held back his original words, and said instead, "This is too serious. Orochimaru is my student, after all."
His voice was low, with a hint of pleading. "Yūto, let me, his teacher, deal with Orochimaru. I'll capture him myself!"
Yūto had actually expected this all along.
The Third Hokage was partial to Orochimaru. He had made the same choice in the original story.
But Yūto did not care. His target had been that old bastard Danzo from beginning to end. Bringing him down and crippling him accomplished his goal.
He had no deep-seated grudge against Orochimaru, and he could not be bothered to care how the Third Hokage dealt with that depraved student of his.
So he nodded readily, even bowing slightly to show his cooperation. "Understood, Lord Third. Sorry for the trouble of having you capture Orochimaru yourself."
Seeing how agreeable Yūto was, the Third Hokage felt a little of his anxiety ease. He had no time for idle talk and gave a firm nod. "Yes!"
He turned and immediately called to the large group of ANBU he had brought. "Everyone, come with me!