After Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura returned to Konoha, Naruto told Tsunade about the mission and how Sasuke had obtained the Thunder God Sword.
Tsunade said, "Very good. You did an excellent job on this mission, and you even brought back the Second Hokage's Thunder God Sword. You went above and beyond."
Naruto said, "Yeah, Granny Tsunade, I wanted to discuss the Thunder God Sword with you. Could you let Sasuke use it?"
Tsunade frowned, looking at Naruto and then at the silent Sasuke. "Naruto, you need to understand that this goes against the rules. Besides, even though I'm the Fifth Hokage, I can't make every decision on my own."
Naruto replied, "But Sasuke was the one who recovered it. And you know what he's going to do next. Having the Thunder God Sword would give him some protection, wouldn't it?"
Sakura, who had been listening in confusion, immediately grew anxious when she heard that Sasuke might be in danger. "Naruto, Lady Tsunade, what are you talking about? What do you mean by what Sasuke's going to do next? What protection? Is Sasuke in some kind of danger? Lady Tsunade, tell me. What is Sasuke going to do? Why would Naruto say something like that?"
Sasuke, who had remained silent until then, said, "Sakura, don't say anything right now. I'll explain my situation when I get the chance. For now, don't interrupt Naruto and Lady Tsunade."
Sakura said helplessly, "But, but..."
Before Sakura could finish, Sasuke continued, "No buts. I said I'd tell you when I get the chance. Just let Naruto and Lady Tsunade finish talking first."
Sakura reluctantly said, "All right, then. But you have to tell me what's going on, okay?"
Sasuke nodded. "Yeah. I'll tell you when I get the chance."
Once Sasuke had persuaded Sakura, Tsunade