At last, Tsunade returned to become the Fifth Hokage, gradually stabilizing the turmoil in Konoha. Peace settled over the village, but in the shadows of the Shinobi World, other forces were still stirring.
After Tsunade finished her speech, Naruto dragged her off to treat Sasuke and Rock Lee. Since Sasuke's injuries were relatively minor, he recovered easily under her care.
Yet Sasuke felt somewhat lost. He had worked so hard, but whenever he faced that man, the crushing sense of helplessness was enough to drive him mad.
Meanwhile, Tsunade and Shizune were busy preparing for Rock Lee's surgery.
Naruto seemed to notice that something was troubling Sasuke. He hurried closer to study him, but Sasuke was lost in thought, completely unaware that Naruto's face was already right up against his.
His eyes slowly focused, their vacant look giving way to shock. Seeing Naruto so close, Sasuke couldn't help feeling embarrassed. He lowered his head, blushed, and spoke softly.
"Naruto, you're too close."
Whether Sasuke's voice was too quiet or there was some other reason, Naruto didn't catch what he said and could only lean closer.
Sasuke had had enough. "Naruto, you idiot! You're too close! Get away from me!"
Sasuke practically shouted the words, but Naruto didn't seem bothered. He scratched his head and chuckled.
Just then, Meihui arrived, along with Sakura, who had come to visit Sasuke.
When Sakura saw that Sasuke was awake, she hurried to give him the flowers she had brought.
"Thank goodness, Sasuke! You're finally awake." He merely nodded, his manner cold and distant.
Sakura pretended not to notice and kept fussing over Sasuke, asking after this and that.
Just as Sasuke was growing impatient, Meihui stepped in.
"All right, Sakura, that's enough. Sasuke just woke up. Let him get some more rest."
"O-okay." Sakura