Naruto was beaten up quite badly during this fight and while he would wake up within an hour or so Tsunade thought it was best that he was sedated for a while so he could recouperate because the second woke up he'd be up and looking for Sasuke and would have to be tied to the bed.

Kakashi came in to see hoe Naruto was doing. This was some great kid, he'd at some point along the way become a man. Anything he said he was going to do he would do it. He'd save him from Hiruko and the will of fire and more recently he had through influence saved him from death. Now he has finally saved Sasuke but a great task still lay ahead, convincing the elders to forgive Sasuke.

"Naruto," Kakashi said as he sat by Naruto's bedside, "you really are something. If anyone can get these people to forgive Sasuke it's you. The real question is does he deserve anyone's forgiveness let alone your. But you'll give it anyway won't you. You've averted a war and saved more lives than I could ever measure up to. I'll place my bets on you becoming the next Hokage. I don't think there is another teacher in the world who could be more proud than I am of you."

Naruto's eyes opened momentaryly and despite the mask he saw the worried look on Kakashi's face and atempted a smile and he didn't stop until he managed to cure his lips. Kakashi was shocked yet again, even in this situation it was Naruto comforting him, "It's Ok Naruto, Sasuke's fine, there treating his wound right now. You did it Naruto."

That was all he needed and he closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

Tsunade came in to check on Naruto, she was returned to her postion as Hokage as Danzo was now dead and the advisors had no choice as her suporters were threatening action and Naruto was leading them. Kakashi left and let Tsunade sit beside Naruto. For a while she just smiled at him but then she said, "Thank-you Naruto you got me back my position as Hokage, you know they have not even named Danzo the sixth Hokage because not only did he destroy the job there was no ceremony naming him so the position of sixth Hokage is still opened and I have decided to formaly name you. You will be the sixth Hokage. I can't wait to tell you when you wake up but I know it is better to keep you under for a while otherwise knowing you, you can't help it you'd end up hurting yourself. I love you so much you've proven yourself over and over agian. You will be the sixth Hokage." Getting tears in her eyes she lent over and kissed his forehead. She never had a son of her own but there was never a prouder mother.

*******************

By the time they let Naruto wake up he had been unconcious for a week and even though he was still weak he was nearly healed and he could leave the hospital. He was too happy to have brought Sasuke back to be angry with them for keeping him under. He left the hospital and went in search of Sasuke, he asked everywhere but he could find him then he learned from Sakura that Sasuke was being held in prison until his trial.

"Don't be angry Naruto what do you expect."

He couldn't argue with that.

"Can I go and see him."

"I tryed and they said 'this prisoner is not allowed visitors'."

"I'll show them," said Naruto about to run off.

"No Naruto you've just got out of hospital, we kept you asleep for this long for this precise reason. I don't care for you're excuses I nearly lost you in that battle and I am ordering you not to get into any fights. If you promise me that I will try and get up to the prison agian. Ok please."

Despite the fact Sakura was giving him an uncompromising order her tone was so beseeching Naruto could say no so he gave her his word accompanied by a dazzling smile.

"Thank-you now do me a favour and go get me these ingredients for an elixer Lady Tsunade asked me to make for you." She handed him a list and he saluted giving her a "Yes Ma'am."

Sakura had visited him everyday sometimes a few times a day. She noted that asleep he looked a lot younger than he was, he looked innocent even moreso than ususal. She knew that if Naruto promised her he was going to take it easy then he would honour it. Then she did what she had been dreading, she went back to the prison with a letter from the Hokage and went to see Sasuke. After all this time.