Chapter 474: "The Resolution as Hokage...!!"

Sai explains that Sakura had another reason for coming. Naruto asks that he explain and Sai reveals that the Naruto's Leaf comrades have decided to kill Sasuke. Naruto demands to know if Sakura realizes that, as he has a hard time believing she would go along with it. Sai offers that Sasuke has sided with Akatsuki and is bringing darkness to the world. Naruto asks why she didn't say it then and Kakashi offers that she probably felt it would hurt Naruto. Sai goes on to state that Sakura probably felt a burden on Naruto, and that by confessing her love she might lessen his hurt feelings. He offers that she asked him not to tell him, to which Yamato asks why she even bothered trying if she knew how Naruto would react. Sai theorizing that she was planning something, which Kakashi guesses was to kill Sasuke herself. Recalling a time earlier when Sakura smiled and said she would work with everyone on taking down Sasuke, Sai offers that he could tell her smile was fake. Naruto replies that Sakura likes Sasuke too much to do that. Sai explains that's why she's doing it, she will do anything to save the one she loves from darkness, even if it means killing him. She relied too much on Naruto before, so now she's taking it all upon herself. Naruto asks why Sai is revealing this, and Sai recalls how he called Sakura out on her responsibility for causing Naruto pain as well. Sai offers that he feels partially responsible for Sakura's current mindset and as a member of Team 7, he can't just stand idle. Kakashi ponders how Naruto's heart will react to this news and the young man grabs his head trying to make sense of the new information. A short distance away the Sand siblings arrive and Temari says they have news from the conference. Elsewhere Tobi stands in the way of Danzou and says it's been awhile since he saw him last, since the Uchiha massacre? Back at the inn, the Leaf receive the news and Kakashi remains non-committal at becoming Hokage. He offers that they should head back to Konoha and see what everyone thinks. Temari says with the promise of war they can't go slowly. Yamato offers that Kakashi should be acting as Hokage from now on as they can't let Madara get the upper hand. Kakashi says he's right. Gaara offers that in this war they have to protect the Hachibi and Kyuubi, and as Kazekage he will protect Naruto with his life. And should Sasuke challenge the coalition, he will show him no mercy. Recalling Sasuke's statement that he no longer saw the light, Gaara tells Naruto that his friend now only sees darkness. Grasping Naruto, Gaara states that Naruto once dreamed of becoming Hokage, well he himself became Kazekage. And to wield the title of Kage means knowing what to do. Elsewhere Danzou lowers his robe and asks his attendants to back him up as he releases the seal on his right arm...