Chapter 17 Graduation

The day of graduation was drawing here. It was the final day of the academy and so far everything was going well. The first part was a simple spar. Naruto's opponent was a civilian who did not take ninja training seriously, an easy win and quick one. The sparing was par for the course for Sasuke. It seemed as if he was smart enough to keep his Sharringan secret, well they don't call him genius for nothing. Sakura and Hinata never told anyone about Naruto's parentage so all was good. Then again Hinata was to shy to really speak to anyone, and Naruto found it a little uncomfortable being around her. Emotions was one thing Naruto was no genius at.

The next part of the test came the Transformation. As the names were called Naruto patiently waited for his to come up. This would be simple, everyone knew of Naruto's physical transformation testing him at this point was merely a formality.

"Naruto Uzumaki", says Iruka.

Naruto walks up to the two teachers. Giving a nod to both Iruka and Mizuki he transforms into Iruka. Then Mizuki. Then the Hokage. Then back to normal. In those years he had perfected the sealess use of his Transformation and could switch on the fly.

"Good job Naruto, perfect score then again you do have an advantage", says Iruka.

"Ninja do need every advantage they can get", says Naruto.

"Good to know you are taking this seriously, please take your seat", says Mizuki.

Naruto walks back towards his seat next to Shikamaru. Shikamaru siting up for a change looks at Naruto.

"Was showing off necessary, you only needed to turn into Iruka", says Shikamaru.

"What, I have a gift. Share it with the world I say. Besides no harm no foul", says Naruto.

"Troublesome", says Shikamaru.

"Of course it is. Everything is troublesome for you", says Naruto.

Shikamaru shakes his head before laying it on the table for a nap.

The next test is the Body Replacement Jutsu. They call the names once again as Naruto patiently waits for his. His mind thinks back to the idea of having to fight a literal god in ten years time. Thinking it over he knew his chances were slim. Every single S-ranked ninja who ever lived united in fighting Cthulhu would be as effective as trying to crumble a mountain with a leaf. Not an encouraging thought, but this was there only chance. Thinking back to it Xels comment that even should Naruto master everything the Necronomicon teaches and still being considered little more than an annoyance was not helping matters. Naruto pushed those thoughts from his mind. Lucky for him he only needed to slow Cthulhu, compared to killing him, it was a much better prospect. Not easy but better.

Naruto realized his main problem was how to warn people in a way that this would be taken seriously without giving himself away and ending up interrogated and imprisoned for the rest of his natural life. Even using an agent or clone, even a transformed clone would do little. The chances of discovery were to great. Summons could help but who would take the word of a Deep One to heart, and if anyone found out they were summoned by Naruto then the whole thing went to hell.

"Naruto Uzumaki, your up", says Mizuki.

Naruto walks back dawn to the front of the class. He replaces himself with a nearby log brought in for the test. After marking down his score Naruto goes back to his seat to think some more waiting for the clone test. Thinking back to his summons he realizes he still does not know all of what they are. He knows of the Deep Ones, Byakhee, Shoggoth, and apparently Dagon and Hydra, but little else. Maybe it would be best if after the first mission to reveal them and act as if he found them there. It was highly unlikely but plausible. A never before seen summoning contract could be played up as a never before discovered summoning contract. Reveal the truth slowly. After all Naruto was never big on lies. He despised them in fact. Also lying to ninja was very hard to do.

Naruto's mind began to wander again, he wondered how Xel was doing with finding a base of operations. Then Naruto hears his name called. He walks up to the front of the class again.

"Ok Naruto just make a successful clone and you're golden", says Iruka.

Naruto nods, he places his hand in the seal. Noting the confused looks on both Iruka and Mizuki's face he concentrates harder.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu", Naruto says.

Standing there in the class are ten Naruto's.

"So How did we do", they all ask in unison.

"Naruto was that the shadow clone", asks Iruka.

The Naruto's nod.

"Well I'm sold I say that counts as a pass. congratulations Naruto", says Iruka.

"That's rather impressive Naruto. I can't wait to see what you will do once you hit jonin", says Mizuki.

Iruka hands him his Forehead Protector. Tieing it around his forehead Naruto goes back to his seat smiling. After a moment Iruka begins a long lecture on the strength of shinobi, the importance, and other such stuff Naruto already knew. He told them to be there tomorrow for team placements. As class departed Naruto headed home. As he opened the door he was greeted by Xel.

"My lord I found the perfect place, let us be quick", says Xel. Naruto nods he grabs a pack and puts the Necronomicon and notes in it. Making sure no ANBU are around he heads out the door. Xel walks out the door to a nearby manhole. Removing it He motions for Naruto to follow him.

"You want me to follow you in the sewer", asks Naruto.

"It will be worth it my lord", says Xel.

Naruto climbs down the hole putting the manhole lid back. Going down he notes the sewers are rather large.

"Wow, big sewer", says Naruto.

"Indeed, the sewer system is built into a subterranean cave just under Konoha.", says Xel.

Naruto follows Xel down the sewers covering his nose to block the smell. After a while they turn down a small hallway that seems to go to a gate. Xel opens it and walks through. It is a small room that seems to have never had anyone enter. Even the scratches where the door opened looked old, it must have been years since anyone came here.

"What's above us", asks Naruto.

"The forest, the sewers of Konoha go deep within the forest to dispose if the waste", says Xel.

"Xel this is way to small", says Naruto.

Xel lifts a false tile revealing a button. Intrigued Naruto presses it. A large door disguised in the walls opens. excitedly Naruto walks through. Hidden behind the door is a massive room with a dozen other rooms.

"How did you find this place", asks Naruto.

"It was a happy coincidence", says Xel.

Naruto explores the rooms. All or them contain old medical equipment and notes. As Naruto goes through the Notes his eyes widened.

"This place is one of Orochimaru's old labs", says Naruto.

"It has been abandoned for years now. The odor of men and experiments has long faded. It seems as if he left never to return. Judging from the state of the door when I first found it, he attempted to destroy it. He burned most of his papers but after sealing the door the fire must have been put out without him noticing. He more than likely left in haste", says Xel.

Naruto nods.

"This will be perfect, it's relatively far away from Konoha, but close enough that I can disappear for hours and make it back in no time. Its entrance is a manhole meaning I can go from any point in the city. And to top it all off no Ninja will come down here. It's perfect Xel. We even have some of Orochimaru's old notes and equipment. Who knows what we could learn", says Naruto.

"Ok lets get this place cleaned up", says Naruto as he creates hundreds of clones.

"Now all of you, clean this place out any notes you find is to be organized into piles on that old desk no matter the subject or how insignificant they seem. Salvage any useable equipment you can. I want this place spotless before we leave", says Naruto.

The clones immediately begin there duties.

"At this rate we should have this place up and running in a few hours. We can use the extra rooms for a variety of experiments separated for safety reasons. Some defenses should also be built", says Naruto.

"I recommend Yithian plasma turrets, they are capable of automated defense. Using the medical equipment we can set it up to scan biometrics programmed into them. It will take years to build, but with your clones we can have it done in half the time", says Xel.

"What about a power source", asked Naruto.

"The lights and door still works. This lab is probably wired right into Konoha's power grid. A few modifications we can set up whatever we want undetected", says Xel.

"I'll get to work on mapping the grid. Might be best to create a clone and transform it to work for the company that supplies power. The extra money will come in handy as well", says Naruto.

Xel nods. He looks around the room until he finds a console.

"My lord come and see this", says Xel.

Naruto walks over to the device. Looking it over he opens a panel.

"Simple design I can probably have it working in seconds. All that's wrong is a few loose wires", says Naruto.

After a moment the console activates. Naruto looks at the buttons. He begins to type on a few watching the screen.

"It seems as if Orochimaru tried to wipe the database before he left, but he could not destroy the black box built within. From the looks of it its results from his experiments", says Naruto.

He begins working his way through the data. After a moment he stops.

"Well I know where to hide the Necronomicon", says Naruto.

"Where", asks Xel.

Naruto types a few more keys. immediately a metal unseen hatch six feet thick on the floor slides opens and a long rectangular platform raises from below. Naruto walks up to it and reveals the top is a door to a hollow inside.

"apparently Orochimaru built this platform to be indestructible. It is a containment module", says Naruto.

He looks inside the platform. Seeing an object at the bottom Naruto reaches for it and pulls out a small metal cylinder. Naruto examines the cylinder as a smile grows across his face.

"I can't believe Orochimaru forgot this", says Naruto smiling his widest smile.

"What is it my lord", asks Xel.

"It's a vial of blood but not just any blood", says Naruto,

Naruto shows Xel the cylinder. Written on the cylinder is the words 'Mokuton Sample'.

"Luck is still on our side my lord", says Xel.

"Indeed, maybe I should go to a casino", says Naruto.

Naruto puts the cylinder back, he also places the Necronomicon with it.

"What if Orochimaru comes for it", asks Xel.

"Already thought of that. I am going to put the console on a biometric scammer that is tuned only to me. Until I get it operational the console will be broken in such a way only I can fix it. It should not be hard just remove the most important and hardest to obtain piece and put it back when I want to use it. He can always dig it out, but it will take him months to dig through six feet of solid steel", says Naruto smiling.

"Your genius knows no bounds my lord", says Xel.

Naruto lets the platform lower back into the ground.

"The man was a genius, I wonder why he made so many mistakes", asks Naruto mostly to himself.

"perhaps this was at the time he was discovered", says Xel.

"That does sound most likely, but better safe than sorry. I'm leaving the clones here to begin construction of the biometric scanners. I'll add your template to the scanners we put on the door. I'm getting rid of that button", says Naruto.

"Understood sir, I will return to my realm, I have much to discuss with my kin", says Xel.

Naruto nods as Xel dispels. After a few hours The lab looks like an actual lab, the sterile white walls visible. Though much of the salvaged material is mostly Bits and pieces Naruto is pleased.

"Ok those of you not busy cleaning use the medical equipment to begin construction of biometric scanners, our main focus is the console and door, build a few extra just in case.", says Naruto.

As expected the clones obey. Naruto leaves the hidden base and returns home. As Naruto enters his house he leaves his lights off and feels really good about his chances in the future. He could not have asked for a better start. Naruto begins to get ready for sleep. While the water is boiling Naruto hears his door open and violently close. He hears heavy panting. Naruto walks up to the door to see a winded Mizuki.

"Mizuki, what are you doing here", asks Naruto.

Mizuki opens his eyes and looks at Naruto as he does he silently curses himself.

"I thought this place was empty. Listen Naruto I'm being followed I need a place to hide", says Mizuki.

Naruto looks at the bundle on Mizuki's back as he does he turns back to him.

"What do you have there", asks Naruto.

Mizuki finches.

"It's none of your concern", says Mizuki.

Naruto slowly walks toward Mizuki to get a better view of the object on his back. As Naruto stares at it his eyes open wide.

"Is that what I think it is", asks Naruto looking at the scroll on Mizuki's back. The Scroll of Sealing.

Mizuki clenches his teeth. He glares at Naruto.

"Listen either you stay out of my way or I will kill you got it", says Mizuki.

As Mizuki watches Naruto, he becomes confused as Naruto begins to laugh.

"Oh I see what's going on here, you stole it", says Naruto while he laughs.

Mizuki clenches his teeth harder until his eyes move to the side. His gaze turn to one of surprise. Naruto follows his eyes to the familiar picture on the wall.

"Oh come on, you have got to be kidding me. Every time someone comes here they see the picture. Then again Mizuki did barge in", says Naruto to himself.

Mizuki goes wide-eyed.

"You. You're the son of the fourth", says Mizuki in shock.

"Well now you know, so now what. Actually you wanna know something I'm tired of this", says Naruto.

He whips his hand outward. His Tentacle Whip Jutsu ensnares Mizuki.

"What the hell is this", screams Mizuki.

"Just a little Jutsu I developed", says Naruto.

Naruto summons another tentacle and grabs the scroll. He creates a clone and passes it to him. The clone takes the scroll away as Naruto looks back at Mizuki.

"So, how do you want to end this", asks Naruto.

"You wouldn't dare", says Mizuki glaring at Naruto.

Naruto tightens his grip.

"Try me", says Naruto.

Mizuki tries to breathe in but the tentacles grip is too strong. After Naruto loosens the grip Mizuki smirks at Naruto.

"Naruto, tell me have you ever wondered why everyone hates you", asks Mizuki with a smile.

Naruto smiles back.

"Because the nine tailed fox is sealed within me. I know, the third Hokage already told me", says Naruto.

Mizuki stares at Naruto as he finishes his words. The look of fear in his eyes.

"Let me go now demon", says Mizuki.

Naruto tightened his grip tighter and tighter until Mizuki passes out. The clone runs back into the room with the scroll. Naruto takes it away from him before turning back to his clone.

"Did you copy everything on the scroll", whispers Naruto.

The clone nods.

"Everything", says the clone.

"Good now, bring the copy to the lab. I'll study it later. For now lets get this trash to the ANBU, scroll to", says Naruto. Naruto dispels his tentacle as he ties up Mizuki. He steps outside as Iruka and several ANBU jump from the shadows. They see Mizuki tied up and the scroll on Naruto's back.

"I take it this trash goes with you", says Naruto pointing at Mizuki.

The ANBU nods before taking both Mizuki and the scroll.

"Naruto are you ok", asks Iruka as he leans into Naruto's face inspecting him.

"No worries Iruka, Mizuki didn't even see me coming, I held him down and used a few shadow clones. He never stood a chance. In fact he was kind of a pushover", says Naruto.

Iruka smiles.

"Well at least you didn't get hurt. Glad to see you earned that headband. What were you doing before he came", asks Iruka.

"I was just about to go to sleep, now I'm to amped up for sleep. Maybe I'll make some ramen", says Naruto.

"You like ramen huh", asks Iruka.

"It's my favorite food", says Naruto.

Iruka smiles.

"Come on I know this ramen stand that has the best ramen you will ever taste", says Iruka.

Naruto smiles as he follows Iruka to a ramen stand that Naruto will by the end of the day forever refer to the 'Home of the Gods of Ramen'.