Hey guys,

First of all, Sooooooo Sorry that it took so long. It's been really chaotic and I'm in the middle of my exams. Taking a small break right now… I'm almost done, so it should be getting better…

Thank you so much for all the reviews, favourites and following my story. I think it's the first time I got so many of these :D

Now, please, do enjoy

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto

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Chapter 12: Plan

Naruto didn't take long to read through the scroll. He knew that a forbidden Jutsu was forbidden for a reason, and that really, he shouldn't read it. But Naruto had been frustrated. So he had grabbed the scroll and had begun reading every bit of its content. After reading through the instructions, he had started to practice right away, the thought that it could be dangerous, since it was a forbidden Jutsu, was pushed to the back of his mind. After all, a solid clone was way better than a simple illusion. And if he had been surprised that he hadn't been able to do the clone Jutsu in the morning, he certainly was even more surprised that he had managed the shadow-clone Jutsu on his third attempt.

The sun had set about an hour ago, and Naruto was now sitting on the couch, reading through the Scroll of the Shadow-Clone Jutsu once again. Making sure to read the comments made by the Nidaime, the ones he had skipped before, this time as well. It was an interesting Jutsu that much was sure. He was a lot calmer, since he now had a hunch on why he hadn't managed the E-Rank clone Jutsu. The reason the Shadow-Clone Jutsu was forbidden, was because one needed a lot of chakra, and 'no one below Jonin should attempt the Jutsu'. Three exclamation signs had been added at the end of the comment, and it had been underline twice. Probably to try and bring the importance of this across. Naruto let out a nervous laugh, even though he knew that no one was here, he still felt slightly bad about just jumping over instructions that the Nidaime had deemed very important. But then again, Naruto had managed the Jutsu, so it couldn't be that bad. But since the Shadow-Clone was forbidden because of the amount of Chakra necessary, wasn't it possible that Naruto had troubles with the clone Jutsu because the shadow clone came to him so easily? He had hardly used any chakra to make the clone. So maybe he was just using WAY too much chakra for the clone Jutsu? He wasn't sure about his theory. But it could be, in his opinion. The Kyuubi had after all enlarged his chakra coils and the amount of chakra itself. But then there still was the question on why he'd been able to do it before? Even after he had sealed the Kyuubi. Had it something to do with the fact that they hadn't practiced it in the past years? But Itachi had managed…

Naruto scratched his head. Thinking so much made him tired. He looked out of the windows, to see the moon shining brightly outside. It was really late, and under normal circumstances, Naruto should already be back home, but he had no desire to return tonight. No intention of seeing his parents. So he decided to take a closer look at the room. After all, it may hold even more secrets…

XXX

Minato sighed. He was sitting in his living room on the couch, and was drinking a cup of coffee. Not his first that night, and certainly not his last. Naruto still hadn't come home, and it was almost 3a.m. He wasn't at Itachi's and his ANBU's weren't able to find him either. Like he had disappeared form Konoha all together. Hiruzen hadn't seen him either, and Minato was now starting to worry. Kushina had gone to bed about 2 hours ago, after Minato had reminded her about her mission the next day, and that she should be in form for that. While Naruto spent a lot of time outside the house, coming home late also wasn't such a rarity, he had always been back by 11 p.m. at the latest.

He had thought about Naruto's performance all day, and couldn't help but come to the conclusion that he probably really had been too harsh on him. After all, he was only 8 years old. And while he knew that there were Shinobi's who at that age were already on missions, Kakashi being an example, he couldn't help but remind himself of the fact that those people were the grand minority. In fact, there was probably one of them in one generation. So really not something to take reference on. And he had always wanted Naruto, and now of course also Kei, to have a carefree childhood. Advancing at their own pace. But every time he thought of that, he couldn't help but see Akemi in front of him. Reminding him of the attack. The number of causalities. And then his thoughts would drift to Iwa, and the third war. The war were he had become the most hated man to Iwa. Kushina being not far behind on the scale of being hated by them. If Naruto was to become an average Shinobi, he would be killed. Just like Akemi. Just like thousands of others. Of course he knew that being strong didn't mean one would survive longer, after all, he'd be sent on harder missions, but it would raise the chances. Kushina had agreed to that as well. And so he wanted him to be better. Better than everyone.

He rubbed his temple, pushing the thought of his oldest son to the back of his mind for now, and looking down at the message he had received from Kakashi. The Raikage had thrown a slight fit about his Shinobi being captured. Of course, the fact that they had been subdued by two 8 years old kids was kept a secret. But he had then, finally, accepted the Terms Minato had given him. Which was a good thing. Kakashi was now waiting for the Raikage to finish a new agreement, which would, in the future, hopefully lead to an alliance. Of course, this would still take some time, but at least they would be friendlier with each other until then. So Kakashi would probably be back in about two weeks, if things went well. "At least this seems to be going well…" He thought, before getting up from the couch and making himself a new pot of coffee. Waiting for news on his oldest son.

XXX

Naruto was delighted. Absolutely euphoric. He had been looking through the room for the past hours, and had already found 2 more passages deeper into the rock. One was in fact right below the staircase. He hadn't noticed it the last time, since he was standing on it, but there was a seal on the ground, which when activated, extended the staircase even deeper. After walking down, he found himself in a study. A large wooden desk was on one side of the room, which was circular like the one above. A large cupboard was across the room and there were different pictures everywhere in the room. Pictures of family and friends, concluded Naruto. There was a picture of the Shodaime, Nidaime and Sandaime, who was probably in his mid-twenties in the picture, next to the desk. On the desk were different pictures. One was a picture of the Shodaime and a young Tsunade, another picture of the Shodaime and his wife, who, if Naruto recalled correctly, was related to him through his mother. Being an Uzumaki that is. And another one was a picture of the Shodaime and the Nidaime, smiling brightly into the camera. Apparently the Shodaime had used this study as well as the Hokage tower. There were Pens and different utensils on the desk, but everything was covered in dust. Hiruzen had probably not spent his time working here, and neither had the Nidaime, if Naruto guessed correctly.

Attached to the study was a small kitchenette, with actual running water and heater. How the Shodaime had done this was beyond Naruto, but he loved it. Across from the Kitchenette was a door, which led into a large bedroom. There was a King-sized bed and a wardrobe, which was empty though. Nevertheless, it really consolidated his assumption that maybe the Shodaime had been secretly living here, or at least spent a lot of time in here. There was a bathroom with shower in an additional room.

After having inspected the rooms he had made his way back into the room above and had taken a closer look at the bookshelf. After all, if he would hide a secret passage, it would be somehow connected to the bookshelf. And sure enough, after at least an hour of taking out books and looking for something that might lead into yet again another room, he had found it. A blood seal which was behind a book with the title Konoha's law. Version 1. Naruto had found it a tad weird that there would be a book on laws, but he didn't think about it twice. He had taken the book out and put it on the glass table. He had then activated the blood seal. There was a clicking sound, and suddenly, a part of the bookshelf moved towards Naruto, producing a door, with a dark passage behind it. Naruto had moved into it without thinking, and had followed the path, until he had arrived into a large room. If one could call it that. It was at least twice the size of a training ground of Konoha. Enlighted by lamps that were hanging all over the space.

This was where Naruto was now standing. "An underground training space!" He shouted out. It had to be, really. There were different dummies, used for Kenjutsu, as well as a large table were all kind of Weapons were laying. Shuriken, Kunais, Katanas of different sizes and weight, as well as tantos and different Bo-staffs.

There were a few trees, how they were surviving underground was unknown to Naruto, and even a pond with a waterfall. Another thing Naruto didn't try to understand. They were underground, but maybe the water came from deeper inside the mountains… Not that it really mattered. The Shodaime surely put a great amount of work into this. Naruto would have stayed there, had he not been interrupted by Daiki, who came up behind him, still seemingly tired. And that was when Naruto noticed the light that was shining through the passage that had before still been engulfed in the darkness of the night. The sun was rising. Naruto cursed. He had to get back and change his clothes, and then he would have to meet Itachi. He was already late.

"Thanks buddy." He said to Daiki and rushed passed him. Daiki right behind him. He closed the bookshelf and ran up the staircase. He went out of the Stone face and started to run through the forest, and then stopped when he arrived at the place that was over his house. He took out a Kunai and thrust it into the ground. Attached a wire to it and held onto it. He then grabbed Daiki and held him tight. Then he jumped. Soaring to the ground, he noticed how uncomfortable Daiki was. Which was only natural. After all, you don't usually jump down a cliff. Even less with your dog under your arm. Before he reached the ground, the wire stopped them. He let go of the wire and fell the last few feet to the ground. Daiki jumped off him and ran towards the house, apparently slightly mad at Naruto, as he wasn't looking at him. Naruto followed him and opened the front door, trying to make as little noise as possible. While he was late, his mother would probably still be in bed. Kei anyway, and his father would most likely be in the office. Naruto closed the door behind him, and tip-toed towards the stairs.

"What makes you think you can stay out all night?" The voice of his father asked from the living room. It made Naruto jump. He hadn't checked the house, but it was still incredible that he hadn't noticed Minato sitting there. He wasn't trying to hide his presence in the least.

"T-Tou-san…" Naruto said and stared at him. To Naruto's surprise he didn't seem angry. He took a deep breath and walked towards him. "Good morning." He said with his head low. Just because Naruto didn't see anger in Minato's eyes, didn't mean that he wasn't angry.

Minato didn't say anything for about a minute, and then he sighed. He put the mug he had in his hands and the pieces of papers he had been reading on the living table, and started to talk.

"Naruto." He started. "Both your mother and I were really worried about you. You don't usually stay out all night."

"I'm sorry…" Naruto said once again. Strangely enough, Naruto still couldn't hear any anger in Minato's voice. He slowly looked up to meet his father's gaze.

Minato stared at Naruto and sighed. "No. I'm sorry." He said, and watched as Naruto's gaze became confused. "You didn't want to come back. Didn't you?"

Naruto didn't say anything and stared to the ground again.

"I was too harsh yesterday at school." Minato said, and Naruto looked up again. "I know that you're not the only one that didn't manage and that it isn't fair of me to pressure you like that." Minato continued. "But I hope you understand that I do this for your own good."

"I know." Naruto answered.

Minato smiled. "Can you tell me where you were all night? Even my ANBU's couldn't find you." Minato said.

"That…" Naruto started uncomfortably. "It's a secret place that Itachi and I found…" Naruto finished.

Minato looked at his son. "Hmmm… Still doesn't explain how my ANBU's couldn't find you."

Naruto kept his head low. "I put up some seals, so that no chakra, sound, or smell reaches outside…" Naruto lied.

Minato looked surprised. "Seals? You're telling me you can do seals?"

Naruto looked into the eyes of his father. "Yes… I started some time ago…" Naruto said.

"How come you never came to us for this? Both your mother and I could have helped you." Minato said.

Naruto squirmed under his father's gaze. "I wanted to learn it on my own…" It wasn't a complete lie. He had started on his own, and just never came to tell them.

Minato smiled proudly. "I see. Well, that is good as well. For you to be able to do those kind of seals, you must already be fairly adept at them." Minato said. "Seals are a great asset to have. Keep working on it."

Naruto grinned, like he hadn't in a long time in front of his father. "Hai, Tou-san. Thank you."

Minato grinned as well. "And what have you been doing all night then?"

Naruto's grin fell. "Trained on the clone Jutsu…" He said, and refused to look at his father once again. They were back to the reason he had refused to come home tonight, and Naruto wasn't happy about it.

"Really. According to your expression, you didn't manage?" Minato inquired.

"No… I just don't get it." Naruto said half truthfully.

"Show me." Minato said.

Naruto looked up again. "What?"

"The Jutsu. Show me again."

Naruto looked uncomfortable, but concentrated on as little chakra as possible, and went through the signs. The clone that appeared looked like the one in the classroom the day before. Simply dead.

Minato looked at the clone and then at Naruto. "You are using too much chakra." Minato stated, confirming Naruto's suspicion.

"But I can't use any less. I'm already using the least amount…" Naruto stated, hoping that his father wouldn't ask too many questions.

Minato looked shocked. "You are? Really… But then… Hmm…" Minato mused, and looked at Naruto carefully. "You know. I think I know why that is." Minato said. "Your mother used to have similar problems in the Academy. Before she sealed the Kyuubi inside of her, that is. Now it could be that you simply have awful chakra control, but since you can produce seals, that is probably not the case. Rather, I believe you simply have more chakra than your peers." Minato stated, and he couldn't help but smile at this.

"That doesn't really help in this case…" Naruto stated.

"True. You probably won't ever be able to do a decent clone Jutsu." Minato said still smiling.

"But how am I supposed to graduate then?" Naruto exclaimed.

"The clone Jutsu isn't the only Jutsu you can use for the exam. You'll have to work hard, but I could teach you a Mizu-Bunshin." Minato stated. "It is a C-Rank Jutsu, bit if you stay on it, you should be able to do it for the graduation." Minato said.

"You'd teach me?" Naruto asked in disbelief. Trying to ignore the fact that Minato thought he would need three years to learn the Jutsu. His father was actually going to teach him! He'd never even inquired about his training, and now he was saying he would teach him himself!

"Well. I can only spare little time for it." He said apologetic. "But if you want, I could teach you the technique, and then you can work on it on your own. I'll come see how you're doing every now and then…" He said. "I'm sure your mother would help you out as well." He added.

Naruto grinned. He knew there was only so much time he could spare on him, and his mother would help him as well. He could jump from happiness. "That would be great. Thanks. Tou-san."

Minato smiled as well. And then he looked up towards the entrance, only for the door to ring a second later.

Naruto sensed for the chakra, and cursed. "Itachi! I forgot. I'm really late." He said, and ran to open the door. Itachi did indeed stand at the doorstep. "Sorry…" Naruto said.

Itachi stared at Naruto, who was still wearing the same clothes as yesterday. Itachi also noticed some dark shadows under his eyes. "What…?" He started, but then his gaze fixated something, or someone behind Naruto.

"Good morning, Hokage-sama." Itachi said with a bow to Minato, who had just appeared behind Naruto.

"Good morning, Itachi-kun." Minato said with a smile. "I'm sorry for keeping him. We're done though." He said towards the young Uchiha and turned towards Naruto. "Don't come home late tonight. We'll start tomorrow morning." He added, and left in a yellow flash.

"Do you get used to him appearing and disappearing like that?" Itachi asked.

"Not really." Naruto answered.

"So? What happened? You're still wearing the same cloth as yesterday." Itachi said.

"Ah. That's right. Give me a minute. I'll be right back." He said and disappeared upstairs.

XXX

Naruto and Itachi had trained for the rest of the day, until Naruto decided to go see Hiruzen. Naruto had told Itachi that there was something he was keeping from him, but he wasn't sure if he was allowed to tell him, so he would have to check with Hiruzen. Although Naruto was rather sure that he could tell Itachi, he still wanted to make sure. Itachi had agreed, and Naruto had promised to come back right after he was done. He'd left Daiki with Itachi, and was now running towards Hiruzen's house. Once there, he knocked excitedly. As Hiruzen opened the door, he was greeted by a grinning Naruto. "Hello Jiji."

"Well hello, Naruto-kun." Hiruzen said with a smile. "Please, do come in." He said and stepped to the side.

Naruto thanked him and followed Hiruzen inside, and towards the couch. "Would you like something to drink?"

"No thank you." Naruto answered with a smile.

Hiruzen nodded and sat down. "What can I do for you?"

"Well, the thing is, I was wondering about the room…" Naruto started.

"Yes? Go on."

"Well… Can I tell Itachi about it? It's just… I feel awful for keeping it from him, and we could both benefit greatly from it, and-"

"Naruto-kun." Hiruzen interrupted him. He smiled at Naruto. "If you wish to tell Itachi, then do so." He said. "If you wish to give him access to the room, then do so as well."

"Just like that?" Naruto asked in disbelieve.

Hiruzen chuckled. "Just like that. The room hold a lot of secrets, and a lot of information, so if too many people know about it, information might be misused. But I trust that both you and Itachi are smart enough to use it in the right way."

Naruto smiled at that. "Great!" He exclaimed and sprung up from his seat. "I better go show him right now then."

Hiruzen chuckled once more. "Well then. Don't let this old man keep you."

"Thanks Jiji. See you later." Naruto exclaimed and ran out of the house, back to the training ground.

"Back already?" Itachi asked as Naruto landed in front of him.

Naruto looked up and grinned. "Come!" He exclaimed and ran out of the forest, towards the stone face. Itachi didn't ask any questions as Naruto led him to the top, making sure no one was following them. As he entered the hideout though, Itachi gasped in shock.

"What?!"

"Nice isn't it?" Naruto asked. He led Itachi inside, Daiki leaving for the couch right away, and then showed Itachi around, while at the same time telling him the story of the phantom. Itachi listened quietly, and only his eyes showed the shock and amazement he was feeling. As Naruto entered the secret passage behind the bookshelf however, Itachi's face turning into one of utter shock.

"What the hell? How is that possible? This is amazing!" He exclaimed.

Naruto raised an eyebrow at Itachi's unusual reaction, and smiled.

"Oh shut it." Itachi said with an annoyed glare at his best friend.

Naruto chuckled. "But I didn't say anything."

Itachi just kept on glaring for a few moments, until he sighed, and turned his attention back to the room. "Really amazing. We can train a lot better in here." He said in awe.

"Right? I didn't have a lot of time to look at it last night, 'cause I only found it in the early morning." Naruto said as he too stared at the room. "There might still be more hidden away."

Naruto and Itachi grinned at each other, and then moved over to look through the room once more.

After about an hour, Naruto was sitting on the couch, petting Daiki and reading. Itachi was doing the same on the other couch. They hadn't found any more secret passages yet, and had thus decided to take a break and take a closer look at the bookshelf. Itachi was currently reading a scroll on elemental chakra, and Naruto was reading the book of Konoha's laws, as he had been curious about it. Apparently, The Shodaime himself, together with Madara Uchiha had written it. Most of the laws were still active today. Some were outdated, and some, he never heard off before. Not that Naruto had taken a great interest in laws before.

He suddenly sat up straight in his seat as he read a certain law over again. And again. A grin slowly started to make its way over his face.

Itachi, noticing Naruto's delighted expression, raised an eyebrow, but didn't ask the question in his mind.

Naruto's grin grew wider, and his eyes held a determined glint as he looked at Itachi. "Yo, Itachi. I need your help." He said, and Itachi couldn't help but frown at his expression. Why did he have the strange feeling that life was just about to get more complicated?

Itachi sighed in defeat.

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Well, hope you liked it. See you soon, your PurpleShadow95