Hey everyone, sorry for the huge lack of uploads for a couple months now. College has been super hectic and I haven't really gotten a chance to write much. Hope you enjoy the next chapter. This is the last chapter for this current part, but don't worry there's more ready.

Home Free

Shivaroku and Shikamaru headed towards the Hidden Leaf while still sitting on Nimbus. It was weird for Shikamaru having to sit on a sentient cloud, but it was much better and faster than running back.

"Hey what happened to your hair and that glow you had earlier?" asked Shikamaru.

Shivaroku looked down at his arms, only now realizing that he reverted back to his base form. "Oh…I guess I ran out of chakra to sustain it."

"Yeah…so what exactly is it?"

"Um…it's kinda a long story," said Shivaroku as he scratched the back of his head.

"We got time. I'm curious. It looks entirely different from your Sage Mode."

"Well uh, its called Super Saiyan."

"Super Saiyan? That's a stupid name."

"Yeah I know…but the Turtle Sage coined it, and I couldn't think of anything cooler, so I just stuck with it."

"We'll have to think about that later then. Continue."

"So basically one day in a fit of rage, I unlocked this transformation…well not this transformation specifically. At first, along with the blonde hair, came a blood red aura and bulkier muscles. The Turtle Sage also told me that my eyes went completely white as well. At the time, I couldn't control it at all, which is why it was so monstrous and chaotic."

"So it was a form born from intense anger? Reminds me of Naruto's nine-tails cloak."

"Yes. Since I couldn't control it, I went to another teacher, one that could help me learn to tap into that power on my own without the destructive force of negative emotion."

"Was that teacher the Guardian of the Earth?"

"How the hell did you figure that out?"

"Lady Hokage told me about it. She told me you had two teachers, and considering that the Turtle Sage couldn't help you, it was obvious the Guardian of the Earth was the only other option."

"I'm never gonna get used to your logical reasoning…"

"Yes, yes. Continue."

"So when I went to the Guardian of the Earth, among other things, he taught me chakra control mastery. I also used the negative emotions as a trigger for the transformation at first. I didn't want to use those emotions all the time, because I may lose control. So, I had to remember that specific feeling. Then when I focus that chakra in my upper back, I can tap into that power and transform into a Super Saiyan."

"Is this something you can use often?"

"At this time, unfortunately not. I still haven't mastered it completely, and it's a huge drain on my chakra."

"One more question…are you a Jinchuriki?"

"I don't know. What exactly is a Jinchuriki? I asked you this before our mission, but we didn't have time."

"Well to answer that, firstly, do you know what a tailed-beast is?"

"No, I don't."

"Tailed-beasts are embodiments of massive amounts of chakra. They combine both positive and negative chakra and are the most powerful beings on the planet."

Shivaroku nodded along as Shikamaru spoke.

"There are nine tailed-beasts in total. Each one with a different number of tails, going from one to nine," continued Shikamaru.

"I see."

"Unfortunately, they were extremely powerful and a threat to humans, so shinobi sealed them inside people. These people were called Jinchuriki."

"Those seals must be pretty damn good to keep something like them from escaping. You said something about Naruto having a nine-tails cloak. Does that mean he's the Jinchuriki for the Nine-tails?"

"You catch on quickly. Yes, Naruto holds the spirit of the Nine-tailed fox inside him. It was the reason all the adults in the village ostracized him and hated him."

"Why hate him for something he didn't even do?"

"Well, it's the nature of being a Jinchuriki. They're viewed as secret weapons for each Great Nation. If a war were to ever happen again, they would use the Jinchurikis to fight. However, because they were known to have such evil power sealed within them, and since that evil power was responsible for the death of several shinobi, people look at them with fear and hatred."

"That's messed up. Wouldn't that just make them more unstable and eventually turn on their village?"

"Maybe, but Naruto's different. He may have an evil demonic fox spirit inside him, but he has a heart of pure gold. He just wants to prove himself. He's always talking about becoming Hokage. He just wants to be respected by everyone in the village…and frankly, it's working slowly."

"This Naruto guy seems great. I only talked to him once, but I could already feel like I was his friend."

"He has that sort of effect on people."

Shivaroku smiled. "Wait, you said my transformation reminded you of the nine-tails cloak. Why is that?"

"Well I've only seen it once, but one time Naruto was in a state of pure rage. Because of that, the nine-tails chakra started leaking out of him and formed a cloak around him. The chakra was blood orange, and the cloak resembled the nine-tailed fox itself. Just like your first transformation, Naruto couldn't control it at all. It was like he was just acting based on that rage. That's why I asked if you were a Jinchuriki as well."

"Hmm, I don't think so. I would know if I was right?"

"I guess you're right. Besides the Guardian of the Earth would've told you, at least."

"I think it's something that occurred accidentally for me."

"No, it doesn't sound like an accident. If it was, then I'm sure many other people would have a similar form. This thing seems unique to you."

"Unique to me? That's a relief," said Shivaroku sarcastically.

"I mean unique in that, it's a power that only you can control. It can either be used as a force of good or a force of evil, but that depends on you."

"I would never use it for evil. I'm sick of seeing a world that's based on hatred and evil. If I need to, I'll use my power somehow to change the world into one of peace and love amongst everyone."

"Now you sound just like Naruto…" Shikamaru groaned.

"I do? Well, I guess it's good that there's more like me," said Shivaroku as he smiled. Shivaroku caught sight of a familiar wooden gate. "Ah hey there's the Leaf!"

Shikamaru nodded, and he told Shivaroku to land at the front of the gate so that they could check in. Shivaroku did just that. Once they landed, Shivaroku looked at Nimbus, gave it a pat, and said, "Thanks for all your help Nimbus!" Nimbus spun around and then disappeared into thin air. As Shivaroku and Shikamaru entered the gate, the guards there commented on their tattered and injured appearance, which prompted Shikamaru to say that the mission went bad, but it was successful. The two headed straight to the Hokage's office, where they reported their experiences to Tsunade.

"A cannon powered by chakra?!" yelled Tsunade.

"Yes, it seemed to be the case," replied Shikamaru.

"This isn't good. What is the status of that cannon?"

"Shivaroku destroyed it."

"Damn, you should've kept it around. Who knows what they have planned now," said Tsunade. "I told you this was strictly a recon mission, you were not to engage, Shikamaru!"

"Lady Hokage, I know what you ordered us, but the situation required us to take action. The Hidden Sound Shinobi entered a sealed cave, and Shikamaru had to infiltrate them, because my Sage Mode interfered with my transformation jutsu," said Shivaroku.

"Elaborate on the situation," said Tsunade as she looked towards Shivaroku with a glare.

"Well, I infiltrated their group, but it seemed that Kabuto and Orochimaru already knew of my presence, as well as Shivaroku's. If it weren't for Shivaroku, I would've died, and they would've used the cannon."

"What do you mean by used. Are you saying they had plans to destroy something with it?"

Shikamaru nodded, "I saw their plans on the wall. They marked all the major villages in all the Great Nations, the Hidden Leaf included. It seems that this was going to be their first test, however, so they were aiming it at a smaller village North of the Hidden Sound."

"I see. So if Shivaroku hadn't stepped in, that village would be nothing but ash," said Tsunade, as she bit her thumbnail.

"I was also able to grab the blueprints of the machine during the chaos. Kabuto and Orochimaru were in a hurry to escape, but they left these behind." Shikamaru pulled a set of scrolls out of his pouch, much to Shivaroku's surprise.

"When did you grab those, Shikamaru?" asked Shivaroku.

"I got them while you were busy pummeling all the others," replied Shikamaru.

"I see…man you are just full of surprises."

"He is indeed, which is why I made him the lead for this mission," said Tsunade. "But one thing is bothering me…how the hell were both of you able to take down that many Hidden Sound shinobi?"

"Well, to be honest, Shivaroku did most of the work. He has an enormous power within him," said Shikamaru, "power that rivals even Naruto's."

"One that rivals Naruto? Are you saying he has the power of a Jinchuriki?" asked Tsunade as she turned to look at Shivaroku.

"Yes, but he isn't a Jinchuriki. He ha—"

"I have a transformation, other than Sage Mode, that heightens my power, speed, and chakra several times over…even more than Sage Mode, and it doesn't even use nature chakra," interrupted Shivaroku.

"Show me this transformation," said Tsunade.

"Lady Hokage, I don't think that would be a good idea. He told me he doesn—"

"It's okay, Shikamaru, I wont lose control unless I have lots of negative emotions."

With that Shivaroku closed his eyes and charged up his chakra, focusing it in his back. He instantly transformed into a Super Saiyan. The sheer force of the energy forced Tsunade, Shizune, and Shikamaru to cover their faces, and papers began to fly off Tsunade's desk. Realizing that it was a bit too much, Shivaroku powered down and apologized.

"What a terrifying power. You're right, it's almost as intense as a tailed-beast's power. But what was it you said about losing control, Shivaroku?" asked Tsunade.

"When I trained with the Guardian of the Earth, I was able to learn how to tap into this power on my own, but I haven't fully mastered it. While I have learned to separate my emotions from battle, sometimes if my anger is too great, my transformation will revert to a more demonic-looking form, one that I can't control at all. Furthermore, because I haven't mastered it, it takes up a lot of chakra, so it's only temporary."

"Hmm. I see. Shivaroku, you are forbidden to use this transformation until you fully master it, and that's an order."

"I'm not allowed to use it? But what if a situation like that occurs again?"

"You'll just have to find another way. At this point, it's a threat to the village and those around you. It's as big of a threat as Naruto's nine-tails cloak. Fortunately, Jiraiya and Kakashi are looking after him and can reinforce the seal on Naruto. You, however, don't have any sort of seal. If you transform again, there's no telling what would happen."

"But I don't get it. I can use this power to protect people, like I did with Shikamaru!"

"That's enough, Shivaroku," said Shikamaru. "Lady Hokage is right. It's too dangerous. Right now you just have to focus on mastering that transformation. Why not go back to the Guardian again?"

Shivaroku looked down and said, "I can't. It's against the rules for him to train me for more than two years. Right now I can only talk to him about anything unrelated to my training."

"The Guardian of the Earth may be the protector of the world, but he has to follow strict rules. Shivaroku has to do this on his own." Tsunade stood up, looked at Shivaroku, and smiled. "You have the power to do it. You were a student of both the Turtle Sage and the Guardian, and that's no easy feat. I'm sure they both had faith in you, and that's why I do too."

Shivaroku smiled back. "Thank you Lady Hokage."

"Right now, I want both of you two get some rest. I'll have to think of what to do next with Orochimaru and the chakra cannon," said Tsunade, and she dismissed Shikamaru and Shivaroku.

Shivaroku and Shikamaru stepped outside the Hokage building, where they were met by Ino and Choji, who ran up to the two.

"Hey guys, how was your mission?" asked Ino.

"Well it was rough…but we survived," answered Shikamaru with a sigh.

"Looks that way, man you guys are all beaten up!" said Choji.

"Yeah it didn't go the way we hoped, but we're fine. We just need some rest," said Shivaroku.

"Well are you guys hungry? We were gonna head to Tonkotsu's Sushi and meet up with the rest of the gang, but then we saw you two," asked Choji. The thought of food made both Shivaroku's and Shikamaru's stomachs grumble.

"I guess that's a yes," Ino laughed. "You can tell us all about your mission too!"

Shivaroku and Shikamaru agreed, but as they were walking, Shivaroku whispered to Shikamaru, telling him that the information about the Turtle Sage and The Guardian of the Earth were still classified to Genin. Shikamaru understood and agreed that he would leave those details out. They four walked into the Sushi place, where they were greeted by Sakura, Neji, Lee, Tenten, Kiba, Shino, Hinata, and even Naruto. Naruto ran straight up to Shikamaru asking about why he was so injured, knowing very well that Shikamaru had an "awesome" mission. Shikamaru was clearly uncomfortable, so Sakura punched Naruto in the head and yelled at him to calm down. They sat down and ordered dinner. Naruto, Neji, Lee, and Tenten themselves returned from a mission in the land of stars. As they ate, they all discussed their missions and recent experiences. Neji told the story about the Hoshikage, while Naruto consistently interrupted him to talk about the cool power of the chakra star, which of course made Sakura punch him again for being annoying. Ino and Kiba talked about their easy C-rank missions where they helped some old people with setting up their new shop. Then Shikamaru and Shivaroku's turn came. As usual, Lee was overexcited, Tenten was lusting after Shivaroku, and Neji, Shino, and Hinata were silently listening. But when the topic of Orochimaru came up, all of them fell silent. Naruto grimaced at the sound of that name, prompting him to ask about Sasuke.

"No…Sasuke wasn't there," said Shikamaru. The sound of Sasuke's name instantly made Sakura and Ino look down in utter sadness.

"I should've been there with you…" said Naruto.

"Why do you think so?" asked Shivaroku.

"Because it's Orochimaru! Because of him Old Man Lord Third is dead and Sasuke is gone!" yelled Naruto as he slammed his fists on the table.

"Naruto, calm down. We had no idea Orochimaru was involved until we saw him. Besides, what exactly would you have done? You're no match for him," said Shikamaru.

Naruto was at a loss for words. Shikamaru was right, he was still too weak.

"But that begs the question. How did you two escape?" asked Shino.

"You can thank Shivaroku for that," said Shikamaru, making everyone look at Shivaroku.

Shivaroku, a bit embarrassed, spoke up. "Actually, we were lucky. Orochimaru didn't fight us. He and Kabuto escape while we were fighting a bunch of Hidden Sound Shinobi."

"Not to insinuate that you two are weak, but how were only the two of you able to hold off that many Hidden Sound ninja?" asked Neji.

"Well uh…when my Sage Mode ran out, I had to resort to my hidden transformation," said Shivaroku.

"Sage Mode?" asked Ino.

"It's a mode that utilizes nature chakra, increasing your speed, power, and sensory ability," said Shikamaru.

"Right, you say that like it's not a big deal. I wanna learn this Sage Mode too!" said Kiba

"You can't right now," said Shivaroku.

"Huh?! Why not?!" asked Kiba, annoyed.

"Because first off, it requires a lot of training from a Sage Animal, which is an animal that is skilled in the Shinobi art. Secondly, you need to learn how to absorb nature chakra, and it's not an easy feat. Absorb too little, and you don't have enough power. Absorb too much, and you end up transforming into a regular animal," said Shivaroku.

Everyone looked at him in shock. "I really need to become a Chunin fast so I can finally figure out what the hell kind of training you did," said Choji.

"Hold on now. You mentioned a hidden transformation after Sage Mode ran out. Do you mean to say you have a power that's even stronger than Sage Mode?" asked Neji.

"To put it shortly, yes. It heightens my speed and power much more than Sage Mode, and it even allows me to sense evil chakra."

"I would like to challenge this powerful form!" yelled Lee.

"That's not an option at the time," said Shikamaru as he closed his eyes. Everyone looked at Shivaroku again for an answer. "Lady Hokage has forbidden him to use it."

"Why'd she do that?" asked Naruto.

"Quite a few reasons. One is that the power somewhat relies on negative emotions like anger. I may be able to activate it on my own, but if I'm in a state of rage, I'll lose all control."

"But you can still use it if you're not angry right? I wanna see just how strong it is!" yelled Naruto.

"Naruto, just listen for one second," said Shikamaru.

"Another reason is that I haven't fully mastered it. I'm not using its full potential. Because of that, it's a huge drain on my chakra. If I use it too much, it may exhaust my chakra entirely and I'll die."

Naruto's eyes widened, as it reminded him of his nine-tails mode. "…I get it."

"On the bright side, Lady Hokage allowed me to use it once I've mastered it, so I'm going to train harder than ever to do just that," said Shivaroku.

Lee yelled, "Right! And when you do master it, I would like to be the first to challenge it!" These words made Naruto yell unfair play, and they both started arguing over who got to fight Shivaroku first.

Shivaroku looked at Sakura, who hasn't lifted her head since the mention of Sasuke. "Sakura," said Shivaroku, making Sakura to jolt her head up. "You're thinking about Sasuke Uchiha aren't you?"

With a sigh, Sakura nodded, and Naruto looked at her in sadness.

Shivaroku continued, "Look. I've only been here a few months. I don't know Sasuke like all of you, but I tried to learn about him as much as I could. One thing's for certain. You two care for him deeply."

Naruto looked up at Shivaroku. "Naruto, I can tell you see him as a good friend."

"More than that…he's like my brother. That's why I have to do whatever it takes to bring him back," said Naruto.

"You will. I'm sure of it. Besides, I was told that Orochimaru won't proceed with his plans for Sasuke for another few years. You have time to get stronger. We'll all help you get him back." Shivaroku lifted his hand up to Naruto. Naruto took a second to process what Shivaroku said and stared at Shivaroku's hand. Sakura put her hand on Naruto's shoulder, nodding to him, and Naruto took Shivaroku's hand and shook it.

"I think that's enough talk about missions. Why don't we just enjoy the rest of our meal and have a good time," said Shikamaru.

Everyone agreed and finished up their food as they joked around with each other.