What They Thought Was a Legend (Naruto FF)

Chapter 13 - Zabuza

*Short Time Skip*

We were walking on a dirt path towards the bridge builders house.

'This place seems familiar, but I don't recall leaving the Land of Fire over the past few years... Maybe we did cross the border at some point, but even so, this place... something's here. I can feel it in my gut...'

Naruto suddenly ran ahead of the group and threw a kunia into the bushes to the side of the path. Everyone around me halted in shock. I cocked my head to the side.

'I spaced out... what'd I miss?'

The others started scolding Naruto. I sensed something not right in the area surrounding us. Naruto sent another kunia towards a small chakra presence in the bushes.

"OW! Sakura, somebody is following us I swear!" He pleaded.

"Quit lying, you're acting like a kid Naruto! We're on a very serious mission." Pinky lectured.

We moved to the bushes to find a rabbit frozen in shock.

I nearly laughed out loud. 'Ahaha Naruto scared the rabbit shitless!' I thought, not bothered at all when Naruto began apologizing to it. 

'Wait, it's fur... why is it white? It shouldn't be that color, it isn't the right season for it.' I instantly went on alert.

"All this fuss over a rodent?" The bridge builder said, agitated. 

Sensei looked around cautiously as well. 'Something is wrong if Sensei is suspicious too.' I thought, bringing out a kunia and edging closer to the bridge builder.

I tensed, sensing a strong chakra signiture close by. I stilled to scan the surrounding foliage.

'There!' I sent the kunia flying towards the trees.

"You too brat? You and your little friend here ar-"

"Look out!" Sensei ordered.

"Get down!" I shouted at the same time.

We all ducked to dodge a giant sword swing over our head. It went over us and lodged itself in a tree. The one I had aimed for before in the trees was now standing on the hilt of the sword with his back to us. 

Peeking under my headband I took a good look at him. I noticed a small cut on his arm. 'Gotcha... Wait, what hell is this guy wearing? Shirtless and yet you are wearing cow patterns on- I'm not even gonna finish that thought. He- I know this guy! How could I forget those cow patterns! At least he isn't wearing a ridiculous hat like the bridge builder over here.'

"Zabuza Momochi, rouge ninja from the Village Hidden in the Mist." Kakashi-sensei acknowledged.

'I've delt with this guy before, but I barely got away with Emiko that time. Chi wasn't there to help me then and now there's Naruto, Pinky, Uchiha and the bridge builder to protect. But now there's Kakashi-sensei. We could bring this guy down.'

Naruto tried to charge at Zabuza but i grabbed him by the back of his collar and held him back before he could get any further from the group.

"Stay back Naruto." I said seriously.

"What? Why?" Naruto cluelessly asked.

"He's not like those chunin from before. He's on a whole different level. And if he's our oponent, then I'm gonna need this." Kakashi-sensei said, reaching for his headband.

"Kakashi of the Sharingan." Zabuza said. "Hand over the bridge builder."

'Sharingan?'

"Everyone get into formation. Protect the bridge builder." Kakashi-sensei ordered. "Stay out of this fight."