DISCLAIMER: I STILL DON'T OWN THE PRECIOUS ANIME/MANGA, NARUTO!

A/N: I'M REALLY, REALLY, REALLY SORRY for taking three months to update, I promise to return to my usual updating schedule!

Zabuza gif

Hard Times by Paramore

Chapter 6: The Cow's Appearance
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Ursa's POV
After Naruto's notorious speech about himself and his determination, Kakashi bandaged the both of us. Yes, the BOTH of us. Why, because Naruto was stupid enough to stab himself in the hand just to show us that he was serious.

Other than that, it seems that everyone kept an eye on me. I would've snapped at them, but I'm also keeping an eye on myself. I mean, we're all expecting if I would fall over and die due to the poison in my system, which hasn't effected me yet. To keep myself distracted, I snatched an apple from my backpack and started eating. The sour nectarine from the green apple fills my mouth, making my taste-buds dance in joy.

Eating my apple, I fall in step besides my best friend, Walking in silence. Even though he doesn't show it on his usual impassive face, I know he cares.

At least, I think I do.

"Sensei, I have to talk to you," Tazuna suddenly states, drawing attention to himself.

Abruptly stopping in my tracks, I turn my purple gaze upon him. Hmm, so he's finally going to tell us. In my peripheral vision, I watch as Kakashi walks up to him. From my spot, I see as the two adults enter a hushed conversation, much to my dismay.

But instead of having a full conversation, they put it to a stop, probably wanting to discuss in private. I frown at the idea and discard the apple core to the side. I then look to my bandaged hand, my face contorting to confusion.

Why am I not dropping dead yet?

Why isn't the poison affecting me?

-_-_-_-

On a boat, I sit next to Naruto in the front. I would've sat next to Sasuke, but Sakura, who's always by his side, took the seat besides him. Bored out of my mind, I let my left hand drape over the boat's side and let my fingers skim through the waters. 

"What a thick mist, I can't see anything," Sakura comments.

I roll my eyes, "that's the whole point, genius. The mist gives us a cover and let's us hide from any enemies."

"Hmph! No one asked you," Sakura sneers.

"Well, I'm just pointing out the obvious, something you excel at," I state, looking over my shoulder and giving her a smug smirk.

All I receive from her is a glare.

"We should see the bridge soon," the boat man informs us. "The Wave country is at the base of the bridge."

As he rows closer and pushing past all the surrounding mist, a large structure shadows through. Inching closer, the shadow gains everyone's attention. Finally, after through all the mist, the bridge comes into our clear views.

"Whoa! It's huge," Naruto exclaims with a grin on his face.

Smirking, I give him a side glance. "That's what she said," I state.

Kakashi, who seems to have heard me, chokes on the air he's breathing before snickering.

"Hey! Be quiet! Why do you think we are hiding in this mist and not using the engine," the boat man scolds, proving my earlier point. "We'll be in deep trouble if Gatou finds us."

Naruto slaps his hands over his mouth, silencing himself. But suddenly, a tense silence fills the boat's atmosphere. Tazuna strays his eyes away from us, frowning at our accusing stares. Eventually, he breaks.

"Sensei, I want to talk to you. It's about this mission," Tazuna speaks up, bringing their earlier conversation to our attention. "You were right, this job is most likely outside of your duties. It turns out that a super dangerous man is after my life."

"Super dangerous man," Kakashi asks, while I deadpan at the same time. "Who," Kakashi urges.

Tazuna releases a heavy sigh. "You've probably already heard his before," he states.

We all stay silent, a key to let him continue.

"The wealthy shipping magnate, a man named Gatou," he informs us.

"Huh!? Gatou! From that Gatou company? He's said to be one of the world's few wealthiest man," Kakashi exclaims, his eye wide.

Like every cliche bad guy ever, I roll my eyes.

Already knowing about this situation, I block out their voices and pay attention to the drab scenery. Everything's so boring with the lack of color, so I pay attention to the wound in my arm. Furrowing my brows in confusion, I continue to stare at the bandages around my arm.

Why isn't it affecting me?

Am I going to die? Again?

I can't be a host to something, I mean that's absurd! Plus, I don't feel anything different in my body.

Maybe I'm immune to poison, that's possible, right?

Well, let's be reasonable. I got a wound to my arm which allowed poison to enter my system, sooooo, I should drop dead any minute!

Yup, let's go with that!

I'm dying! I'm dead! It's killed me!

I scoff at my own thoughts, shaking my head. I look at them after they finish explaining how evil Gatou is.

"So, with Gatou here, the Land of Waves is basically under his control? No wonder you need protection to build a bridge," I state.

"I see, since you're building the bridge, you're in the way," Sakura theorizes as she looks to Tazuna.

"So, those ninjas were hired by Gatou," Sasuke brings up our earlier encounter.

I turn to Naruto, who's squinting his eyes on confusion before nodding. I scoff at his antics, amused.

Before we get to say anything else, the boat man interrupts our conversation. "We'll be there soon. Tazuna, it looks like we've avoided detection so far. But just in case, we'll take the route that has vegetation. It'll make the enemies harder to spot us," he informs us.

"Thanks," Tazuna answers him.

And just as we exit the tunnel over is and enter the said route, Naruto marvels at the sight. I kind of also marvel, there's no mist to obscure our sight.

The water's a sparkling blue. The sky is blue as well and so filled with clouds. Plus, there's green all around us.

With all the mist gone, this place is actually beautiful.

It doesn't take long for us to reach a dock, making us depart from the boat. As soon as everyone's off, the boat man speaks up again.

"This is it for me. Good bye and good luck," he tells Tazuna.

"Yeah, thank you so much," our client retorts.

Immediately, I watch as the man turns on the motor and speeds away making me deadpan. Seriously?

"Okay, get me home safely," Tazuna orders.

"Yes, yes," Kakashi assures.

That's all he says before we're left following after him. Trekking through the woods, I walk besides Sasuke, seeing as he's my best friend.

"So, what's your opinion on this Gatou man," I ask the Uchiha.

"Hn, he's the type to use his money to control people," he answers me.

"Hmm? So he's a rich man who uses his money to gain power. Pathetic," I scoff.

All I receive is his usual smirk of amusement.

"What's so funny," I question, narrowing my eyes.

"Tch, you get hurt and you're still downgrading the enemy? You're stupid," he informs, basically insulting me.

"Pfft, it's nothing, but a flesh wound," I roll my eyes.

"Hn, whatever," he scoffs, turning away from me.

I smirk. "Awwe, you care about me! Isn't that nice," I say to him with a closed eye smile.

When he says nothing, I frown. Walking closer to him, I do a Sakura move, and hug his arm. "Awe, don't be tough on yourself, it's nice that you care. I mean, I care about you too," I assure before letting him go.

Well, duh, I claimed him as my best friend.

-_-_-_-

After a short while, Naruto starts shooting shurikens at every noise he hears. I watch, amused, as he squints his eyes while trying to look cool. I deadpan.

He's trying to beat Sasuke and get the spotlight for himself. Typical, I think to myself.

Ignoring the exclaims of both Tazuna and Sakura, along with Kakashi's warnings, Naruto keeps doing what he's doing. Suddenly, a small rustle from the bushes makes him shoot a shuriken in the said direction.

Rolling my eyes, I laugh, already knowing the outcome. Poor bunny.

"I said stop," Sakura screeches, punching the blonde over his head. Poor Naruto.

"Somebody's following us, I swear," Naruto tries to explain.

"Yeah right," she scoffs.

"Hey, he might be saying the truth. From what I know, Uzumakis tend to have great sensory skills, even if it's subconsciously," I jump in, adding my two cents.

"Nobody asked you," Sakura yells, raising her fist in a threatening manner.

"Well, maybe you should stop hitting Naruto. From what I recall, that's abuse," I state with a knowing tone.

She just silently fumes, glaring at me with her heart's intent.

Oh no, she's mad at me! What ever should I do, I sarcastically think, mentally laughing.

I watch as the pinkette joins Kakashi's side, taking a look at the bunny. I bet that bunny's having a heart attack right now. But I don't pay attention to the suffering animal, I stay in my spot, literally shaking.

It's almost time!

The cow will make his grand entrance!

I bite my lip to stop myself from squealing. Not in a fangirl fashion, we'll maybe, but more for the excitement of action. Ooh, I could literally taste the suspense! At the moment, I'm digging my nails into my palms as I rock on my heels.

"Naruto, what have you done," Sakura screeches, once again.

I turn and see past her, watching as Kakashi analyzes the color of the bunny's fur.

I inhale, it's time.

3...

2...

1...

WHOOSH!

Hearing the shift in the wind, Kakashi yells. "Everybody get down!"

Already making my move towards the ground, I didn't expect Sasuke to pull me along with him. Hitting the ground, I ignore the harsh impact and move my eyes upward. I watch as the Kirikurobocho embeds itself into the trunk of the tree. Not a second to waste, Zabuza lands on the sword's handle, his back to us.

The cow has made his appearance! I REPEAT the cow has made his appearance!

Once that's done, everybody stands up knowing that the momentary danger is gone. I smirk, knowing that it's barely begun.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Hidden Mist's Missing Nin, Momochi Zabuza," Kakashi announces.

He's also forgetting that he's part of Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. That he's an expert in the Silent Killing technique. That and so much more...what can I say, I'm a fan.

Suddenly, I watch as Naruto takes a run towards Zabuza. Fortunately, for the Uzumaki, Kakashi stops him.

"Everybody get back! This one is on a whole different level," Kakahsi states.

"Yes, we know that, Kakashi," I scoff, rolling my eyes at the obvious.

"Not now, Ursa," he scolds.

"Tch."

"It'll be a little tough unless I do this," Kakashi announces as he lifts up his headband.

I watch with awe as he reveals the Sharingan. Damn, he's hot! Curse my body for being underage!

"You appear to be Kakashi of the Sharingan. Sorry, but that old man is mine," Zabuza speaks up.

Kakashi of the Sexiness, more like it! Dammit, stop it with these thoughts, Ursa, I scold myself for being honest. Thank god, there's no Edward Cullen in this world to read my thoughts.

"Surround and protect, Tazuna-san! Don't interfere, that's the teamwork here. Zabuza, first, I'm your opponent," Kakashi informs, looking back at us, showing the rest of the team his Sharingan.

"Oh," Naruto gasps, marveling at the sight.

Taking heed to Kakashi's orders, I move next Tazuna and unstrap the fan from my back. I know I'm nothing against Zabuza, but this is our mission and I must do everything I can to protect him. He's a Jounin, I'm a Genin. That's like an ant going against a boot.

"Ah, I already get to see the famous Sharingan? I'm honored," Zabuza chuckles humorlessly.

"Sharingan? Sharingan?! What the hell is that," Naruto exclaims, cutting in with his outburst.

"Oh, Naruto," I sigh at the ignorant child.

"Sharingan, it is said that done have the ability in their eyes to read and defeat all types of Genjutsu, Taijutsu, and Ninjutsu. The Sharingan is one of the type of pupil to give you this power. But that's not the only ability that the Sharingan has," Sasuke explains to everyone.

That and so much more! That's barely scratching the tip of the iceberg, I say to myself.

"Hehe, exactly. That's not all. What's even scarier is that you can copy your opponents techniques once you them. When I was a member of the Hidden Mist's Assassin squad, I kept a handbook. It included information of you, and this is what it said. The man who has copied over a thousand jutsu, Copy Ninja Kakashi," Zabuza tells us.

There's, Copy Ninja Kakashi. Kakashi of the Sharingan. The Copy Cat Ninja. Friend Killer Kakashi. The point is, that he has A LOT of aliases.

"Now, let's end this talking. I have to kill that old man," Zabuza informs.

I deadpan. "He's the one doing all the talking," I mutter just loud enough for them to hear me.

Choosing to ignore my rambling, that's when they decide to move and surround Tazuna. Rude, I mentally yell, but I follow their actions by raising my fan, using it as a shield.

So, if Zabuza attacks from my side, he needs to get through my fan, slash shield, to get to Tazuna.

"But Kakashi, it seems I have to beat you first," Zabuza yells, seeing that we moved to protect our client.

With that said, he detaches his sword from the tree trunk and jumps towards the water. Landing in the body of water, he gets in a stance. My eyes widen, already knowing what's coming next.

Oh god, not the mist! Anything, but the mist!

"Over there," Naruto exclaims.

"And on top of the water," Sakura points out.

I scowl. "Really, that's what you care about? He's a Jounin, of course he knows how to stand on top of the water," I rant. Idiot!

"Ninja Arts: Hidden Mist Jutsu," Zabuza announces.

Well, now everybody knows what he's doing. Maybe I shouldn't announce my jutsus. Hmm, that's reasonable, keep the enemies guessing, I smirk. Note to self.

"He's gone," Sakura cries out.

I scoff. "He's not gone, exactly. The mist he summoned is keeping him hidden from our view," I state like a smart ass.

"Ursa-"

"Yeah, shutting up," I cut Kakashi off, knowing that it's not the right time for my smart ass comments.

"He'll come after me first. Momochi Zabuza as a member of the Hidden Mist, he was known as an expert in silent killing-"

"Ooh, that's fun." I say, but after getting a look from everyone around me, I look down, "sorry."

"As I was saying, you don't even notice until you're already dead. Its not like I can use the Sharingan perfectly, you guys be careful," our sensei informs us.

"The mist is getting thicker," Naruto states the obvious.  Huh? I thought that was Sakura's job.

"Eight choices," Zabuza's voice rings throughout the mist, making the experience so much more haunting.  I bite my lip in excitement.

"Huh? What," Sakura questions.

"Liver, lungs, spine, clevical vein, neck vein, kidneys, heart. Which one should I go after," Zabuza questions ominously.

I smile. "You should pick the heart, that's an instant kill. But if you want us to suffer, go for the lungs, we'll be drowning in our blood," I state with a grin. But by the horrified looks of my teammates, I frown. "What? I was just stating the facts, gosh!"

Zabuza chuckles darkly, "you've got yourself a smart student there, Kakashi."

I beam, he called me smart!

But suddenly Kakashi turns serious and the tension magnifies by a ten fold. It's so thick, that I could literally feel the weight of it covering me like a blanket. Besides me, I could hear the rattling of a kunai. Turning my head, I see Sasuke and notice that his skin's paler than usual.

That's right, this is too much for him. The killer intent reminds him of that night, I sigh.

As I'm about to speak, Kakashi beats me to it. "Sasuke, don't worry. I'll protect you guys even if it kills me. I don't let my comrades die," he informs, making him seem even more amazing.

Dammit, Kakashi, can you stop being so amazing for a moment! My eighteen year old mentality can't handle it, I think as I bite my lip.

But all fun and games end as Zabuza suddenly appears inside our formation. My purple eyes widen with fear.

"It's over!" Zabuza exclaims.

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Well, that was Chapter 6! Again, sorry for taking SO LONG to update! I'll return to my usual updates.

So how did you like the chapter?

Did you enjoy the cliffhanger?

Why isn't the poison effecting her? It's nothing major, it's simple really, but I'm going to leave you guessing! Mwhahaha!

Do you like her smart ass comments? It's something I would actually do, lol.

Anyways, don't forget to

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JA NE, My Amigos!