ALL NOVEL Chapter 54: Momochi Zabuza
Chapter
54: Momochi Zabuza
The ghost brothers were merely an
introduction. Although they were considered chunin, they were the most ordinary
kind, comparable to Mizuki. They weren't formidable opponents. The real
challenge was Momochi Zabuza, the demon from Kirigakure and one of its seven
former swordsmen. At this stage, he could rival Kakashi, who had not yet
awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. Zabuza was an elite jonin, a formidable foe.
Even the information Kakashi
gathered from the ghost brothers was enough to make everyone in Class 7 stay
alert, especially Sakura. Her nerves were completely tense. The ghost brothers
were more than she could handle, let alone an enemy stronger than them. Her
nervousness made Kakashi frown. A ninja with such a mentality could easily
collapse. Kakashi didn't comfort her because he wasn't a moderate educator. He
believed psychological problems should be overcome by the individual. If Sakura
couldn't overcome hers, she would sink into it. Kakashi would fulfill his role
as a leader but not take responsibility for every aspect of the problem.
In Class 7, Haruno Sakura's status
wasn't that important. Kakashi focused more on the other three. If Sakura
showed potential, he would guide her; otherwise, he would let her be. Team 7
escorted Dazuna to the southeasternmost area of the Land of Fire as dusk
approached. The sky darkened, and the climate grew colder. Menma felt a
dangerous omen as a huge chakra aura quickly approached.
"Get down!" Kakashi,
sensing the chakra, reacted swiftly. He drew a kunai and shouted, leaping
forward to intercept a sharp cold light. Sparks flew as Kakashi parried the
attack, forced to deflect it. A giant sword lodged into a tree trunk, followed
by the arrival of a slender figure standing on it, emanating a formidable aura.
Menma's pupils shrank as he recognized the figure: Momochi Zabuza.
"Hoho, it's the famous
Sharingan Kakashi. No wonder the ghost brothers failed. This mission isn't
worth it. After I return, I'll demand more reward. So, Kakashi Hatake, can you
hand over the old man behind you?" Zabuza said, his body exuding a chilling
intent.
Menma, Sasuke, and Naruto grew serious, recognizing
Zabuza's power. Sasuke was more concerned about the mention of the 'Sharingan,'
the Uchiha clan's secret. 'Does Kakashi have a Sharingan? No, that's
impossible!' Sasuke thought, shocked. Haruno Sakura trembled slightly as Zabuza
appeared.
Kakashi calmly stepped forward, his hand casually in his
pocket, his demeanor cool and collected. "Well, well, if it isn't the
infamous demon of the Mist—Momochi Zabuza. What an unexpected pleasure,"
he said, his tone laced with calm sarcasm. "Unfortunately, your timing
couldn't be worse. How about you wait your turn until I've finished my
mission?" Kakashi positioned himself confidently between Zabuza and the
team, his gaze steady and unyielding, showing no sign of the tension he felt.
Zabuza was a terrifying enemy, one Kakashi
wasn't sure he could defeat, especially while protecting Dazuna and Team 7.
"Haha, no negotiations!" Zabuza's eyes gleamed with bloodthirst. His
immense chakra and murderous aura spread out, engulfing Menma, Naruto, Sasuke,
and Sakura. They trembled under the pressure, especially Sakura, whose face was
etched with sheer terror. She felt as if she would die, her body shaking
uncontrollably. 'No… No… I will die… Die here… I…' She was on the verge of collapse.
Though stronger than Sakura, Naruto's expression turned grim, feeling
suffocated, his hand trembling. Only Menma and Sasuke managed to maintain a
semblance of calmness and rationality.