A mission, whatbelse could there be?

"I have a mission for you and your team, Asher," he said, "Normally, we would be putting you in charge of another squad, but this mission is high priority. I have given Zazu the details."

He nods towards Zazu, who steps forward.

"There is an architect arriving in the village," he says after unrolling a scroll, "His name is Taza Honaru and he is heading to a small village in the Land of Earth. Apparently, they were the victims of an attack. We don't know much detail of the incident, but they have hired Taza to aid in the rebuilding of the village. It will be our job to protect him during the journey. He fears that the people who attacked the village might still be in the area."

The three Chuunins nodded.

"He won't be arriving for a few days," Zazu continued, "So I want you all to be well prepared. You are dismissed."

Minasa vanished the moment the left the building and Aria ran off after giving Asher a quick kiss on the lips. She called back that she would meet up with him later. Asher, himself, felt very hungry. He decided to head to his favourite shop, Ichiraku Ramen. He quickly made his way to the shop, knowing the directions so well, he could find it from any point in the village, with his eyes closed.

As he neared his destination, he heard someone shout, "RAMEN!!!" He instantly knew who it was. There was no-one else in the village that loud. Stepping into the shop, he spotted the spiky blonde hair of Naruto. His face was stuffed inside the bowl in front of him.

"Hey Naruto," says Asher, clapping him on the back, "How are you?"

"ASH!!!" Naruto yelled, "Guess what?"

"You finally became a ninja," the confused look on Naruto's face was priceless, "The Hokage told me."

"Why couldn't that old man keep that to himself," he says pouting, "I wanted to be the one to tell you."

"He had to tell me. The incident with Mizuki was too important for him not to tell me."

"Ok then. So, I suppose you know about me."

"The nine-tails," Naruto nods, "I've known since the first moment I met you. I could sense it within you."

"How come you never said anything?"

"Sorry but I gotta go. I hope you get a good team. See ya."

"But you didn't buy any ramen," Teuchi yells.

"I'll come back later," Asher calls back. He then rounds a corner and was gone.