DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (JUST WANTED TO CLEAR THIS UP HAHA CAUSE I DON'T WANNA GET IN POSSIBLE TROUBLE)

Ch.4 - A Farmer And His Cattle

- Somewhere North Of Konohagakure -

(Time: Undisclosed)

A group of three Konoha ninjas were jumping from tree branch to tree branch alongside the border of Hi no Kuni (Land of Fire) as they were tasked to patrol the area and check for any suspicious activities. It was a relatively uneventful day on the job, prompting the three men to engage in casual conversation to pass the time.

"That's pretty much what happened, Tadao-san," one of the men said to his comrade.

"Look, man... I've been there. Although you have to stand up to your girl sometimes. If I were you, I'd defend myself in that situation. To me, it seems like your girl is rather bossy, Kazuhiko-san," he replied, while their other companion made a whip sound, laughing loudly.

"Screw you! I'm not whipped, you bastard... At least I have a girlfriend. What about you, Makoto-san?" Kazuhiko retorted.

Makoto seemed unfazed by the jab at his single status and continued to tease Kazuhiko about his predicament. "You're whipped, just admit it, man... This is why I don't date civilians. They're too clingy for my taste," he said.

"Well, why aren't you dating any kunoichis in our village, then, Makoto-san?" Tadao asked.

"Oh, well, you see... I have no problem with the idea of dating a fellow shinobi, as long as we don't work in the same department, you know? I'm worried about the awkwardness in the workplace if we were to break up. Plus, I find them rather intimidating at times," Makoto admitted, causing the other two to burst into laughter.

As the three continued their patrol, they suddenly heard rustling noises in the distance. Tadao, their leader, signaled for them to be discreet and follow his lead since investigating unusual occurrences was part of their job. The trio silently dropped down from the trees and formed a triangle formation to watch each other's backs. While Tadao inspected an odd footprint he had discovered, the other two resumed their conversation from earlier.

"Are you scared of Michiko-san from the Cryptoanalysis Department?" Kazuhiko asked.

"I don't know... She doesn't scare me, that's for sure. Although I don't think we have much in common, so it probably wouldn't work anyway," Makoto replied.

"Well, I've got nothing else... Those are all the kunoichis I know. Maybe you're destined to be alone for the rest of your life," Kazuhiko teased, prompting Makoto to flip him off with his middle finger.

Kazuhiko laughed at his friend's response but then noticed that their leader had fallen silent and hadn't spoken in quite some time. "What the fuck?! What is taking him so long?" Kazuhiko asked. Makoto shrugged, speculating that Tadao must be somewhere nearby and couldn't have gone too far. Kazuhiko decided to look for their missing leader while they waited.

Minutes passed, and neither of his teammates returned. Anxiety began to creep up on Kazuhiko as he worried about their whereabouts. He started to overthink the possibilities of what might have happened.

"Man... This freaking sucks. I swear this happened in one of those horror stories I've been reading... Where the hell are those two? They better not be playing a prank on me. If they are, I swear I'll fucking deck them so hard they're gonna..." He couldn't finish his sentence when suddenly he heard a cry of pain coming from a distance.

With the unmistakable voice of Kazuhiko echoing through the air, Makoto's senses heightened, propelling him towards the origin of the sound with a sense of urgency. He channelled his chakra into his legs, allowing his body to surge forward with remarkable speed. Racing through the terrain, Makoto's eyes caught sight of a kunai, its surface stained with crimson, lying on the forest floor. It held a significant meaning to him, for it was Kazuhiko's cherished weapon, distinguished by a unique feature—the presence of a ring situated between the blade and the handle, unlike the conventional kunais with the ring positioned at the end. Drawn towards it, he approached cautiously, his footsteps muffled by the whispering foliage.

As he neared the fallen kunai, a sudden rustling from the nearby bushes startled him. Instinctively, Makoto flung a barrage of shurikens towards the disturbance, only to be greeted by the sight of a harmless rabbit emerging from the verdant undergrowth. Exhaling a relieved breath, he let his tense muscles relax, grateful that his wild imagination hadn't conjured a more sinister threat. Yet, even as he dismissed the false alarm, his worry for his missing comrades pressed upon his mind, casting a shadow over his thoughts.

Lost in contemplation, the forest's mood turned somber, the gentle drizzle of raindrops commencing their descent from the heavens above. Makoto raised his gaze, his eyes meeting the cloudy expanse, gauging the approaching darkness. "Where in the world could they be?" he murmured aloud, the words escaping his lips in a mix of frustration and concern. Resuming his journey, his steps accompanied by the pitter-patter of the rain, a small inconvenience revealed itself—a tiny pebble lodged irritatingly within his sandal.

Deciding to rid himself of the vexation, Makoto gracefully lowered himself onto one knee, his nimble fingers deftly removing the intruding rock from his footwear. Once the matter was resolved, he carefully adjusted his shinobi sandals, ensuring their proper fit. However, as he rose to his feet, a peculiar occurrence caught his attention—an object descending from the sky, catching the glimmer of sunlight amidst the rain. Drawing closer, Makoto's eyes widened with dread as he identified the source—a steady drip of blood, falling from a considerable height above.

Lifting his gaze towards the ominous spectacle, Makoto's heart skipped a beat, his breath catching in his throat. He beheld a grotesque creature, its maw oozing crimson, a foreboding sight that sent a shiver down his spine. Before he could react, the creature launched itself at him with unparalleled speed, its claws slashing through the air. In that chilling moment, Makoto vanished from sight, leaving behind an unanswered question in the depths of the forest—forever obscured, forever lost.

- In Konoha -

Naruto's casual remark permeated the air, breaking the silence that enveloped his teammates who eagerly awaited the arrival of their sensei. Ino, raising an eyebrow inquisitively, couldn't help but ask, "What's on your mind, Naruto?"

With a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, Naruto replied, "I've been thinking... If you use a straw to consume soup, are you eating it or drinking it?"

Ino's deadpan stare met Naruto's absurd question, while Shino maintained his usual enigmatic silence. "Huh? Obviously, you're still eating it, duh!" Ino retorted. "Soup is a food, so you're eating it. Besides, why on earth would you use a straw to begin with, Naruto?"

Naruto shrugged; his curiosity undeterred. "I was just wondering, jeez... I mean, sure, using a spoon is the conventional way, but think about it for a second. What's the purpose of a straw then?"

"To sip or drink liquids," Ino replied matter-of-factly.

Naruto countered with a playful grin, "So, if you use it to consume soup, then you're drinking it, right?"

Ino massaged her temples, a gesture of mild exasperation. "You eat soup, Naruto! Not drink it... Seriously, it's too early in the morning for this." She glanced towards Shino, wondering what his perspective would be.

Naruto's face lit up with triumph as Shino voiced his agreement. "SEE! Shino gets it," he exclaimed, reveling in the unexpected alliance. Meanwhile, a visible vein throbbed on Ino's forehead, her disbelief tinged with frustration. "Did I hear that right? You're siding with him on this, Shino? Is your head messed up or something?" she wondered aloud; her incredulity palpable.

Maintaining his calm demeanor, Shino calmly replied, "I think Naruto's logic checks out, Ino."

Ino found herself at a loss for words, unable to fathom how both Naruto and Shino could stand united on this peculiar matter. Thankfully, their sensei arrived just in the nick of time, sparing her from descending further into madness. "Sorry I'm late. I had some things to attend to. Are you guys ready to embark on a mission today?" Asuma's voice resonated, diverting their attention.

Both Naruto and Shino nodded affirmatively, their readiness evident. Ino, on the other hand, teetered on the edge of composure, her mind still grappling with the soup conundrum. "What's wrong with her?" Asuma inquired, curious about the turmoil that seemed to be brewing within his female student.

Naruto seized the opportunity to enlighten their sensei, blurting out, "I asked if you use a straw to consume soup, are you eating it or drinking it. Shino and I both said drinking, since straws are used for drinking."

Ino turned to Asuma, her eyes pleading for him to set the record straight. "Tell them they're wrong, Asuma-sensei," she implored, desperately seeking a voice of reason.

Asuma pondered the question for a while, his gaze distant as he mulled over the enigmatic soup dilemma. After a few minutes of contemplation, he finally arrived at a verdict. "Well, since straws are intended for drinking... and if you use one for soup... I suppose you are drinking it," he declared, unwittingly further fueling Ino's fury.

Ino's frustration reached its peak as she stormed off towards the Hokage Tower, determined to seek clarity from higher authorities. Asuma sighed, accustomed to Ino's occasional outbursts, while Naruto shrugged nonchalantly, indifferent to the chaos unfolding around him. Shino, as enigmatic as ever, remained silent throughout the entire exchange. Recognizing the need to address the situation, Naruto and Asuma exchanged glances, silently agreeing to follow Ino and catch up with her, hoping to find a resolution to the heated soup debate.

- At The Hokage Tower -

Asuma's knuckles rapped against the door, the sound reverberating through the corridor, signaling their presence to the Hokage. After a brief wait, they were granted permission to enter, and the team stepped into the Hokage's office. "So, Hokage-sama, what mission do you have for us?" Asuma inquired respectfully.

"I have another mission for your team, and before you protest, Naruto-kun, rest assured it is at least a C-Rank mission," the Hokage assured, addressing Naruto's characteristic eagerness. Naruto nodded, suppressing any objections, his curiosity piqued by the forthcoming assignment. "Originally, this mission was intended for another team. Unfortunately, they encountered some setbacks, prompting me to transfer it to your team," the Hokage explained.

Asuma listened attentively, his focus undivided. "I see, Hokage-sama. What does this mission entail?" he asked, eager to delve into the details.

The Hokage's voice remained steady as he revealed the mission's simplicity. "It's quite straightforward. Your task is to escort your client back to his farm near the border of Hi no Kuni (Land of Fire), specifically in the southeastern corner of Takigakure no Sato (Village Hidden by a Waterfall). Once you arrive, you will act as guards, as the client has been experiencing the unfortunate disappearance of several of his cows in recent days," the Hokage explained concisely.

Naruto, unable to contain his curiosity, interjected with a question. "But why didn't he seek help from Takigakure? Don't they have shinobi there too? And doesn't their village have a leader called the Takikage?"

The Hokage acknowledged Naruto's inquiry, responding with a gentle correction. "Your first statement is correct, Naruto. However, Takigakure does not have a 'kage' as you mentioned. It is considered a minor village," Shino interjected, showcasing his extensive knowledge of the village hierarchy.

Impressed by Shino's understanding, the Hokage commended him. "That is indeed correct, Shino-kun. Takigakure is one of the minor villages, much like Kusakagure no Sato (Village Hidden in the Grass), Hoshigakure no Sato (Village Hidden Among the Stars), Yugakure no Sato (Village Hidden in Hot Water), and many others. These villages, though not large enough to be recognized as major villages, have their own distinct systems. They do not necessarily adhere to our traditional rules, which include having a 'kage' and reporting to a Daimyo," the Hokage explained further.

Naruto's expression shifted from confusion to comprehension. "Ohhh! I get it now! Thanks, Hokage-jiji!" he exclaimed, flashing his characteristic foxy grin, amusing the Hokage.

Just as the conversation settled, the office door swung open, revealing a lady, presumably the Hokage's assistant, holding a bowl of steaming miso soup. "Hokage-sama, here is your bowl of miso soup for breakfast. And beside it, the pastry you requested earlier," she said, her smile radiating warmth. The Hokage thanked her graciously, reaching for the spoon to savor the nourishing meal. However, his eyes caught Ino's peculiar expression, and he paused, sensing something amiss.

Concern etched across Hiruzen's face as he observed Ino's troubled expression. Sensing the urgency, Naruto recounted the earlier conversation, posing the same question to the Hokage. Hiruzen rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon as he pondered the philosophical conundrum. "The straw itself doesn't hold much significance, Naruto-kun. What truly matters is the presence of solids in the soup. If there are solids, you would be eating them and, simultaneously, drinking the liquid. Therefore, one could argue that you are both eating and drinking the soup. It's quite amusing, Naruto-kun. I'll have to give it more thought," Hiruzen chuckled, appreciating the peculiar inquiry.

With that matter settled, Hiruzen concluded the discussion. "Anyway, that's all I have to say on the matter. You are all dismissed," he announced, signaling the end of their meeting. They bid their farewells and made their way out of the Hokage's office, leaving Hiruzen to contemplate the intriguing question and Ino to grapple with the mysteries of soup consumption.

- Konoha's Gate -

Impatience tugged at Naruto's nerves as he grumbled about their sensei's perpetual tardiness. While Asuma-sensei was not as consistently late as Kakashi-sensei, he had a knack for providing flimsy excuses when he did arrive behind schedule. Ino shared Naruto's frustration, her grumbles blending with his own, while Shino maintained his customary silence, concealing any thoughts or emotions towards their sensei.

The duo's disgruntled murmurs ceased abruptly as Asuma finally made his appearance after two hours of exasperating wait. "Where have you been, Asuma-sensei?!" Ino demanded, her tone laced with annoyance, demanding a satisfactory explanation from the bearded jōnin.

Asuma's sheepish demeanor betrayed his guilt as he stammered out an excuse. "Uhh... Hokage-sama... Wanted to... Clear up some matters with me before our departure... That's it!" His feeble explanation fell on skeptical ears, as both Ino and Naruto shot him piercing glares, unconvinced by his flimsy reasoning.

Sighing in unison, the blondes chose to let the issue slide, eager to move forward. "So, Asuma-sensei, where's our client?" Ino inquired, her impatience barely concealed.

"Oh, he'll be here shortly. In the meantime, take this opportunity to double-check your gear, make sure you haven't forgotten anything," Asuma advised, attempting to divert their attention.

Ten minutes dragged on, the waiting weighing heavily upon them. Finally, a figure emerged in the distance, running towards their location, panting and heaving with exertion. As he reached their group, he mustered a breathless greeting. "Sorry for the delay, I got sidetracked on my way here when I stumbled upon a flower shop. I couldn't resist buying some for my wife back home. Oh, where are my manners? I'm Kaneshiro Takeo. It's a pleasure to meet you all," he introduced himself, gasping between words.

"Nice to meet you, Kaneshiro-san. I'm Sarutobi Asuma, and these are my students: Aburame Shino, Yamanaka Ino, and Uzumaki Naruto," Asuma performed the introductions, receiving nods of acknowledgment from his students.

"Now that our client has arrived, let us not waste any more time. We should get moving before daylight slips away," Asuma declared, urging them to commence their mission.

- Outside Konoha -

As they continued their brisk pace towards the farm, Asuma delved into the details of Kaneshiro's predicament. "So, Kaneshiro-san, aside from the missing cows, is there anything else troubling happening at your farm?" he inquired.

Kaneshiro sighed, revealing the lack of security measures in place. "You see, my farm doesn't have a fence. For years, I've let my cows graze freely, as none of them ever wandered too far. However, recently I've noticed a decrease in their numbers. I usually count them every few days to ensure none go missing. I guess it's partly my fault for being too complacent," he admitted, a hint of self-blame in his voice.

Asuma acknowledged the explanation with a curt response, taking a puff from his cigarette as he mulled over the situation.

Ino chimed in, suggesting potential culprits. "Kaneshiro-san, do you have any idea who or what could have taken your cows? It could be bandits or predators lurking in the area," she offered, trying to contribute to the discussion.

"I do believe it might be bandits or poachers who frequent the vicinity. I'll make sure to take precautionary measures to prevent this from happening again," Kaneshiro assured them, determination seeping into his words.

"Well, whoever took your cows I'll be sure to use my sweet moves on them, you'll see dattebayo!" Naruto said for he was unable to contain his enthusiasm. His proclamation elicited laughter from Asuma and Kaneshiro, while Ino rolled her eyes at his antics. Shino, true to his nature, remained unfazed and silent.

"Who are you again? I wasn't able to catch your name earlier" Takeo asked. Naruto gave him his iconic foxy grin and introduced himself in a grand manner.

"The name's Uzumaki Naruto! Future Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato, I'll make it come true you best believe it!" Naruto declared proudly. Takeo and Asuma chuckled, Ino rolled her eyes and Shino, well he's Shino so he didn't react or anything.

"That's a rather admirable dream you have Uzumaki-san, I truly hope you make your dream come true" Takeo said in a sincere tone, in response Naruto thanked him for his kind words.

Curious about their client's aspirations, Naruto engaged Kaneshiro in conversation. "What about you, Kaneshiro-san? Do you have any dreams or ambitions?" he inquired, eager to learn more about the man.

Kaneshiro's smile wavered briefly as he reminisced. "Well, I used to dream of becoming a renowned ninja. But as I grew older, I realized the life of a shinobi wasn't for me. I didn't have the courage to pursue that path. Fortunately, I discovered something else I was passionate about," he replied, a note of contentment in his voice.

The conversation continued as they walked, with Naruto and Kaneshiro exchanging stories and aspirations. The camaraderie between the team and their client began to blossom, setting the stage for their upcoming mission.

"And what is it?" Ino asked curiously.

Takeo smiled warmly. "I'm passionate about my current profession, which is farming. It's a relaxing and rewarding way of life. My wife actually introduced me to the world of farming before we got married, and I can't imagine my life without her. That's why I was a bit late in meeting you all. I stopped by a flower shop to buy some flowers for her. I must admit, I know very little about flowers, but luckily a kind woman helped me choose the perfect ones for my beloved," he explained.

Naruto chimed in, "Oh! You must have met Ino's mom at 'Yamanaka Flowers,' their family owns it."

Takeo appeared confused. "I see. Yes, I did visit their store. You Yamanakas certainly have a deep understanding of botany."

Ino couldn't help but feel proud of her family's expertise. "It's in our blood, after all."

Asuma interrupted their conversation, shifting the focus back to their journey. "Sorry to break up the conversation, but how much longer do we have to travel to reach your ranch, Kaneshiro-san?" he asked.

Takeo replied, revealing that they still had quite a distance to go. As the daylight began to fade, Asuma made a decision. "It's getting dark, and it would be unwise to continue traveling. Naruto, create clones and have them gather firewood. The rest of you, prepare the campsite. Consider this part of your training. Once you become Chunin, you'll need to handle missions like this on your own. So let's get to work."

The three young shinobi nodded in understanding and swiftly started their tasks. Takeo observed their efficiency and couldn't help but be impressed. "Sarutobi-san, I must say, your students are truly impressive. Though I'm not sure how much weight my opinion holds when it comes to all things shinobi," he complimented Asuma.

Asuma exhaled a plume of smoke and responded, "Yeah, I'm really proud of them too. I've only been their teacher for a short time, but they've shown great potential." Tadao nodded in agreement, and the two adults engaged in conversation while the young shinobi diligently carried out their assigned tasks.

(A/N: And that is for this chapter yay! Btw if you disagree with the whole eating/drinking soup ordeal, please don't think the characters are stupid. I just thought it would be funny to make them discuss stuff like that too. I personally still don't know what the right verb is haha. Regardless hope you like this one! Rate and Review if you feel like and. A little RnR (Rate & Review) is appreciated haha cheers^^