Avoiding Unnecessary Trouble

Yuhi Shinku glanced at him, the corners of his mouth lifting in a rare smile. "What's the rush, Aoba? A ninja's first lesson is patience.

Once we understand the situation, we'll act."

The four quickly packed their gear and split up.

Yamashiro Aoba headed toward a small town in the Land of Rivers alone, while Yuhi Shinku led Kawaki Aoba and Sarutobi Asuma deeper into the woods to find a suitable hiding place.

Deep in the woods, a clear stream flowed past a huge vine-covered boulder. Behind it lay a natural hollow large enough for several people to rest.

Yuhi Shinku checked the area for traps, then nodded. "This will do. It's safe for now."

Kawaki Aoba set down his pack and sat on a rock by the stream. "Teacher Shinku, how dangerous do you think this mission will be?"

Yuhi Shinku did not answer at once. He crouched, scooped up a handful of stream water, and slowly washed the dust from his face.

Only after a long pause did he speak. "Aoba, every mission has its dangers. But this time... I have a bad feeling."

"A bad feeling?"

Sarutobi Asuma cut in. Leaning against a tree, he toyed with a Kunai. "Shinku, since when did you get so superstitious?"

Yuhi Shinku shot him a look, though there was no anger in his voice. "Asuma, a ninja's instincts can be more reliable than intelligence.

I can't shake the feeling that this mission isn't as simple as it looks."

Kawaki Aoba lowered his head, turning the mission details over in his mind.

On the surface, their mission was to escort the Daimyo of the Land of Wind to the Land of Rivers for a secret meeting. But why was the Daimyo's itinerary so closely guarded? And would Sunagakure really interfere? The