Hokage's Office.
The Third Hokage tossed Kakashi a mission scroll.
"Protect movie star Fujikaze Yukie as she travels to the Snow Country, until filming is complete..."
The mission was rated A.
That meant it would not be so simple, but the reward was substantial.
After carefully reading the mission details, Kakashi sank into memory.
"The Snow Country... I went there ten years ago and even saved that little girl."
Just then!
Asuma Sarutobi rushed in.
He wanted to take this mission too.
Because he was a fan of Fujikaze Yukie!
But Kakashi wanted to save money. Might Guy's birthday was only two months away.
And he might need to buy baby formula someday...
"Dad! If you don't give me this mission, I'll shave my head and become... a monk! I'll never marry and go live with Chiriku at the Fire Temple!"
Though Asuma usually looked manly with that face full of beard.
Before the Third Hokage, he was clearly a spoiled child throwing a tantrum.
Kakashi said nothing.
With dead-fish eyes, he looked at him, propped his chin up with one hand, and said coldly:
"A tree without bark is surely doomed. A man without shame is invincible beneath the heavens."
Just a few words, yet he sounded especially pretentious!
Because he always reminded himself:
"Time has told me that I'm past the age of throwing tantrums. It's time to act cool. I should learn from Sasuke."
"How am I shameless?"
"I accepted the mission first!"
"&%#%...&*()%#"
The two argued furiously.
The Third Hokage's head was about to split.
In the end, he sighed and continued playing the good old peacemaker.
"Ahem... Stop fighting. Black cat or white cat, the one that catches female cats is a good cat."
After thinking for a moment, he made his decision.
"How about