Asuma Sarutobi is a fictional character from the anime and manga series Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is a skilled ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village and is known for his expertise in wind-based techniques. Asuma is the son of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and serves as a mentor to a group of young ninjas, including Shikamaru Nara and Ino Yamanaka. Asuma is recognized for his laid-back personality and strong sense of duty. He wields a unique weapon, the trench knives, which he uses effectively in combat. Throughout the series, Asuma plays a significant role in the development of his students and faces various challenges that test his abilities and resolve.