Asuma was born to Biwako and Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. During his Academy entrance ceremony, Asuma became friends with Kurenai Yuhi. In the anime, during the Chunin Exams, Asuma was placed on a team with Kurenai and Raido Namiashi.[5] He later cheered on his classmates during the third round of the Chunin Exams.[6] During the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's Attack, Asuma along with the other young ninja were barred from participating in the defence of the village by Shinku Yuhi and the other senior shinobi. Asuma then told Kurenai to calm down.[7] A few years after the event, Asuma would become an uncle to Konohamaru.