The 7th Member of Team 7

by Jlynn105

Summary:

Naruto doesn't have many prized possessions after the war. Gama-Chan is by far the most important one. So what happens when he is getting ramen with his team and realizes Gama-Chan is missing?

Notes:

Imma just leave this here.

Chapter 1: The Revelation

Sasuke had been looking forward to dinner at ichiraku. Not that he ever would tell a single soul as much. The whole village being at peace was a foreign concept. Beyond the villagers glaring at him on occasion, when they thought Naruto wasn’t looking, things had been perfect. Even Being with the whole team was beginning to grow on him, well most of them. He didn’t particularly enjoy Sai but he wasn’t the worst option. They could’ve replaced him with Lee. 

However, he began to doubt the success of dinner when he looked over and saw Naruto looking pale and panicked. Devastation. Why? No one had bothered with their meal and the old man had given Naruto free refills so he couldn’t still be hungry. Apparently, Sasuke wasn’t the only one to notice his change in demeanor because Kakashi Sensei asked, “what’s wrong Naruto?” Before Sasuke had even processed what was happening. 

Naruto looked up with a crestfallen expression that Sasuke had thought would’ve been done with since his return to the village. “A member of team seven is gone” Naruto whispered before slamming his head down on the bar. Sasuke watched as Kakashi counted each member to clarify, no member was absent. 

“Do you mean Yamato? He had work tonight, remember? I’m sure he’d be glad to see you missed him though” Kakashi said and Sasuke could practically see the smile through his mask. However, Naruto didn’t look comforted by this answer and turned his head to the side just enough to look at Kakashi without actually lifting his head. 

“No, I lost Gama-Chan!” He exclaimed, sounding positively beyond himself. Sakura grabbing his forehead was the only reason the kid didn’t slam it back into the counter. 

“Gama-Chan? Who’s that?” Sakura asked, confused and Sasuke could tell it wasn’t going to be good. He knew exactly who Gama-Chan was and if he was really lost then no one in the whole village would sleep till they found him. 

Naruto snapped his head up to stare wide-eyed at his female teammate. “You don’t know? How could you not know?!” Naruto questioned looking like he was bordering between sadness and anger. 

Sasuke sighed and pushed himself off his stool to cross his arms over his chest. He could tell from the looks Sai and Kakashi were giving each other they were lost. “Are you telling me, you're upset over your frog?” Sasuke drawled out hoping his teammates would remember the last member of their team. “I would’ve thought you had to trash that thing”

“I would never throw Gama away!” Naruto yelled getting up from the stool just to glare at Sasuke better. Well. Anger is better than tears. “And he isn’t a frog. He’s a toad” 

“You lost a summoning?” Sai asked looking shocked. “I had no idea that was even possible for someone of your caliber.” Oh no. They still don’t get it. Sasuke glanced over to confirm that Kakashi looked completely panicked at the thought of Naruto misplacing one of his real frogs. 

“No you idiot.” Sasuke rolled his eyes before gathering the stares of all his teammates. Holding contact with Kakashi just long enough for it to say pay attention sensei or you’re in trouble. “Naruto is just babbling about his dumb wallet.” Everyone apart from Naruto took a large sigh of relief. 

“You named your wallet?” Sakura asked gently, sounding completely lost.

 Naruto stared up at her devastated before answering, “you don’t remember?” He asked sounding like Sakura had just murdered pakkun. 

Sasuke grinned as his girlfriend rushed to correct her mistake. “Oh Of course I do! Gama-Chan your wallet” she smiled. “He’s cute and-“ she dragged out the end syllable to look at the rest of them for help. Sasuke took slight pity and mouthed ‘green’ just clear enough for her notice. “Green, so so green” she finished. 

“What did Gama-Chan look like Naruto? I’m afraid my memory is a bit hazy” Sai asked, pulling out his sketch pad. The whole team sat patiently as Naruto gave an in-depth description of his beloved wallet. Sasuke saw over Sai’s shoulder that he wasn’t doing half bad. After a significant portion of time, Sai turned the paper over for Naruto to inspect. “Like this?” Sai checked and Naruto nodded, still looking sad but happy with the drawing. 

Sakura, at the sight of Sai’s drawing, appeared to finally remember. Finally. “Where was the last spot you remember having Gama-Chan Naruto?” She asked sweetly and Naruto held a finger to his chin in his classic ‘thinking hard’ face. That wasn’t good. Naruto always used to know where his wallet was. If it was taking this long…

“I don’t remember” Naruto mumbled miserably. “I haven’t had to pay for anything since…I don’t even know when.” He admitted before it looked like he had a terrible idea and spun to Kakashi sensei. “What if he’s been missing for a long time?!” Oh no. We got to de-escalate this. Now. 

Sakura, as she tended to do more recently, saved him though. “Alright Naruto, don’t worry. I’m sure it hasn’t been that long. Do you remember when you last saw him?” She asked carefully. All of the team watched Naruto as he thought about it and when Naruto had his ‘I remember’ face, Sasuke’s stomach dropped. 

“Before I battled with Pein” Naruto whispered and Sasuke was positive there were legitimate tears in his eyes. Crap. He knew that frog was from Lord Third. He knew that even when no one else at the dumb school liked him, Naruto was friends with his stupid frog wallet. “What if I left him in the apartment?” 

No one spoke for a moment and then Kakashi came forward and put a hand on Naruto’s shoulder. “Slow down Naruto. You’re getting ahead of yourself. We don’t know that Gama-Chan isn’t in your apartment now. You only just saw he was missing right?” When his student nodded Sasuke saw his teacher continue. “Well, then we need to look at your house completely first.” Kakashi smiled and Naruto nodded, standing up looking like he didn’t believe for a second the wallet was in his house. “Why don’t you start walking ahead and I’ll join you? I’m sure if we look together we’ll find him” Kakashi promised. 

Once Naruto had walked out of hearing range Sasuke saw his teacher turn around with an extremely serious expression. “Alright team, a new mission for today. Objective: find Gama-Chan. The consequences for this mission include crushing your teammate’s spirit and possibly the leveling of the entire leaf village once he commences a search of his own. Use whatever means necessary” Kakashi ordered and all three gave a solid ”Right” before Kakashi bounded after the blonde and left them to their own devices. 

Sasuke had always hated when he was young and Kakashi would leave right when it seemed like he needed for him to be there. That hadn’t changed since he had been back, but at least this wasn’t life or death...yet. “Well,” Sai broke the silence as they stood in a three-man huddle. “I think the plan here is obvious,” he said bluntly. 

“Right” Sakura agreed, grabbing her notepad. “We need to contact the remaining members of the Rookie 9 and start a village-wide search. There’s no way just the three of us can find it if Gama-chan isn’t in Naruto’s house” She sighed. Sasuke supposed that made sense. If this frog had been lost since Pein, then they were in serious trouble. Sai however seemed surprised at Sakura’s conclusion. 

“What? You had a different idea?” Sasuke scoffed. He hadn’t known Sai long, but he kinda hated everything the guy said. That was likely Sasuke’s problem, but he wasn’t really looking to fix it anytime soon. “Sakura’s right we won’t be able to find something that small that has no chakra source. At least having team 8 help with the tracking will ensure we find it before knucklehead gets restless.” 

“I had assumed we would approach the manufacturer for a replacement,” Sai admitted and Sasuke leveled him with a glare.

“I don’t think that would work well Sai. Naruto signed his frog I remember” Sakura explained and Sasuke used all his strength to not remind Sakura she hadn’t remembered the wallet ten minutes ago. 

“Yes, but Naruto also signed my sketch,” Sai said, flipping his sketchbook into view. Sasuke could see the wallet’s perfect mirror complete with Naruto writing his name. “If I had a wallet like this, I could replicate the signature” Sai added with a small smile in Sakura’s direction. Sasuke had to admit, it was a good backup. 

“Fine, whatever. Sakura and I will go find team 8 and team 10 respectively. You go see if you can find out where Lord 3rd bought that thing. It might be on record at the Hokage’s office.” Sasuke settled and the team dispersed. 

---

Kakashi had never so thoroughly searched an apartment and that included his own. They had flipped over the bed and chairs, rummaged through the closet, and every cabinet had nearly been torn off the hinges. Naruto was not letting this go. He really hoped that his team was getting farther than they were. Any longer and he’d need to pull out Pakkun. 

“Kakashi Sensei! I don’t see him anywhere!” Naruto yelled from the bedroom and Kakashi sighed before walking there from where he was in the kitchen. The teen was currently peeling up his literal floorboards and looking up at him like he could somehow spontaneously make his frog appear. “I don’t think he’s here. I wouldn’t hide him in the vents” Naruto explained and Kakashi didn’t have the patience to ask why the floor was perfect but the vents were out of the question. 

“Alright, well. Where else do you go today Naruto? We didn’t meet for dinner until late tonight, I’m sure you were busier than that today.” Kakashi asked sitting down by his student as they worked to place the floorboards back. 

“Well Yeah I guess. I’ve been kinda busy now that I’m out of the hospital. Hmm, let’s see” Naruto pondered. “I went to talk to grandma Tsunade about how soon I can go on missions, then I watched Konahamoru do some training…oh!” Naruto exclaimed, turning to fully face Kakashi. “I visited the Academy to see Iruka Sensei.”

Of course he went to see Iruka. “Iruka doesn’t finish work until late these days. Why don’t we pop by and see if it fell out of your pocket in his office?” Kakashi suggested and Naruto nodded, standing up with him to head out of the apartment. Just as they began walking down the road, Naruto's face turned serious.

“Thanks for helping me look, Sensei” Naruto spoke quietly. “I know Gama-chan is old, but I think that’s why I really don’t want him to disappear, ya know?” Naruto explained and Kakashi wanted to burn down the whole village to find the dang frog. If only his teacher could see him now, searching Konoha for a five-dollar frog coin purse for the sake of his son…he would be so proud. 

“Of course. What kind of sensei would I be if I didn’t help my cute Genin?” Kakashi smiled and Naruto rolling his eyes was so worth it. 

---

Sakura was panting hard by the time she reached Ino’s house. She had already been to Shikamaru and Choji’s only to be told that team 10 was assembled at Ino’s for a team dinner. It seemed that all of Konoha was celebrating today. She knocked loud and fast until Ino made the door fly open. 

“Jeez what in the world Sakura? We’re trying to have dinner here- why do you look so flushed?” Ino asked, confused leaning against her doorway. Sakura couldn’t blame her. Lately, the only time they had run into each other was when they were working the same shift at the hospital. She didn’t exactly have time for social calls lately. 

“I need your help. All of you actually” Sakura started once she caught her breath.

Chapter 2: Plans in Play

Summary:

Gathering the teams together is more difficult than it seems

Ino nodded and opened the door wider allowing Sakura inside. “Ok, but this better be good.” She warned leading Sakura to the dining room where Ino’s mom, Choji, Shikamaru, and Kurenai and her daughter. The conversation paused when Shikamaru noticed Sakura.

“Oh no,” he mumbled standing up and grabbing his vest off the back of his chair. 

“Come on! Really? This has been our first dinner in forever” Choji sighed not quite ready to part with his BBQ plate. 

Sakura bowed in Ino’s mother’s direction and then Kurenai before facing Shikamaru. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I’m afraid the situation has gotten out of hand. See, Naruto has misplaced his frog I guess-” she started only to be interrupted by both Shikamaru and Choji at the same time. 

“Gama-chan?” 

“His wallet?”

Shikamaru sighed from there as he zipped up his vest. “Well, if he’s really lost it then I can see why you came to get us. I assume he’s already searched the apartment?” he asked and Sakura was still reeling in shock. 

“You guys know the name of his wallet?” she asked and Ino slapped her on the back of the head. 

“Come on Forehead, of course we do. Naruto only carried it around everywhere since we were all kids. Are you telling me you didn’t?” Ino scoffed and after a short silence, Choji started laughing as he stood up. 

“Oh yeah, I’m sure Naruto was real happy when he figured that out.” Choji joked. 

Sakura huffed, it wasn’t her fault she didn’t remember. Naruto never really needed his wallet anymore. “Nevermind that. Sasuke is gathering team 8 and Sai went to find the store that sells the wallets. As a plan B of course!” she reassured at the unbelieving looks of the other ninja. “I was thinking we probably should meet up with Sasuke, but that may get too much suspicion from Naruto,” Sakura said. 

“Meeting up is the last thing we want to do. We’ll panic people, forget Naruto.” Shikamaru agreed. “Let’s get out of Mrs. Yamanaka’s way,” he suggested and the whole team bowed in respect before heading out front. Sakura had to admit she was surprised that they were so ready to help. It wasn’t as if anyone was in any actual danger. Though, Sasuke and Kakashi made it sound like someone would be if they didn’t find the wallet soon.

“This is an official mission from Kakashi Sensei by the way, so if anyone asks we’re doing what the Hokage has ordered us to do.” Sakura offered and the other shinobi nodded along. 

“When did he remember having it last?” Shikamaru asked and Sakura tried not to cringe with her own response. 

“Before the battle with Pein,” she said and all of team 10 groaned. 

“There’s no way that flimsy little thing survived the destruction of Konoha. My entire wardrobe was gone after that blast.” Ino argued crossing her arms. “I’m starting to think Sai has the right idea here.”

“You only wear one outfit that isn’t your uniform or mission clothes Ino, it wasn’t that big of a loss,” Choji said boldly munching on chips that Sakura hadn’t even noticed until he was apparently halfway done with them. “And we don’t know that Gama-chan was in the blast. Just because Naruto doesn’t remember having him since then, doesn’t mean that he didn’t.” 

“I agree with Choji” Shikamaru said. “If the Konoha 11 can’t find him we’ll resort to the ANBU. I doubt it will come to that though. Team 8 probably has the biggest shot at finding him. For now, we can focus on asking around. Konohamaru has been known to handle the wallet for Naruto before. We can also check with the local store owners if anyone has turned in any coin bags.” Shikamaru strategized and Sakura was glad that he took charge. She really didn’t feel like being responsible if her group couldn’t locate Gama-chan.

“Ok sure. Let’s move into teams of two. That way, we’ll look like we’re on patrol. Shikamaru, you go with Choji to check in with Konohamaru, Ino and I can get a start on asking the food merchants first. They should all still be open for a dinner serving. When you finish up, you guys can work on the market stores and we’ll meet back in front of the Hokage’s office.” Sakura suggested and with three quick nods, Shikamaru and Choji bounded away from their huddle. 

Shikamaru and Choji leaped through the cover of darkness as they headed for Konohamaru’s. “Can you believe Sakura didn’t know what Gama-chan is? Like how could we know and she not?” Choji scoffed and Shikamaru shook his head. He didn’t understand how Naruto could’ve let the frog out of his sight in the first place. When they had been really young, he would even bring it to class with him. 

“We’re so gonna sneak out of class!” Kiba exclaimed eyeing the window with a smirk. They (Naruto, Choji, Shikamaru, and Kiba) were plotting what they always plotted at recess. Ditching school and going to hang out on a roof somewhere while Choji ate chips. They had gotten pretty good at it too. 

“Ok, but can Gama-chan come with us?” Naruto asked and Shikamaru turned to see the small blonde holding out a tiny green frog wallet. He let his face scrunch up as he inspected it. He had never seen Naruto with any sort of money or toy before, and his dad told him Naruto didn’t have any parents to buy him things. 

“Wow! That’s so cool. Where did you get it?” Kiba asked, coming closer to poke the plush of the frog. Naruto beamed and let Kiba hold it before replying. 

“Lord Third got him for me! I kept losing my allowance money but Gama-chan keeps it safe for me” He answered petting the wallet in Kiba’s hands. 

“Yeah alright, Naruto your frog can come” Shikamaru agreed with a smile and watched Naruto’s face go red as he glared. 

“Gama-chan is a toad!”

Shikamaru smiled at the memory. They were definitely gonna find this wallet. They had to. Besides him being a member of team 7, according to what Sakura said, he was a part of his childhood squad. No man left behind…er frog I guess. “Hopefully the kid has a clue where Naruto may have put the dang thing.” Shikamaru agreed. 

---

Sasuke frowned at the sign on the gate he had yet to walk into. Hyuga. The last time he had spoken to Hinata she could barely mumble Naruto’s name without passing out. Plus, he had a feeling that the entire clan hated his guts. Nevertheless, he was given his first order in two months. He was going to do it well. He reached in his pocket to pull out his headband and tie it in place, and with a final deep breath, he knocked on the gate. Please don’t be Hiashi, Please don’t be Hiashi, Please don’t be-

“Oh, hi” Hinata greeted shyly having opened the door a crack. She quietly opened the gate enough to step out with him before shutting it behind her. She did a quick look around them before quirking her head to the side. “What can I help you with, Sasuke?” She asked looking unsure. She was expecting Naruto. Or at least for him to be with me. 

“Naruto needs help with something and I figured with you being…you, you would probably want to help” Sasuke explained casually slipping his hands in his pockets. “Oh, and it’s a mission from Lord Hokage” he added and Hinata stiffened a bit before nodding for him to continue. “Naruto’s lost his wallet,” Sasuke said bluntly and Hinata gasped bringing a hand to her mouth.

“Oh no! Tonight? Poor Gama-chan” Hinata frowned. She knew how much Naruto valued that thing. They all did. Well, maybe not Sakura but she’s trying. “What were Kakashi Sensei’s orders?” She asked.  

“We’re supposed to find the frog at all costs, and as to your previous questions, he has no idea.” Sasuke rolled his eyes at the very thought of Naruto being able to keep track of his crap. Like that would ever happen. “I’m in charge of getting your team since you’re specialized in tracking.” He explained and she nodded pulling out her phone from her pouch. Sasuke watched her text a message before shutting the phone and looking back up at him. 

“I sent a message to the team to meet up, so Shino and Kiba should be on their way to the park” Hinata informed, and no more needed to be said before they started heading that way. 

“Your team’s meet-up place, is the park?” Sasuke couldn’t help but ask with a raised eyebrow as they ran. 

“And your team meets up at the hospital, your point?” she asked back and Sasuke nearly ran into a post. Did she just sass me? Since when did she grow a pair? Sasuke shook his head to refocus as they came upon their destination. They landed just before the stairs where Kiba, Akamaru, and Shino were standing as they waited for them. 

“What’s up” Kiba greeted with a grin. He looks the exact same as he did in the Academy. Stupid. “Kinda late to be asking Hinata out, isn’t it Sasuke?” Kiba teased with his hands up over his head in a stretch. 

“Naruto definitely won’t like that” Shino agreed solemnly.

“No! It’s not like that!” Hinata interjected flustered. Sasuke almost smiled at her tone. There it was. He knew she couldn’t have changed too much. “We have a mission from Kakashi Sensei” She corrected and both shinobi straightened up and lost their amused stances. Crap they're gonna think it has something to do with the war.

“Naruto lost his frog” Sasuke explained and Kiba’s eyebrows furrowed together. 

“His summons? Is that even possible?” Kiba asked but Shino beat Sasuke to the answer. 

“No, If it was a summons Sasuke would’ve said toad. It’s his wallet right?” Shino asked and Sasuke nodded. Is everyone familiar with the wallet then? Naruto and Shino hadn’t really been friends last I checked. Though, that was years ago. Sasuke looked Shino up and down as bugs chilled by the guy’s feet. No. Naruto definitely still isn’t his friend. 

“Gama-chan? No way. Naruto would never lose that thing” Kiba argued in shock. 

“I thought so too but Sasuke said that Naruto doesn’t even remember when he lost him,” Hinata said. Him. She’s actually referring to it as him.

“Look, we’ll discuss details once we actually finish what we’re supposed to do. Is there any way you guys can just…sniff for it or something? Isn’t that your job?” Sasuke questioned and he wasn’t surprised when the dog growled at him. I never did get along with dogs that weren’t Kakashi’s summons. 

“We aren’t magic dude. No need to get your panties in a bunch” Kiba chided before leaning down to Akamaru. “Hinata, you still have that cloth Naruto gave you after training right?” Kiba asked and Hinata flushed red. 

“Y-yeah,” she answered digging in her pouch to pass over a white cloth to him. Why would Naruto give her that? Sasuke thought it looked way too much like a sweat cloth. More importantly, why would she keep it AND carry it on her person? “Here, but I don’t know if the scent is still fresh enough” she warned once Kiba started to hold it up to his own nose. I forgot he had enhanced smell too.

Kiba grinned letting his canines show as he held it out for Akamaru to get a turn. “No worries Hinata, still definitely smells like Naruto,” he assured before tossing it back to Hinata. He stood up straight and sniffed deeply a few times. He wasn’t getting anything. “What about you Akamaru?” Kiba asked and Akamaru barked before putting his nose to the dirt and tracking. Kiba smiled at the rest of the team. “Looks like he has a sent”

Notes:

Are the Chapter too long? too short? lmk if y'all like it

Chapter 3: Sai Makes a Friend & Iruka Helps

Summary:

We are following Sai around before taking a detour to check the Academy for Gama-Chan

Sai was using every ounce of training he had ever received as he ran from stall to stall. Anyone who wasn’t home, he went and found their homes. Anyone who was busy working, he followed them through their stores or cleaned the floors so they could talk to him. He had been to at least eighty percent of Konoha’s stores at this point. If it went on much longer, he would need to go to the Hokage’s office again. They would have records on what stores had been around when Naruto was younger. It was always possible the store had closed. Besides, the other shinobi seemed more than happy to help. 

“Sai? What brings you in? We were just about to close up.” Genma asked when he and Kotestu had spotted Sai approaching the door. 

“I am on an official mission from Lord Sixth. It requires access to the records room and possibly aid in searching the financial accounts of the village” Sai informed only to have both ninjas look simultaneously confused and exasperated. 

“How did you go to dinner and come back on a mission?” Kotetsu questioned even as he lead Sai inside and they began to walk to the records room. 

“We found out after dinner that Naruto’s Toad Gama-chan is missing. It is our duty to find him at all costs” Sai explained and Kotetsu nodded in understanding. 

“If Naruto is missing a summoning toad I can see where that would be vital. I’ll happily help you look for the records you need” He told Sai just as Genma spoke up. 

“Isn’t Gama-chan the name of that green pouch he used to carry around? I feel like I remember him introducing it to me when he was younger” Genma asked and Sai frowned. Naruto had expressly told him that Gama-chan was not a frog. He was a toad. 

“Gama-chan is a member of team seven regardless of his position as a wallet. He was evidently a present from Lord Third to Naruto when he was enrolled at the Academy.” Sai corrected. “Because of this, we are hopeful that Lord Third’s record book may show what store he purchased Gama-chan from” He explained. 

Genma just sighed before smiling a bit as they filed into the room filled with filing cabinets and boxes. “You know what, screw it. If the hero of Konoha needs us to find his frog wallet so be it. Let’s find that record.”  

They had found the record, but unfortunately, it had only listed the amount of money Lord Third had spent on it. Kotetsu and Genma had promised to look through Lord Thirds’ journal entries while Sai was out to see if he maybe made some other note of it. At this rate, it would be days before they found any trace of the wallet. Old or new. He huffed approaching another door, this one a toy store. 

An older gentleman came out and smiled up at Sai. “Well good evening. What can I do for Konoha’s finest?” he asked and Sai found he liked this man. He seemed very nice.

“Good evening sir. My apologies to interrupt you so late this evening” Sai bowed and the older man chuckled.

“Think nothing of it, my boy. After everything you shinobi have done, I would be happy to assist you.” The older man waved him off. Sai smiled as he corrected his posture and pulled his sketch out from his bag as he had been doing all night. 

“I came to inquire if you may have seen this toad coin purse before, or have manufactured it in the past? If you are familiar it likely wouldn’t have the signature on it, but if you did that would be even better.” Sai explained and the older man smiled as he took the drawing for close inspection. 

“Why yes! Of course, I have seen it. I used to sell plenty of these. I even sold one to Lord Third Hokage” the older man boasted as he passed the sketch back. “Though I haven’t made one in over a decade and I haven’t seen one for nearly as long. Is this of great importance to you?” he asked and Sai nodded. 

“Yes. I am told by Lord Sixth that it is of high importance that I locate one. Is there any way you would be willing to make a new one? I would be more than happy to pay you for your services” Sai asked, elated to have found someone who knew what the wallet was. His luck was even better to have found the man who sold the wallet to lord third. That would ensure that the stitching was the same. 

“Oh, I don’t know about that. I haven’t made something like that in a long time-” the older man started but was interrupted when Sai knelt to the ground in front of him holding out a stack of money. 

“Please sir, you would be doing the village a great service. I have $1000 on me. Is that enough?” Sai asked and the older man didn’t have the heart to say no.

“Alright, you’ve convinced me. I’ll get started on it right away” the man agreed and sai stood up with a smile. 

“Thank you, sir!..is it possible to have it soaked in ramen once it’s done?” sai asked trying to make it as believable as possible. The man smiled with a laugh as he opened the door to lead him inside his shop. 

“We can do anything we want to it, my boy. What’s your name anyway?” he asked.

“My name is Sai, What’s yours?”

---

“Naruto, Kakashi! What brings you here so late?” Iruka questioned from behind his desk of paperwork. Naruto had been hoping his Sensei was staying late to grade tonight. “Miss me already?” Iruka teased and Naruto couldn’t bring himself to smile or take the bait. Iruka’s own expression faltered when he noticed. “What’s wrong Naruto?” he asked, concern painted on his face. 

“Sensei, it's terrible! I don’t know where Gama-chan is! I’ve looked everywhere and Kakashi Sensei and I tore up the house to look for him but he hasn’t been anywhere we’ve checked” Naruto admitted miserably. Iruka stood to come around the desk and put a hand on his shoulder. 

“Take a deep breath Naruto, I’m sure it isn’t as bad as you think. When did you last see-” Iruka paused his question when Kakashi started giving him the Shut up and don’t say what I know you are going to say look. 

“Before I fought Pein” Naruto mumbled looking absolutely beside himself. Iruka had a feeling that if Kakashi wasn’t here, the boy was probably tired enough from all the activity to be crying over the loss of his wallet. That was his favorite momento of Lord Third . Iruka thought before rubbing the boy’s shoulder a bit. 

“Naruto Uzumaki! I have never seen you so defeated” Iruka spoke with a click of his tongue. Naruto’s eyes snapped up to meet his with a bit of curiosity to them. Well, at least I have his attention. “Gama-chan is still out there right?” Iruka asked and as expected received a slow nod. “Well then, it’s your job as his teammate to find him. You found Sasuke, didn’t you?” Iruka asked and smiled when Naruto gave in and smiled at him. 

“You’re right Iruka sensei, sorry to interrupt your work and all” naruto apologized but his teacher just waved him off. 

“Nonsense. What did you come in here for anyway? To tell me about Gama-chan?” Iruka asked and Kakashi decided it was time to take over. 

“Naruto couldn’t remember where…Gama-chan could be. We’re retracing his steps to see if we can find it.” Kakashi answered and Iruka nodded along. He at least tried with the name. I’m not surprised he couldn’t bring himself to say ‘him’  

“Ah, I see,” Iruka said and hated that he couldn’t give Naruto the answer he was looking for. “Well, I haven’t seen him yet, but I haven’t been looking for him” Iruka settled, hoping that the answer wouldn’t crush his broth-students, dreams. “Tell you what, I’ll make sure to scan every inch of this place before I lock up and if I find him, I’ll call and let you know” Iruka promised. 

“Really? Thanks, Iruka sensei!” Naruto smiled and Iruka gratefully accepted the hug. He’s getting his strength back. For having only just come from the hospital, his grip is already strong. I shouldn’t be surprised that the nine tails are already healing him. “We should probably go ask Konohamaru before he goes to bed for the night” Naruto suggested to Kakashi and Iruka smiled at the pair. I am definitely looking for this frog until I find it. Screw grades for tonight. Konoha doesn’t sleep until Gama-chan is back with Naruto. 

“Right, we should head out. See you later Iruka” Kakashi waved. 

“Goodnight Iruka Sensei!” Naruto smiled following the village Hokage out of the window. Iruka had a Toad coin purse to find. 

Notes:

So what do y'all think about Sai's friend?

Chapter 4: Ino and Sakura Fail/ konohamaru is in on it

Summary:

Lmk if y'all want the next chapter!

Sakura and Ino were having absolutely no luck thus far. No wallets matching Gama-chan’s description had been used at most of them ever. The only place besides Ichiraku that remembered it was the BBQ joint that team 10 frequented. Sakura supposed Naruto must have gone with Shikamaru a few times. 

“We’re never gonna find this thing Sakura” Ino complained stretching her arms over her head. Sakura had been waiting for her to start whining. “Look, don’t get me wrong. I know that it’s terrible that Naruto lost it, but we’re almost adults anyway right? Do you really think this is gonna be that bad?” Ino asked. Sakura frowned and gestured for them to take a break from walking so they could sit together. Konoha had plenty of benches around town. 

“I know it may seem childish. Heck, most of what Naruto does is,” Sakura muttered before looking at her childhood best friend in the eyes. “But Naruto has been through a lot lately. All of us have.” She grabbed Ino’s hand before she smiled. “Everything in our lives changed. Still is changing and most of us, well the only constant thing from childhood that we still have, are our parents.” 

Sakura watched understanding come over her friend when the sentence washed over her. “Sasuke may also not have his family with him, and many of us have lost those closest to us, but we have someone. Even Sasuke has his clan stuff, what of it survived after pein anyway. Something that stayed normal. Naruto doesn’t have anything like that. So, yeah Ino. I think it would be really really bad” she finished and Ino nodded pulling her hands back as she stood up.

“Alright then” Ino beamed sounding as confident as ever. Holding her hand out to help sakura stand up she continued, “Let’s go find a frog. We haven’t checked everywhere just yet.” Sakura smiled and allowed her friend to pull her to her feet. They had probably only two more restaurants before they were out of places to look. I hope the others are having more luck than we are. At the very least, maybe Sai has found something.

They approached the Dango stall with little hope as Ino recited the line they had been asking all night. “Hello Ma’am, my name is Ino Yamanaka and this is Sakura Haruno. We’re leaf village shinobi and we were wondering if you could answer some questions for the mission we’re on?” Ino asked politely to the middle-aged woman serving behind the bar. 

“Sure girls! Come sit down.” the woman smiled and both shinobi sat at her stools. “My name is Kasondora” she introduced. Sakura watched as the lady dished up two servings of Dango and placed it in front of them both. 

“Oh no,” sakura objected waving her hands. “We don’t have money on us to eat right now” she explained but Kasondora just smiled and shook her head. 

“Nonsense. My cousin, Aoba was injured during the war,” she explained and both girls went to apologize before she winked. “He told me a very pretty young lady with pink hair helped him keep his career. I don’t know about you but I don’t know any other pink-haired girls in Konoha, so, please. It’s on the house” 

Both girls bowed their heads in thanks and Sakura was glad to hide the tears in her eyes. It was always wonderful to hear about grateful stories of those who survived, then the alternative. “Thank you, Ms. Kasondora. We were happy to help.” Sakura spoke when she felt sure she wouldn’t shake in her voice.

“About our questions,” Ino interrupted having already finished her serving. Holy crap. Choji must have rubbed off on her more than I thought. Sakura had barely put one in her mouth yet. “We’re looking around to see if anyone has seen a frog wallet? It’s green and has a name label that reads, Naruto’s. Does that sound familiar?” Ino asked and Sakura could already tell it was another dead end. 

“I do know the wallet you’re referring to, but I’m afraid Naruto hasn’t been to my stall in quite some time. The last time he was here he was with Anko Mitarashi. He was asking her some questions and was using my Dango as bait. Anko frequents here all the time. Has since she was little when I first opened” Kasondora explained with a fond smile. 

“I see, and you don’t recall seeing it at all after that? Perhaps anytime after the battle of Pein?” Sakura asked feeling her hopes dwindle. 

Kasondra seemed to brighten up at that question. “Well, Naruto didn’t come to my stop with it, but I did see him buy some chips across the street a few weeks ago. I’m sure he must have had the wallet with him or he would have noticed right?” Sakura and Ino both beamed. 

“Really?!” Ino verified with a smile standing from her stool. 

“Are you sure?” Sakura asked at the same time even though her mouth was full with her last Dango. 

Kasondora just smiled at their antics and nodded. “Yep, I remember because Naruto was still in a hospital pajamas set and a few minutes later an ANBU squad ran through asking if I had seen him” She confirmed. Sakura ignored her annoyance at the knowledge her teammate had snuck out and instead focused on the positive. 

“This is great news!” Ino said as they waved goodbye. “That means Naruto didn’t lose Gama-chan in the battle against Pein. We should go meet at the Hokage’s office and tell Shika.”

“Right!” Sakura smiled as they darted off. 

---

Shikamaru wanted to go home. Alas, they had a mission to carry out and is currently involved the bed head in front of him. “Uh, Shikamaru-nii, Choji-nii,  what are you doing here?” the younger boy questioned rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. The preteen was obviously coming out of immensely deep sleep. 

“Hey Konohamaru, mind if we come in for a minute? Promise when we’re done we’ll let you go back to bed” Choji asked and Konohamaru stumbled back a bit trying to open the door more. Shikamaru jumped forward to catch his forearm before he could fall completely. “Woah” Choji gasped having thought that Konohamaru was going to the floor. 

“Are you ok?” Shikamaru asked seriously as the boy rubbed at his head and steadied himself. 

“Yeah, sorry,” Konohamaru confirmed but Shikamaru wasn’t very convinced. He has a bandage on his hand, and his eyes look bloodshot. The beginning of Chakra exhaustion? Shikamaru gave the kid another good up and down. No, this is plain exhaustion. This kid is dead on his feet. We’ll be lucky if he can answer anything at all. 

“Yeah, I don’t think so kid” Shikamaru argued refusing to let his arm out of his grasp as he led him to the couch. 

“I gotta agree with Shikamaru on this one” Choji added shutting the door behind them. “You look like you’re gonna pass out”

Konohamaru shook his head even as he easily toppled onto one of his couch cushions. Shikamaru sat down in front of him and then noticed while the kid had changed into pajamas, he had left his mission shoes on for some reason. “I feel great, really” he mumbled still trying to rub his eyes open. Shikamaru just hummed as he began undoing the straps on his feet. 

“Don’t worry, we won’t keep you long even if Shikamaru lectures you,” Choji assured sitting next to him on the couch. “We just wanted to ask you about your visit with Naruto” he explained and Konohamaru faced him looking confused. 

“Did Naruto-nii sneak out of the hospital again?” Shikamaru snapped up at that question. Again? When did he sneak out the first time? “Cause I told him that was a bad idea” Konohamaru added clearly not wanting to be blamed for not reporting Naruto’s antics. 

“No, but I want to know more about that later” Shikamaru answered giving the shoes to Choji so he could put them on the doormat. “When Naruto was here, did he bring Gama-chan with him?” Shikamaru asked and Konohamaru looked slightly more awake as his eyebrows came together in thought. 

“Um, not that I remember? Why? Did someone steal Gama-chan?” Konohmaru asked even as his face looked upset at the thought. He stood up way too fast and swayed over Shikamaru's arm that hung out to catch him. Shikamaru rolled his eyes as he swung him back over his lap and then his previous seat. 

“Hold your horses kiddo, nobody stole anything. I’m pretty sure Naruto would’ve remembered that.” Shikamaru comforted, patting Konohamaru's knee. “Naruto just noticed he was missing tonight at dinner. We’ve searched his house and Ichiraku’s with no luck. We were told he came by today so we were hoping that you saw him with it.” Shikamaru explained. 

“Or that he left it here” Choji added as he brought over a blanket that he grabbed from who knows where. Did he just go looking through the kid’s house? Whatever, if Konohamaru had treated all the Konoha 11 the same, then Choji probably has been to the kid’s house before too. “Where did you guys visit? The kitchen?” Choji asked, laying it across Konohamaru’s lap. 

Shikamaru watched Konohamaru’s face shift into his ‘oh no they’re onto me face’ with a bit of panic. “Ototo, what exactly did you and Naruto do on his visit?” Shikamaru asked, narrowing his eyes.

“Uh, well he kinda, sorta, maybe came to help me train?” Konohamaru offered and then threw up both hands before either could say anything. “He didn’t actually do any physical exertion or anything, he just gave me tips and corrected my form.” He explained letting his hands fall to his lap before rubbing at his eyes again and yawning. 

Alright, maybe I’ll lecture him later . “Is that why you’re so tired? Overdid it in training?” Shikamaru asked, already knowing the answer. The kid’s tired hum only added proof for later. “Mm, and I suppose you already know that training beyond your limits is not only stupid but also doesn’t help you actually learn?” Shikamaru asked and the boy nodded. Yeah, anything I say right now, he’s gonna forget in about two minutes. Actually, it’s a little weird how tired he is right? Normally no matter how tired the talk about a mission would wake him up. 

“Shika” Choji interrupted, coming around to the same side of the couch as them. “He look a little flushed to you?” he asked and Shikamaru noticed two things. One, Konohamaru, was asleep while sitting up. Two, his face was really red. He reached a hand up and Konohamru’s forehead was definitely hot. Dam* it Naruto. His face must have said what was on his mind because Choji walked away again. “I’ll grab a thermometer.”

Chapter 5: Awkward Sasuke and Kenma-San

Summary:

Naruto is finally catching up with his issues and Sai is discovering that other people exist. Oh yeah and Sasuke is awkward now.

Sasuke was convinced that Akamaru had known the whole time that this scent was worthless. It would fit his lucky streak. That scent he had picked up earlier? Didn’t lead them to Gama-chan, but instead, they found several kunai, training pouches, bandages, and rags scattered throughout different training grounds and across town. Evidently, Naruto left his crap everywhere. Why am I not surprised? 

“Ah, it was a good try Akamaru,” Kiba assured petting his dog lightly on the back as he cried at his latest discovery. A single shoe. How in all of Konoha did he lose only one shoe? At this rate, I’m shocked he didn’t lose the toad sooner. “Well guys, looks like we’re gonna need to try something else,” Kiba told the team standing up to eye level again. 

“Right, well I’ve had my bugs searching and they haven’t found anything either,” Shino informed. I knew he was useless. “You’re up Hinata. Though, we should probably go somewhere high if we want you to have a shot” Shino added hands in his pockets. 

“It was a good try, everyone.” Hinata smiled before turning to Sasuke. “Are you permitted to use Sharingan yet?” She asked and Sasuke paused. No. But before he could answer she had apparently moved on. “I didn’t think so. Let’s head to the Hokage monument then. I’ll have the best view of the village from there. Shino, don’t let your bugs come back yet. It’s always possible they’ll find something” She ordered and Sasuke scowled. 

“If it helps us find the frog I can use Sharingan” Sasuke interjected before they started to run. To his surprise, it was Kiba that laughed. 

“Yeah, like we’re gonna let you jack up your health under our watch. Forget Tsunade, Naruto and Sakura would kill us” Kiba said.

“I wouldn’t worry about them before I considered Kakashi Sensei” Shino argued and Sasuke saw team 8 nod. 

“Let’s get one thing straight,” Sasuke began. “You can’t let me do anything. I do what I want.” he corrected. 

“No, let me,” Hinata said and the tone was far too icy for his liking. “You are with our team, and you asked us for help. So, right now, if you want any information from us, I advise that you don’t just do whatever you want. Not only is it dangerous and stupid, but Naruto would be just as upset with you hurt as he would that we couldn’t find Gama-chan” She told him bluntly and Sasuke huffed. He didn’t have a good response for that. She flipped around and they all took the cue and followed her towards the Hokage faces. 

…Why is she taking so long? Sasuke had never known that Biyakugan was so much slower than Sharingan. “Are you finding anything?” Sasuke asked, letting his annoyance seep through only to be slapped on the back of the head. 

“Let her do her thing idiot. You’ll only distract her. Why don’t you try looking for something the size of an apple across the whole village? Oh wait” Kiba remarked and Sasuke rolled his eyes. This was the snarkiest team. Well, his team probably sounded just as bad, but he didn’t have to hear his team talk. 

After a minute more Hinata held a hand to her head as her Jutsu deactivated. “I’m sorry, I looked everywhere I could but I didn't see anything. Usually I would just look for chakra signatures, but that isn’t going to work for Gama-chan since he doesn’t have a chakra form” she apologized and Sasuke was really beginning to wonder whether this ‘tracking team’ was really any good. I really hope the others are having better luck than we are. 

“Whatever” Sasuke remarked pushing off the rock he had leaned up against. “Let’s just meet Sakura and Sai back at the Hokage’s office. If nothing else, Sai may have found a replacement. Though I wouldn't hold your breath”

---

“And you enjoy working for Lord Sixth?” Kenma asked as he pulled the toad from its place on the towels. It had been soaking in ramen sauce for at least thirty minutes now and they decided he should start drying off. 

“Very much, he is far better than my previous boss. I find I almost always support the missions he gives” Sai answered as he ate another cookie from Kenma’s table. They had been talking for the past two hours as he worked on making the new Toad wallet for Naruto. “I believe he will make a very suitable Hokage for the village.”

“Oh? Did you not enjoy your previous position?” Kenma asked and Sai nodded.

“No. I had been working with a village elder who did not share many of the leaf village’s ideals.” Sai replied without giving away too much information. 

“Lord Danzo then?” Kenma clarified and Sai looked up in shock. How did he know? “I never approved of that man. When there was a rumor he would be Hokage I admit, I considered moving away from the land of fire.”

“I hadn’t realized that many others were aware he was-”

“An abomination? You weren’t the only one Sai. Keep in mind, I’ve been around quite a bit longer than you have” Kenma smiled, bringing the toad over to the table and setting it in front of Sai. “There now, I believe our little friend here is all finished. I added the small label for you to fill in as well”

Sai smiled as he picked up the Toad and got out his paintbrush. He pulled the drawing out as well and layed it across the table to inspect Naruto's signature as he carefully replicated every detail. When he finished he set the wallet down to admire the work. He’ll never be able to tell the difference. “Thank you so much Kenma-san. I hope you know that the Hokage will be very pleased with your work” Sai bowed. 

Kenma chuckled and pat his shoulder as Sai stood up. “Of course. It was a pleasure. I would love to visit with you when you aren’t on such an important mission” he replied and Sai smiled as he put on his shoes. 

“Yes, that would be lovely. Thank you!” and with a final wave goodbye, Sai exited the house and began to run. Mission successful. Sakura and Sasuke are going to be so happy! Naruto will definitely believe it. The Hokage’s office it is. 

---

Naruto was really really hoping that Konohamaru was awake. He and Kakashi sensei knew it was a longshot the later into the night it became, but he still wanted to try. Gama-chan was unfortunately seeming more and more likely to have been abandoned somewhere he didn’t remember or couldn’t retrieve him from. He loudly knocked on the door and was shocked when Choji answered it, shushing him. 

“Be quiet Naruto, Shikamaru just got him to go to sleep” Choji chided, opening the door for Naruto and Kakashi sensei to step through. All three came back in the entryway and removed their shoes. 

“What do ya mean Shikamaru got him to sleep? What happened?” Naruto asked as quietly as he knew how before glancing over to see Shikamaru kneeling on the ground by the couch. A few steps more allowed him the view of Konohamaru asleep and looking extremely pale and shaky. “Crap” he muttered and Shikamaru looked up at him and glared. 

“You trained with him today,” Shikamaru whisper-accused. Uh oh. He knows about that. “You trained with him and then left him at the training grounds where he proceeded to train until he got sick and was borderline on the level of chakra exhaustion. You’re lucky that it looks like just a cold for now. I got some medicine for him, so we’ll see how well he takes it.”

Naruto came across to sit down by Shikamaru and see his student’s face. It was definitely red but he didn’t have his pained look, so Naruto counted it as a win. I should be grateful we stopped by, even if Gama-chan isn’t here. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know he stayed afterward. I told him he was welcome to join us for dinner but he seemed to be dead set on cleaning his kunai.” Naruto explained only to hear Kakashi snort at him. He looked up, frustrated, “Hey, I didn't know that he would lie to me!” Naruto argued and the shushing from the other three came too late because Konohamaru was moving around and kicking at the blanket. 

“Wha’s going on?” Konohamaru asked as he rubbed at his eyes in an effort to clear his vision. When he blinked open a bit he instantly recognized the blond hair in front of him. “Naruto-Nii!” he exclaimed going to sit up and say hi only to roll off the couch and kick Shikamaru in the face on his way down. 

“Oof” Naruto grunted, catching Konohamaru’s upper half before he could hit the floor as Shikamaru groaned from beside him holding a hand up to his nose. Kakashi hissed at the movement and Naruto barely saw him moving from behind the couch. Whatever he isn’t the problem here. A quick look down and he saw Konohamaru holding a hand to his head as if the whole thing made him dizzy. Yeah, that’s not good. I don’t think. “You ok there Konohamaru? That was pretty ungraceful for a ninja” Naruto smiled and Konohamaru stopped rubbing his head to glare at him. 

“I just feel a little dizzy, but I’m ok. Shikamaru-Nii and Choji-Nii were supposed to leave me so I could sleep now” Konohamaru explained, looking as though the next person to keep him from bed would be the cause of tears. Yikes. Was he tired during our training?...Now that I think about it, he was tripping up more than usual. 

“Right,” Shikamaru agreed, sounding a little funny. When Naruto looked over he saw Kakashi sensei was sitting on the ground too now, holding a towel to Shikamaru's nose. “We were going to leave as soon as Choji got a hold of someone who could sit with you, but now that Naruto’s here he can wait with you until Lee comes.” Shikamaru said, gently moving Konohamru’s legs off him as he stood up. 

“But Shikamaru, we’re actually here abou-” 

“Gama-chan?” Konohamaru asked. Naruto nodded even though he had no memory of mentioning the item was lost to anyone besides Kakashi in this room. “Sakura-Nee called earlier. I couldn’t find him anywhere. I’m sorry Naruto '' Konohamaru confessed quietly and Naruto shook off all his sadness. There were more important things.

“Hey, don’t worry about it. I’ll find him some time, ya know?” Naruto smiled and lifted Konohamaru gently to sit back on the couch against the armrest. “For now, let's focus on making you feel 100%!” he exclaimed, patting him gently on the shoulder. When he noticed Konohamaru flinched at the noise he laughed. “Though, first maybe you should take a nap.” 

With Naruto fully distracted, Kakashi pulled the other two shinobi into the entry. “Have you found anything?” he asked a little desperately. Both ninjas shook their heads and Kakashi sighed. He should have expected it, but it was a disappointment nonetheless. He took the bloody towel Shikamaru passed back to him and waited for a proper response. 

“We came here first, and as you can see we got a little tied up” Shikamaru explained as he and Choji slipped their sandals on. “But don’t give up hope yet Lord Hokage, we are supposed to go meet Sakura and Ino in front of your office. Hopefully one of them found something.”

“If they didn't, there’s always Sai’s plan” Choji smiled and before Kakashi could question what in the world they let Sai come up with, both kids had bowed and left. 

Chapter 6: Sai's Plan

Notes:

If someone wants the rest of the story please let me know! I've written the whole thing.

Sakura was relieved to find that Sai, Sasuke, Hinata, Shino, and Kiba were already at the meet spot. She was less relieved when her and Ino got close enough to see that none of them had Naruto’s frog. “You didn’t find anything?” she asked and Sasuke shook his head. 

“All of team 8’s tracking only found a backpack of Naruto’s crap” Sasuke explained and Kiba hefted a large sack full of things open on the ground for her and Ino to see. Why is there only one shoe? And how many Kunai does he own??? “You and Ino come up empty too?” he asked and she smiled.

“Actually we have great news” Sakura corrected and Ino took the worst moment to interrupt.

“Gama-chan survived the battle of Pein!” way to go Ino Pig! That was my news to tell Sasuke. Of course, no one else was upset with Inos revelation.

“Really?! Oh that's wonderful!” Hinata smiled.

“How do you know that if you didn’t find the wallet?” Kiba asked and Shino nodded along. 

“I was wondering the same thing.”

“I take it one of the store merchants remembered Naruto stopping by?” Sasuke asked looking only at Sakura for an answer and she couldn’t help the warm feeling she had. I still can’t believe he’s really here with me. 

“Yep. She said she spotted Naruto buying chips at that grocery store Choji likes about two weeks ago” Sakura confirmed and she felt Ino pull on her sleeve. 

“Speaking of Choji, where is he?” Ino asked, looking around their group. “Or Shikamaru for that matter. It can’t take that long to go look for Konohamaru right?” she pressed. Sakura couldn’t blame her friend for being paranoid or nervous. Team 10 lost their sensei, and most of the previous InoShikaCho was gone. Ino had told Sakura she had been struggling with bad dreams about another teammate going down in battle. They had had several sleepovers in the past two months to prevent them. 

“Don’t worry Ino, I’m sure that Shikamaru just found something in Konohamaru’s house to complain about” Sakura comforted.

“Besides, we’ll wait for em here. If they don’t show up soon, we’ll find em ourselves” Kiba agreed with a grin. He’s always been a sweetheart. I don’t know why I didn’t notice back in school. Sakura smiled as Ino relaxed, and nodded. 

“Well, if anyone is wondering, I found something” Sai announced and everyone gave him attention as he pulled out… Gama-Chan?!?!?!?! 

“No way!”

“Where was it?”

“Why didn’t you speak up sooner?” 

“We should go alert Kakashi sensei right away”

“Does anyone even know where Naruto is?”

“Hold on a minute” Sasuke interrupted and Sakura turned to see he had activated Sharingan. She didn’t hesitate to go over and smack him hard. “Ow” he grunted rubbing his arm as his kekkei genkai deactivated. “I was just gonna say, Sakura, that’s not Gama-chan”

Sai beamed at Sasuke’s announcement as if it weren’t the worst news ever. “No, but you all thought it was!” Sai replied letting Kiba gently take the wallet to inspect. “Kenma and I worked on it for two hours before it was perfect. I doubt Naruto could tell the difference” Sai proclaimed and Sakura shook her head. I’m glad he’s proud of himself and all, but there’s no guarantee Naruto won’t find out. 

“Who’s Kenm-” Kiba began to ask only for Sasuke to shush him.

“We don’t have time for that explanation. The point is, I can tell it isn’t right” Sasuke said and Sai’s shoulders dropped.

“Come on, It may not be so bad” Kiba argued, bringing the frog up to his nose. Everyone stared in anticipation as he sniffed a few strong sniffs. “Well, it definitely smells like Ichirakus” He smiled and Sai smiled back. 

“Yes, we steeped it for a half hour” Sai agreed and Ino snorted. 

“Right, because Naruto is gonna sniff it” she scoffed, rolling her eyes.

“Trust me,” Kiba said, grabbing the shoe from the stack. “He’s gonna sniff it” and Sakura watched him rub the sole of the shoe against the wallet a few times before holding it for Akamaru to smell. After a happy bark he grinned and tossed it into Hinata’s hands. “Smells good to us.”

Oh Kami, please don’t smell it. Sakura breathed a sigh of relief when Hinata instead activated her byakugan. She frowned a bit and Sakura could tell something was wrong. “I agree with Sasuke. Something is off. Unfortunately, I couldn’t tell you what” she admitted before tossing it into Sakura’s hands.

Well, I gotta admit. This looks like it to me. Even the signature looks perfect. “You did a great job Sai” Sakura congratulated gently, bringing the wallet back to him. “It’s a great plan b” 

“Oi!” Sakura heard from behind her and she spotted Shikamaru and Choji running up to join their group. 

“And just what were you two doing? It should have taken like twenty minutes to look for Konohamaru” Ino questioned hands on her hips. Maybe keep it down Ino Pig. Some people are probably sleeping. 

“You found him!” Choji exclaimed instead and Sai’s grin returned. 

“No, that’s Sai’s replica. More to the point, was something wrong with Konohamaru?” Sakura asked walking closer to see that Shikamaru had blood stains by his nose. She gave a glance to Ino and the other girl got the message cause she got two feet from her teammate's face. 

“Shika, what did you do? I leave you two for two hours and what does it get me? Your face looks all jacked up. Temari isn’t going to be happy” she chided grabbing some bandaids and cleaner from her pouch. 

“And why would I care if Temari is happy?'' Shikamaru questioned and the whole group, minus Sai, rolled their eyes for that one. “Oh and Konohamaru is sick” cue seven ninja exclaiming variations of shock at the same time.

“Is he ok?” Hinata asked first once the noise came to a discernible level. 

“Yeah. Kakashi Sensei and Naruto came by while we were still there. They’re gonna wait until Lee can come and watch him. Shika was pretty sure it’s just a cold” Choji explained and a collective sigh of relief fell over the group. The idea that the group's baby brother was badly ill would be far too much on top of Gama-chan going missing. 

“Well…What do we do now?” Kiba asked as Ino finished her work on Shikamaru’s face. We’ve exhausted all our options. After a quick glance at Sasuke’s face she could tell he didn’t have any great suggestions either. We don’t have any other choice. “Sai?” Sakura asked determinedly and he stood at attention. “Do you know where Captain Yamato is stationed?”

---

Tenzo was always prepared for the worst. However, he would be stretching it to say that he was prepared for Sai to lead a group of nine ninjas straight to the ANBU safehouse door. “Good evening Captain Yamato. We have a favor to ask” and if that wasn’t the scariest sentence Sai had ever told him, he didn’t know what was. 

“Sai, you are aware that no one is supposed to know where this building is, right? Only ANBU” Tenzo asked, sounding triple his age. 

“We’re sorry to break protocol like this Captain Yamato.” Shikamaru bowed. Well, at least you are. As Tenzo scanned the group of tired-looking teens he kinda doubted that any of the rest of them were. “It's a mission from the Hokage,” He explained. Of course, it is. 

“Gama-chan is missing,” Sakura informed him and Tenzos brain did the human equivalent of a record scratch. Who the crap is Gama-chan? Gama at the beginning means it’s one of Naruto’s summons right? But I’ve met a lot of them and none of them were named that. “We’ve been searching all night with no luck. We were hoping you might have your team look for him” she continued and Tenzo sighed leaning against his doorway. 

“I’m afraid I don’t know who you’re talking about?” Tenzo asked, bracing himself for upset teens only to find that Sasuke had pulled out a picture for him. This….is a frog wallet? “I don’t understand,” he said blankly.

“Gama-whatever is knucklehead’s childhood wallet. It was a present from Lord Third” Sasuke explained, making sure to use his ‘I don’t care’ voice. Kakashi was right when he said the boy used it as often as possible. 

“At dinner, Naruto realized Gama-chan was missing” Sai added.

“He’s very important to Naruto!” Hinata spoke up.

“We traced the scent but didn’t find anything” Kiba informed, and before anyone else but in Yamato held up a hand. 

“Alright, I got the idea” he waved them off looking at the drawing closer. “Tell you what, I’ll give this drawing to my team and see if we can spot anything, but no promises. This is Naruto we’re talking about.” Tenzo compromised and it was worth it to see every face light up like it was Rinne Festival day. 

“Thank you Captain Yamato” Echoed the group all at once with a bow. He smiled until they stood back up in view of him. How did I end up with 10 of them? Wasn’t I only supposed to have 3?

“Alright, go on then. With..whatever you’re doing after this” Tenzo waved and shut the door behind him. Once he heard retreating footsteps he glanced back down at the paper Sai drew. I have no idea how to explain this to a bunch of ANBU operatives. “Hey, you remember Konoha’s hero? Yeah well he’s attached to this frog” that’ll go over well. 

---

By the time Kakashi and Naruto had left Konohamaru’s it was early morning and there was no way they could make it to Tsunade’s. Lee had done his best to rush over but according to him Gai sensei had been giving him an interrogation about the kid's state of affairs. He had to admit though, Naruto had been doing really well with Konohamaru. Kakashi kinda wished he had a photo. 

“He feels really warm, Kakashi sensei. Maybe we should just bring him back to the hospital?” Naruto asked. Kakashi smiled at his student sitting on the couch with the feverish ninja in his lap. Having Konohamaru sit up for soup had been a difficult task considering the boy was crying a bit from being woken up…again. 

“Kids get fevers Naruto, Konohamaru will be fine.” Kakashi assured but Naruto didn’t look like he wanted to let go anytime soon. He pet through Konohamaru’s hair and kept his ‘I’m trying to think of how to fix this’ face on. 

“I would feel bad if we leave him sensei” Naruto explained and Kakashi leaned forward and saw the kid had grabbed ahold of his student’s jacket while asleep. He wondered if Naruto had carried the genin after a hard mission’s training like Kakashi had done before. He smiled behind the mask and pat Naruto’s head, prompting the blond to look up at him. 

“Well, it’s a good thing we aren’t just up and leaving him then hm? Lee will take excellent care of him. I hid all the curry ingredients” Kakashi winked and Naruto smiled. Kakashi had been right of course. Lee came fully prepared to handle the sick child. The only hang-up had been Naruto and Konohamaru being reluctant to hand over to the kid. 

“I’ll be back as soon as I can be” Naruto promised, patting his students back and Kakashi couldn’t tell if he was assuring himself or the sleeping child.

“I am aware Naruto! Don’t Worry. I will keep him company as he sleeps and until you return” Lee promised, holding his arms out and Naruto pouted as he gently passed him over. Kakashi smiled at the exchange.

After that had finally finished they decided to walk the trail Naruto had hiked that morning. Kakashi was upset at the idea of physical activity until he saw that the trail was completely flat and within the leaf village borders. All things considered, he was proud Naruto hadn’t given up altogether and grieved his wallet yet. 

“Kaka Sensei?” Naruto asked and Kakashi faced him as they walked.

“Yeah Naruto?” He replied noncommittally. 

“It’s ok if we can’t find it. My wallet I mean” and that was definitely the last thing Kakashi expected for him to say. “Ojiisan would probably find this whole thing pretty silly if you think about it.” Kakashi hated that particular smile that Naruto gave. He’d been doing it alot since the end of the war. “I know I’ve had it a long time and all, but I’ll be ok. Ya know?” 

Kakashi knew he should’ve responded with something great. A bit of sensei inspiration, but nothing was coming to him. It was at that moment he noticed something in a bush nearby. A quick glance and he caught Sasuke’s eyes about twenty feet ahead of them. He watched as Sasuke extended an arm out with what looked like a frog wallet. No. If that was Gama-chan then they would give it to him directly. Another listen to the surrounding area and he realized that no small portion of the Konoha 12 were hiding in the trees and bushes all around them. 

“It’s just a dumb wallet anyways” Naruto mumbled and Kakashi gave Sasuke the look that said ‘drop that fake frog and you never go on another mission again’. However, to Kakashi’s frustration, all he saw was a small smirk as Sasuke flung it into the road and retreated fully into his bush. 

“Naruto-” Kakashi began trying both to answer and distract his student but it was too late.

“Gama-chan?” Naruto questioned running up and picking up the coin purse. Kakashi couldn’t tell what it was but he felt like something was wrong, and if he could tell then so would Naruto. Naruto looked all around the wallet and then, to Kakashi’s shock, sniffed it deeply. 

At that moment there was a few rustles in the bushes and Naruto lowered the wallet to look around in more of a battle stance this time. He only just now noticed we’re being followed. However, after a few moments of silence, he turned back to the wallet. “It smells like Gama-chan, and it has my name on it, but it isn’t mine,” Naruto admitted, sounding extremely disappointed. 

“Oh?” Kakashi mused coming over to hold the wallet that Naruto passed him. 

“Yeah.” Naruto then pointed to the right eyeball of the frog. “My toad wallet has a ripped seam right here that Iruka sensei helped me glue back when I was at the Academy.” he explained and Kakashi nodded. That seemed like something Iruka would do. I knew something was wrong with it. 

“I’m sorry Naruto.” Kakashi apologized genuinely as they began to walk again. “Oh and about your comment earlier,” he added on and Naruto looked up at him. “It isn’t dumb to appreciate presents from those who are no longer with us. I have some that I know I would hate to lose. Regardless of how useful they are.”  

Naruto gave a soft smile but Kakashi knew it was forced. “Thanks, sensei. I..I think I’m gonna just walk home now.” and before he knew it, his student bounded away. 

Chapter 7: Grandma to save the day

“Alright” Kakashi spoke dryly as he walked back the few paces he needed to be in hearing distance. “Who’s half-cooked plan was that? Because if no one speaks up, I’m assuming it’s Sasuke” and In one short statement nine ninja and one dog had emerged from various trees and shrubbery to stand in the road with him. 

“I apologize Kakashi sensei. The mock Gama-chan was my plan. I felt we would have more luck with that than finding the real thing” Sai confessed first and Sakura interrupted next.

“Don’t blame Sai, Kakashi sensei. I encouraged him to go through with it. Me and Ino didn’t have any luck with finding Naruto’s wallet either. Only a sighting from two weeks ago” she said softly and to Kakashi’s surprise, Sasuke even joined. 

“We’re still gonna find it…eventually. The mission is just..prolonged” he settled and Kakashi shook his head. Of course, this is the good guy that Sasuke would turn out to be. All awkward and Passion. 

“I told you he would smell it!” Kiba yelled once it was silent long enough. 

“Oh whatever Kiba. You’re the one who probably taught it to him!” Ino yelled back. 

“I knew something was off” Hinata mumbled, looking devastated for missing the mistake. Shino placed a hand on her shoulder in what Kakashi assumed was meant to be a comforting gesture. 

“I stand by not having anything to do with Sai’s plan and I place complete blame on present team 7 members” Shikamaru explained and Choji nodded. 

“Alright enough” Kakashi hushed huffing at the scene in front of him. The entire group looked absolutely exhausted. Ino, Hinata, and Kiba weren’t even in their mission gear. “It’s time for everyone to get some sleep. Mission officially postponed. If I catch any of you searching until eight hours from now, you’re off missions for a month” Kakashi ordered, only to receive groans and pouts in response. 

---

Naruto sat underneath the light at his bench, yes his bench, with a popsicle as he attempted to not think about his emotions. The whole day had been a bust. Gama-chan was definitely gone. He let his head fall back enough to see the stars above him. Ugh why am I so torn up over a wallet? I bet Jiraiya sensei would have moved on. Plus the store owner gave me a free popsicle. That should make me feel a little better.

“Well, if this isn’t a sorry sight” Naruto brought his face towards the voice to see Tsunade walking towards him. He couldn’t think of anything clever to say until she had already come to sit next to him. “You look like we lost, Naruto. What’s up?” she asked him, nudging his shoulder a bit.

  Oh Naruto realized looking back at his popsicle. She thinks I’m upset about something actually important. Like the war effort or whatever. “Hey now” she continued, bringing her hand to move his face towards hers. She looked worried. “Whatever it is, I’m sure it's not that bad. You seemed alright this morning” she asked, letting her care show. It was a rare thing for her. 

“I” he wanted to say but couldn’t think of a way to explain without sounding whiny. “I just lost something from Ojiisan is all. It was a good memory with Master Jiraiya too. I guess I’m just kinda bummed out about it” he settled swallowing the lump in his throat from mentioning Jiraiya sensei. Will I always miss him this much?

“Ya know kid, that wallet is just too ironic don't you think?” Jiraiya asked him after training one day. 

“What do you mean?” Naruto asked, confused. 

Jiraiya just laughed at him and smiled. “Who got that for you anyway?” He asked and Naruto took his turn to smile at his teacher. 

“Ojiisan bought it for me! I had trouble keeping my money in one place when I was younger” Naruto explained, looking at the wallet with a smile before putting him in his bag. “He even helped me name Gama-chan and put my name on him for me” he finished and Jiraiya gave him a softer smile usually reserved for when he finally mastered a new jutsu. 

“Yeah, old man would do something like that.” Jiraiya agreed. “Better hold onto that thing kid and not just because cash is valuable,” he warned and Naruto gave him a thumbs up. 

“Obviously! I would never lose Gama-chan pervy sage”

“Hey, hey, hey” Tsunade’s voice brought him back to the present and Naruto saw she was below him somehow and had a hand up to his cheek. Oh she moved off the bench because I stopped looking at her. “Naruto, there’s no need to cry kiddo,” she told him gently and Naruto hesitantly brought up a hand towards her own on his face and felt he must have started crying at some point. 

“I-i’m sorry Grandma Tsunade. I just-” before he could crackly explain further Tsunade pulled out something from her robe and set it in his lap. 

“Don’t tell me all this fuss is over this little guy, hm?” she asked with a small smile and Naruto couldn’t help the gasp as he grabbed the wallet and lunged forward. Both he and Tsunade lost balance as she fell back on the dirt to catch his hug. He knew it wasn’t exactly proper, even if she wasn’t the Hokage anymore, but when she brought both arms to hug him back, he couldn’t bring himself to care. 

“T-thank you” he sniffled into her shoulder before slowly pulling back to admire his wallet and let Tsunade get back up with him. 

“Don’t mention it. I couldn’t exactly just leave Gama-chan in the hospital garden.” she smiled and Naruto smiled back. “Now, if I’m not mistaken. Didn’t I give you strict instructions to get ten hours of sleep while in the recovery stage?” uh oh. 

Notes:

Leave a comment if you feel like it. Remember, God made you special and he loves you very much, Buh-bye!

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of The Gama-Chan Effect