In the fanfiction, it could be that Naruto is crying because of a lost loved one. Sakura, upon seeing him, is filled with empathy. She sits beside him and they share memories of the person. This shared moment of grief brings them closer together. Sakura might then vow to always be there for Naruto in his times of sorrow, and Naruto realizes how important Sakura's friendship is to him.
Maybe Naruto is crying over a failed mission where he blames himself for the outcome. Sakura sees him and at first is shocked as Naruto is usually so strong. She then consoles him, reminding him of all the times he has succeeded and how this one failure doesn't define him. This could lead to a growth in their relationship where Naruto starts to see Sakura as more than just a teammate.
One possible plotline could be that Naruto punches Sakura out of anger during an argument over Sasuke. Maybe Sakura is being too pushy about bringing Sasuke back in a way that Naruto doesn't agree with, and in a moment of frustration, Naruto lashes out. Another could be that Naruto is under some sort of mind - control and doesn't recognize Sakura, leading to him punching her. It could also be a sparring session gone wrong where Naruto misjudges his strength and accidentally punches Sakura hard.
Perhaps Shikamaru has made a decision that deeply affects Naruto. For example, Shikamaru might choose to leave the village for a dangerous solo mission. Naruto, who values their friendship, cries because he's worried about Shikamaru's safety and the thought of losing his friend. In the fanfic, this could lead to Naruto trying to convince Shikamaru to change his mind.
One possible fanfiction could be that Kakashi stumbles upon Naruto crying alone in the forest. He sits beside Naruto quietly, not saying a word at first. Then he gently puts his hand on Naruto's shoulder and tells him that it's okay to cry, that showing vulnerability doesn't make him weak. Naruto then pours out his heart about his loneliness and how much he misses his parents. Kakashi listens intently and shares some of his own experiences of loss, creating a deep bond between them in that moment.
Perhaps Naruto dies in a fight against a long - hidden evil within the ninja world. Sakura's tears could be a symbol of the end of an era. In the fanfiction, she could struggle with guilt, thinking she could have done more to prevent his death. She may also find strength in her grief and become a more determined ninja, vowing to protect the world Naruto gave his life for.
A plot could be that Orochimaru, seeking redemption in a way, starts to train Sakura in some unique and dark arts that he has mastered. Sakura, with her determination to become stronger, accepts this training but struggles with the moral implications. This could lead to an internal conflict within her as she tries to balance her new - found power with her values. Another possibility is that Orochimaru places a curse on Sakura for some reason, and she has to find a way to break it. In her quest to break the curse, she delves deeper into Orochimaru's lair and discovers more about his true motives and plans. Or perhaps Orochimaru kidnaps Sakura to use her as a bargaining chip against Sasuke. But Sakura uses her wits and ninja skills to not only escape but also turn the tables on Orochimaru, showing him that she is not to be underestimated.
One possible plotline could be her life before having Sakura. Maybe she was a kunoichi herself and had her own adventures in the Hidden Leaf Village.
One possible plotline could be that Naruto finally returns after a long and dangerous mission. Sakura, who has been worried sick, is so overjoyed to see him alive that she impulsively kisses him. Another could be in an alternate universe where Naruto and Sakura are forced to pretend to be a couple for a mission, and during the course of it, real feelings develop and they end up kissing.
One possible plotline could be that Naruto accidentally uses his fingers in a special jutsu near Sakura and it has an unexpected effect on her chakra. Maybe it disrupts her normal chakra flow momentarily, leading to a situation where Naruto has to help her regain control. This could be a way to deepen their friendship or understanding of each other's powers in the fanfic.
One possible plotline could be that they discover their relation and then Naruto becomes overprotective of Sakura. Another could be that they have to face some family secrets together. Maybe there's a hidden power in their family that only they can unlock as siblings.
In the fanfic, it might be set in an alternate universe where Sakura has a different personality. She could be more aggressive and competitive with Naruto. During a sparring match, she goes too far and seriously hurts Naruto. This could then be the starting point of a story about Naruto having to forgive her and them rebuilding their friendship.