In some fanfictions, the Naruto - Sakura relationship is portrayed as a slow - burn romance. Naruto's continuous efforts to protect Sakura gradually make her fall for him. In contrast, in the original series, Sakura was mainly focused on Sasuke. Fanfiction gives an opportunity to change that narrative.
Fanfiction often portrays the Naruto and Sakura relationship with more depth and creativity. Some stories might show Naruto as being more assertive in his feelings towards Sakura right from the start. This can lead to a more immediate exploration of their potential relationship. In other fanfictions, Sakura is made to be more vulnerable around Naruto, which in turn allows Naruto to comfort her and strengthen their bond. Also, there are fanfictions that explore how their relationship affects the overall plot of the story, like how their combined strength in a relationship could change the fate of the ninja world.
Their relationship could be portrayed as a mentor - mentee relationship in a different way. Instead of Orochimaru trying to use Naruto for his own gain, he could genuinely see Naruto's potential and guide him in the ways of some of the more esoteric jutsu. For example, Orochimaru could teach Naruto about the secrets of the snake contract without any ulterior motives. Another way is to show them as reluctant allies. Maybe there's a common enemy that is so powerful that they have no choice but to work together, and over time, they start to respect each other's abilities.
Their relationship can be portrayed as more of a mentor - mentee relationship. Naruto, having learned from many great shinobi, could pass on his knowledge to male Haku. This would be different from the original as it flips the dynamic a bit.
Nagato, in fanfiction, can be depicted in various ways. Some may show him as a more conflicted character. He has his own beliefs which were shaped by his experiences, like the death of his friends and the destruction he witnessed. He may be more hesitant to change compared to Naruto, but also has the potential for redemption which makes his character interesting.
In some fanfictions, Naruto's childhood self can be even more naive and innocent compared to the original. He might be more openly vulnerable about his feelings of loneliness. For example, he could cry more easily when Sakura accidentally says something that hurts his feelings. Sakura, on the other hand, may be portrayed as more motherly towards Naruto in her childhood in fanfictions. In the original, she was mainly focused on Sasuke, but in fanfiction, she might be the one to comfort Naruto more often.
In some fanfictions, their relationships can be more intense. For example, Ino and Sakura might have a deeper bond of sisterhood that wasn't as obvious in the original series. They could support each other more directly in emotional and difficult situations. Naruto's relationship with them might also be more complex, like he could be a confidant for both Ino and Sakura in a way that wasn't shown much in the anime or manga.
The relationship could be portrayed as a more harmonious unity. Instead of two separate individuals with different dynamics, the fusion could represent a perfect blend of their relationship. They could be shown as having a single, unified goal in the story, which is a departure from their individual goals in the original Naruto series. This could be something like protecting the entire ninja world in a more inclusive and efficient way, using their combined strengths and insights.
Well, if Naruto is smart, he might be more confident in expressing his feelings to Sakura. He could use his intelligence to understand her better, like knowing what she really wants in a relationship. So, instead of the usual hesitations, he'd be more straightforward.
Often, fanfiction will show a more emotional and in - depth bond. Minato might be a constant presence in Naruto's mind, guiding him through tough decisions. This is different from the original where Naruto only gradually learned about his father. Here, their bond is more like an ever - present support system for Naruto.
In terms of relationships, fem Naruto could have a more complex relationship with Sasuke. Maybe she doesn't have the same kind of one - sided crush as Naruto did in the original. Instead, they could start as rivals but slowly develop a mutual respect and understanding that is based on their shared experiences and growth as ninjas.
Another way is to show their relationship as a power struggle. In the dark fanfiction, Sasuke could have new powers that make him a threat, and Sakura, not willing to be overshadowed, tries to gain equal or greater power. Their relationship then becomes about who is stronger and who will ultimately control the situation, all while their underlying feelings for each other still exist in a distorted way.