It could be that the baby is related to someone from Natsu's past. When he finds the baby, he feels an instant connection. He then embarks on a journey to find out more about this connection, all while ensuring the baby's safety. Along the way, he might learn more about his own history and family through the baby.
One possible plotline could be that the guild goes into deep mourning. Gray might feel a special sense of loss as they were rivals but also close friends. Lucy could be devastated and vow to find a way to bring Natsu back, perhaps by seeking out powerful magic or ancient spells. The guild could also face a new threat that they struggle to deal with without Natsu's strength.
Maybe Natsu gets injured during a really tough battle and as a result, he forgets everything about Fairy Tail. The story could then revolve around how the guild members try to jog his memory. They might take him to all the important places in the guild, introduce him to his closest friends again, and even try to recreate some of the battles he once fought in, hoping that something will trigger his memory to come back.
One possible plotline could be that the other Fairy Tail members set up a series of pranks on Natsu, like replacing his fire - based spells with something silly, like making his hands shoot out confetti instead of flames. Another could be that they constantly make jokes about his fear of transportation, especially his motion sickness on vehicles.
One possible plotline could be that Lucy uses her charm and intelligence to plan elaborate schemes to get Natsu's attention. For example, she might invite him on special adventures that are just for the two of them, where she can show off her skills and bond with him more deeply. Another could be that she gives Natsu special gifts that are meaningful to him, like a scarf she made herself which has some magical protection. Or perhaps she starts dressing in a way that she knows Natsu will find appealing, not in a vulgar way but in a way that highlights her beauty and confidence.
One possible plotline could be Natsu trying to prove his innocence. Maybe he was wrongly accused of a serious crime within the Fairy Tail guild, like endangering the lives of other guild members during a mission. He then sets out on a journey to find evidence that clears his name while also facing various challenges and enemies along the way.
Perhaps a plotline where an outside force tries to manipulate Natsu and Zeref against each other while they are in Fairy Tail. This could lead to a lot of internal conflict within the guild as members take sides. But in the end, through the power of friendship and the values of Fairy Tail, they see through the ruse and become stronger together, uniting the guild even more firmly.
It could also be a story about Natsu's personal growth during his exile. Without the support of his Fairy Tail friends initially, he has to rely on his own strength and wits. He might discover new magical abilities or face challenges that test his character, and in the end, he either returns to Fairy Tail as a changed and stronger wizard or decides that his new path outside the guild is better for him.
Natsu would likely become more responsible. Taking care of a baby is no easy feat, and he'd have to learn things like being gentle and patient, which are not his usual strong suits. This would be a big step in his character growth.
One possible plot could be that Natsu's nightmare is related to losing his friends. In the nightmare, he might see Fairy Tail being destroyed and his friends being hurt or disappearing. This could lead to him waking up in a panic and then being extra protective of his guildmates in the real world.
One possible reason could be a conflict with other guild members. Maybe there's a misunderstanding or a fight that makes Natsu feel he no longer belongs. Another reason might be that he has a personal mission that goes against the guild's rules or values in the fanfiction. He could also be framed for something he didn't do and, feeling betrayed, decides to drop out.