Maybe in this fanfiction, they both get involved in a secret mission together at a young age. Since they are the same age, the elders might view them as a pair with equal potential. This mission could be something that changes their view of the world. They could encounter a powerful enemy or a hidden truth about the village that makes them question everything they've been taught.
A plotline could involve them competing in a different way. Instead of Itachi being so far ahead in terms of skill and maturity, they are on an equal footing. This could lead to a more intense rivalry where they push each other to new heights in their ninja skills, and also in their understanding of the ninja world and its politics.
One possible plotline could be that they become closer friends early on. Since they are the same age, they might train together more often. They could also share secrets that in the original story they wouldn't due to the age gap. For example, they might both have dreams about the future of the village that they can discuss on an equal level.
Another plot could revolve around their family backgrounds. Naruto being an orphan and Hana having a family in the Inuzuka clan. Hana might introduce Naruto to the Inuzuka way of life, like how they bond with their ninja dogs. This could give Naruto a sense of family he has always longed for. And together, they could face the prejudice some have towards Naruto because of the Nine - Tails within him, with Hana standing up for him.
One possible plotline could be that Itachi sees Naruto's potential even at a young age. He might start teaching Naruto basic ninja skills like stealth. For example, Itachi could show Naruto how to move quietly in the forest without making a sound. This early training could give Naruto an edge when he later enters the academy, as he would already have a foundation in some ninja arts.
One possible plotline could be that Naruto is forced into a situation where he has to kill Itachi to protect the Hidden Leaf. Maybe Itachi is being controlled by some dark force and Naruto, with great reluctance, has to end his life to save the village and his friends.
Well, perhaps Itachi is under the influence of a genjutsu himself when he captures Sakura. He could be acting against his own will. Sakura, in this situation, might try to break the genjutsu on Itachi while also trying to free herself. And during this time, she could discover some secrets about Itachi's past or his true motives that were hidden before. This could lead to a complex relationship between them where Sakura has a new perspective on Itachi, not just as an enemy but as a victim too.
One possible plotline could be that Naruto is somehow tricked into leaving with Kisami and Itachi. Maybe they convince him that there is a greater threat that only they can help him face. Along the way, Naruto might start to learn more about their motives and the secrets of their pasts. He could also be in a position where he has to use his own skills and values to influence them.
A possible plotline could be that Naruto and Anko, being the same age, enter a ninja tournament. They both have their own reasons for wanting to win. Naruto wants to prove himself to the village, while Anko wants to show that she's still a top - notch ninja. As they progress through the tournament, they face various challenges and opponents, and their paths keep crossing, leading to some interesting interactions.
One possible plot could be that they meet at a young age during a shinobi training event. Since they are the same age, they might form a friendly rivalry. They could compete in various skills like ninjutsu or stealth. As they grow up, this rivalry might turn into a deep respect for each other's abilities.
The plot could involve Naruto and Hiruzen competing for the position of Hokage at the same age. Naruto, with his strong will and determination, would try to prove himself worthy. He might have different friends and allies in this version. For instance, he could team up with some of the older shinobi who were Hiruzen's contemporaries. Their rivalry could lead to new and exciting battles and political intrigue within the village.
One possible plot could be that since they are the same age, they become rivals in the ninja academy. Naruto, with his determination, and Mikoto, with her Uchiha pride, constantly compete in various skills like ninjutsu and taijutsu. Their rivalry could lead to an unexpected friendship as they gradually understand each other's struggles.
Well, in a fanfiction with Naruto and Neji on the same team, there might be a plot where Neji initially has doubts about Naruto's abilities. But as they train together, Naruto shows his growth and new jutsu. They get into a situation where they have to protect a village from bandits. Naruto uses his Rasengan creatively and Neji defends him with his Gentle Fist techniques. This experience makes Neji respect Naruto more and they form a strong bond within the team.