Another idea is that an evil force targets female Naruto, and Shikamaru is assigned to be her bodyguard. At first, female Naruto resents the idea of having a 'guard' as she believes she can take care of herself. However, Shikamaru's calm and calculated approach to protecting her makes her see his value. As they face various threats together, their relationship blossoms into a romantic one.
A possible plot is that in a world where female Naruto is the village hero, she's pressured to find a suitable partner. Shikamaru, being the intelligent and laid - back guy he is, is initially reluctant when they are paired up for some cultural event in the village. But as they spend time together, they realize they have more in common than they thought. They both care deeply about the village and its people, and this shared value brings them closer.