A popular plot idea in Cloud Strife time travel fanfiction is that Cloud travels back to his childhood. This gives him the chance to face his insecurities and fears early on, and perhaps grow into a stronger person without having to go through all the trauma he originally did. Another idea is that he time travels during the battle with Sephiroth at the end of the game. Instead of the outcome we know, he travels back a few moments to find a different strategy to defeat Sephiroth once and for all. And then there's the plot where he travels to alternate timelines, seeing different versions of himself and his friends, and has to choose which timeline to return to or how to merge the best aspects of each.
Well, in some fanfictions, a common plot is that Cloud time travels to an era where the Jenova Project was just beginning. He might try to disrupt the experiments to prevent the creation of Sephiroth. Also, he could travel to a time when the Cetra were still thriving and learn their secrets, which could then be used to fight against the current threats in his own time. Additionally, a plot could be about Cloud getting stuck in a time loop, repeating certain events until he figures out how to break free and change the course of history.
Another theme is self - discovery. Through time travel, Cloud gets to see different versions of himself. He may realize things about his true nature that he was unaware of before. It's like peeling back the layers of his character. In some fanfics, he might discover his real strength or his true feelings for certain characters by seeing his past self interact with them.
Obviously, Cloud Strife himself is the central character. Aerith is often included as she has a significant connection to the story's lore and Cloud's journey. Tifa is also common, given her relationship with Cloud. Sephiroth frequently appears as the main antagonist whose actions often drive the need for time travel in the first place. Zack Fair might also show up, especially if the fanfiction delves into Cloud's past and how Zack influenced him.
One popular type of Cloud Strife fanfic is the adventure - based ones where he embarks on new quests. Another could be the ones that explore his relationships with other characters like Tifa or Aerith more deeply. There are also fanfics that put Cloud in alternate universes, changing his circumstances and seeing how he adapts.
Well, a really interesting plot could be that the reader is an inventor who creates new weapons or gadgets for Cloud to use in his battles. They work together to improve his equipment, and during this process, they start to understand each other better. Or, the reader could be a journalist trying to document Cloud's story and travels with him, which would lead to a lot of adventures and character development between them without any inappropriate content.
A plot could involve a merging of the two worlds. Due to some mysterious magic or scientific experiment gone wrong, the Naruto and Final Fantasy VII worlds start to blend. Naruto and Cloud Strife are two of the few who are aware of what's going on. They have to work together to find a way to separate the worlds again. Along the journey, they encounter various characters from both universes. Naruto might meet Aerith and be fascinated by her healing abilities, while Cloud Strife could meet Kakashi and learn about his Sharingan. They face many challenges, including battles with enemies who have also been affected by the world - merging, and in the process, they develop a deep respect for each other.
One possible plot could be that Cloud Strife is somehow transported to the Naruto world. He might initially be seen as a threat, but then he teams up with Naruto to fight a common enemy, like a powerful new Akatsuki member who has powers that can only be countered with Cloud's unique abilities.
One idea could be that Cloud somehow gets transported to the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Maybe he arrives during the Triwizard Tournament and is mistaken for a new contestant. His combat skills from his own world would make him a formidable competitor, and he'd have to learn the rules of magic quickly.
One idea could be Cloud Strife getting dropped into the RWBY world and having to team up with Team RWBY to fight off a new type of Grimm that is resistant to normal Huntsman and Huntress attacks. His skills with the Buster Sword would be a great asset.
Well, 'Cloud Strife: Through Time' is another good one. This fanfic delves deep into Cloud's psyche as he time travels. It shows his struggle with the knowledge he has from his original timeline while trying to navigate the past. The author also does a great job of integrating other FF7 characters into the time - travel storyline, making it a must - read for fans of the series.
One popular Cloud Strife reader fanfic could be 'A New Adventure with Cloud'. It often delves into the reader being part of the adventure in Midgar, fighting alongside Cloud against Shinra. Another might be 'Cloud's Hidden Feelings' which explores the emotional side of Cloud in relation to the reader character.