Well, Naruto could be depicted as being similar to Gaara in their inner strength. Gaara was always strong on the outside but had a fragile heart. Naruto, in this fanfiction, may share that same duality. Maybe he shows Gaara that having a strong will doesn't mean suppressing emotions. He could be the one to show Gaara that it's okay to let others in, since Naruto is always about making friends and bringing out the best in people.
In many fanfictions, Matsuri's positive attitude can influence Gaara. For example, she might encourage him to be more open to the people of Suna, like in 'Gaara's Changing Path' where her cheerful nature starts to break down Gaara's walls.
In some fanfictions, Gaara might use his past experiences and his once cold - hearted nature to make Naruto feel powerless. For example, if Gaara constantly flaunts his strength which he once used for destruction and Naruto feels he can't reach that level of power to protect his friends, it could lead to Naruto feeling depressed.
It could be the influence of a powerful enemy or a dark power. Suppose there is an enemy who has the ability to manipulate emotions or a dark power that corrupts Naruto's mind. This could lead him to change his personality and become more like Gaara. For example, if the enemy makes Naruto feel alone and unloved, he may start to develop the same cold and distant behavior that Gaara once had.
The relationship between them could be one of transformation. Naruto, with his positive influence, could help Gaara to change for the better. And in return, Gaara's own growth might inspire Naruto to further develop his own character. They may become close allies, always having each other's backs. Their relationship might also be a bit competitive in a friendly way, pushing each other to be better shinobi while still maintaining a strong emotional connection.
Sakura might be a bit surprised at first. She has always seen Naruto as a friend, but she would quickly come to support him. She knows how much Naruto values his relationships, and if he has found love with Gaara, she would be happy for him. Kakashi would be very accepting. He has always believed in Naruto's judgment and would see this as another step in Naruto's journey to change the ninja world. Shikamaru would probably be the one to think about all the political implications but in the end, he would also support it as he trusts Naruto.
Maybe he sees some unique aspects of the characters in fanfiction that he can't find in the original story. Fanfiction often explores different relationships and scenarios.
The Gaara - Naruto friendship in fanfiction is really interesting. Gaara, who was once a loner filled with hatred, finds a kindred spirit in Naruto. Naruto's ability to empathize with Gaara's pain is a key aspect. In fanfiction, this can be explored more deeply. Writers might show how their friendship evolves over time, like Gaara slowly learning to trust more because of Naruto, and Naruto seeing Gaara as a true equal and ally, not just someone he helped in the past.
Yes, there are some fanfictions with such a plot. In the world of fanfiction, authors like to explore unique and unexpected relationships and scenarios. However, this kind of plot often goes beyond the original story line of the Naruto series and is a creative exploration by fans.