In many Naruto fanfictions, the ages of Naruto and Itachi can be quite flexible. Sometimes, authors might change their ages to create different story dynamics. For example, an author could make Itachi younger to explore a different version of his character development, perhaps showing him still in the early stages of his ninja training while dealing with the dark secrets of the Uchiha clan. Naruto's age might also be adjusted, like making him older to be in a more equal power dynamic with Itachi from the start.
One possible plot twist could be that Naruto, being at Itachi's age, has already mastered some of the more advanced jutsu much earlier. For example, he might have learned the Sharingan - like abilities through some unique encounter, which would completely change the power dynamics in the Hidden Leaf. This would also lead to a different relationship with Sasuke, as Naruto would be more of an equal in terms of power and mystery.
His relationship with Sasuke would be very different. Instead of being a peer trying to bring Sasuke back, he'd be more like an older figure. He might be someone Sasuke looks up to or even fears because of his power and knowledge at that age. Naruto would also have a different relationship with Kakashi. He'd probably be more of an equal to Kakashi in terms of combat ability and strategic thinking.
Well, Naruto might show his prodigious side in a more extroverted way compared to Itachi. Itachi was a prodigy in his calm and calculated skills from a young age. Naruto could be shown as a prodigy in quickly mastering new jutsus or having an uncanny ability to lead and inspire others in the fanfic, much like Itachi was a natural leader in his own way among the Uchiha.
Yes, there are likely fanfics out there with this premise. Fanfiction writers often explore unique relationships that weren't fully developed in the original Naruto series. In such a fanfic, it could lead to some really interesting storylines, like Naruto changing Itachi's fate or them working together to solve the problems in the ninja world in a different way than in the original story.
Yes, in some fanfics, Naruto can be depicted as Itachi's best friend. Writers often like to create unique relationships between characters that deviate from the original storyline for creative purposes.
The story would be transformed in many ways. Naruto, being as old as Itachi, would have had different training experiences. He might have been trained by different people or in different ways. This would lead to different jutsu and abilities. In the political arena, Naruto could have played a more active role in preventing the Uchiha - Leaf Village rift. His relationship with characters like Kakashi and Jiraiya would also be different. For instance, he might have been more of an equal to Kakashi, and Jiraiya might have had different expectations of him. All these changes would create a whole new narrative for the Naruto story.
There's also 'The Unseen Bond' which is a wonderful 'Naruto Itachi Fanfic'. This one focuses on the hidden bond between Naruto and Itachi. It shows how, despite their different loyalties and situations, they share a connection that could be the key to bringing peace to the ninja world. The plot twists in this fanfic are really engaging.
One possible fanfic could focus on a unique friendship between Naruto and a female Itachi. Maybe they meet in an alternate universe where Itachi was born female. They could start by being wary of each other due to their different backgrounds. Naruto, with his sunny personality, might gradually break through Itachi's reserved exterior, leading to a strong bond of trust and mutual understanding.
If Naruto was the same age as Itachi, their relationship could be complex. They might start as rivals, both being extremely talented in their own ways. Naruto's boisterous and determined nature could contrast with Itachi's more reserved and burdened self. Itachi might see in Naruto a different path for the Uchiha, one that doesn't involve the darkness he has known. Naruto, on the other hand, would probably be in awe of Itachi's power and at the same time try to understand his seemingly cold exterior.