Pain would still be a likely candidate. His Rinnegan gives him a powerful and commanding presence. He has the ability to see the big picture and make strategic decisions for the group.
Pain would be one of the most challenging. His Rinnegan gives him a wide range of powerful abilities like the Six Paths of Pain. Naruto would have to figure out how to counter each of those paths and find a way to reach the real Pain. Itachi is also tough. His Sharingan and genjutsu skills are top - notch. Naruto would need to break free from his genjutsu and then find a way to fight back against his fire - based attacks.
Naruto could use his shadow clone jutsu to play pranks. For instance, he could make clones that look like the Akatsuki members themselves and have them do really silly things like dance around in circles or sing out - of - tune. The real Akatsuki members would be really confused at first, thinking one of their comrades has gone crazy.
Love and romance can also be themes in female Akatsuki members fanfiction, although not as common as the others. It could be a forbidden love within the Akatsuki or a love that challenges their loyalty to the group. And of course, the theme of survival is always there, as the Akatsuki's activities are often dangerous.
One of the members could be Karin. She has a connection to Sasuke and has unique abilities. She might see Naruto's new Akatsuki as a place where she can use her skills and be part of something bigger. Jiraiya could also be a part of it in some form, perhaps as a mentor figure from the shadows. And Hinata, out of her love for Naruto and her own growth as a shinobi, might be convinced to join the Akatsuki he forms. There could also be some new characters introduced specifically for this fanfiction who have special powers and are drawn to Naruto's vision for the new Akatsuki.
Sakura might be very cautious at first. She's heard about the Akatsuki's bad reputation, so she would keep her distance. For example, if she sees an Akatsuki member lurking around school, she'd probably try to avoid them and alert the proper authorities, like the school security or her ninja mentors if it's in a Naruto - like world with ninja training in high school.
One common theme is power struggle. Female Akatsuki members often have to prove themselves in a male - dominated group. For example, Konan might be depicted as trying to gain equal footing with Pain or other male leaders. Another theme is love and relationships. Karin's unrequited love for Sasuke can be explored further, or Konan's deep bond with Nagato and Yahiko can be the center of a story.
Definitely Itachi. He has a complex character and his own sense of justice. He might see Naruto as a key to changing the shinobi world in a different way than what the Akatsuki originally planned. Another one could be Kisame. He is loyal to Itachi and would likely follow Itachi's lead in taking care of Naruto.
If Naruto becomes the leader of Akatsuki in fanfiction, he might try to change the Akatsuki's goals. Instead of causing chaos and destruction, he could lead them towards a more positive path, like using their power to protect the villages rather than attacking them.
If Naruto became the leader of the Akatsuki in fanfiction, it would completely change the dynamics of the organization. He might try to reform it from the inside. Instead of the Akatsuki's original goals of chaos and destruction, Naruto could steer them towards more positive ends, like using their power to protect the weak or broker peace between the ninja villages.